PKG00291406.pdf

National Park Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

FY2026 ABPP - Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant

Funding Opportunity Number

P26AS00019

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Cost Sharing Requirement

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Program Description

Legislative Authority

Type of Award

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

Application Documents

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Criterion 1 - Historical Significance and Integrity (Maximum Points: 2)

Criterion 2 - Resource Analysis and Proposed Activities (Maximum Points: 2)

Criterion 3 - Statement of Threat, Preservation Strategy and Future Sustainability (Maximum Points: 2)

Criterion 4 - Qualification, Experience and Capacity of Applicant and Partners (Maximum Points: 2)

Review and Selection Process

Risk Review

AWARD NOTICES

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

Reporting

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: P26AS00019

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.928

Estimated Total Program Funding: $17,400,000

Expected Number of Awards: 24

Award Ceiling: $0

Award Floor: $0

There are no maximum or minimum award amounts. Prior awards typically have ranged from $30,000 to $2,000,000, while higher amounts have been awarded. 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.

Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Closing Date Explanation This Notice of Funding Opportunity will remain open until September 30, 2026, 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 30, 2026.

U.S. states and local governments may be required under Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs to submit their application to their State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. For more information, see the Intergovernmental Review SPOC List.

OMB Control Number:

Have Questions?

All questions should be emailed to ABPP_BLAG@nps.gov.

Executive Summary Historic battlefields and associated sites of armed conflict are powerful reminders of the shared heritage of all Americans. In an ongoing effort to extend the conservation of natural and cultural resources beyond our park boundaries, the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program (NPS ABPP) promotes the preservation and interpretation of these important places.

NPS ABPP supports community-driven stewardship of historic resources through four grant opportunities: Preservation Planning, Battlefield Restoration, Battlefield Interpretation, and Battlefield Land Acquisition.

NPS ABPP administers Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants (BLAG) to assist State and local governments, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations with the preservation of eligible Revolutionary https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/

War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefield lands through acquisition of fee-simple or less-than-fee (easement) interests. Funding for the BLAG program is made available from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and is awarded competitively. Applications are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis throughout the year. Each grant requires a dollar-for-dollar non- Federal match. Grants are available to acquire interests in eligible Civil War battlefields listed in the Civil War sites Advisory Commission's (CWSAC) Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields (1993) and in the principal battlefields 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).

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

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Additional Information on Eligibility Eligible Sites: Eligible battlefields: (1) have been assigned a battlefield or “survey” code in the Survey Reports; (2) are located on American soil, or within the boundaries of the United States;

and (3) located outside the exterior boundaries of a unit of the National Park System. Eligible acquisitions should lie at least 50% within the battlefield boundaries of sites identified in the Survey Reports. Battlefield boundary maps are available free of charge through the NPS ABPP website at the NPS DataStore: (https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Collection/Profile/7874). If the property to be acquired overlaps the battlefield boundary, a majority (more than 50%) of the property must be within the boundary of an eligible battlefield for the application to be eligible for funding.

Boundaries for most eligible battlefields are defined by NPS spatial data accompanying the Survey Reports. Applications for eligible sites without survey-defined boundaries, including sites https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/resources.htm https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Collection/Profile/7874 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.

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

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

Yes In accordance with 54 U.S.C. § 308103(d), non-Federal cost share in the amount of 50%, or a ratio of 1:1, is required. The non-Federal entity must contribute at least 50% of the total project cost, meaning one dollar for every Federal dollar requested from non-Federal sources as evidenced by a letter of commitment, addressed to the applicant, from the funding source(s) or awarding entity. Eligible non-Federal sources of contributions must be allowable under 2 C.F.R.

§ 200.306 and may include: cash and/or in-kind contributions. Non-Federal entity cost share contributions shall be annotated within the SF-424A submitted by the applicant. (see Submission Requirements and Deadlines and Detailed Budget Narrative)

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.

To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to complete registration.

• Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.

• Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you need, including during renewal.

• Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.gov Help page.

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 https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/Boundaries-Completed.pdf https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/Boundaries-Completed.pdf https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help

This program may allow an applicant to apply while their SAM.gov registration is in progress, with prior approval. For more information, refer to the point of contact identified in the Basic Information section above.

Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.

GRANTS.GOV

This program accepts applications through Grants.gov so once you receive your UEI return to Grants.gov to register with Grants.gov. Please allow 30 days to register and set up a Workspace in Grants.gov. See Submission Instructions section below for additional details.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• To increase protected acreage and engage a growing community of preservation partners.

Program Description The NPS ABPP Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant program supports agency for conservation of open land and access to historically significant green space, particularly in metropolitan areas.

Our goal is to increase protected acreage and engage a broader community of preservation partners.

Applicants are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday (America250). This may include, but is not limited to, projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.

Legislative Authority American Battlefield Protection Program - Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants (54 U.S.C.

308103)

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act, as amended (P.L. 88-578, codified at 54 U.S.C. 2003 et. seq.)

Type of Award Projects will be funded through G (Grant).

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

Prior to submitting an application, applicants should review presidential actions found at:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ and DOI Secretary’s Orders found at:

https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order. By submitting an application in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all current and applicable executive and secretary orders, including the President’s EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the EO and SO on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

Pre-Application Consultation: Prospective applicants and preservation partners are strongly encouraged to contact the NPS ABPP office to discuss the proposed acquisition and preservation strategy as early as possible and prior to completing the application. Contact information can be found in the Have Questions Section.

Application Documents Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below.

Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the form instructions on the Grants.gov Forms Repository.

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electronic equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form also represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying

Required from all applicants

SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs Required for non-construction projects

SF-424C: Budget Information – Construction Programs Required for construction projects

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Required if requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds and the applicant has used or plans to use funds other than Federal appropriated funds for lobbying related to the proposed project.

Project Abstract Summary (OMB 4040-0019). Must include, in plain language:

• Award purpose,

• Activities to be performed,

• Expected deliverables or outcomes,

• Intended beneficiaries, Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award)

Required from all applicants

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 where the Tract is located, including survey code(s) assigned in the “Survey Reports.”

• Applicants must also state the Preservation Priority assigned to the battlefield in the Survey Reports and should provide the National Register Information System (NRIS) https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 database number for any properties, including National Historic Landmarks, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Project Narrative should specifically address each of the review criteria and questions (see Application Review Information):

• 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 document should be a maximum of 5 pages long with font at a minimum size of 11, and 1-inch margins. (The SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-LLL (if applicable), as well as required maps, photos, and resumes are not counted as part of the 5-page limit).

Applications to acquire lands associated with eligible sites without survey-defined boundaries must submit documentation described in the Prepare Your Application Section. The Project Narrative may reference required documentation substantiating boundaries that is provided as a separate attachment to the application.

Additional information that is pertinent to the proposal should be included as attachments. Please note that reviews are based on documentation rather than links to external websites. For lengthy documents, please provide relevant excerpts rather than full documents.

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).

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. 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. A detailed Budget Narrative must also be submitted with the application.

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 the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov.

Budget Narrative Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.

Budget items must be:

• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied:

• De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).

• Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).

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. 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 the Eligibility Section, under Cost Sharing). 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 on 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 the Eligibility section, Cost Sharing within this announcement).

The Budget Narrative must include income and expense lines, and present 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. For acquisitions that include any contracted lease-back arrangements, such arrangements are considered Program Income under 2 CFR §200.1 during the grant period of performance and must be accounted for as such in the Budget Narrative.

Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1

If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR 200.113.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

• A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity.

• Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected date of the funding decision.

Other Required Information Project Abstract Summary

Please complete and submit with your application package the Project Abstract Summary form with the following information:

• Funding Opportunity Number;

• Goals and Objectives of your proposed project;

• Summary of Project Activities;

• Performance Goals including milestones and expected outcomes;

• Who will benefit from your project.

This information will be transmitted to USASpending.gov and be viewable by the public.

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 Administration and National Policy Requirements section), 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 interest, any planned transfer of the property, recording 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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402#1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 o Section 106 Draft Documentation – Draft documentation inviting the appropriate State Historic Preservation Office(s) (SHPOs) and list of 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 documentation 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); a narrative definition 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 Easement Holder Letter - A letter or statement of commitment addressed to NPS ABPP from an authorized representative of the SHPO that will hold and enforce a perpetual preservation easement on the property under terms acceptable to NPS ABPP. If the SHPO declines to hold an easement on the property, include the SHPO’s declination letter or statement and a letter from the nonprofit organization proposed as easement holder. The letter of commitment from the nonprofit organization proposed as the easement holder 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 easement holder by: (1) acknowledging the state enabling legislation authorizing the creation of conservation and preservation easements and allows non-profits to hold easements, and showing their ability to hold easements through their charter or by-laws; (2) demonstrating that historic preservation, land conservation, or cultural landscape preservation is part of their mission through submission of the organization’s charter, mission statement, policies, or by-laws, as attachments; (3) demonstrating that the organization has the capacity to enforce and defend the easement in perpetuity through financial resources or legal insurance; and (4) demonstrating that the organization has the expertise to carry out land management, stewardship, and conservation and preservation activities consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. (See “Nonprofit Easement Holder Qualifications,” posted in ABPP Easement Attachment, for documentation required to demonstrate organizational capacity and expertise.) Grantors of easements to nonprofit organizations should review “Required Language for Easements with Nonprofit Grantees & Nonprofit or Private Grantors,” posted in ABPP Easement Attachment, for mandatory clauses to be included in easements granted to nonprofit organizations by nonprofit or private property owners.

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 Willing Seller documentation – A copy of a letter stating willingness to sell or contract to purchase signed and dated by the seller. This documentation should also include the seller’s commitment to refrain from activities with the potential to affect historic properties.

o Cost Share Documentation – A letter from the awarding entity demonstrating the commitment of funds to be included as part of the required non-Federal share. Must include a statement assuring that no pass-through Federal funds are included in the commitment to the applicant.

o Battlefield/parcel map – Map depicting the property to be acquired with reference to the core area and battlefield boundaries of the eligible battlefield(s) as defined by spatial data accompanying Survey Reports; boundaries of nearby properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places; boundaries of nearby units of the National Park System; and existing buildings, structures, and significant landscape features within the project area.

o Photos – 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 must include permission to use, a narrative caption and credits for potential use in NPS ABPP announcements and social media.

o Associated GIS shapefiles, or geodatabases, including metadata compliant with NPS Spatial Data Transfer Standards and FGDC. GIS files should be submitted via email to the ABPP BLAG program and not included with the grants.gov application.

o National Register or National Historic Landmarks documentation (recommended) – Copies of documentation for any property within the project area listed in the National Register of Historic Places, if applicable, are recommended but not required.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package All application information and documentation can be found on Grants.gov under opportunity number P25AS00478. The Application Package contains the mandatory forms that must be submitted (see the "Package" tab). Applicants must also submit any applicable supporting documents using the additional Attachments forms. Applicants may request paper copies of application materials by contacting: Nancy Marksbury via email at ABPP_BLAG@nps.gov.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 09/30/2026

Closing Date Explanation

This Notice of Funding Opportunity will remain open until September 30, 2026, 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 30, 2026.

Submission Instructions Apply Through Grants.gov To apply through Grants.gov, please follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide for Applicants. Before applying, ensure that at least one person at your organization is registered and https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Only the AOR can submit the application. If you need more users, they must create their own Grants.gov account. Follow these steps below to apply:

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

• Complete a Workspace: Invite participants to the workspace so you can collaborate on the application. Required applications forms are included in the Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Package and can be completed in the Workspace, unless noted otherwise in the Required Forms table above. Check for errors before submission.

• Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab

• Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application.

The system generates a date and time stamp and sends it to the applicant’s AOR via email as proof of submission. Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not encrypt, zip, or password-protect any files. Only registered individuals in SAM as both a user and an AOR can submit applications. Please allow 30 days to register in Grants.gov.

Application System Technical Support: For Grants.gov technical registration and submission, downloading forms, and application packages, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800- 518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR

25.205 for more information.

If selected for award, NPS reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to:

(a) Other budget information

(b) Financial capability

(c) Evaluation of risk

(d) Name and phone number of the Designated Responsible Employee for complying with national policies prohibiting discrimination (See 43 C.F.R. § 17)

If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in writing.

c. Policy Factors The following program policy factors may also be considered in making the selection:

• Availability of funds

• Review of Applicant Risk (financial and based on past performance)

• Requirements outlined in program specific authorities: Grants are available for the fee simple acquisition of land, or for the acquisition of 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 at Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefields and associated sites identified as principal sites in the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program’s (NPS ABPP) Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007). Funds may not be used to acquire land or interests in land within the legislative boundary of a unit of the National Park System. Recipients or subrecipients should provide for the appropriate public access (entry or viewable from public right-of-way) to and enjoyment of any lands or interests in lands acquired with assistance from this program, subject to necessary and reasonable measures on the part of the beneficiary to protect the historic features of the battlefield from damage or loss.

Land acquired with these funds must be preserved in perpetuity. In any case where a local government or a private, nonprofit organization acquires land or an interest in land with assistance from this program, it must convey an acceptable perpetual protective easement on the land to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or other organization acceptable to the National Park Service and SHPO.

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR

25.205 for more information.

Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to this program.

If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in writing.

Merit Review

Criterion 1 - Historical Significance and Integrity (Maximum Points: 2) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-25.200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205

Applications should:

Describe the Historical Significance and Integrity of the property to be acquired (“the Tract”) in a narrative statement addressing the following factors and considerations about the battlefield (“eligible site”):

• Cite the Priority ranking(s) of the eligible site as defined in the Survey Reports.

• If the eligible site 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 documentation including significance criteria. (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).

• If the eligible site is 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 site(s) identified in the Survey Reports (e.g., inside/outside battlefield boundary, within core area, acreage in each area. Describe how the Tract contributes to the significance and integrity of the entire eligible site. 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 eligible site 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 and any extant monuments, on the property. Please reference photographs included in the application package.

Criterion 2 - Resource Analysis and Proposed Activities (Maximum Points: 2) Applications should demonstrate how 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 Proposed Activities should be addressed through the following considerations and by referring to the required map:

• Describe any known cultural or archeological resources on the property. Please reference any completed survey and evaluation documentation (including National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmark 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, including activities proposed after acquisition of the property that may be considered https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/resources.htm https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/index.htm foreseeable effects. Please reference the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes.

• Describe any encumbrances on the property (e.g. existing easements, utility easements, right-of-way easements, mineral rights, timbering rights). Describe how the encumbrances will impact preservation outcomes.

• Describe immediate and long-term stewardship strategies, including maintenance, monitoring, and any plans for outreach or interpretation. (Who is responsible? What?

When?)

• Describe the Tract’s natural environment and stewardship strategies for the natural resources within the cultural landscape (e.g., farmland, erodible soil, pasture, wetlands, ponds, hammocks, bogs, forest).

Regarding the Tract to be acquired and placed under easement, please address the following:

• Describe any issues that need to be resolved before an enforceable easement can be drafted as well as any conditions that need to be written into the easement.

Criterion 3 - Statement of Threat, Preservation Strategy and Future Sustainability (Maximum Points: 2) Applications should demonstrate that the proposed activities are clearly defined, including timelines, and describe how the project responds to both threats and stewardship opportunities.

The project narrative and supporting documentation should demonstrate that the preservation goals are achievable, that the project is sustainable, and that the preservation strategy is most appropriate to achieve the identified preservation outcomes. Statement of Threat, Preservation Strategy and Future Sustainability should be addressed through the following considerations:

Statement of Threat

• What is the nature, extent, and level of severity of the threat(s) to the battlefield as a whole and to the specific tract/property to be acquired/placed under easement?

• Describe why acquisition of the property at this time is the most appropriate preservation strategy for the battlefield and, if applicable, other alternatives considered.

Preservation Strategy

• Eligible tracts must be outside the legislative boundaries of any associated National Park Service units. What is the closest National Park unit, and where is the Tract proposed for acquisition in relation to the unit (i.e., how far away is it from the unit, is it adjacent to the unit boundary)?

• Describe any abutting, adjacent, or nearby conserved land or conservation efforts including prior BLAG acquisitions.

• Is this a new preservation effort or connected to a larger, ongoing preservation effort?

• Describe how this project contributes to local and/or regional preservation strategies

(e.g., for battlefield, for campaign, etc.)

https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/index.htm https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/index.htm https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/index.htm

• Describe how the project will meet the goals of the ABPP (e.g., preservation in perpetuity, 6(f)(3) requirements, preservation tool, etc.)

• Describe any preservation alternatives to fee simple acquisition or easement purchase that were considered and explain why acquisition / easement is the most appropriate strategy.

Future Sustainability

The application narrative should also address additional preservation interests and community values supported through the proposed acquisition:

• Describe how the acquisition of this Tract will advance local interest in the preservation of the battlefield. Please describe why this place is important to the local community or to other stakeholders.

• Describe accomplished and planned outreach and consultation activities, including involvement of SHPO(s), local authorities, public stakeholders, and tribes in project planning and identification of goals/preservation outcomes.

• Will any historical community or perspective benefit from the preservation of this property?

Criterion 4 - Qualification, Experience and Capacity of Applicant and Partners (Maximum Points: 2) Applications should demonstrate how parties participating in the project will contribute to the proposed conservation effort. Qualification, Experience, and Capacity should be addressed through the following considerations and supported by the required Application Cover letter and Easement Holder letter and other attachments, as needed:

• Describe the Applicant’s experience with similar projects, and, if applicable, describe the outcomes of past projects and/or completed BLAG acquisitions.

• List and describe all preservation partners who will contribute to completion of this project, noting any past experience in battlefield preservation/acquisition or cultural resource management. Please note any staff who meet the Secretary of the Interior's Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards.

• Describe the proposed landowner’s ability and plan to maintain the property in compliance with the terms of the easement.

• Describe the easement holder’s experience stewarding properties that are cultural landscapes (e.g., battlefields), experience managing properties that contain cultural resources, and/or experience holding easements on properties that were acquired with a BLAG. If applicable, please note any relevant certifications (e.g., certified land trust) and identify staff who meet the Secretary of the Interior's Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards.

Review and Selection Process This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:

• figures are correct https://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/arch_stnds_9.htm https://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/arch_stnds_9.htm https://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/arch_stnds_9.htm https://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/arch_stnds_9.htm

• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives

• avoid obviously unallowable costs

• identify costs requiring prior approval

• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may choose to not make an award.

NPS personnel will review all proposals. All proposals for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined above. A summary of the review panel comments may be provided to the applicant if requested.

Initial Review

Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination);

and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable executive and secretary orders, including the President’s EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the EO and SO on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered non-responsive and eliminated from further review.

Comprehensive Merit Review All applications that satisfactorily pass the initial review will go through a merit review process.

The merit review panel will conduct the review based on the criteria outlined below in Merit Review. Each criterion will be reviewed and assigned a rating of “Exceeds”, “Meets”, or “Does not meet” based on whether it exceeds, meets, or does not meet the criteria.

Policy Factors The following program policy factors may also be considered in making the selection:

• Availability of funds

• Review of Applicant Risk (financial and based on past performance)

• Requirements outlined in program specific authorities: Grants are available for the fee simple acquisition of land, or for the acquisition of 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 at Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefields and associated sites identified as principal sites in the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program’s (NPS ABPP) Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007). Funds may not be used to acquire land or interests in land within the legislative boundary of a unit of the National Park System. Recipients or subrecipients should provide for the appropriate public access (entry or viewable from public right-of-way) to and enjoyment of any lands or interests in lands acquired with assistance from this program, subject to necessary and reasonable measures on the part of the beneficiary to protect the historic features of the battlefield from damage or loss.

Land acquired with these funds must be preserved in perpetuity. In any case where a local government or a private, nonprofit organization acquires land or an interest in land with assistance from this program, it must convey an acceptable perpetual protective easement on the land to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or other organization acceptable to the National Park Service and SHPO.

Selection Based upon their review, the merit reviewers will categorize each proposal into one of three categories:

• Category 1: Proposal meets or exceeds the program interests of the NPS with a strong confidence that the objectives of the agreement will be met based on the demonstrated qualifications, experience and capabilities of the applicant.

• Category 2: Proposal meets some of the program interests of the NPS, or there is a marginal confidence that the objectives of the agreement will be met based on the demonstrated qualifications, experience and capabilities of the applicant.

• Category 3: Proposal either does not meet the program interests of the NPS, or there is low confidence of meeting the objectives of the agreement based on the demonstrated qualifications, experience and capabilities of the applicant

Category 1…