PKG00292836.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

F26AS00069 Coastal Program FY26

Funding Opportunity Number

F26AS00069

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

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: F26AS00069

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.630

Estimated Total Program Funding: $6,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 150

Award Ceiling: $500,000

Award Floor: $1

Cost Sharing Required?

No Closing Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications from invited applicants must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, 09/30/2026. Regional deadlines vary. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. In order for applications to be considered and processed for funding in FY26, applications are due by May 30, 2026. Applications received after May 30, 2026, may not be awarded until the following fiscal year. Coordination with local Coastal Program staff is required before submitting an application. Applications are awarded subject to funds availability. See program website for staff contacts nationwide. We encourage interested stakeholders to contact regional and local program staff throughout the year for technical support and additional information regarding funding cycles and availability.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100

Have Questions?

Contact your local Coastal Program office in your region by visiting our website or email the national point of contact at chris_eng@fws.gov.

Executive Summary The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Coastal Program provides technical and financial assistance to partners to support projects that protect and restore fish and wildlife habitats on public and private lands in priority coastal ecosystems. This support is provided through cooperative agreements with conservation partners and landowners, including state and Tribal agencies. Coastal Program staff work with partners, stakeholders, and other Service programs in important areas for conservation. They implement regional strategic plans that identify priority species and habitats for conservation in these focus areas.

Applicants seeking technical or financial assistance from the Coastal Program are required to contact a local Program office BEFORE developing or submitting an application. You can find this information in the current strategic plan at this link or by contacting your local Coastal Program office at https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal/contact-us.

Projects are developed collaboratively by partners and Service field staff. All Coastal Program projects must align with the missions of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Coastal Program. They are also based on sound biological principles and the best available science.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

County governments https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal/contact-us https://www.fws.gov/media/required-notices-and-burden-statement-omb-control-no-1018-0100 https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal/contact-us mailto:chris_eng@fws.gov https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal/library https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal/contact-us

City or township governments

Special district governments

Independent school districts

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities

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

Private institutions of higher education

Individuals

For profit organizations other than small businesses

Small businesses

Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"

Additional Information on Eligibility The Coastal Program reserves the right to reject projects that do not align with the regional strategic implementation plans or program priorities. We do not support projects that generate compensatory mitigation credits under a Federal or state regulatory program or accept mitigation or in-lieu funds as non-Federal cost share for a project. The Coastal Program does not fund land acquisition, although it can support title searches and real estate appraisals. We require that all interested applicants contact their local Coastal Program office before submitting an application.

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

No

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.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-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.

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.

GRANTSOLUTIONS

This program accepts applications through GrantSolutions.gov. You must register with GrantSolutions. See Submission Instructions.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• The goal of the Coastal Program is to conserve and restore habitat for fish and wildlife by supporting voluntary, locally- led conservation projects in coastal watersheds across the United States and its territories. This includes improving the conservation status of species at risk (such as federally listed species, Birds of Conservation Concern, pollinators, and interjurisdictional fish) by focusing on priority habitats that sustain them.

Strategic habitat conservation plans are used to identify priority species and habitats in each state or region.

• The program works with partners to restore coastal wetlands, dunes, estuaries, and riparian areas that provide essential habitat for migratory birds, marine mammals, sea turtles, and threatened and endangered species. These efforts also enhance habitat connectivity and migration pathways, linking key ecological areas and supporting broader conservation initiatives on National Wildlife Refuges and other protected lands.

• Coastal Program projects strengthen natural infrastructure, improve water quality, enhance community resilience to storms and other tidal events, and support sustainable fisheries and recreational opportunities. By fostering more resilient ecosystems that can better withstand environmental stressors on fish, wildlife, plants, and people, the program helps safeguard both ecological integrity and the communities that rely on healthy coastal environments. For every federal dollar invested, the program typically leverages more than $6 in partner contributions.

• The program operates through a network of field-based biologists who collaborate with Tribes, private landowners, local communities, non-profits, and state and federal agencies to deliver science-based, on-the-ground conservation tailored to local ecological and community needs. These partnerships advance habitat connectivity, species conservation, and ecosystem resilience by taking coordinated action across landscapes and watersheds.

https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help

Program Description Program Description: The Coastal Program is a voluntary partnership-based program that works with communities, private landowners, and local organizations to conserve, restore, and enhance coastal habitats. Through collaborative projects, the program provides technical expertise and targeted financial assistance to support healthy coastal ecosystems that benefit fish, wildlife, and the people who depend on them.

Coastal Program staff help partners identify conservation opportunities, develop science-based project plans, and secure the resources needed to implement habitat restoration and protection efforts. To learn more about conservation priorities and focal areas in your region, contact your local Coastal Program office through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.

Each Coastal Program project is guided by an approved agreement that outlines goals, expected outcomes, and specific activities. These agreements also describe the project budget and the terms under which funding is provided. Project success is evaluated based on progress toward the goals established in the agreement.

Certain costs are not allowable under the Coastal Program. These include land acquisition, activities unrelated to approved project objectives, pre-award expenses, unauthorized equipment purchases, and indirect costs that exceed the negotiated rate. Projects are also not eligible for funding if they are required as compensatory mitigation or are otherwise mandated under Federal or State regulatory programs.

The Coastal Program focuses on projects that provide measurable and lasting benefits to coastal habitats and communities. Eligible projects typically improve ecological function, enhance habitat resilience, and support species of conservation concern while fostering strong, voluntary partnerships at the local level.

Recipients 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 Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023: Public Law 118-138

Type of Award Projects will be funded through CA (Cooperative Agreement), G (Grant).

Recipient should expect the Federal agency to have substantial involvement in the project.

The recipient should expect the Coastal Program to be substantially involved in the project.

Program staff will work with the recipient on the project plan, which may include:

• Technical assistance toward project design

• Developing and managing the budget

• Overseeing and monitoring the project

• Approving changes to the project and sub-grants

• Tracking project performance

• Program staff may stop the project if the performance standards are not met.

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

Applicants seeking technical or financial assistance from the Coastal Program are required to contact the regional or local Coastal Program office BEFORE developing or submitting an application by contacting your local Coastal Program office at https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal/contact-us.

Prior to applying, 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 applying in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all currently effective and applicable executive orders and secretary’s orders, including but not limited to the Executive Order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the Executive Order and Secretary’s order titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed activities are consistent with the intent and requirements of these directives.

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-429 (Cover Page & Attachment B), Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish Real Property

Note: The SF-429 forms are only available in the Grants.gov Forms Repository. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required if requesting to acquire, improve, or furnish real property.

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Required if requesting more than $100,000 in Federal https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal/contact-us https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order 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 https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement 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

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Current and Pending (Other) Support Note: This form is available on the DOI website. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Biographical Sketch Note: This form is available on the DOI website. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

Project Narrative

Briefly summarize the project. Include the title of the project, geographic location, and a brief overview of the need for the project, goal(s), objectives, specific project activities, beneficiaries, and expected outcomes consistent with this funding opportunity. As applicable, describe how you / your business / organization has coordinated with and involved other relevant organizations or individuals in planning the project on your land, and detail how they will be involved in conducting project activities and/or disseminating project results.

In no more than three (3) pages of text and two (2) pages maps/photos, please provide the following information:

a. Briefly describe the project, including the name, location, and habitat conservation goals.

b. Provide a list of the species, habitats, or ecosystems that will benefit and describe how they will benefit.

c. Describe the conservation challenges, ecosystem stressors, and degradation factors.

d. Describe how the project will support or complement existing conservation plans.

e. Provide a timeline that describes how conservation actions and/or treatments are sequenced.

f. Describe the entities undertaking the project: Provide a brief description of the applicant organization and all participating entities and/or individuals. Identify which of the proposed https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance activities each agency, organization, group, or individual is responsible for conducting or managing. Provide complete contact information for the individual within the organization that will oversee/manage the project activities on a day-to-day basis.

g. Describe the post-project monitoring and how the project will be maintained in the future.

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).

Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:

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 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-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

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Applicants seeking technical or financial assistance from the Coastal Program are required to contact the regional or local Coastal Program office BEFORE developing or submitting an application by contacting your local Coastal Program office at https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal/contact-us.

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

Closing Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications from invited applicants must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, 09/30/2026. Regional deadlines vary. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. In order for applications to be considered and processed for funding in FY26, applications are due by May 30, 2026. Applications received after May 30, 2026, may not be awarded until the following fiscal year. Coordination with local Coastal Program staff is required before submitting an application. Applications are awarded subject to funds availability. See program website for staff contacts nationwide. We encourage interested stakeholders to contact regional and local program staff throughout the year for technical support and additional information regarding funding cycles and availability.

Submission Instructions Simplified Application Procedures for Certain Applicants and Applications

Certain applicants may be eligible to apply following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) simplified application procedures. These procedures remove the requirement to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system. You may be eligible to follow our simplified application procedures if all the following apply:

Your proposal requests $200,000 or less from the FWS and, in the event an award is made, would not be expected to exceed that amount over the life of the award from the

FWS, AND

You are not requesting funds to purchase land or for construction-related activities except culvert replacements and dam removals, AND

Your proposed project can be completed within three years or less, AND

You are NOT a State, an Institution of Higher Education (except projects supporting Service-specific initiatives), or a large Nonprofit Organization (i.e., received more than $10M from Department of the Interior bureaus and offices combined in the past three years)

If you and your project meet the above criteria and you do not want to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system, do not follow the application instructions below. Instead, please contact us (see contact information below) to confirm your eligibility and request alternate application instructions. If you and your project do not meet the above criteria, follow our standard application instructions below.

Coordination with local Coastal Program staff is required before submitting an application.

Apply Through GrantSolutions To apply through GrantSolutions, follow these steps:

1. Register your organization. Send an e-mail to help@grantsolutions.gov with:

• Subject: New Organization Request

• Entity name (organization or individual applying as a natural person)

• Entity type

• SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (not required for individuals)

• Employer Identification Number (individuals, do not include your SSN)

• Address

• Contact details (First and last name, e-mail, phone)

This information should be the same as entered on the entity’s SAM.gov profile.

2. Assign system user roles. Follow the GrantSolutions “Recipient user” registration instructions. Submit a separate Recipient User Account Request form for each official to be assigned a system role. At minimum, the Authorizing Official (ADO) and Principal Investigator/Program Director (PI/PD) must be assigned.

3. Log in. GrantSolutions requires users to log in through Login.gov. Each user must create a Login.gov account. For instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web page.

4. Find and apply to this Funding Opportunity. After logging in, click on either the “Begin an application” link (first time applicants) or the “Funding Opportunity” link to go to the “Competing Announcements-Application Kits” list screen. Search the list for this Funding Opportunity’s title and number. Click on the associated “Apply” link.

Follow the prompts from there. Required applications forms are provided with the Funding Opportunity in GrantSolutions unless otherwise indicated on the Required Forms table above.

5. For detailed instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web page.

6. Need help? Find help topics and contact information on the GrantSolutions Contact Us page.

Coordination with local Coastal Program staff is required before submitting an application.

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.

The Coastal Program is a voluntary, community-based program that provides technical and financial assistance primarily through cooperative agreements to conservation partners and landowners, including state and Tribal agencies, to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat on public and private lands. The Coastal Program will not support projects that:

https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal/contact-us https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://login.gov/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/contact-us/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/contact-us/

• Do not align with the regional strategic implementation plans or program priorities.

• Generate compensatory mitigation credits under a Federal or state regulatory program or accept mitigation or in-lieu funds as non-Federal cost share for a project.

• Acquire land although it can support title searches and real estate appraisals.

• Include foreign travel, pre-award costs, purchase of unauthorized equipment, indirect costs in excess of the negotiated indirect cost rate or the de minimus indirect cost rate.

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 Merit review is conducted by local and regional program staff. Contact your local Coastal Program staff for more information about regional and local project selection factors. Projects must meet at least one of the factors below to be considered:

• The project supports the Service's conservation mission.

• The project will contribute to long-term fish and wildlife habitat conservation.

• The project supports the conservation goals and priorities in the current regional Coastal

Program strategic habitat conservation plan. .

• The project will conserve habitat for Federal trust species (Endangered Species Act-listed species, migratory birds, interjurisdictional fish, and certain marine mammals for which the Service has management authority), species proposed for listing, State-listed species, imperiled species, species of conservation concern, focal species, and other at-risk species.

• The project will contribute to fish and wildlife habitat connectivity and reduce fragmentation.

• The project will build coastal resilience by helping ecosystems and coastal communities.

• The project will complement conservation on National Wildlife Refuges and other public or private conserved lands.

• The project will build the capacity of communities to conserve fish and wildlife habitat for coastal-dependent species.

• The project engages Native American Tribes and/or will benefit Tribal communities.

• The project will expand fish and wildlife oriented recreational opportunities.

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

If all other considerations are equal, priority for funding will be given to projects that have a greater longevity, involve higher monetary and non-monetary partner contributions, and are the most cost-effective.

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

• figures are correct

• 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.

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 executive order on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the executive order and Secretary order 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 nonresponsive and eliminated from further review.

Coastal Program field staff are responsible for evaluating applications and selecting habitat conservation projects, with concurrence from the field station Project Leader, or other appropriate authority. Field staff will use the project selection criteria to identify projects that maximize benefits to Federal trust species, address DOI and Service priorities, regional strategic habitat conservation plan priorities, and use program resources efficiently and effectively.

Successful applicants may be required to submit project plan revisions and additional project information, including evidence of regulatory compliance.

Risk Review Prior to making an award, the applicant will be assessed for their level of risk per 2 CFR

200.206. This assessment includes the applicant's financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past award performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential for challenges. If an award will be made, special conditions may be applied to the award corresponding to the assessed risk. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $350,000), a review of the applicant's eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant's SAM.gov records will also be performed per 2 CFR 200.206.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206

AWARD NOTICES

Notices of Federal Award are sent electronically via GrantSolutions or e-mail. These notices outline the terms, conditions, and payment instructions per 2 CFR 200.211. The Notice of Federal Award signed by an authorized Grants Officer is the legal instrument obligating financial assistance to a recipient. Any other prior notice is not an authorization to begin work. If the program allows pre-award costs per 2 CFR 200.458, beginning performance before receiving a Notice of Federal Award is at the applicant’s own risk.

Anticipated Project Start Date: 05/19/2026

Anticipated Project End Date: 09/30/2030

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Interested applicants should reach out to local Coastal Program office for more information and deadlines. Informal award notice is given before recipients are invited to apply via Grant Solutions. Formal award notices will be sent after the GrantSolutions application is received, reviewed and approved.

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements For award administration and national policy requirements, see the DOI General Terms and Conditions. Infrastructure projects require the use of American iron, steel, manufacture products, and construction materials per 2 CFR 184.

See the FWS General Award Terms and Conditions for national policy requirements for FWS awards. Special terms and conditions will be detailed in award notices.

Reporting The recipient’s Notice of Award will detail all reporting requirements, including frequency, due dates, and instructions for requesting extensions. In general, but not limited to, recipients must:

• Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.

• Use the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) form for financial reporting,

• Monitor award activities and report on program performance per 2 CFR 200.329,

• Promptly notify the awarding program in writing of any issues, delays, or conditions impairing award objectives per 2 CFR 200.329(e),

• Disclose any conflicts of interest related to their award that arise during the award period per 2 CFR 1402.112,

• Report on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal government retains an interest per 2 CFR 200.330, and

• Report all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award per 2 CFR 200.113.

• Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per

Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.

• If the Federal share of the award is more than $100,000 and the recipient makes or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection to the https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.211 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.458 https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal/contact-us https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal/contact-us https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/financial-assistance-general-award-terms-and-conditions https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR36520e4111dce32/section-200.330 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#Appendix-XII-to-Part-200 award, disclose those activities using the Disclosure of Lobbying (SF-LLL) form per

43 CFR 18.100.

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) and 2 CFR 170 requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation, and information on all sub-awards, subcontracts and consortiums equal to or over $30,000 to SAM.gov.

Other Information Other Information: Applicants seeking technical or financial assistance from the Coastal Program are requested to consult with a local Coastal Program office BEFORE developing or submitting an application by visiting https://www.fws.gov/program/coastal/contact-us.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18