PKG00293660.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

F26AS00051_FY 2026 Competitive State Wildlife Grant (C-SWG) Program_Funding Opportunity Announcement

Funding Opportunity Number

F26AS00051

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: F26AS00051

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.634

Estimated Total Program Funding: $7,612,000

Expected Number of Awards: 16

Award Ceiling: $1,000,000

Award Floor: $50,000

Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Closing Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

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: 1018-0100

Have Questions?

National Contact

Nicholas Popoff

Phone: 413-362-9067

Email: nicholas_popoff@fws.gov

Regional Contacts

Region 1

Lia McLaughlin

Phone: 503-724-8017

Email: lia_mclaughlin@fws.gov

Serving Idaho, Oregon, and Washington

Chris Swenson

Phone: 503-720-8128

Email: chris_swenson@fws.gov

Serving Hawai'i

Ruth Utzurrum

Phone: 808-352-3617

Email: ruth_utzurrum@fws.gov

Serving Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf https://www.fws.gov/media/required-notices-and-burden-statement-omb-control-no-1018-0100 mailto:nicholas_popoff@fws.gov mailto:lia_mclaughlin@fws.gov mailto:chris_swenson@fws.gov mailto:ruth_utzurrum@fws.gov

Christine Cegelski

Phone: 202-251-3943

Email: christine_cegelski@fws.gov

Serving American Samoa

Region 2

Robert Allen

Phone: 936-234-4932

Email: robert_allen@fws.gov

Serving Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

Region 3

Jessica Piispanen

Phone: 612-749-2286

Email: jessica_piispanen@fws.gov

Serving Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin

Region 4

Tera Baird

Phone: 404-450-1434

Email: tera_baird@fws.gov

Serving Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Region 5

Kyle Welsh

Phone: 413-270-2259

Email: kyle_welsh@fws.gov

Serving Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia

Region 6

Amanda Horvath

Phone: 720-646-6299

Email: amanda_horvath@fws.gov mailto:christine_cegelski@fws.gov mailto:robert_allen@fws.gov mailto:jessica_piispanen@fws.gov mailto:tera_baird@fws.gov mailto:kyle_welsh@fws.gov mailto:amanda_horvath@fws.gov

Serving Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

Region 7

John Warzybok

Phone: 907-227-6943

Email: john_warzybok@fws.gov

Serving Alaska

Region 8

Shawn Milar

Phone: 831-262-5001

Email: shawn_milar@fws.gov

Serving California and Nevada

Executive Summary The Competitive State Wildlife Grant (C-SWG) Program provides Federal cost-sharing awards that help the State, Territory, and District of Columbia fish and wildlife agencies and their regional associations design and implement proactive conservation programs benefiting wildlife and their habitats. Proactive approaches to conservation help these recipients and their conservation partners avoid more prescriptive Federal regulatory requirements associated with species listing under the Endangered Species Act.

The C-SWG Program prioritizes implementation of conservation actions described in the State and Territory Wildlife Action Plans (Plans). Projects must benefit one or more species of greatest conservation need or their habitats as identified in the Plans.

This announcement provides complete information on preparing and submitting an application, including details on award tiers, partnership requirements, and the maximum Federal share of an award. The award tiers and related requirements are intended to encourage partnerships dedicated to cross-jurisdictional conservation efforts supporting landscape-scale conservation.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility Please note that ONLY the State, Territory, and District of Columbia fish and wildlife agencies and the four regional associations of fish and wildlife agencies (NEAFWA, SEAFWA, MAFWA, and WAFWA) are eligible to apply. All other entities, including but not limited to academic institutions, non-profit or for-profit organizations, private landowners or other individuals, or local units of government, are not eligible to apply.

Restrictions and Requirements for Non-U.S. Entities or Projects mailto:john_warzybok@fws.gov mailto:shawn_milar@fws.gov

• We do not fund countries supporting terrorism subject to U.S. sanctions.

• We do not fund countries under U.S. Treasury sanctions without licenses.

• You must get all required approvals for work outside the U.S. We are not responsible for your compliance with local rules.

• For projects over $500,000, you may need to comply with 2 CFR 175.105(b) before we make an award.

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

Yes For awards made to eligible recipients in the continental States, Hawai'i, the District of Columbia (D.C.), and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Federal share may not exceed 75 percent of the total project cost. The total project cost includes the requested Federal funds plus the required 25 percent non-federal cost share and any additional voluntary matching funds or other resources identified in the application.

In accordance with 48 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1469(a), Amendment of Subsection (d), and the DOI Policy Advisory Notice on the waiver of the cost sharing requirement for certain insular areas, Service Regional Directors shall waive the requirement for American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Cost sharing requirements are provided in 2 CFR 200.1 and 2 CFR 200.306. Applicants must include detailed information about cost-sharing contributions in the application. The requirement may be met through contributions from a third party. A third party is any individual or organization other than the applicant, such as a partner or subrecipient. For the proposed cost sharing to be allowable, it must meet all the criteria listed in 2 CFR 200.306(b).

Recipients are responsible for all cost sharing identified in the application, including any resources provided by one or more third parties. Third-party contributions must be documented with a signed letter of commitment. The letter must detail the amount of cash used in cost sharing and the value of any in-kind contributions identified in the application.

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”.

https://www.state.gov/state-sponsors-of-terrorism/ http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-175 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2009-title48/pdf/USCODE-2009-title48-chap10-sec1469a.pdf https://fawiki.fws.gov/display/WTK/Director%27s+Orders-Rules-Policy-Interim+Guidance?preview=/5931146/244514836/DOI-PGM-PAN-2023-0001%20Insular%20Area%20Matching%20Funds%20Waiver%20-%20FINAL%20-%2010-12-2022.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=049305c173b88964e96991aafabcf1f4&mc=true&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML#se2.1.200_11 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306#p-200.306(b) https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

• 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.

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.

GRANTSOLUTIONS

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

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• Intended short and intermediate term outputs include protection and enhancement of populations of recipient-identified animal species of greatest conservation need and their habitats through implementation of Service approved State and Territory Wildlife Action Plans. Indicators include the number of scientific investigations conducted, the number of acres of habitats created and improved, and the number of animals raised and released.

The long term program goal is to recover priority fish and wildlife populations in every state and territory of the United States, through proactive, voluntary, on the ground collaborative conservation efforts. The Service tracks conservation actions implemented with the program's cost sharing awards, including those that contribute to favorable listing decisions of the Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service under the Endangered Species Act. Indicators include decisions resulting in part from data collection and direct management activities conducted by the recipient fish and wildlife agencies that contribute to: 1. determinations that species are not warranted for Federal listing; 2. down listing of ESA protected species (from endangered to threatened); and 3.

de listing of ESA-protected species due to recovery (removed from Federal listing).

Program Description The Competitive State Wildlife Grant (C-SWG) Program provides Federal cost-sharing awards to help State and Territory fish and wildlife agencies and their partners implement projects for the benefit of wild animal species and their habitats. The program supports the design and strategic implementation of proactive conservation actions that can help avert more prescriptive Federal regulatory requirements associated with listing under the Endangered Species Act

(ESA).

A core principle of the C-SWG Program is the utilization of effective partnerships that demonstrate a spirit of cooperation and sharing of knowledge and resources to achieve shared https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration conservation goals. The Service encourages recipients to engage with partners in planning, executing, and evaluating proposed conservation projects. Recipients commonly partner with other fish and wildlife agencies, Tribes, Federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, private landowners, and international entities. Awards issued under the program include objectives for direct management of species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) and their habitats, and biological research, monitoring, and conservation planning. Eligible activities include:

• Implementing conservation actions that benefit SGCN and/or habitats identified in a Wildlife Action Plan (Plan);

• Surveys, monitoring, and related activities to determine whether to include a species as a SGCN in a Plan; and

• Activities to address an emerging wildlife issue, which is a critical conservation problem that needs attention or an unexpected and recently recognized opportunity that a recipient wants to address with program funds.

Ineligible activities include wildlife education, recreation, outreach, and law enforcement activities, unless they are minor or incidental components that are critical to the success of a project. The program requires most recipients to contribute non-federal resources, as detailed above in the Eligibility section of this announcement.

This announcement contains instructions to apply for an award. Read this announcement carefully to understand what makes an application eligible and complete. Recipients may submit more than one application. Although intended as Service policy and not regulation, review the Service Manual Part 517 FW 10 for more information, including steps for identifying and documenting an emerging wildlife issue.

General information on the State Wildlife Grant Program is available here. Answers to frequently asked questions are provided toward the end of this section below. Recipients may contact the Regional Office of Conservation Investment for clarifications and guidance (see Regional Contacts in Basic Information above).

The Service utilizes the Strategic Habitat Conservation framework to improve the agency's ability to define desired biological outcomes and articulate the consequences of site-scale actions on landscape-scale functions. Other similar adaptive management frameworks may be used. For more information, see:

• Adaptive Management: The U.S. Department of the Interior Technical Guide (Adaptive Management Working Group, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC., 2009)

• The Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation (The Conservation Measures Partnership)

• Measuring the Effectiveness of State Wildlife Grants (Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 2011)

Certified Local Governments are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of our Nation’s 250th birthday (America250). This may include, but is not limited to, preservation planning, interpretation, public engagement, and rehabilitation projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.

Award Limits and Partnership Requirements https://www.fws.gov/policy-library/517fw10 https://www.fws.gov/program/state-wildlife-grants/about-us https://www.fws.gov/policy-library/052fw1 https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/TechGuide-WebOptimized-2.pdf https://www.conservationstandards.org/about/ https://www.fishwildlife.org/application/files/3815/2278/1426/FINAL_Effectiveness_Measures_report.pdf

The Service and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies have established award tiers and partnership requirements to incentivize cross-jurisdictional, landscape-scale conservation efforts.

Key Points

• Award Amounts: The maximum Federal share of an award ranges from $250,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the number of active participants.

• Active Participant Definition:

o An active participant is any project partner (other than the applicant agency or association) that contributes at least 10% of the total project cost, either by requesting funds or providing matching funds (or any combination thereof).

o A fish and wildlife agency active participant is a partnering state fish and wildlife agency meeting the same 10% contribution requirement.

o Fish and wildlife agency active participants do not need to be from adjacent states.

• Regional Differences: Partnership requirements differ for:

o The contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia, and o Alaska and the island jurisdictions (Hawai‘i, Guam, American Samoa, the

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.

Virgin Islands). The differences account for resource limitations and geographic isolation of these recipients.

Award Tiers

Tier Max Federal Share

Contiguous States Requirement

Alaska & Island Jurisdictions Requirement

Association Requirement

1 $250,000 At least 1 active participant (state or non-state entity)

No active participant required

At least 1 fish and wildlife agency active participant

2 $500,000 At least 1 other fish and wildlife agency active participant

At least 1 active participant (state or non-state)

At least 2 fish and wildlife agency active participants

3 $750,000 At least 2 other fish and wildlife agency active participants

At least 2 active participants (state or non-state)

At least 3 fish and wildlife agency active participants

4 $1,000,000 At least 3 other fish and wildlife agency active participants

At least 3 active participants (state or non-state)

At least 4 fish and wildlife agency active participants

Applicant Responsibilities

• Identify all active participants in the project and provide a brief justification of the award tier.

• The justification may be provided in the Budget Narrative with reference to the Budget.

Multi-State Projects: Options, Cost Sharing, and Reporting

Projects that involve two or more fish and wildlife agency active participants must be submitted by a designated lead entity. The lead entity is responsible for ensuring the application includes details on the contributions of each fish and wildlife agency and any other contributing partner.

Identify the lead entity in the application.

To reduce barriers to collaborative conservation, the Service allows two options for administering an award. Identify the selected option in the application.

Option 1: Single Award with Subawards

• The lead entity submits an application and receives one award.

• The lead entity then issues subawards to the identified subrecipient(s).

• Cost sharing may be provided by the lead entity, the subrecipient(s), or other contributors in any proportion.

Option 2: Separate Awards to Multiple Recipients

• The lead entity submits an application identifying the recipient(s) that will receive a separate award.

• Each recipient is responsible for providing the required cost share.

• Each recipient must submit a complete application as described in this announcement.

• Because project selection occurs after the original application deadline, the Regional

Office of Conservation Investment will provide instructions on how and where the partnering recipient(s) must submit their application.

Reporting and TRACS Requirements

• Under Option 2, the lead entity and each recipient are responsible for:

o Financial and performance reporting for their separate awards o Reporting any funds disbursed through subawards or contracts

• Each recipient must:

o Identify a TRACS point of contact in the application o Complete TRACS data entry for its award

• The lead entity must submit an executive summary paragraph for the overall project in its final performance report using the TRACS Multi-Award Linkage Tool (MALT).

o The MALT combines separate performance reports entered by each recipient in

TRACS.

• Online training on using the MALT in multi-state projects administered under Option 2 is available at the Office of Conservation Investment’s Training Portal, Course 12.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Will grant applications from a single state or territory be considered for funding? Yes, a single recipient may apply under Tier 1.

Do all recipients need to provide cost sharing? No. Cost sharing requirements are waived for American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S.

https://wsfrtraining.fws.gov/course/index.php?categoryid=3

Virgin Islands. For any other recipient, cost sharing may be provided by a subrecipient, contractor, or other third parties.

How is the minimum required cost sharing calculated? Divide the total Federal request by three.

For example, if the total Federal request is $500,000, divide this amount by three, equaling $166,667.

Will the C-SWG Program continue in future years? Funding for the C-SWG Program is appropriated annually by Congress. There is no guarantee that funds will be appropriated in the future.

How must an emerging issue affecting a non-SGCN species be documented? Include in the application:

• The wildlife species that will benefit from the project;

• Description of the emerging conservation issue;

• Statement of the recipient's commitment to monitor the effectiveness of the project actions; and

• A signed letter from the recipient stating that the next version of the Wildlife Action Plan will include the species as an SGCN if it remains a priority.

What activities are eligible for funding under this program? Activities that address the conservation needs of the SGCN and/or the habitats identified in a Service-approved Plan. See Table 10-1 of the Service Manual Chapter 517 FW 10.

What are the compliance requirements for activities funded under this program? Recipients must comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations, including:

• 2 CFR 200;

• Endangered Species Act (ESA);

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA);

• National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA); and

• Any other requirements under state or Federal law, regulation, or policy.

The Service will work with recipients to meet ESA, NEPA, and NHPA requirements before funds are obligated.

Who announces the awards? The Director of the Service makes the project selections, which are then subject to review and approval by the Department of the Interior. The Service may publish a national media release announcing the awards. The Regional Office of Conservation Investment uses GrantSolutions to notify recipients of an award.

What must be done during the period of performance if a change in objectives or approach is needed? The Regional Office of Conservation Investment determines if proposed changes are allowed. Recipients must still meet the original project objectives or provide equivalent or greater benefits. If the objectives cannot be met, the award is terminated and unused funds revert to the Service. Recipients must submit a final report within 90 days of the termination date. The Service may require a recipient to repay expended funds if the final financial status and performance reports indicate that no portion of the objectives were achieved.

https://www.fws.gov/policy-library/517fw10 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200

Who has the authority to terminate an award? An award may be terminated by the Service Director or by the Regional Office of Conservation Investment after consultation with the recipient.

What counts toward the 15-page Project Narrative limit? Included: narrative text, graphs, tables, or images embedded within the Project Narrative, location description, project leader information, information addressing the merit review criteria, and any other information necessary for project evaluation. Not included: Federal forms including the project abstract summary, Budget and Budget Narrative, graphs, tables, or images not embedded in the Project Narrative such as maps, photographs, diagrams, and drawings; citations, appendices, and letters of commitment; and statements on indirect costs, audits, overlap or duplication, lobbying, or conflicts of interest.

Is there a page limit for the entire application? Yes. Limit the complete application to 50 pages.

Extra pages may not be reviewed or could result in delay or rejection of the application.

What resources are available to help with project design and proposal development? Recipients may contact the Regional Office of Conservation Investment (see Regional Contacts in Basic Information above).

Are projects targeting birds, mammals, and fish eligible? Yes, any project targeting an animal SGCN, another animal species impacted by an emerging issue, or a species being evaluated for potential designation as an SGCN is eligible.

Is student tuition an eligible cost? Yes, if the cost meets the criteria in 2 CFR 200.466. Include a cost analysis comparing project staffing alternatives and justify the total student compensation as the most cost-effective option. The cost analysis must justify tuition remission, and any additional stipends or other forms of compensation that the student(s) will receive.

Are pre-award costs eligible? Yes, with written approval. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the award that are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the proposed activities. Such costs may be eligible for reimbursement or used in cost sharing with written approval from the Regional Office of Conservation Investment. Pre-award costs are generally limited to those that are directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the pending award, and they must be otherwise allowable if they were incurred after the start date of the Federal award (2 CFR 200.458). Costs from previous projects are not eligible.

Are costs related to education/outreach or law enforcement eligible? Yes, if they are necessary to meet the project objectives and do not exceed 10 percent of the total project cost. Examples include a project-specific activity intended to increase the public’s knowledge or understanding of wildlife, instruction in wildlife conservation and management, or distribution of educational materials. The limit also applies to costs for providing general information to the public about conservation and management programs, actions, or activities relevant to the project. Technical assistance is not subject to this limit.

Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects

This program has Federal funding for infrastructure projects. Buy America preferences apply to Federal awards for infrastructure projects in the United States. Reference 2 CFR Part 184 - Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Project for further guidance.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.466 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.458 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184

More information: Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act - FA Topics - FA Wiki

Legislative Authority Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026-State and Tribal Wildlife Grants (Pub. L. 119-74 [H.R. 6938-93])

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

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

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. Applicants may provide additional budget information in a customized budget table.

SF-424C: Budget Information – Construction Programs

Required for construction and real property acquisition projects. Applicants may provide additional budget https://fawiki.fws.gov/spaces/WSFR/pages/245497949/Build+America+Buy+America+BABA+Act 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

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement information in a customized budget table.

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 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 include all the information necessary for the Service to review and score the application, as detailed in this section and in the Merit Review section below. Within the Project Narrative, identify the response to each merit review criterion. For example, at the conclusion of the sentence or paragraph describing the project objective(s), add “(Criterion Three)” or “(C3)” so reviewers can easily locate the response. Alternatively, provide a table showing each criterion and page number(s) where the responses are located.

Need: Identify the need for the proposed project within the purpose of the C-SWG Program.

Address all the following subelements:

• Identify at least one targeted SGCN that will benefit from the proposed conservation actions and describe the need for the actions to address it/them. Provide baseline data and information, as available, on the current status and condition of the targeted SGCN and/or their habitats.

• Provide references with page numbers to the Plans of all partnering fish and wildlife agencies demonstrating that the project objective(s) are documented as needs and align https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html with Plan actions for the targeted SGCN. If the Plan is only available online, provide one or more links to the Plan and include the full URL.

• Identify any species named in the Service’s National Listing Workplan that will benefit from the proposed conservation activities.

Objectives: The Service created Standard Objectives to document accomplishments consistent with the C-SWG Program’s authorizing legislation and related policy and guidance. Use one or more of the Standard Objectives in the TRACS Performance Matrix. Note that the Standard Objectives are grouped by “Strategy,” contain quantifiable units of measure, and some contain specific activities that must be identified. An example using the Standard Objective format is:

“Conduct 4 investigations on Oregon Spotted Frog by 12/31/2026”

Strategy: Research, Survey, Data Collection and Analysis

Objective: Conduct Investigations

Unit of Measure: Number of Investigations

Activities: Fish and Wildlife Species Data Acquisition & Analysis

Target Species: Oregon Spotted Frog

Contact the Regional Office of Conservation Investment in advance for guidance on the use of Standard Objectives in the Project Narrative.

For multi-state projects using administrative Option 2 (separate awards to fish and wildlife agency partners), be aware that separate objectives, or elements of objectives, must be identified for each award.

Approach: The approach identifies activities to be used in meeting the project objectives, including specific procedures, methods, schedules or timelines, key personnel, and cooperators.

Provide a description of the proposed actions in sufficient detail, so the Service can evaluate compliance needs under NEPA, the ESA, and Section 106 of the NHPA. The approach should include all the following subelements:

1. Provide the name, work address, and work telephone number of the principal investigator(s). Do not attach résumés or curriculum vitae or include personal or sensitive information.

2. Describe relevant protocols and procedures with reference to applicable peer-reviewed literature, as available. If the project involves direct species or habitat management, describe how it will use a standard, replicable monitoring protocol throughout the project area to evaluate results of the project activities. If the project does not involve direct management, identify and describe other indicators that will be used to measure and report the accomplishments.

3. Provide a brief description of the applicant fish and wildlife agency and all participating agencies or other partners and identify which of the proposed activities each will conduct or manage.

4. Describe the project's data management plan, including how and when the project results will be managed, analyzed, and shared internally and externally, especially with other conservation decision-makers.

https://www.fws.gov/project/national-listing-workplan https://wsfrtraining.fws.gov/pluginfile.php/406/mod_page/content/315/TRACS%20Performance%20Matrix_V22%2012192025.pdf

5. Describe significant milestones in completing the project and any accomplishments to date.

Expected Results: Expected results are the anticipated benefits from accomplishing the objectives. Describe how the project will benefit SGCN populations and/or their habitats, including both short- and long-term benefits (qualitatively or quantitatively as data are available). Expected results must include both of the following subelements:

• Describe the assumptions or hypotheses linking the proposed conservation actions to the expected results and support the hypotheses with reference to peer-reviewed scientific literature, as available.

• Describe any tools, such as habitat-population models or other science-based methods, that will be used to estimate the wildlife or habitat response to the proposed conservation actions.

Project Location(s): Describe where project activities will occur and the expected areas of impact. Include:

• Public and private lands involved (local, State, Tribal, or Federal).

• Maps or geographic aids and GPS coordinates in decimal degrees.

If specific locations are unknown:

• Provide the county or counties where conservation actions are expected.

• Include the criteria for selecting locations, a track record of success with landowners, and steps to meet Federal requirements for work in those areas.

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).

Data and Evaluation Costs: Applicant budgets may include costs related to data and evaluation as relevant per 2 CFR §200.455.

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

Costs related to data and evaluation are allowable. Data costs include (but are not limited to) the expenditures needed to gather, store, track, manage, analyze, disaggregate, secure, share, publish, or otherwise use data to administer or improve the project or program. Examples include data systems or dashboards. Data costs may also include direct or indirect costs associated with building integrated data systems, including those that link individual-level data from one or more fish and wildlife agencies for purposes of management, research, and evaluation. Evaluation costs include (but are not limited to) evidence reviews, evaluation planning and feasibility assessment, conducting evaluations, sharing evaluation results, and other personnel or materials costs related to the effective building and use of evidence and evaluation for program design, administration, or improvement.

Additional Budget Narrative Information

The Budget Narrative must:

• Address all cost categories in the Budget Information Form (SF-424A or C).

• Cover all requested Federal funds and cost share.

• Include separate budget tables for each project partner, if applicable.

Contact the Regional Office of Conservation Investment for guidance (see Regional Contacts in Basic Information above).

Personnel Costs

• Explain how salary estimates were calculated.

• Identify staff roles and time commitment (hours or workdays).

Costs Requiring Prior Approval

• Describe any subawards, transfers, or contracts.

• Provide separate descriptions and totals for contractual and subaward costs.

• Note prohibitions on certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment (2

CFR 200.216).

• For projects using Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, see:

o DOI Guidance o FAA Guidance

Cost Sharing and Contributions

• Identify all cash or in-kind contributions and justify their necessity.

• For in-kind contributions:

o Provide source, amount, and valuation method (2 CFR 200.306).

• For volunteer time:

o Link duties to an equivalent agency position.

o Provide compensation rate, estimated hours, and justification.

o Third-party estimates alone are not sufficient.

• More information on valuing volunteer time: FWS Guidance.

Tuition Costs https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.216 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.216 https://www.doi.gov/aviation/uas https://www.faa.gov/uas https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://fawiki.fws.gov/spaces/WSFR/pages/12976336/Third-party+In-kind+Contributions?preview=%2F12976336%2F195330062%2FBest+Practices+-+Documentation+of+In-Kind+Match+-+Volunteer+Time.docx

• If tuition or stipends are proposed as cost share, include a cost analysis comparing alternatives (e.g., seasonal staff) to show cost-effectiveness.

Funding Tier

• Identify and justify the tier based on the Project Narrative and/or Budget.

• For multi-agency projects using Option 2, provide separate budget breakdowns for each award.

If Applicable, Include:

• Program Income – Estimate the amount and method for applying/disposal.

• Cost Allocation – o Allocate costs (in multipurpose projects) based on the uses or benefits for each purpose that will result from the completed project or facility.

o Describe the method used to allocate costs.

• Equipment – o Identify any tangible property with useful life >1 year and cost ≥$10,000 (or agency threshold).

o Include any previously acquired equipment to be used in the project that was purchased with Federal funding, and the funding source.

o Follow 2 CFR 200 requirements, especially §§ 200.313, 200.317–200.327, and

200.439.

• Contingency Costs – o Must be separately identified, necessary, reasonable, and verifiable (2 CFR

200.433).

o Explain how any contingency costs are calculated and why they are necessary to improve the precision of the Budget estimates.

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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.433 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.433 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

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

Other Required Information Letters of Commitment

If cost sharing is provided by a third party, it must be documented in a letter of commitment signed by an individual authorized to commit the specified resources. Recipient agencies or associations do not need to submit a letter of commitment for cost-sharing resources they allocate from their own funds.

Each letter of commitment must:

• Specify the amount of matching cash committed to the project.

• Include the value and description of any in-kind contributions, if applicable.

• Ensure that all amounts and values align with figures in the SF-424, Budget, and Budget

Narrative.

If a required letter does not clearly state and justify the partner’s cost-sharing contribution, the Service may deem the proposal ineligible.

For questions or assistance, contact the Regional Office of Conservation Investment (see Regional Contacts in Basic Information above).

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package To request a copy of the application package in another format, contact:

Nicholas Popoff Phone: 413-362-9067 Email: nicholas_popoff@fws.gov

If you need immediate assistance, please call our customer service center at 1-800-344-9453. If you have a hearing impairment or a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 09/18/2026

Closing Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

Submission Instructions Pre-Deadline Review

Applicants may request a review of a draft application or a component of an application by contacting the Regional Office of Conservation Investment at least four weeks before the due date listed in this announcement. The Service cannot guarantee staff availability for pre-deadline reviews.

mailto:%20nicholas_popoff@fws.gov

Application Package Summary

Review this announcement carefully before submitting the application. Use the following list of components to make sure the application is complete and eligible. Some of the requirements are conditional and may not apply. Failure to provide complete information may result in rejection of the application, or delay or postponement of the award.

• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

• Project Abstract Summary form (OMB Number 4040-0019)

• If applicable, a completed Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish real property form (SF- 429B)

• Project Narrative (15-page limit)

• A complete SF-424A or SF-424C Budget Information form (additional budget details may be submitted in a customized budget table)

• Budget Narrative: identify and justify the award tier and address the applicable elements described in the Budget Narrative section of this announcement; for multi-state projects, identify the administrative plan (Option 1 or 2)

• Any required letters of commitment identifying financial or other project contributions signed by an authorized individual

• Indirect Cost Statement

• Statement on applicability of and compliance with Single Audit Report requirements

• Statement regarding project Overlap/Duplication

• If applicable, a completed SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form

• If applicable, a Conflict of Interest Disclosure

• Association applicants only: include a copy of the IRS determination letter

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 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 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.

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.

Eligibility Review Criteria

Is the applicant eligible? See Eligibility above.

Is the application complete and was it submitted by the due date? See Submission Requirements and Deadlines above. The list of required components is provided in the Application Package Summary.

Does the application identify and justify the required cost sharing? See Cost Sharing Requirement above.

Do all project costs comply with applicable cost principles and other…