PKG00294047.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

F26AS00105 National Fish Passage Program

Funding Opportunity Number

F26AS00105

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: F26AS00105

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.685

Estimated Total Program Funding: $15,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 100

Award Ceiling: $1,000,000

Award Floor: $1

Cost Sharing Required?

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

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100

Have Questions?

Contact the regional National Fish Passage Program coordinator located in your area by visiting our website, or email our national point of contact at thomas_mccann@fws.gov for more information.

Executive Summary The National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) provides technical and financial assistance to partners to remove instream barriers and restore aquatic connectivity, improve community safety, and support local economies. Fish passage projects benefit communities by reducing flood risk, improving recreational opportunities, and improving roads while supporting native fish populations and aquatic ecosystems. NFPP project examples include obsolete and dangerous infrastructure removals, culvert replacements, floodplain restoration, and the installation of fishways. It is estimated that for every $1 million invested by the program, $1.5 million in value is added to the economy.

The program is delivered through U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) field offices nationwide. Local Service staff work with partners to identify and implement projects. Projects are based on sound science, advance the Service mission, and promote aquatic connectivity.

Contact a regional NFPP Coordinator in your area for information about program priorities and the application process.

The Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, allocated $15 million for the National Fish Passage Program, of which $5 million is designated for implementing the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act (FRIMA) (Public Law 106-502) of 2000.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants 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 program seeks and develops projects collaboratively with partners, including but not limited to: State and local agencies, Tribes, non-governmental organizations, other Federal agencies, and https://www.fws.gov/media/required-notices-and-burden-statement-omb-control-no-1018-0100 https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us mailto:thomas_mccann@fws.gov https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us private landowners. Additional requirements and geographic restrictions apply to FRIMA funded projects. See website for more information.

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.

• 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.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• The goal of the NFPP is to restore ecological connectivity in the Nation's aquatic systems by reconnecting river and tidal processes. This helps native fish and other aquatic organisms access various habitats needed throughout their life cycles. The program strives to benefit human communities through infrastructure improvements. Deteriorating and aging stream infrastructure presents significant risks to humans and communities.

The repair or removal of such infrastructure offers substantial benefits to both fish and people. Fish passage projects restore flows, processes, and aquatic species movement by fully or partially removing barriers or providing effective means of bypassing them.

Aquatic connectivity promotes adaptation and resilience among aquatic species to changes in the quality and distribution of habitats, including shifts in habitats and in species geographic ranges. The community-led projects restore fish passage, expand recreational opportunities, reduce flooding, improve public safety, and support local economies. It is estimated that for every $1 million invested by the program, $1.5 million https://www.fws.gov/service/fisheries-restoration-and-irrigation-mitigation-act-frima https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help in value is added to the economy. The program works on a voluntary basis with Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments, as well as private partners and interested parties.

• Fish passage projects restore flows, processes, and aquatic species movement by fully or partially removing barriers or providing effective means of bypassing them. Aquatic connectivity promotes adaptation and resilience among aquatic species to changes in the quality and distribution of habitats, including shifts in habitats and in species geographic ranges.

• The community-led projects restore fish passage, expand recreational opportunities, reduce flooding, improve public safety, and support local economies. It is estimated that for every $1 million invested by the program, $1.5 million in value is added to the economy.

• The program works on a voluntary basis with Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments, as well as private partners and interested parties.

Program Description The NFPP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to support projects that improve fish passage and aquatic habitat connectivity. The program aims to improve habitat for federal trust species and support infrastructure improvement for communities nationwide. The NFPP is delivered through the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program (FAC).

We use our staff and cooperative partnerships to provide: (1) information on habitat needs of fish and other aquatic species; (2) methods for fish to bypass barriers; (3) technical support to review project designs and recommend the most cost-effective techniques; (4) assistance to partners in planning and prioritizing fish passage projects; and (5) assistance in fulfilling environmental compliance requirements. Funds provided to NFPP for the implementation of FRIMA will support the development, improvement, or installation of fish screens, fish passage devices and related features to mitigate impacts on fisheries associated with irrigation water system diversions in Pacific Ocean drainages in Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, and California.

Contact your local NFPP program biologist to learn more about program priorities in your community.

Eligible projects will provide meaningful benefits for aquatic habitats and infrastructure resiliency. Projects not eligible for program funding include any projects that are part of any Federal or State compensatory mitigation, including in-lieu fee programs and mitigation banks.

Projects are also not eligible if fish passage is a condition provided by existing Federal or State regulatory programs. Additionally, program funds may not be used to construct, operate, or maintain fish passage at facilities actively licensed or permitted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Certified Local Governments are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America's 250th birthday. 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.

Legislative Authority Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act- Cooperation of agencies (16 U.S.C. §661)

Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act (FRIMA) (Public Law 106-502)

Anadromous Fish Conservation Act 16 U.S.C 757a-757g

Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act 16 U.S.C. 1851

Endangered Species Act 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544

Fish and Wildlife Act 16 U.S.C. 742a-742j

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 National Fish Passage 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. Projects must be identified in the Service's project reporting system and, upon completion, performance measures are reported as an accomplishment following appropriate protocols, including photographs of pre- and post-project conditions to document habitat improvements and project success;

indicate the species benefited and enumerate the number of barriers removed or bypassed, as well as river miles or riparian, floodplain, or wetland acres opened to trust species; and identify benefits such as improved access to spawning, rearing, or feeding habitats; improved water quality; improved tidal or fluvial processes;

anticipated population response; and any benefits to human communities.

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

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

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

Required from all applicants https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement 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

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 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 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 https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance 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. Include high resolution 'before' photos of the barriers to be removed/replaced or area to be improved through the project. Include photo description and credit. By including the photos in your submission you grant the USFWS usage of the photos in digital and print products to describe the work, partnership, project and the National Fish Passage Program.

g. 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 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.

h. Describe the post-project monitoring (i.e., type of survey or method used, how it's done, and how often), expected measures of success, and how the project will be maintained in the future.

i. Indicate if this application is requesting FRIMA funding and the amount of Non- Federal match (must be a minimum of 35%).

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:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E

• 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.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Applicants seeking technical or financial assistance from the National Fish Passage Program are required to contact local program staff BEFORE developing or submitting an application.

Applicants can find regional program staff by visiting our website at:

https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage

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.

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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage

Applicants may submit an application (see Application Documents section) in GrantSolutions AFTER they have been notified that their project has been selected for funding (see Merit Review section for more information).

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 04/30/2027

Closing Date Explanation

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

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.

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 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 https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

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.

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.

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/

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 NFPP is a voluntary, non-regulatory program that provides technical and financial assistance to conservation partners to restore fish passage and aquatic habitat connectivity for the benefit of federal trust species. Additional eligibility and match requirements apply to projects selected under FRIMA.

Program policy prohibits use of program funds to support projects that are a part of any Federal or State compensatory mitigation including projects that will be used for in-lieu fee programs or mitigation banks.

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 to 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.

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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/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 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

Merit Review Merit review is conducted by local and regional program staff. Contact your regional NPPP coordinator for more information about regional and local project selection factors. Projects that receive the highest rankings are those that:

• Show demonstrable ecological benefits for Federal trust species. Projects should significantly contribute to the recovery or conservation of and otherwise provide substantial benefits (such as opening access to high quality habitat) for Federal trust species or priority watersheds as identified in Regional priorities and relevant State and other watershed management plans.

• Exhibit permanence of fish passage benefits. Projects should demonstrate a permanent, long-term benefit to fish passage and aquatic habitat connectivity, such as projects that restore a full fluvial or ecosystem process without (or with minimal) necessary reliance on periodic intervention or operations and management. Projects should strive to provide for fish passage and sustainable habitat quality through changing environmental conditions.

• Make use of the most current scientific knowledge, including Indigenous Knowledge, and proven technology. While projects should generally use current and proven methods to effectively enhance fish passage, aquatic connectivity, and aquatic ecosystem restoration, it is also important to be mindful of opportunities to innovate and test emerging technologies that incorporate an appropriate associated level of monitoring and adaptive management, documenting results, and communicating lessons learned.

• Demonstrate partner engagement and support of key parties, such as the local community.

• Generate maximum matching fund contributions. No matching funds are required on individual projects; however, we may give preference to projects leveraging partner support. The program strives for an overall 1:1 partner match, which may include both in-kind and financial resources. A strength of the program is the ability to develop partnerships to leverage technical and financial assistance to maximize conservation resources and benefits to native aquatic species.

• FRIMA funded projects must source a non-federal match amount (minimum of 35%).

• Address objectives outlined in established prioritization or management plans.

Preferred projects should address aquatic habitats, aquatic connectivity needs, and barriers identified in prioritization or management plans.

• Consider watershed context. The program provides special consideration to projects that are important in the watershed context or that leverage other investments toward ecological restoration in the watershed.

• Identify one or more specific community benefit including expansion of recreational opportunities, reduced risk of flooding, improved public safety, support of local economy or similar benefit.

• Benefit ecosystem adaptation for the aquatic ecosystem and infrastructure resiliency for the surrounding human community.

• Align with the Administration's priorities by improving infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and expanding recreational fishing opportunities.

Conservation partners should coordinate with FAC program staff during project development and implementation. Recipients should expect substantial involvement of FAC program staff during all stages of project planning and implementation. FAC Program staff can provide technical information and are knowledgeable about state-of-the-art techniques to restore, enhance, and protect fish and wildlife habitats for the benefit of Federal trust species.

Applications in GrantSolutions should be submitted by invitation only after Regional FAC staff determine eligibility (Section Eligibility Review) and review responses to selection criteria (Section Merit Review). Prior to award, the program will review any applicant statement regarding potential overlap or duplication between the project to be funded and any other funded or proposed project in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel.

Depending on the circumstances, the program may request modification to the application, other pending applications, or an active award, as needed to eliminate any duplication of effort, or the FWS may choose not to fund the selected project.

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's Orders, including the Executive Order on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the Executive Order and Secretary's 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.

National Fish Passage Program field and regional staff are responsible for evaluating applications and selecting projects with concurrence of appropriate authority (including FRIMA eligibility and selection criteria). Field staff use the project selection criteria and local knowledge to identify projects that maximize benefits to federal trust species, address Department of Interior and Service priorities, and use program resources efficiently and effectively. Successful applicants may be required to submit project plan revisions and additional information, including evidence of regulatory compliance.

Once projects are selected and applicants have been notified that their project has been selected for funding, applicants will be invited to submit an application in GrantSolutions.

Applicants should not submit applications to GrantSolutions or Grants.gov until they have been invited by program staff.

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.

The program also assesses financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential challenges.

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: 10/01/2026

Anticipated Project End Date: 05/01/2031

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Interested applicants should reach out to their local or regional NFPP coordinator for more information and deadlines. Informal award notice is given before recipients are invited to apply via GrantSolutions. 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.

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 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/national-fish-passage/contact-us https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/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

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 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 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/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#Appendix-XII-to-Part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18