PKG00294070.pdf

National Park Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Exploring and Enhancing Outdoor and Heritage Tourism in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Funding Opportunity Number

P27AS00032

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: P27AS00032

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.930

Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 26

Award Ceiling: $50,000

Award Floor: $10,000

An estimated range of $10,000 to $50,000 of funding is anticipated for each award. The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined as part of the application review process based on applications received and funding made available through appropriations.

Cost Sharing Required?

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:

Have Questions?

Programmatic Contact: Samantha Utt, Project Coordinator, Chesapeake_grants@nps.gov

Administrative Contact: Monica Marcus, Financial Assistance Awarding Officer, FinancialAssistance_Chesapeake@nps.gov.

Executive Summary Goal: Encourage outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural tourism that expands access to and awareness of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and fosters economic development of communities.

Objectives

NPS Chesapeake Gateways is offering this competitive grant opportunity to strengthen a community's ability to offer or enhance outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural tourism that connects visitors and residents to the Chesapeake Bay watershed as detailed in the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998.

Through this grant opportunity, NPS Chesapeake Gateways will:

• Enhance outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural tourism in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

• Support projects that link outdoor and heritage tourism to economic impact.

• Celebrate gateway communities that welcome and invite locals and visitors to explore authentic Chesapeake Gateways Places and stories through outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural experiences.

Grant Theme

Chesapeake Gateways is a network of places that provide opportunities to explore outdoor recreation and authentic natural, historical, and cultural experiences of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Included in this network are diverse recreational, natural, cultural, historical, and mailto:Chesapeake_grants@nps.gov mailto:FinancialAssistance_Chesapeake@nps.gov recreational sites, trails, museums, parks, wildlife refuges, interpretive and orientation facilities, and associated programs. These places, and Chesapeake Gateways as a whole, serve as entry points and the key guide for experiencing the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Special district governments

Independent school districts

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities

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

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

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

Private institutions of higher education

For profit organizations other than small businesses

Small businesses

Additional Information on Eligibility PLEASE NOTE: Projects that take place outside the watershed are not eligible for consideration. A link to all the counties in the watershed can be found in Appendix A. A full map can be found here.

Chesapeake Gateways Network Requirement: The applicant must be a non-federal Chesapeake Gateways Network member (Place, Experience, Community, or Programmatic Partner). To become a Chesapeake Gateways Network member, prospective applicants need to submit a self-nomination through the Chesapeake Gateways Network portal: Join the Chesapeake Gateways Network - Chesapeake Bay Watershed (U.S. National Park Service).

Foreign Entities or Projects: This program does not provide funding to foreign entities or for projects conducted outside the United States.

Excluded Parties:NPS conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The NPS cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/maps/chesapeake-bay-counties1 https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/join-ven.htm

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.

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.

Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• Goal: Encourage outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural tourism that expands access to and awareness of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and fosters community economic development.

Objectives

NPS Chesapeake Gateways is offering this competitive grant opportunity to strengthen a community's ability to offer or enhance outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural tourism that connects visitors and residents to the Chesapeake Bay watershed as detailed in the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

Through this grant opportunity, NPS Chesapeake Gateways will:

- Enhance and expand outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural tourism in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

- Support projects that link outdoor and heritage tourism to economic impact.

- Celebrate gateway communities that welcome and invite locals and visitors to explore authentic Chesapeake places and stories through outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural experiences.

Indicators of outputs and outcomes will be collected and aggregated from the submitted interim and final reports. Indicators related to this opportunity may include:

- Number of visitors and residents served

- Number of events held

- Number of public access points available for outdoor recreation and tourism experiences

- Percent increase of public access points available for outdoor recreation and tourism experiences

- Number of types of outdoor recreation and tourism experiences

- Observable, direct economic impact in dollars

- Percent occupancy of local venues, programs, hotels, and restaurants

- Feedback provided by visitors and residents

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

Program Description Background

For nearly thirty years, NPS Chesapeake Gateways has been a key partner in the collective efforts to connect visitors and residents to the stories, places and experiences that makes the Chesapeake special. Stories, places, and experiences are centered around the program's overarching interpretive themes found in the Chesapeake Gateways Network Framework.

Interpretive themes can be found in Appendix B.

The NPS Chesapeake Gateways is a partnership network and a community assistance program that has successfully provided innovative and impactful technical and financial assistance to support a wide range of partner work from network collaboration, interpretive planning to exhibits and signage to youth programs to watertrails development, to travel and marketing programs and public access site planning and implementation.

National Park Service (NPS) Chesapeake Gateways inspires and helps people discover, experience, and connect with the natural and cultural heritage and recreational opportunities of the Chesapeake Bay and the rivers, landscapes, and communities across its watershed. We work with people and partners to conserve and steward special places important to communities, visitors and the nation, for this and future generations.

Public Purpose

Grant submissions must clearly provide a public purpose meaning they provide facilities, programs, or services for the benefit of the public in support of the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act. These grants should represent that public purpose by identifying, conserving, restoring, and or interpreting natural, recreational, historical, and or cultural resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; identifying and utilizing the collective resources as Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay; linking Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites with trails, tour roads, scenic byways, and other connections; and/or developing and establishing Chesapeake Bay Watertrails comprising water routes and connections to Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites and other land resources within the Chesapeake Bay watershed in order to contribute to local economic impact.

Chesapeake Gateways Network Requirement

Chesapeake Gateways is a partnership park and assistance network, providing opportunities to enjoy, learn about and help conserve the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Included in the network are diverse natural, cultural, historical and recreational sites, trails, museums, parks, refuges and interpretive and orientation facilities. These places serve as entry points and the key guide for experiencing the Chesapeake watershed.

Submitted projects are meant to reflect community needs and support through a collaboration among different partners. At a minimum, the applicant must be a non-federal Chesapeake Gateways Network member (Place or Experience), or from an organization that is pursuing self-nomination to be a Chesapeake Gateways Place or Experience. Collaborations with other partners, especially other Chesapeake Gateways Places or Experiences, indicate broader community support.

Please note: Applicants with a pending Chesapeake Gateways Network member self-nomination that is rejected as a Chesapeake Gateway Network member would be ineligible to move forward to merit review.

To get a list of current or pending Chesapeake Gateways Network member by state, see:

https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/ven-pending.htm.

To become a Chesapeake Gateways Network member, prospective partners or applicants need to submit self-nomination through the Chesapeake Gateways portal: Become a Chesapeake Gateways Place - Chesapeake Bay Watershed (U.S. National Park Service). Once the self-nomination is received and approved, the status will be added to the current or pending list mentioned above. Self-nominations do not need to be approved by the application deadline, but any applicants or partners that have their self-nominations rejected after the deadline would be ineligible to move forward to merit review.

Grant Categories

This grant opportunity provides support in two categories:

a. Linking Tourism and Economic Impact Projects https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/ven-pending.htm

Proposals submitted should demonstrate that the projects reflect a community need and link local recreation, culture, history, and/or nature tourism to economic impact of the community that support a one or more of the Interpretive themes found in Appendix B to honor the history of this great Nation within the Chesapeake.

Projects can:

• Enhance visitor experience amenities and/or improve the overall visitor experience for communities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

• Enhance local tourism and economic development capacity.

• Facilitate visitor experiences that increase duration and depth of visit.

• Commemorate and promote local recreation and history.

• Transform main streets for long-term value and benefit.

• Support Tribal Nation tourism development and/or connect visitors to Indigenous history and culture.

• Make visitor experiences and facilities more physically and programmatically accessible for all ages and abilities.

• Improve and/or promote connectivity between outdoor spaces or facilities and communities, such as between waterways and land trails, parks, museums, and target neighborhoods.

• Develop and expand recreational and heritage experiences in the watershed.

The following types of projects will not be selected for funding:

• Construction projects (other than structural improvements)

• Archeology projects

• Land acquisition

• Building acquisition

• Endowments

Funds cannot be used to:

• Purchase alcohol.

• To lobby.

• To support any unallowable costs as described in 2 CFR 200.

Award Range: $25,000-$50,000

b. Network/Community Events, including America at 250

Event proposals, including in celebration of America's 250th birthday, should demonstrate how the event or festival celebrates the rich cultural, historical, natural, or recreational legacy and reflect one or more of the Interpretive themes found in Appendix B to honor the history of this great Nation within the Chesapeake. Public events and festivals should encourage exploration and enjoyment of the wealth of cultural, historical, natural, and recreational experiences available in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

These events may be, but are not limited to:

• Main streets transformation in advance of key events.

• Events in partnership with the community.

• Events that:

• Actively serve people of all ages and abilities.

• Highlight local products or foods or food systems (farming, oystering, etc.) or trades that connect to the area's history.

• Expand economic development to include overnight stays and/or use of a variety of local assets and amenities.

• Use art and performance to highlight the richness of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Funds cannot be used to:

• Purchase alcohol for the events.

• To lobby at the events.

• To support any unallowable costs as described in 2 CFR 200.

Award Range: $10,000-$20,000

PLEASE NOTE: Other than structural improvements, construction projects or purchase of buildings are not supported by this NOFO. Also, projects that will result in ground disturbance must include appriopriate cost estimates in the budget for all necessary permitting and NEPA/Section 106 compliance assessments.

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

Legislative Authority Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-312, title V, Sec.502(a), Oct. 30, 1998)

TITLE V–CHESAPEAKE BAY INITIATIVE

SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE: This title may be cited as the ''Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998''.

SEC. 502. CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS AND WATERTRAILS.

(a) CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS AND WATERTRAILS NETWORK.–

(1) IN GENERAL.–The Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this section as the ''Secretary''), in cooperation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this section as the ''Administrator''), shall provide technical and financial assistance, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector–

(A) to identify, conserve, restore, and interpret natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed;

(B) to identify and utilize the collective resources as Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay;

(C) to link the Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites with trails, tour roads, scenic byways, and other connections as determined by the Secretary;

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-105publ312/html/PLAW-105publ312.htm

(D) to develop and establish Chesapeake Bay Watertrails comprising water routes and connections to Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites and other land resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; and

(E) to create a network of Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites and Chesapeake Bay Watertrails.

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

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

Pre-Application Requirements

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

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

https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order. By submitting an application in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all current and applicable executive and secretary orders, including but not limited to the President's EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the EO and SO on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed activities are consistent with the intent and requirements of these directives.

Chesapeake Gateways Network Requirement

Submitted projects are meant to reflect community needs and support through a collaboration among different partners. At a minimum, the applicant must be a non-federal Chesapeake Gateways Network member (Place, Experience, Community, or Programmatic Partner), or from an organization that is pursuing self-nomination to be a Chesapeake Gateways Place or Experience. Collaborations with other partners, especially other Chesapeake Gateways Places or Experiences, indicate broader community support.

Please note: Applicants with a pending Chesapeake Gateways Network member self-nomination that is rejected as a Chesapeake Gateway Place would be ineligible to move forward to merit review.

To get a list of current or pending Chesapeake Gateways Network members by state, see:

https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/ven-pending.htm.

To become a Chesapeake Gateways Network member, prospective partners or applicants need to submit self-nomination through the Chesapeake Gateways portal: Join the Chesapeake Gateways Network - Chesapeake Bay Watershed (U.S. National Park Service). Once the self-nomination is received and approved, the status will be added to the current or pending list mentioned above. Self-nominations do not need to be approved by the application deadline, but any applicants or partners that have their self-nominations rejected after the deadline would be ineligible to move forward to merit review.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cshannon_l_king%40nps.gov%7C48a7b54ed8f04d27335108dd67e9b62e%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C638780975656899405%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rn4C6P1%2FXJvu7%2B0f5Aiws%2FwxCC8Ai2Z6VEzE1Sr9Bdc%3D&reserved=0 https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/ven-pending.htm

Application Support

Chesapeake Gateway Grants Webpage

Please go to the Chesapeake Gateways Grants webpage to access application information, frequently asked questions (FAQ), training schedule, and other resources:

https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/grants.htm.

Grant Webinars

The NPS Chesapeake Gateways Office will be holding trainings on the grant opportunity to assist in understanding the components of the application and submission process. Current available training dates are listed on the Grants webpage at https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/grants.htm. Future trainings may be added.

To be alerted to future webinars, send an email with your contact information to Chesapeake_Grants@nps.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

NPS Chesapeake Gateways has compiled a list of frequently asked questions. They can be found on the Grants webpage: https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/grants.htm.

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

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

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

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

Required from all applicants

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

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

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

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

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

https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/grants.htm https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/grants.htm mailto:Chesapeake_Grants@nps.gov https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/grants.htm https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement

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 The proposal is a narrative description that should specifically address each of the review criteria. (See Merit Review Criteria) The proposal text must be no longer than 8 pages, no smaller than font size 11, and have 1-inch margins. The 8-page limit includes all text, figures, references. (Project team resumes, Forms SF-424, SF-424A, and the statement of indirect charges (NICRA) are not counted as part of the page limit.) Additionally, only information that is pertinent to the proposal should be included. Hyperlinks to external information will not be considered.

Narrative Components

• Project Overview

1. Purpose, Goal(s), Objective(s), and Grant Category.

2. Deliverable(s) - specific product(s) or project outcome(s)

3. Project Location within the watershed (Please note: projects outside the watershed will not be considered.)

4. Identify the Chesapeake Gateways Place that will serve as a project partner.

5. Key Tasks and Milestones https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance

• Strategic Intent

1. Connection to Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act - All projects must provide a public purpose as framed by the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act. How well do projects identify, conserve, restore, and or interpret natural, recreational, historical, and or cultural resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed;

identify and utilize the collective resources as Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay;

link the Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites with trails, tour roads, scenic byways, and other connections; and/or develop and establish Chesapeake Bay Watertrails comprising water routes and connections to Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites and other land resources within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

2. Connection to Chesapeake Economic Impact–How well does the application link the project deliverables to economic impact? What is the project's economic development goals and objectives and how will the applicant attain those goals and objectives? Is the visitor experience that will be provided by the project clear? Do proposals facilitate an integrated approach to interpreting the themes (see Appendix B) and stories of the Chesapeake Bay watershed? Does the project help visitors explore, enjoy and better connect with these places and their diverse themes in the context of the Bay and its watershed?

3. Investments in Community Collaborations–How well does the proposed project collaborate with partners, especially other Chesapeake Gateways Places and Experiences, across the community to address tourism and economic impact? Is this the first time the community has done such a project or partnered with the noted partners? Is the commitment and support of the partner(s) mentioned in the project narrative (letters of support are not required)?

• Organization/Applicant Overview

1. Organization mission alignment–How does the project fit into the proposing organization's mission and does the organization have the capacity to fulfill the project?

2. Project Team's skills and experience, including staff, volunteers, partners and consultants–Name, title, and responsibilities. Optional resumes may be submitted. Resumes do not count toward the 8-page limit.

• Proposed Partners. Submitted projects are meant to reflect community needs and support through a collaboration of different partners, especially Chesapeake Gateways Places or Experiences.

• Partner Letters of Support. (Not Required.) Letters of support from proposed partners are not required. However, your project narrative should confirm that you have received concurrence from your proposed partner(s) that they are aware of their role and are supportive of the application.

• Optional Resumes (Do not count towards 8-page limit.) Proposals may include resumes of key project contacts (no more than 3 pages per resume). Resumes must be submitted with the Grants.gov application to be considered.

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).

Construction Costs: Other than structural improvements, construction projects are not supported through this NOFO.

Permitting and/or Compliance Costs: Projects that will result in ground distiburance shall include appriopriate cost estimates in the budget for all necessary permitting and NEPA/Section 106 compliance assessments, unless covered through other fund sources.

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

The project budget shall include a table and narrative with detailed information on all cost categories and must clearly identify all project costs. Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work provided by contractors or sub-recipients. Applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the project budget. See Appendix C for sample budget template and Appendix D for sample cost categories.

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:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402#1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113

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

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

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

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

Other Required Information Uniform Audit Reporting Statement: U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non- profit organizations expending $1,000,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant's fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse's Internet Data Entry System, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 subpart F. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

Recipients who pass Federal funds to subrecipients and contractors must ensure that the entities understand and comply with the applicable award statutes, regulations, and agency requirements.

Applicants should describe in their application their administrative controls and plans for subrecipient and contractor oversight, compliance, and evaluation.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Applicants are held responsible for their proposals being submitted to the National Park Service through Grants.gov. Applications must be received by Friday, April 3, 2026, 11:59PM Eastern.

Applicants are encouraged to submit the application well before the deadline.

Please Note: Per 2 CFR 1402.204 (f) Bureaus and offices must consider the timeliness of the application submission. Applications that are submitted beyond the announced deadline date must be removed from the review process.

Application preparation time may take several weeks, so please start the application process as soon as possible. If it is determined that a proposal was not considered due to lateness, the applicant will be notified during the selection process.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 11/04/2026

Closing Date Explanation https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Applications must be submitted to the National Park Service through Grants.gov by the deadline.

Applications cannot be submitted via email or US Mail.

In the event the applicant experiences technical difficulties with submitting their application, please contact: Monica Marcus, FinancialAssistance_Chesapeake@nps.gov.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

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

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants mailto:FinancialAssistance_Chesapeake@nps.gov 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 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.

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

25.205 for more information.

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

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

Merit Review NPS will evaluate and consider only those applications that separately address each of the merit review criteria in the Project Narrative application requirement. Each applicant is required to provide a detailed project narrative of the following criteria elements. It is highly recommended that the project narrative has sections labeled by criterion.

Criterion 1 Connection to Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act

(5 Strong Connection – 0 No Connection) Weight 22%

Chesapeake Gateways financial support is made under authority by the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998. The language of the Act specifically states that projects must: identify, conserve, restore, and or interpret natural, recreational, historical, and or cultural resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; identify and utilize the collective resources as Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay; link the Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites with trails, tour roads, scenic byways, and other connections as determined by the Secretary; and/or develop and establish Chesapeake Bay Watertrails comprising water routes and connections to Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites and other land resources within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

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

Reviewers will evaluate how successfully projects connect to the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act and one or more of the interpretive themes (see Appendix B). How well do projects identify, conserve, restore, and interpret natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed? And/or how well do projects identify and utilize the collective resources as Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay? And/or how well do projects link the Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites with trails, tour roads, scenic byways, and other connections? And/or how well do projects develop and establish Chesapeake Bay Watertrails comprising water routes and connections to Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites and other land resources within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Criterion 2 Connection to Economic Impact

(5 Strong Connection – 0 No Connection)

Weight 34%

Chesapeake Gateways supports strategies for linking natural, historical, recreational, and cultural-based activities and experiences in the watershed with economic initiatives for local economic development, especially tied with sectors closely linked with Chesapeake heritage, such as heritage tourism, agriculture, and maritime activities.

Reviewers will evaluate how successfully projects connect local activities and experiences to economic development. Did the application link the project deliverables to economic impact?

What is the project's economic development goals and objectives and how will the applicant attain those goals and objectives? Is the visitor experience that will be provided by the project clear? Do proposals facilitate an integrated approach to interpreting the themes and stories of the Chesapeake Bay watershed? Does the project help visitors explore, enjoy and better connect with these places and their diverse themes in the context of the Bay and its watershed?

Criterion 3 Investments in Community Collaborations

(5 More Collaborative to 0 Not Collaborative)

Weight 22%

Submitted projects are meant to reflect community needs and support through a collaboration of different partners, especially Chesapeake Gateways Places or Experiences. Community collaborations will be essential to reflect community needs, including in the project planning and implementation.

Community collaborations take many forms. Reviewers will evaluate how well the proposed project collaborates with partners, especially Chesapeake Gateways Places and Experiences, across the community to address tourism and economic impact. Is this the first time the community has collaborated on such a project or partnered with the noted partners? Is the commitment and support of the partner(s) mentioned in the project narrative (letters of support are not required)?

Criterion 4 Clarity of Project's Operational Plan and Team Capacity

(5 Strong Plan to 0 No Plan)

Weight 22%

Chesapeake Gateways projects need to have well defined objectives, activities, costs, deliverables, and expected outcomes. A well-crafted budget and project narrative of your scope of work must clearly convey to reviewers your intent and your plan for accomplishing your objectives. Success of each project also depends on the capacity of each proposing organization and the team of volunteers, staff, partners and/or consultants assembled to plan and implement the project. Uncertainty about your fiscal and operational approach will undermine your proposal.

Reviewers will evaluate how effectively the budget and project narrative convey the intent of the project. Reviewers will also consider lower administrative/indirect costs as a competitive factor under this criterion. They will also evaluate whether each proposing organization has envisioned and assembled a team with the necessary skills to accomplish the project. Does the project team have the relevant subject matter expertise and experience? How well does the applicant demonstrate the ability to meet administrative and technical grant requirements?

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.

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

a. Initial Review

Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination); and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable executive and secretary orders, including the President's EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the EO and SO on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered non-responsive and eliminated from further review.

b. Comprehensive Merit Review

All applications that satisfactorily pass the initial review will be eligible for the Comprehensive Merit Review. Each criteria element will be scored on a 0-5 point scale:

5 Superior (100 % of weighted average) 4 Good (80 % of weighted average) 3 Satisfactory (60 % of weighted average) 2 Marginal (40 % of weighted average) 1 Poor (20 % of weighted average) 0 Not Acceptable (No score)

The following numerical rating values may be assigned: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0.

The scoring of each criterion must be based on the strengths and weaknesses of the application narrative. To assist in assigning an appropriate score, the following will be used as a guideline:

Rating Descriptive Statement 5 Superior: Applicant fully addresses all aspects of the criterion, convincingly demonstrates that it will meet the Government's performance requirements and demonstrates no weaknesses.

4 Good: Applicant fully addresses all aspects of the criterion, convincingly demonstrates a likelihood of meeting the Government's requirements, and demonstrates only a few minor weaknesses.

3 Satisfactory: Applicant addresses all aspects of the criterion and demonstrates the ability to meet the Government's performance requirements. The Application contains weaknesses and/or a number of minor weaknesses.

2 Marginal: Applicant addresses all aspects of the criterion and demonstrates the ability to meet the Government's performance requirements. The Application contains significant weaknesses and/or a significant number of minor weaknesses.

1 Poor: Applicant addresses some aspects of the criterion and demonstrates some doubt in the likelihood of successfully meeting the Government's requirements. Significant weaknesses are demonstrated and clearly outweigh any strength presented.

0 Not Acceptable: Applicant does not address all aspects of the criterion and the information presented indicates a strong likelihood of failure to meet the Government's requirements.

c. Selection

Merit review recommendations will be forwarded to NPS Chesapeake Gateways Superintendent for review and consideration. The NPS Chesapeake Gateways Superintendent may also consider geographic distribution within the Chesapeake watershed, types of awardees, and thematic distribution of the applications in determining the final recommendations for funding. The final recommendations will be forwarded to the Selection

Official for final selection. The Selection Official may consider the merit review recommendation, additional Superintendent feedback, and the amount of funds available to select applications for funding.

d. Discussions and Award

The Government may enter into discussions with a selected applicant for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to: (1) only a portion of the…