(REVISED) NOAA-NMFS-PIRO-2015-2004257 FFO Report.pdf

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Federal Agency Name(s): National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce

Funding Opportunity Title: 2015 Pacific Islands Region Marine Turtle Management and

Conservation Program

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: NOAA-NMFS-PIRO-2015-2004257

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.454, Unallied Management

Projects

Dates: Proposals must be received by the Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) by 5:00 p.m.

Hawaii Standard Time, February 18, 2015. Proposals received after the established deadline will be rejected and returned to the sender without consideration.

For proposals submitted through Grants.gov, a date and time receipt indication will be the basis of determining timeliness. Proposals must be validated by Grants.gov in order to be considered timely. Validation or rejection of your application by Grants.gov may take up to 2 business days after submission. Please consider this process in developing your submission timeline.

For those without access to the internet, one signed original and two hard copy applications must be received by the established due date for the program at the following address: NOAA Federal

Program Officer for the 2015 Pacific Islands Region Marine Turtle Management and

Conservation Program, Pacific Islands Regional Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1845

Wasp Blvd., Building 176, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818. Use of U.S. mail or another delivery service must be documented with a receipt. (Note that late-arriving hard copy proposals provided to a delivery service on or before 5:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time on the closing date for applications will be accepted for review if the applicant can document that the proposal was provided to the guaranteed delivery service by the specified closing date and time and if the proposal is received by the Pacific Island Regional Office no later than 5:00 p.m. Hawaii

Standard Time, five (5) business days following the closing date.)

No facsimile and electronic mail proposals will be accepted. May 1, 2015 should be used as the anticipated start date on proposals, unless otherwise directed by the NOAA Program Officer.

Funding Opportunity Description: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA/NMFS) is soliciting competitive applications for the FY2015 Pacific Islands Region Marine Turtle

Management and Conservation Program (MTMCP) to fund conservation, protection, or management actions supporting recovery of Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed sea turtle species occurring within the Pacific Islands Region (PIR) or of aggregations that may be shared between the PIR and other Pacific nations. NOAA/NMFS will consider internationally-based projects targeting sea turtle populations that originate from the Western and Central Pacific

Ocean (i.e., from areas outside U.S. jurisdiction) but migrate through or forage within the PIR, are impacted by PIR activities managed by NOAA/NMFS, or are otherwise relevant to

NOAA/NMFS management and recovery obligations.

The PIR is comprised of the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) adjacent to the State of Hawaii, U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana

Islands (CNMI), and the U.S. Pacific Remote Island Areas (PRIAs) of Jarvis, Johnston, Wake, Howland and Baker Islands, Kingman Reef, and Palmyra and Midway Atolls. Sea turtle species with documented linkages to the PIR include: leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill

(Eretmochelys imbricata), North and South Pacific loggerhead (Caretta caretta) Distinct

Population Segments (DPS), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and green turtle (Chelonia mydas).

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Program Objective

NOAA/NMFS is soliciting competitive proposals for grants and cooperative agreements that will support NMFS' mission for stewardship of living marine resources through activities for the conservation, protection, and recovery of ESA-listed sea turtle species of the Pacific Island Region (PIR). Projects with species of international origin may also be considered. As noted within the U.S. Sea Turtle Recovery Plans, some recovery tasks do not necessarily apply to areas within jurisdiction of the U.S., but must be addressed to recover the species. Tasks in international locations are intended to benefit aggregations of sea turtles that have documented linkages to the PIR, are impacted by PIR activities managed by

NOAA/NMFS, or projects that are relevant and applicable to NOAA/NMFS management and ESA recovery obligations. Total funding available under this notice is anticipated to be approximately $350,000. Actual funding for this program is contingent upon FY2015

Congressional appropriations. Applicants will be selected by NOAA/NMFS on a competitive basis.

B. Program Priorities

NOAA Pacific Islands Region Marine Turtle Management and Conservation Program

(MTMCP) seeks projects that enhance, inform, build capacity for conservation, protection, or implement management actions in support of ESA-listed sea turtle species. Projects must have clear scientific-based methods that address priority conservation, management, and recovery tasks as defined by one or more of the U.S. Sea Turtle Recovery Plans . Projects that use novel research techniques or management tools are encouraged (e.g., aerial surveys, bamboo grids, temperature loggers, lightsticks, etc.). Project generated data will be provided to NOAA/NMFS for archiving and for use in conservation initiatives, agency assessments, and ESA Biological Opinions for the conservation of sea turtles. Projects must strive to provide a high conservation value for low expenditure of resources. MTMCP priorities in order of importance (i.e., #1 is higher priority than #5) for project consideration include:

1. Community-based educational outreach or training projects not required to have an

ESA (NMFS or USFWS) permit but designed to elevate public awareness and build local capacity for sea turtle conservation and stewardship to reduce the "take" (as defined by the

ESA to include harassment, pursuit, or harvest) or other threats of sea turtles of the PIR;

2. Projects that work to develop or implement measures to reduce sea turtle bycatch and post-interaction mortality in recreational, artisanal or commercial fisheries;

3. Projects that monitor, identify threats, and implement actions to address threats to promote the conservation of western Pacific leatherback or North Pacific loggerhead (DPS) turtles;

4. Projects that advance the conservation and protection of sea turtles through marine habitat restoration, or oceanography and foraging ecology research to better understand hotspots of turtle/fishery interactions or other threats including climate change; and

5. Internationally-based projects that advance the conservation and protection of south Pacific or western/central Pacific green turtle populations with linkages to the PIR.

All proposals should be able to clearly identify how proposed activities relate to recovery criteria listed in U.S. Sea Turtle Recovery Plans. Internationally-based projects must demonstrate relevance or connectivity to the PIR. Such relevance can be established through satellite telemetry or genetics, or by showing that work is applicable to PIR

NOAA/NMFS sea turtle fishery management and recovery obligations. Projects that propose to implement Reasonable and Prudent Measures or Conservation Recommendations provided by NMFS in a current Biological Opinion are encouraged. Projects with objectives to “reduce” or “eliminate” certain impacts or threats should incorporate metrics of performance to evaluate project success. Single year projects that can attain measured and significant results in one fiscal year are highly encouraged. However, for planning purposes, multi-year proposals that show programmatic development over time that can maximize conservation benefits are especially desired (funding in subsequent years dependent on

Federal appropriations and funding availability). Matching funds, including in-kind support, are encouraged but not required. The total budget request for any one year may not exceed

$100,000 (with an anticipated annual range of 30,000 to 60,000 ideal).

C. Program Authority

16 U.S.C. §661; 16 U.S.C. §742f

II. Award Information

A. Funding Availability

Total funding available under this notice is anticipated to be approximately $350,000.

Actual funding availability for this program is contingent upon FY 2015 Federal appropriations. Award amounts will be determined by the proposals and available funds.

There is no limit on the number of applications that can be submitted by the same applicant;

however, multiple applications submitted by the same applicant must clearly identify different projects. If an application for a financial assistance award is selected for funding, NOAA/NMFS has no obligation to provide any additional funding in connection with that award in subsequent years. Pre-award costs are not allowed under the award unless approved by the NOAA Grants Officer. The budget total for any one year may not exceed

$100,000 (with an anticipated annual range of 30,000 to 60,000 ideal).

B. Project/Award Period

The project budget period is recommended to be 3 to 18 months in duration. May 1, 2015 is the earliest possible proposed start date, unless otherwise directed by the Program

Officer. Where requested in the applicant's proposal and deemed reasonable by NOAA, a project may be approved for an extension to the award period. If an application is selected for initial funding, NOAA/NMFS has no obligation to provide additional funding in connection with that award in subsequent years.

C. Type of Funding Instrument

Under this solicitation, NOAA/NMFS will fund the projects under the 2015 Pacific

Islands Region Marine Turtle Management and Conservation Program as grants and/or cooperative agreements. The NOAA/NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) may be substantially involved in the issuance of cooperative agreements. This may include but is not limited to partnering in collaborative efforts, re-directing activities to meet regional interests, and/or assisting in the development of educational materials. Cooperative agreement recipients are required to maintain communications with NMFS PIRO to discuss proposed activities to ensure activities are coordinated and consistent with recovery obligations.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are individuals, institutions of higher education, nonprofits, commercial organizations, foreign institutions, foreign organizations, state, local and Indian tribal governments. Federal agencies, Federal instrumentalities, or employees of Federal agencies, are not eligible to apply.

The Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

(DOC/NOAA) is strongly committed to broadening the participation of historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and institutions that work in underserved areas. The 2015 Pacific Islands Region Marine Turtle

Management and Conservation Program encourages proposals involving any of the above institutions.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

No cost sharing or matching is required under this program.

C. Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility

If relevant, any necessary research permits, authorizations or letters of endorsement to handle sea turtles or undertake all proposed activities are required. This documentation should either be submitted with the proposal or referenced as available upon request. Any projects that include turtle capture and handling will be required to collect genetic samples for regional connectivity studies currently supported by NOAA Fisheries Service;

internationally-based applicants must therefore demonstrate possession of active CITES export permits or the capacity to acquire them. Scientific information and data collected as a result of a NOAA/NMFS funded projects shall be provided to NOAA/NMFS for data archiving and for use in development of conservation initiatives, agency assessments, and

ESA Biological Opinions for the conservation of sea turtles.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address to Request Application Package

Applications are available through the Grants.gov website at http://www.grants.gov. For organizations without internet access, application materials and instructions may be obtained from Mr. Scott W.S. Bloom, NOAA Federal Program Officer, Pacific Islands Regional

Office, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818.

B. Content and Form of Application

NOAA employees (whether full-time, part-time, or intermittent) are not permitted to assist in the preparation of an application, except that staff may provide information on program goals, funding priorities, application procedures, and completion of application forms. Since this is a competitive program, NOAA employees will not provide assistance in conceptualizing, developing, or structuring proposals, or write letters of support for a proposal.

Eligible non-profit organizations that have not previously received NOAA funding support must submit proof of their non-profit status with the application in the form of one of the following:

1. A reference to the applicant in the Internal Revenue Service's most recent list of tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c) of the IRS Code;

2. A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate on which the applicant is named;

3. A statement from a state taxing authority or state's attorney general certifying that the applicant has non-profit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholder;

4. A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes nonprofit status; or

5. Any of the above proof regarding a parent organization, if one exists, and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.

Applications must adhere to all provisions set forth below. Failure to do so will result in the application being returned without review.

Proposals must include a project narrative giving detail on the proposed work to be performed by the recipient, how it plans to accomplish such tasks, and its related benefits and monetary costs. Project Narrative (excluding of Title Page) should not exceed 10 pages of double-spaced, white 8-1/2" x 11" paper exclusive of the required Application for Federal

Assistance forms and documentation described below. A minimum 12-point font size is required. Tables and visual materials, including charts, graphs, maps, photographs, and other pictorial presentations are included in this 10-page limitation. Projects should include a summary of data/information that exists for their project (e.g., nesting beach projects should include a table or descriptions of nesting beach trends to date). This will help inform the review process and is especially relevant for projects that have been previously funded by NOAA. Appendices may be included but should not exceed a total of 10 pages in length, with total application package (excluding forms) not exceeding a total of 25 pages in length.

Appendices can include: Abbreviated (one page) CVs or resumes of primary investigators;

tables, graphics or visual materials; any letters of endorsement; an indirect cost rate agreement (if necessary); permit or national authorization information; or any other supporting information. Applicants are encouraged to review the “Evaluation Criteria” of this RFP to ensure they are familiar with how applications will be scored and judged. All information needed for a comprehensive review of the proposal should be found in the project narrative, budget narrative, and required federal financial assistance application forms described below. The inclusion of forms contained at the Grants.gov website or provided by NOAA in response to a request for hard copy must be used.

The following forms are required as part of each application: Application for Federal

Assistance (SF-424); Budget Information, Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A);

Assurances, Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B); Certification Regarding Lobbying (CD-

511); and, if applicable, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL). These forms are available for download from the NOAA Grants Online application package.

Proposals must include the following information:

1. Title Page (one page)

This page should provide project title, project duration, applicant name(s), name(s) of the Principal Investigator (or Project Manager) and any Co-Investigators (or Co-Managers), complete contact information (address, telephone, fax, email, and phone number) of the applicant(s), and a statement regarding the Federal and non-Federal total costs of the project.

2. Project Summary (Abstract): Provide a brief summary of project goals and objectives, proposed activities, geographic area where project activities would occur, and expected outcomes and benefits of proposed activities. This summary may be posted on our website if the project is funded.

3. Project Narrative (not to exceed 10 pages, double spaced, 12 font):

Each project narrative must be completely and accurately described, and make explicit the connections between research questions and objectives, objectives and methods, methods and results, and results and dissemination plan. The main body of the proposal should be a clear statement of work to be undertaken including: information that demonstrates the need for the project; specific goals and objectives; descriptions of methodologies and time-lines for all phases of work; performance measures for the period of proposed work and expected results or outcomes; and, if applicable, relationship of the project to additional work that is ongoing, planned, anticipated, or underway through Federal Assistance or funded by other means. Multi-year applications must include all the same information for each year of the proposed activity (e.g., project and budget narrative for each year), and should include project development over time (i.e., not a simple copy/paste for each subsequent year). The project narrative for multi-year proposals is 10 pages (or less) for each year (i.e., do not combine all years into one, 10 page narrative). Each project narrative should include the following information:

(a) Project Background: Provide any relevant background information regarding species, habitat, geographic area, community, or situation(s) being addressed by the proposed project. This section should describe the problem being addressed, why action is necessary to address it and a summary of expected outcomes and anticipated benefits as a result of the project. This section should describe how project objectives relate to priority tasks outlined in the U.S. Sea Turtle Recovery Plans. International projects must also clearly articulate the linkage of turtle stocks to the PIR or relevance to NOAA/NMFS management and recovery obligations, such as (for example) activities that implement Reasonable and

Prudent Measures or Conservation Recommendations provided by NMFS in a Biological

Opinion, or enhance NOAA/NMFS capacity to manage U.S. fisheries or reduce bycatch.

Projects should include a summary of data that exists for their project to help put project scope in context (this is especially important for previously NOAA-funded projects).

(b) Project goals and objectives: Identify the project goals designed to address the problem described in the previous section. Objectives intended to achieve each project goal should be articulated in simple, understandable terms and should be as specific and quantitative as possible. Objectives should be attainable within timeframe, budgetary and human resource considerations. Projects should describe how anticipated results and expected outcomes will contribute to progress NOAA/NMFS mission for the stewardship of living marine resources through science-based conservation and management and the promotion of healthy ecosystems.

(c) Project methods: Describe the scientific-based technical plan of activities to achieve expected results and benefits. It should include detailed descriptions of specific scientific methods that will be employed. Project milestones and timelines (e.g. the number of months) to meet objectives should be established. Projects with objectives to “reduce” or

“eliminate” certain impacts should incorporate metrics of performance to evaluate project success. Describe any educational outreach and how the project will disseminate information and results to the public or stakeholders. This includes the degree to which the potential users of the results (i.e., industry, resource managers, or community) have been involved in the activity.

(d) Benefits or results expected: Define how the anticipated results and expected outcomes upon project completion (at the end of the single year, or multi-year depending on the length of the project's timeline) will benefit the species or be applicable and relevant to

NOAA/NMFS fishery management and/or recovery obligations. Describe how the achievement of these outcomes will be evaluated for success and how outcomes or products will be applied to future action or made available to appropriate user groups.

(e) Need for Government financial assistance: Demonstrate the need for government financial assistance. List all other sources of funding that are or have been sought for the project.

(f) Federal, State and local government activities: List any plans or activities (Federal, State, or local government activities) this project would affect and describe the relationship between the proposed project and those plans or activities.

(g) Project management: Describe how the project will be organized and managed and who will be responsible for carrying out project activities. The lead organization/individual and person listed as the technical contact should be identified as the Project Manager (PM) or Principal Investigator (PI). Use of sub-contractors or volunteer staff time to complete project activities and oversight of those individuals should be discussed. The PM/PI is responsible for all technical oversight and implementation of the approved work plan as delineated in the proposal. One PM or PI must be designated on each project, but the PM/PI may or may not be the applicant. However, if the applicant is not the PM/PI, there must be an explanation of the relationship between the applicant and PM/PI (e.g., applicant will be responsible for managing the grant funds and the PM will be responsible for completing the project milestones on time and within budget). Project participants or organizations that will have a significant role in conducting the project should be listed as Co-investigators or Co-

Managers. Organizations or individuals that support the project, for example, researchers contributing data or materials, should be referred to as Cooperators. An abbreviated (one page) copy of the PM's or PI's and all Co-investigator's/Co-Manager's current resumes or curricula vitae must be included as appendices.

4. Budget Narrative (not to exceed 2 pages in length, double spaced, 12 font)

Each application must include a Budget Narrative that includes a clear and concise breakdown of project costs and budget justification, both on required Federal forms and in the this section of the application. Multi-year applications must include budget information for each year of project activity. On a spreadsheet, list itemized costs per category and the corresponding Federal and non-Federal share and direct and indirect cost totals. Describe and justify the requested budget. For the non-Federal share, the itemized costs should be separated into cash and in-kind contributions. If in-kind contributions are included, describe briefly the basis for estimating the value of these contributions.

Applications must include OMB standard form 424A, "Budget Information - Non

Construction Programs." All instructions should be read before completing the form, and the amounts per category and total amounts indicated on the form should correspond with amounts indicated in the budget narrative and justification.

5. Appendices

Abbreviated 1 page curricula vitae or resumes of the PM/PI and any relevant Co-

Managers/ Co-Investigators should be included with the application. Applicants requiring scientific research permits must also include evidence of such a permit (e.g., by providing the permit number) or evidence they have submitted a permit application. Additional material that is necessary or useful to the description of the project may also be provided

(e.g. letters of endorsement, tables or visual materials). Letters of endorsement are strongly recommended. Any tables, graphics, or visuals needed to bolster the application but too large to fit within the 10 page constraint of the project narrative can also be included in the appendix.

C. Submission Dates and Times

Proposals must be received by the Pacific Islands Regional Office by 5:00 p.m. Hawaii

Standard Time, February 18, 2015. Proposals received after the established deadline will be rejected and returned to the sender without consideration. For proposals submitted through

Grants.gov, a date and time receipt indication will be the basis of determining timeliness.

The proposal must be validated by Grants.gov in order to be considered timely.

For those without access to the internet, one signed original and two hard copy applications must be received by the established due date for the program at the following address: NOAA Federal Program Officer for the Pacific Islands Regional Office, National

Marine Fisheries Service, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176 , Honolulu, Hawaii 96818. Use of

U.S. mail or another delivery service must be documented with a receipt. (Note that late-arriving hard copy proposals provided to a delivery service on or before 5:00 p.m. Hawaii

Standard Time on the closing date for applications will be accepted for review if the applicant can document that the proposal was provided to the guaranteed delivery service by the specified closing date and time and if the proposal is received by the Pacific Island

Regional Office no later than 5:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time, five (5) business days following the closing date.)

No facsimile and electronic mail proposals will be accepted. May 1, 2015 is the earliest anticipated start date on proposals, unless otherwise directed by the NOAA Program Officer.

D. Intergovernmental Review

This federal funding opportunity is subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. The names and addresses of these contacts are available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

E. Funding Restrictions

Applicants cannot be reimbursed for time expended or costs incurred in developing a project or preparing the application.

F. Other Submission Requirements

Permits, Pre-approvals, and Clearances: The applicant is required to obtain the necessary permits, approvals and/or clearances that authorize the actions and activities required to carry out the project as proposed. This shall include meeting the requirements of applicable

Federal law and all local regulations. To ensure that such permits, approvals, and clearances, where required, are obtained prior to the release of funds to the recipient, specific requirements in the form of Special Award Conditions may be attached to the NOAA award documents. When requested, the applicant must also be available to respond to questions during all phases of review and evaluation of applications.

NOAA Federal Program Officer for the Pacific Islands Regional Office, National

Marine Fisheries Service, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176 , Honolulu, Hawaii 96818.

V. Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

A technical advisory panel will evaluate proposals by assigning scores up to the maximum indicated for each of the criteria below.

1. Relevance and Applicability of Proposal to the Program’s Priorities as outlined in section 1.B. (40%). This criterion ascertains whether there is intrinsic value in the proposed work and is relevant to NOAA/NMFS fishery management or recovery obligations, and is coordinated with other Federal, regional, state, or local activities. Reviewers will consider whether proposals are applicable to support, inform, or build capacity for the conservation, protection, or management of ESA-listed sea turtle species, whether proposals address the

Program’s Priorities as outlined in section 1.B. Overall, reviewers will assess if the proposal will contribute to progress NOAA/NMFS mission for the stewardship of living marine resources through science-based conservation and management with greater emphasis for projects within the PIR and those designed to address the highest priority threats to a population. Projects that provide a high conservation value for low expenditure of resources will rank highest in consideration for selection.

2. Technical/Scientific Merit (30%). This criterion assesses whether the approach is technically sound and/or innovative, if the scientific methods are appropriate, whether there are clear project goals and objectives, and whether project costs are realistic and commensurate to achieve the project’s anticipated benefits or outcomes within the proposed performance period. Is the project design appropriate for addressing the research question and does the project design include a project evaluation that ensures that the goals and objectives of the project will be met? For multi-year proposals, is there a development plan outlined that describes progress over time to maximize conservation benefits? Reviewers will consider if proposals provide a clear definition of the project design, assess strengths and/or weaknesses, and the means by which the project will secure productive results.

Projects with objectives to “reduce” or “eliminate” certain impacts or threats should incorporate metrics of performance to evaluate project success. Projects with high potential for generating data critical to advance NOAA/NMFS mission and management obligations

(including helping to prepare NOAA in becoming "climate ready" to mitigate impacts), have high potential to result in peer review publication of deliverables, or can provide a high conservation or management value will rank higher.

3. Overall Qualifications of the Applicants (10%). This criterion ascertains whether the applicant possesses the necessary education, experience, facilities, and administrative resources to accomplish the project. Reviewers will consider previous related experience and qualifications of the project's PM or PI, Co-Manager(s) or Co-Investigator(s) and other personnel, including designated contractors, consultants, and cooperators. Reviewers will also consider past award performance of the applicant(s) and PM/PI, and their proven ability to produce high quality and timely work.

4. Project Costs (10%). This criterion evaluates the budget to determine if it is realistic and commensurate with the project needs and time-frame. Reviewers will consider if costs are reasonable with the required tasks to be performed, determine if the budget is sufficiently detailed and adequately justified, and cost effective for successfully completing the project. Projects that provide a high conservation value for low expenditure of resources will rank higher. Budgets that are exceptionally unreasonable will result in a zero score.

5. Outreach and Education (10%). This criterion assesses whether the project provides a focused and effective education and outreach strategy to effectively communicate outcomes to support conservation and management capacity while supporting NOAA's mission to protect the Nation's natural resources. Depending on the nature of the project, outreach and education may also include peer review publication of deliverables. However, programs with community participatory elements and focused public communication strategies will rank higher than projects lacking community engagement or strategic outreach elements.

B. Review and Selection Process

Screening, review, and selection procedures will take place in 3 steps: initial screening, technical and merit review, and final selection by the Selecting Official (i.e., the Assistant

Administrator for NMFS). An initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted to ensure that application packages have all required forms and application elements, clearly relate to the 2015 Pacific Islands Region Marine Turtle Management and

Conservation Program’s Priorities (section 1.B), and meet all of the eligibility criteria.

Proposals meeting the requirements of this solicitation will then undergo merit review.

Each proposal will be reviewed by reviewers who will independently evaluate and score it using the evaluation criteria provided in section V.A. (Evaluation Criteria) above, and with respect to the priorities mentioned above in section 1.B. Merit reviewers will be individuals with appropriate subject-matter expertise and may be from Federal or state agencies, academic institutions, or non-profit organizations. The merit reviewers' ratings will be used to produce a rank order of the proposals.

After applications have undergone merit review, the Selecting Official will make the final decision regarding which applications will be funded based upon the numerical rankings and evaluations of the applications

If the Selecting Official accepts a proposal and/or a grant application for a project not in accordance with the rank given or the recommendation of the reviewer panel, the Selecting

Official will consult with the Federal Program Officer and provide a detailed written explanation of the reasons for the action based on the selection factors below. The authority for approving a grant award for projects rests solely with the NOAA Grants Officer, who is delegated the authority to make the award of Federal assistance.

C. Selection Factors

The merit review ratings of the review panel shall provide a rank order to the Selecting

Official for final recommendation to the NOAA Grants Officer. The Selecting Official shall award in the rank order unless the proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based on one or more of the following factors:

1. Availability of funds.

2. Balance/distribution of funds:

(a) geographically,

(b) by type of institutions,

(c) by type of partners,

(d) by research areas, and

(e) by project types.

3. Whether this project duplicates other projects funded or considered for funding by

NOAA or other federal agencies.

4. Program priorities and policy factors.

5. Applicant's prior award performance.

6. Partnerships and/or participation of targeted groups.

7. Adequacy of information necessary for NOAA staff to make a NEPA determination and draft necessary documentation before recommendations for funding are made to the

Grants Officer.

D. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Subject to the availability of funds, review of proposals should occur during March

2015. May 1, 2015 is the early possible proposed start date on proposals, unless otherwise directed by the Program Officer.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

Successful applicants may receive notification that the application has been recommended for funding to the NOAA Grants Management Division. This notification is not an authorization to begin performance of the project. Official notification of funding, signed by a NOAA Grants Officer, is the authorizing document that allows the project to begin. Notifications will be issued to the Authorizing Official and the Project

Manager/Principal Investigator of the project either electronically or in hard copy.

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified that their proposal was not selected for recommendation.

To enable the use of a universal identifier and to enhance the quality of information available to the public as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency

Act of 2006, to the extent applicable, any proposal awarded in response to this announcement will be required to use the Central Contractor Registration, now located within the System for Award Management (SAM) portal at www.sam.gov, and Dun and

Bradstreet Universal Numbering System and be subject to reporting requirements, as identified in OMB guidance published at 2 CFR Parts 25 and 170 (2012), (see http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2012-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2012-title2-vol1-subtitleA.pdf.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements.

Administrative and national policy requirements for all Department of Commerce awards are contained in the Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2012 (77 FR 74634). You may obtain a copy of this notice by contacting the agency contact, or by going to the website at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html. Applicants whose proposed projects may have an environmental impact should furnish information requested to assist proposal reviewers in assessing the potential environmental consequences of supporting the project.

2. Limitation of Liability.

Funding for programs listed in this notice is contingent upon the availability of FY 2015

Federal appropriations. Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have not yet been appropriated for the programs listed in this notice. In no event will NOAA or the

Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if these programs fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not obligate NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds.

3. Universal Identifier.

Applicants should be aware that, they are required to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data

Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number during the application process. See the

October 30, 2002 Federal Register, Vol. 67, No. 210, pp. 66177-66178 for additional information. Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or via the internet

(http://www.dunandbradstreet.com).

4. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

If recommended for funding, applicants whose proposed projects may have an environmental impact will be asked to furnish sufficient information to assist NOAA in assessing the potential environmental consequences of supporting the project.

NOAA must analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required by the National

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for each project which seeks NOAA funding. Detailed information on NEPA can be found at the following NOAA NEPA web site:

www.nepa.noaa.gov, including our NOAA Administrative order 216-6 for NEPA, www.nepa.noaa.gov/NAO216_6.pdf, and the Council on Environmental Quality implementation regulations, http://ceq.hhs.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm.

If needed by NOAA for NEPA assessment, applicants will be asked to provide detailed information on the activities to be conducted, locations, sites, species, and habitat to be affected, possible construction activities, and any environmental concerns that may exist

(e.g., the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals, introduction of non-indigenous species, impacts to endangered and threatened species, aquaculture projects, and impacts to coral reef systems). In addition to providing specific information that will serve as the basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be requested to assist NOAA in drafting an environmental assessment if NOAA determines an assessment is required.

Applicants will also be required to cooperate with NOAA in identifying feasible measures to reduce or avoid any identified adverse environmental impacts of their proposal. The failure to do so shall be grounds for not selecting an application. In some cases if additional information is required after an application is selected, funds can be withheld by the Grants

Officer under a special award condition requiring the recipient to submit additional environmental compliance information sufficient to enable NOAA to make an assessment on any impacts that a project may have on the environment.

In accordance with current Federal appropriations law, NOAA will provide a successful corporate applicant a form to be completed by its authorized representatives certifying that the corporation has no Federally-assessed unpaid or delinquent tax liability or recent felony criminal convictions under any Federal law.

C. Reporting

Grant recipients will be required to submit financial and performance (technical) reports.

All financial reports shall be submitted to NOAA's Grants Management Division in accordance with the award conditions via NOAA's Grants Online. Performance reports should be submitted to the NOAA Program Officer (Mr. Scott W.S. Bloom, Pacific Islands

Regional Office). Electronic submission of performance reports via NOAA's Grants Online web based software is the preferred method and strongly encouraged, however in special circumstances the Program Officer will accept hard copies. All reports will be submitted in accordance to the NOAA Special Award Conditions. The comprehensive final report is due

90 days after the award expiration.

The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 includes a requirement for awardees of applicable Federal grants to report information about first-tier subawards and executive compensation under Federal assistance awards issued in FY 2011 or later. All awardees of applicable grants and cooperative agreements are required to report to the Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) available at www.FSRS.gov on all subawards over $25,000.

VII. Agency Contacts

If you have any questions regarding this proposal solicitation, please contact Mr. Scott

W.S. Bloom at the NOAA/NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, by phone at 808-725-5055, or by email at

Scott.Bloom@noaa.gov.

VIII. Other Information

Freedom of Information Act

U.S. Department of Commerce regulations implementing the Freedom of Information

Act (FOIA) are found at 15 C.F.R. Part 4, "Public Information." These regulations set forth rules for the Department regarding making requested materials, information, and records publicly available under the FOIA. Applications submitted in response to this Federal

Funding Opportunity may be subject to requests for release under the Act. In the event that an application contains information or data that the applicant deems to be confidential commercial information which is exempt from disclosure under FOIA, that information should be identified, bracketed, and marked as "Privileged, Confidential, Commercial or

Financial Information." Based on these markings, the confidentiality of the contents of those pages will be protected to the extent permitted by law.

Data Sharing Plan - Environmental data and information, collected and/or created under

NOAA grants/cooperative agreements must be made visible, accessible, and independently understandable to general users, free of charge or at minimal cost, in a timely manner

(typically no later than two (2) years after the data are collected or created), except where limited by law, regulation, policy or by security requirements. 1. Unless otherwise noted in this federal funding announcement, a Data/Information Sharing Plan of no more than two pages shall be required as an appendix. A typical plan may include the types of environmental data and information to be created during the course of the project; the tentative date by which data will be shared; the standards to be used for data/metadata format and content; policies addressing data stewardship and preservation; procedures for providing access, data, and security; and prior experience in publishing such data. The

Data/Information Sharing Plan will be reviewed as part of the NOAA Standard Evaluation

Criteria, Item 1 -- Importance and/or Relevance and Applicability of Proposed Project to the

Mission Goals. 2. The Data/Information Sharing Plan (and any subsequent revisions or updates) will be made publicly available at time of award and, thereafter, will be posted with the published data. 3. Failing to share environmental data and information in accordance with the submitted Data/Information Sharing Plan may lead to disallowed costs and be considered by NOAA when making future award decisions. Additionally, PIs must indicate how and when they have made their data accessible and usable by the community in the past.

Information on NOAA's Data Management Policy is available under:

http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/ames/administrative_orders/chapter_212/212-

15.pdf