rfa whb private land 3-15-2011 w extend closing datejune7.doc

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF

LAND MANAGEMENT

Wild Horse Partnerships for Eco-Sanctuaries on Private Lands Authority Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, Public Law 92-195, as amended, Section 1336

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA)

Funding Opportunity Number: L11AS00033 CFDA No. 15.229 CFDA Title: Wild Horse and Burro Resource Management ISSUE DATE: March 15, 2011

EXTENSION OF CLOSING DATE & TIME

June 7, 2011 4:30 p.m. PDT

Contact Information:

Susan Kaller, Grants and Agreements Specialist Phone: 775-861-6559 or 775-861-6485 Fax: 775-861-6624 SECTION I. Funding Opportunity Description A. Project Background Information:

1. The passage of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (WFRHBA) assigned responsibility to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for managing America’s wild horses and burros. The WFRHBA sought to preserve populations of wild horses in good health in their natural habitat while balancing ecological health and multiple-use relationships on BLM and Forest Service administered lands. Although the BLM has implemented various wild horse population suppression methods, including administering contraceptives, removal of excess horses and implementation of adoption/training programs, herd growth rate has exceeded adoption demand. The number of horses that must be cared for off the range exceeds the numbers on the range and the costs of gathering and caring for the excess horses has strained the Wild Horse and Burro program’s budget.

2. In response to the Secretary of Interior’s national initiative to create a cost-efficient and sustainable Wild Horse and Burro program, the BLM sought and received public input to develop a new strategy regarding future management of America’s wild horses and burros. After reviewing approximately 9000 comment letters and e-mails, and synthesizing public desire and agency need, on February 24, 2011, Bob Abbey, the Director of the BLM, announced the agency’s new strategy for implementation of the Wild Horse and Burro Program. This Request for Applications (RFA) seeks to provide partnership opportunities to create eco-sanctuaries for wild horses on private land that, in addition to providing a natural and healthy habit for the horses, will expand the training and adoption program to assist the BLM with meeting the objectives of the WFRHBA. The BLM anticipates issuing a separate RFA to provide partnership opportunities to create eco-sanctuaries for wild horses on the private and public lands combined category at a later date.

3. An eco-sanctuary is defined as a place of safety providing a natural and healthy habitat for excess wild horses where they will be properly cared for, yet allowed to roam freely, while conserving the environment and ecology of the lands. An eco-sanctuary offers the public the opportunity of engaging with the cultural heritage of wild horses through public outreach, to include adoption and training opportunities, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities.

B. Project Objective:

1. The overall intent of this program is to develop partnerships with willing private landowners in order to provide sanctuary for excess wild horses as an alternative to the current practice of long-term pasture facilities. The objective of each sanctuary may vary depending on proposals received from interested applicants or partners. Functions may include, but are not limited to: eco-sanctuaries, eco-sanctuaries with adoption centers, eco-sanctuaries with training centers, or eco-sanctuaries with a combination adoption/training centers.

2. In addition to ensuring the humane care and management of wild horses, each sanctuary will be marketed in a manner designed to encourage public visitation and provide opportunities for learning. Creating an eco-tourism venue will provide economic stimulation and assist communities by providing local job creation. Project-specific objectives include:

a. To provide facilities that can provide the food, water and shelter necessary to sustain a minimum of 200 horses in good condition. Good condition is described as follows: ribs cannot be visually distinguished, but can be easily felt; backbone is not visible; hip bones do not show; withers are distinguishable but do not protrude; shoulders and neck blend smoothly into the body.

b. To provide regular, on-the-ground monitoring of the wild horses to ascertain their well-being and safety.

c. To provide care by partnership organizations who are knowledgeable and experienced about the behavior and nutritional requirements of equines and the management of the land they inhabit for the sustained production of grass and other desirable forage plants.

d. To assist with the training and adoption of wild horses in a humane manner.

e. To provide veterinary services to animals as described in the Technical Approach portion of this document.

f. To provide a proactive fund-raising campaign within its chartered purposes which funds will be utilized to support the humane care and management of wild horses.

g. To promote visitation to the sanctuaries.

C. Benefits:

1. It is anticipated these sanctuaries will provide a public benefit by raising public awareness and participation in the Wild Horse and Burro Program, thereby increasing the total number of annual wild horse adoptions. They will provide unique opportunities to view and learn about wild horses, their history, and their potential as working horses, therapy horses, show horses, and pets.

2. The public will further benefit from this program through the stimulation of local economies through the marketing of eco-tourism, and local community job creation. Proactive fund-raising will be encouraged which will assist in off-setting the expense of maintaining the sanctuaries. Although there is not a precise BLM performance measure, the partnership sanctuaries will assist the BLM achieve and maintain their goal of reducing the number of horses on the range down to appropriate management levels within the herd management areas and maintain that level to assure the horses and the range remain in good condition.

D. Project Priorities: Proposals will address one or more of the following priorities.

1. Eco-Sanctuaries: A successful applicant’s proposal will be able to:

a. Ensure that the proposed sanctuary is located a minimum of 10 miles away from existing herd management areas (HMAs) or Herd Areas (HAs). Maps can be accessed on the BLM website:

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro/wh_b_information_center/statistics_and_maps/herd_area__ha__and.html.

b. Demonstrate that the proposed sanctuary is located on land the applicant controls through ownership or lease or other legal means that demonstrates land control.

c. Demonstrate that sanctuary infrastructure will be in place before horses are moved into the area and that there are adequate facilities to unload/load, manage and contain wild horses (e.g., meet minimum standards for fencing as delineated in Section IV B 4. Technical Approach).

d. Address the applicant’s ability to manage a non-reproducing herd.

e. Demonstrate that adequate forage and water for the horses received will be available primarily as pasture, and available year round, or that supplemental feed will be of such quality and fed in sufficient quantity to sustain horses in good condition.

f. Demonstrate the applicant will cooperate with the BLM during agency compilation of the applicable environmental compliance documents (e.g. required analysis under Endangered Species Act or National Environmental Policy Act). The environmental documents must be completed prior to receiving horses.

g. Provide a plan for fund raising activities as well as promoting eco-tourism by attracting visitors to the sanctuary. The applicant should provide details regarding infrastructure or activities for viewing the horses in a safe environment for both the public and the horses.

h. Identify how maintenance records for all horses placed in the proponent’s care will be accomplished.

i. Identify a disease abatement plan and how it will be implemented in the event of the outbreak of disease.

j. Identify how safety protocols will be developed and followed.

k. Identify procedures that will be used in the event a horse dies while under the applicant’s care.

l. Identify a contingency plan to ensure wild horses remain in good condition during difficult weather events, deep snow, prolonged drought and a plan to evacuate horses if a fire emergency is encountered.

m. Address how eco-sanctuary horses that graze on native (wild and uncultivated) rangelands within the eco-sanctuary will be managed to ensure that rangeland ecological processes, including the hydrologic cycle, nutrient cycle and energy flow, are maintained in order to support healthy watersheds and native biotic populations and communities.

n. Demonstrate the applicant will be eligible to secure a bond up to $100,000.00 if awarded a cooperative agreement to cover removal expenses of horses should the partnership be terminated.

o. Ensure the establishment of the sanctuary will be in compliance with all Federal, State, and local governmental law and/or ordinances.

2. Eco-sanctuaries with adoption activities: A successful applicant’s proposal will be able to:

a. Ensure that the proposed sanctuary is located a minimum of 10 miles away from existing herd management areas (HMAs) or Herd Areas (HAs). Maps can be accessed on the BLM website:

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro/wh_b_information_center/statistics_and_maps/herd_area__ha__and.html.

b. Demonstrate that the proposed sanctuary is located on land the applicant controls through ownership or lease or other legal means that demonstrates land control.

c. Demonstrate that sanctuary infrastructure will be in place before horses are moved into the area and that there are adequate facilities to unload/load, manage and contain wild horses (e.g., meet minimum standards for fencing as delineated in Section IV B 4. Technical Approach).

d. Demonstrate that adequate forage and water for the horses received will be available primarily as pasture, and available year round, or that supplemental feed will be of such quality and fed in sufficient quantity to sustain horses in good condition.

e. Address the applicant’s ability to manage a non-reproducing herd.

f. Demonstrate the applicant will cooperate with the BLM during agency compilation of the applicable environmental compliance documents (e.g. required analysis under Endangered Species Act or National Environmental Policy Act). The environmental documents must be completed prior to receiving horses.

g. Delineate whether long term or short term pastures will be utilized along with adoption promotion and events. The BLM will be responsible for all the paper work and compliance checks until the horses are titled in the new owner’s name.

h. Provide a plan for fund raising activities as well as promoting eco-tourism by attracting visitors to the sanctuary. The applicant should provide details regarding infrastructure or activities for viewing the horses in a safe environment for both the public and the horses.

i. Identify how maintenance records for all horses placed in the proponent’s care will be accomplished.

j. Identify a disease abatement plan and how it will be implemented in the event of the outbreak of disease.

k. Identify how safety protocols will be developed and followed.

l. Identify procedures that will be used in the event a horse dies while under your care.

m. Identify a contingency plan to ensure wild horses remain in good condition during difficult weather events, deep snow, prolonged drought, and a plan to evacuate horses if a fire emergency is encountered.

n. Address how eco-sanctuary horses that graze on native (wild and uncultivated) rangelands within the eco-sanctuary will be managed to ensure that rangeland ecological processes, including the hydrologic cycle, nutrient cycle and energy flow, are maintained in order to support healthy watersheds and native biotic populations and communities.

o. Demonstrate the applicant will be eligible to secure a bond up to $100,000.00 if awarded a cooperative agreement to cover removal expenses of horses should the partnership be terminated.

p. Ensure the establishment of the sanctuary will be in compliance with all Federal, State, and local governmental law and/or ordinances.

3. Eco-sanctuaries with adoption and training activities: A successful applicant’s proposal will be able to:

a. Ensure that the proposed sanctuary is located a minimum of 10 miles away from existing herd management areas (HMAs) or Herd Areas (HAs). Maps can be accessed on the BLM website:

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro/wh_b_information_center/statistics_and_maps/herd_area__ha__and.html.

b. Demonstrate that the proposed sanctuary is located on land the applicant controls through ownership or lease or other legal means that demonstrates land control.

c. Demonstrate that sanctuary infrastructure will be in place before horses are moved into the area and that there are adequate facilities to unload/load, manage and contain wild horses (e.g., meet minimum standards for fencing as delineated in Section IV B 4. Technical Approach).

d. Demonstrate that adequate forage and water for the horses received will be available primarily as pasture, and available year round, or that supplemental feed will be of such quality and fed in sufficient quantity to sustain horses in good condition.

e. Address the applicant’s ability to manage a non-reproducing herd.

f. Demonstrate the applicant will cooperate with the BLM during agency compilation of the applicable environmental compliance documents (e.g. required analysis under Endangered Species Act or National Environmental Policy Act). The environmental documents must be completed prior to receiving horses.

g. Delineate whether long term or short term pastures will be utilized along with adoption promotion and events.

h. Provide a plan for fund raising activities as well as promoting eco-tourism by attracting visitors to the sanctuary. The applicant should provide details regarding infrastructure or activities for viewing the training of horses in a safe environment for both the public and the horses.

i. Provide knowledge and experience with least resistance or restraint free training methods such as round penning.

j. Identify how maintenance records for all horses placed in the proponent’s care will be accomplished.

k. Identify a disease abatement plan and how it will be implemented in the event of the outbreak of disease.

l. Identify how safety protocols will be developed and followed.

m. Identify procedures that will be used in the event a horse dies while under your care.

n. Identify a contingency plan to ensure wild horses remain in good condition during difficult weather events, deep snow, prolonged drought, and a plan to evacuate horses if a fire emergency is encountered.

o. Address how eco-sanctuary horses that graze on native (wild and uncultivated) rangelands within the eco-sanctuary will be managed to ensure that rangeland ecological processes, including the hydrologic cycle, nutrient cycle and energy flow, are maintained in order to support healthy watersheds and native biotic populations and communities

p. Demonstrate the applicant will be eligible to secure a bond up to $100,000.00 if awarded a cooperative agreement to cover removal expenses of horses should the partnership be terminated.

q. Ensure the establishment of the sanctuary will be in compliance with all Federal, State, and local governmental law and/or ordinances.

E. General Requirements:

1. Proposals will be valid for a period of 365 days.

2. All questions regarding this announcement are to be submitted in writing no later than April 15th, 2011 to Susan Kaller at 1340 Financial Blvd., P.O. Box 12000, Reno, NV 89520-0006 or susan_kaller@blm.gov or via fax at (775) 861-6624. All answers will be posted via modification to this announcement by April 20th, 2011.

3. Late submissions and incomplete proposals will not be considered.

4. A complete recipient’s proposal will consist of:

a. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, completed and signed.

b. SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs.

c. SF-424B, Assurances –Non - Construction Programs.

d. SF-LLL, Lobbying Certification form.

e. Attachments A, B and C of this announcement.

f. Letters of support where applicable.

5. Applicants whose proposals are being considered will facilitate site visits on the date and time requested by the BLM technical evaluation team.

F. Period of Project Performance: Successful applicants may be awarded a cooperative agreement for one year with, the option for four (4) additional years, not to exceed a total of five (5) years from date of award.

G. Performance Bond Requirements: The recipient shall furnish a performance bond as specified in Section VI.B.m for the protection of the Government in the event the cooperative agreement is terminated before the agreement expiration date.

SECTION II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Expected Number of Awards: One or More B. Estimated Total Program Funding: Not to exceed $20,000,000.00 per agreement.

C. Award Ceiling: up to $4,000,000.00 per year D. Assistance Instrument: Cooperative Agreement

SECTION III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants: The authorizing legislative authority restricts applicants to:

Landowners

States

Local Governmental Agencies B Cost Sharing or Matching: Not required but encouraged. Cost share funds or in-kind services by the applicants are encouraged. If cost sharing is from a third party include a copy of the letter committing funds or interest in the project.

SECTION IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Address to Request Application Package: This announcement contains all information and electronic addresses necessary to submit an application through Grants.gov.

B. Content and Form of Application: The application package shall consist of all the required Standard Forms shown below AND a Certification for Federal Assistance “if applicable” (Attachment A), Proposal Submission Format (Attachment B) and Budget Narrative (Attachment C):

Required Standard Forms:

1. Indirect Charges. Most States, Universities and larger non profits have a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement with the Federal Government. This agreement provides the rates approved for use on cooperative agreements, grants, contracts and other agreements with the Federal Government. A copy of the current rate agreement must be submitted with any proposed project. Smaller organizations may not have an agreement with the Federal Government. In these cases the indirect cost rate must be accompanied by a determination from an independent auditing firm. This determination will include the indirect cost rate, the calculations of the indirect cost rate including the base and indirect costs pools and the associated dollar figures for both. Proposals that fail to document their indirect costs will have those costs disallowed.

2. Certification Regarding Lobbying - Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements. Attachment A applies to recipients of awards exceeding $100,000.

3. Proposal Submission Format. Attachment B can be used as an example when submitting your proposal. The proposal technical text must be no longer than 50 pages, no smaller than font size 11, and have 1-inch margins. The 50-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and vitae. (The Budget, Attachment C, is not included in the 50-page limit.) The text should include the following:

4. Technical Approach. Attachment B, Section I – The applicant will describe how they propose to conduct and achieve the goals of the eco-sanctuary in accordance with the Project Priority criteria listed above in Section I. B and D. You may respond to one or all of the Project Priorities, however for each response the project design must contain enough detail to demonstrate how as a partner you will meet the objectives for each priority addressed. Each work plan must be clear, suitable, and feasible with respect to all the components listed under each priority. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate that they possess the ability to provide the following applicable technical requirements:

(a) Eco-Sanctuary

(1) Corrals

i. Corrals should be permanent. It is anticipated that the corrals will be used to receive, hold, gather, ship and prepare horses. The corrals should be at least 72" high and made of stoutly constructed material i.e. pipe, steel, lumber, etc. No barbed wire will be allowed in the construction of corrals and any corral constructed of mesh wire (openings no larger than 2 by 4 inches) must be equipped with at least 3 wood sight boards (2 by 8 inches) located on the upper portion of the fence. The three sight boards should be spaced no more than 12 inches apart. Corrals constructed of pipe or wood must have openings of not more than 12 inches between horizontal members. Corrals and holding areas need to be free of protrusions, and hazards. Corral gates should be constructed of wood or pipe the same height as the fences. Gates should be visible to the horses either from the materials used in construction or by using materials such as plywood or plastic mesh placed on the gates. The recipient should furnish a stable area (concrete or gravel) to place a hydraulic squeeze chute provided by the BLM. Electricity (120) must be available to run the hydraulic squeeze chute.

ii. Soil types in corrals/pens must be well drained and non-alkaline in nature. Slopes within the pens should provide for adequate drainage.

iii. Adequate chutes and crowding alleys to facilitate gathering, preparing, and shipping animals.

iv. The runway must have solid sides, have at least three sliding gates, be solidly constructed of steel or lumber, be at least 36' in length, 28-32" wide, and at least 72"tall.

v. All animals should be maintained, treated, handled, and destroyed, when necessary, by experienced personnel in a humane manner and in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and Local Laws and regulations. Animals should be worked individually to prevent injuries from crowding or trampling.

(2) Unloading and Working Facility

i. The facility should have a loading and unloading chute, sufficient to safely unload and load semi‑trailer trucks and small stock trailers. Chutes should have solid sides which restrict the animal’s vision and will minimize the risk that animals may attempt to jump out of the chute. Width of the chute must be at least 32 inches. If chute has brace bar(s) between the two sides, across the top, there must be a 72” minimum head clearance.

ii. Fences should be at a minimum of 72 inches high, stoutly constructed and made of lumber, pipe, or steel.

(3) Fences

i. Perimeter and division fences should be a minimum of 48" in height and completely enclose the facility. All the fences should consist of four strands of barbed wire or other acceptable fencing materials.

ii. If determined by the PO, it may be necessary for the recipient to flag certain fences with eight (8) inches of flagging attached to the top horizontal member of the fence every 20 feet to make the fences more visible to the horses (or native wildlife). In some areas, wildlife-friendly fences will need to be constructed (these may include raising the bottom wire from 16-18” off the ground; use of a white resin coated top wire, use of smooth (as compared to barbed wire) at key wildlife crossings; the use of extensive flagging or attaching a piece of white PVC pipe to the top wire to increase visibility; or the construction of gates or sections of let-down fence at key wildlife crossings and opening or letting down these sections when horses are not grazing in the pasture.

iii. Gates, rather than cattle guards, should be used at all road crossings or fence openings to keep horses in pastures.

(4) Veterinary Services: Specific veterinary services should be performed as follows:

i. Booster and vaccinations

ii. Diagnose sick horses.

iii. Treat sick and injured horses.

iv. Issue health certificates for interstate shipment of animals

v. Provide in writing to the PO the probable cause of death of animals that die at or en route to the facility.

vi. Humanely euthanize wild horses when necessary, and provide a written report to the PO.

vii. Collect tissue samples for postmortem examination as directed by the PO.

(b) Adoption facilities should provide the same infrastructure as the eco-sanctuaries listed above plus the following:

i. A minimum space of 700 square feet should be provided for each animal maintained unless exercised daily. If exercise is provided daily then a minimum of 144 square feet should be provided.

ii. All facilities must be designed and built to comply with all applicable Federal and State regulations relating to livestock waste control and off-site pollution. All facilities must be cleaned and the animal waste removed once per month, at a minimum.

iii. The applicant should provide animals with a continuous supply of fresh, clean water at a minimum rate of 15 gallons per animal per day. Animals being trained will be provided 2.5 percent of body weight per day of hay. The hay will be free from dust and mold and a good quality grass, alfalfa, or grass/alfalfa mix hay with a crude protein content of at least 12%. Trace mineralized salt will be provided to animals at all times.

(c) Training facilities should provide the same infrastructure as the adoption facilities listed above plus the following:

i. All training should be accomplished through the use of least resistance or restraint free training methods such as round penning.

ii. The criteria for a minimally trained horse are as follows:

· Horse will be able to be caught in a small pen, and be haltered and led with little or no resistance.

· Horse will be able to have the halter taken off and put back on with little resistance.

· Horse will be able to be led and stand tied with little or no resistance.

· Horse will be able to be led to a stock trailer (minimum 2 horse step up stock trailer with covered top and swing back gates) and loaded into that trailer with little or no resistance.

iii. The criteria for a fully trained horse are as follows;

· All of the above criteria.

· Horse will be able to have a saddle placed on its back.

· Horse will be able to carry a rider without bucking, rearing, shying, and baulking.

· Horse will be able to carry a rider outside an area and in areas of some congestion.

5. Qualifications, Experience, and Past Performance. Attachment B, Section II.

a. Describe who will carry out the project activities. List all project personnel, including consultants. Describe their responsibilities and the amount of time each will dedicate to the project. Briefly describe how their experience, knowledge and ability demonstrate the capability to properly care for and manage wild horses.

b. Provide a legal description of the land, and provide a map describing acreage and distance to closest Herd Management Area (HMA) or Herd Area (HA). Maps can be accessed on the BLM website: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro/wh_b_information_center/statistics_and_maps/herd_area__ha__and.html

c. Identify organizations that support the proposal and include letters of support.

d. Identify local and state government support for the proposal and include letters of support.

6. Budget. Attachment C, Section III. Include a description of the cost share (cash vs. in kind). The budget should contain the following:

a. Salaries and Wages. Include all employees and their titles working on the project.

b. Fringe Benefits. Propose your rates/amounts. If rates are audit approved, include a copy of the audit agreement and/or the name of the audit agency. If more than one rate is used, lest each rate and the wage or salary base.

c. Consultant/Contracting Fees. Include payments for professional and technical consultants and contractors participating in the project.

d. Travel and Per Diem. For each trip, indicate the number of persons traveling, the total days they will be in travel status, and the total subsistence and transportation costs for that trip. Per diem rates shall not exceed maximum Federal rates. To view current Federal per diem rates, visit http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=17943&contentType=GSA_BASIC and follow the links to per diem information.

e. Supplies and Materials. Include consumable supplies and materials to be used in the project, listing each item and quantity individually. Include items of expendable equipment, i.e., equipment costing less than $500 or with an estimated useful life of less than two years. Equipment costing more than that should be listed in the Other Costs category (Category G, below).

f. Services. This should include the cost of duplication and printing, long distance telephone calls, equipment rental, postage, and other services not previously listed.

g. Other Costs. List equipment items in excess of $500 and other items not previously listed. Note that equipment items worth less than $500 or that have a useful life of less than 2 years must be listed in the Supplies and Materials category.

h. Indirect Charges. If indirect costs will be charged to the assistance agreement, complete the table below with your current approved indirect cost rate and the direct costs it will be applied to. A copy of your most recent indirect cost rate must be attached if indirect costs will be requested.

7. Purpose, Objectives, and Relevance. Attachment B, Section IV

a. Describe why the project is needed by the applicant;

b. Describe the applicant’s objectives;

(1) How many horses would be maintained at the facility (minimum number of horses is 200).

(2) Explain the type of facility – eco-sanctuary, eco-sanctuary with adoption or eco-sanctuary with adoption and training.

(3) Describe the longevity of the proposal in term of number of years. Cooperative agreements do not exceed 5 years, but can be continued in 5 year increments.

(4) Describe business plan for promoting additional funding sources, promoting tourism and portraying the wild horse in a positive light.

(5) Describe the number of horses and a business plan for adoption efforts.

(6) Describe the number of horses and a business plan for training efforts.

(7) Describe the number of horses and a business plan for sale efforts.

(8) Explain if the eco-sanctuary will create local job opportunities, and how many.

c.

Describe how the applicant’s objectives support their mission, provide a public benefit and assist the BLM to achieve and maintain their goal of reducing the number of horses on the range down to appropriate management levels within the herd management areas and maintain that level to assure the horses and the range remain in good condition.

C. Submission Dates and Times:

1. All questions are to be submitted in writing no later than April 15th, 2011 to Susan Kaller at 1340 Financial Blvd. P.O. Box 12000, Reno, NV 89520-0006 or susan_kaller@blm.gov or via fax at (775) 861-6624. All answers will be posted via modification to this announcement by April 20th, 2011.

2. The electronic submission of your proposal into Grants.gov is due by June 7, 2011 @ 4:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. A proposal received after the closing date and time will not be considered for award. If it is determined that a proposal will not be considered due to lateness, the applicant will be notified immediately.

3. All proposals are required to be submitted electronically through grants.gov. All of the required attached forms can be prepared online. Any form that is not available online may be submitted as attachments at the end of the proposal. If you have not registered in grants.gov, go to visit the website www.grants.gov and get started in the registration process. Application preparation time may take several weeks to get certified.

4. Once at the website, choose “Get Started” and proceed through the first 5 steps. If you have any questions or problems with the registration process, please contact the grants.gov help desk at 1-800-518-4726. In addition, Grants.gov has an “Applicant Users Guide” available at: http://www.grants.gov/help/user_guides.jsp that will answer most if not all your questions.

D. Submission Instruction and Information: Applications/proposals may be submitted by the following methods only:

1. On-Line Submittal. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is participating in the Grants.gov Initiative that provides the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. BLM requires applicants to submit their applications/proposals electronically through: http://www.grants.gov/Apply.

YOU MUST REGISTER WITH GRANTS.GOV PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION THROUGH THE GRANTS.GOV WEBSITE. THE REGISTRATION PROCESS MAY TAKE FROM 7 TO 21 DAYS.

2. Electronic Signature. Applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute submission as electronically signed applications. The registration and e-authentication process establishes the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). When you submit the application through Grants.gov, the name of your authorized organization representative on file will be inserted into the signature line of the application. Applicants must register the individual who is able to make legally binding commitments for the applicant organization as the Authorized Organization Representative.

3. Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Application and/or Proposal. Any application/proposal received after the exact time specified for receipt will not be considered in the original selection process unless the application is received before award is made and it is determined by BLM that the late receipt was due to mishandling by the Government. Any modification of an application or quotation is subject to the same conditions stated above.

4. Electronic Application Submission and Receipt Procedures. This provision provides information on the application submission and receipt instructions for applications submitted through Grants.gov Apply. Please read the following instructions carefully and completely.

5. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission.

a. Electronic Submission. An electronic time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. Applicants should print this receipt and save it.

b. BLM suggests that applicants submit their applications during the operating hours of the Grants.gov Support Desk, so that if there are questions concerning transmission, operators will be available to walk you through the process. Submitting your application during the Support Desk hours will also ensure that you have sufficient time for the application to complete its transmission prior to the application deadline. Applicants using dial-up connections should be aware that transmission will take some time before Grants.gov receives it.

c. Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission message. The Grants.gov Support desk reports that some applicants abort the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application. Uploading and transmitting many files, particularly electronic forms with associated XML schemas, will take some time to be processed.

d. Customer Support. The Grants.gov website provides customer support via (800) 518-GRANTS (this is a toll-free number) or through email at support@grants.gov. The customer support center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, to address Grants.gov technology issues. For technical assistance on program related questions, contact the number listed in Section VII, Agency Contacts.

E. E.

Intergovernmental Review: This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order (EO) 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs”. Applicants subject to EO 12372 must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to find out about and comply with the State’s process. The names and addresses of the SPOC’s are listed in the OMB’s home page at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html

H. Funding Restrictions: A cooperative agreement issued by the BLM Nevada State Office, signed by the BLM GMO, obligates the BLM funds. Notification of a successful proposal does not constitute authority to incur costs. Costs incurred prior to receipt of a signed cooperative agreement may not be reimbursed. Once the cooperative agreement for a successful proposal has been signed by the BLM GMO, the recipient may incur costs as specified in their proposed and approved budget submittal.

SECTION V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION CRITERIA (by order of importance)

A. Evaluation Criteria:

1. Technical Approach.

a. The project design contains enough detail to show the development of the project and the relationship between the partners, milestones, and goals. The roles and responsibilities of each partner are clearly articulated. The milestones are clear, and supported by a well thought-out schedule that supports the work to be accomplished for the duration of the project.

b. The proposed project’s importance/relevance and applicability are tied to the program goals. Is there value and importance to the program goals?

c. The work plan objectives are clear, suitable, and feasible with respect to the following:

(1) Techniques, procedures, and methodologies;

(2) Expected results or outcomes; and

(3) Procedures for evaluating project efficacy, including fixed performance indices with probabilities for obtaining them.

d. The project proposal work plan is designed to sustain wild horses in good health in a natural setting, as well as train and promote adoption of wild horses. Describe technical expertise which will produce a successful outcome.

2. Qualifications, Experience, Past Performance:

a. The qualifications and experience of the organization are evident, and appear to be adequate to achieve project goals and objectives.

b. The qualifications and experience of the Project Director/Principal Investigator to be assigned for direct work on the project are evident, and appear to be adequate to achieve project goals and objectives and will be available for work on this agreement.

c. The applicants past and current assistance awards show they have completed project goals.

d. The applicant has or will within 90 days of receipt of Award, attend training on Federal Financial Assistance. The GMO can provide recommended training sources.

3. Budget.

a. The budget line items are appropriate, reasonable, allowable, well justified and commensurate with the level of effort needed to accomplish the project objectives.

b. The budget breakdown or narrative provides adequate justification for each budget category used. If equipment is requested by the applicant, is it fully justified and necessary for the performance and completion of the project?

c. The applicant and other counterparts cash and in-kind matching funds or contributions are acceptable.

4. Purpose, Objectives, and Relevance:

a. The proposal adequately describes why the project is needed by the recipient.

b. The objectives are well defined, measurable, and realistic for the project’s anticipated timeframe.

c. The benefits support the mission of the recipient and as well as a public benefit and can be tied to the BLM goal of reducing the number of horses on the range down to appropriate management levels within the herd management areas, and maintaining that level to assure the horses and the range remain in good condition.

B. Review and Selection Process:

Proposals will be reviewed by the BLM personnel and site visits will be conducted for all applicants whose application is being considered for award. 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 in writing within 5 days of notification of an unsuccessful proposal. The BLM reserves the right to not issue an award if it deems that applications/project plans submitted are not viable.

SECTION VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices: If the applicant’s proposal is selected for award, work cannot begin before the awardee receives a fully executed copy of the agreement approved by the GMO.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements:

1. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars. By accepting Federal assistance, your organization agrees to abide by the applicable OMB Circulars in the expenditure of Federal funds and performance under this program. http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/.

(To view referenced CFRs put curser on link and press control + click) 2 CFR Part 220 (OMB Circular A-21) - Cost Principles for Educational Institutions

2 CFR Part 225 (OMB Circular A-87) - Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments

2 CFR Part 230 (OMB Circular A-122) - Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations

2 CFR Part 215 (OMB Circular A-110) - Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations

OMB Circular A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations."

2. This agreement incorporates the Standard Award Terms and Conditions found at the following Department of the Interior website as if they were given here: http://www.doi.gov/pam/TermsandConditions.html. Upon request, the GMO will provide the recipient a copy. Acceptance of a Federal Financial Assistance award from the Department of the Interior (DOI) carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of award. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by DOI, and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference in the following:

· Program legislation\regulation.

· Special terms and conditions.

· Code of Federal Regulations/Regulatory Requirements, as applicable (Contact your program officer with any questions regarding the applicability of the following):

2 CFR Part 25 Central Contractor Registration and Data Universal Numbering

System

2 CFR Part 170 Reporting Subawards and Executive Compensation

2 CFR Part 175 Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 43 CFR 12(A) Administrative and Audit Requirements and Cost Principles for Assistance Programs 43 CFR 12(E) Buy American Requirements for Assistance Programs 43 CFR 12(C) Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local 43 CFR 12(F) Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, other Non-Profit and Commercial Organizations 43 CFR 43 Government-Wide Requirements for a Drug-Free Workplace 2 CFR Part 1400 Government-Wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)

43 CFR 18 New Restrictions on Lobbying

3. Compliance With Buy American Act.

a. Notice: Pursuant to Sec. 307 of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997, Public Law 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009, please be advised of the following: In the case of any equipment or product that may be authorized to be purchased with financial assistance provided using funds made available in this act, it is the sense of the Congress that entities receiving the assistance should, in expending the assistance, purchase only American-made equipment and products.

b.

Recipient agrees to follow the requirements in 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart E, Buy American Requirements for Assistance Programs.

4. Opposition to Any Legislation. In accordance with the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Act, 2006, Title IV, Section 402, No part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall be available for any activity or the publication or distribution of literature that in any way tends to promote public support or opposition to any legislative proposal on which Congressional action is not complete other than to communicate to Members of Congress as described in 18 U.S.C. 1913.

5. Endorsements.

a. Recipient shall not publicize or otherwise circulate, promotional material (such as advertisements, sales brochures, press releases, speeches, still and motion pictures, articles, manuscripts or other publications) which states or implies governmental, Departmental, bureau, or government employee endorsement of a product, service, or position which the recipient represents. No release of information relating to this award may state or imply that the Government approves of the recipient’s work products, or considers the recipient’s work product to be superior to other products or services.

b. All information submitted for publication or other public releases of information regarding this project shall carry the following disclaimer:

c. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government.

d. Recipient must obtain prior Government approval for any public information releases concerning this award which refer to the Department of the Interior or any bureau or employee (by name or title). The specific text, layout photographs, etc. of the proposed release must be submitted with the request for approval.

e. A recipient further agrees to include this provision in a subaward to and subrecipient, except for a subaward to a State government, a local government, or to a federally recognized Indian tribal government.

6. Retention and Access Requirements for Records. All recipient financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical records, and other grants-related records shall be maintained and available for access in accordance with 43 CFR Subpart C, Section 12.82 for State, local and Indian tribal governments or Subpart F, Section 12.953 for institutions of higher education, hospitals, other non-profit and all other organizations.

7. Increasing Seat Belt Use. Recipients of grants/cooperative agreements and/or sub-awards are encouraged to adopt and enforce on-the-job seat belt use policies and programs for their employees when operating company-owned, rented, or personally owned vehicles. These measures include, but are not limited to, conducting education, awareness, and other appropriate programs for their employees about the importance of wearing seat belts and the consequences of not wearing them.

8. Prohibition on Text Messaging and Using Electronic Equipment Supplied by the Government while Driving. This executive order introduces a Federal Government-wide prohibition on the use of text messaging while driving on official business or while using Government-supplied equipment, driving company-owned or rented vehicles or GOV, or while driving POV when on official Government business or when performing any work for or on behalf of the Government.

9. Special Terms and Conditions.

a. Order of Precedence. Any inconsistency in the agreement shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order: (a) Any national policy requirements and administrative management standards; (b) 43 CFR Part 12; (c) requirements of the applicable OMB Circulars and Treasury regulations; (d) special terms and conditions; and (e) all agreement sections, documents, exhibits, and attachments; (f) and the recipient’s project proposal.

b. Modifications.

(1) The agreement may be modified by written agreement signed by both the recipient’s Authorized Representative and the GMO. Administrative changes (i.e. GMO name change, etc.) which do not change the project management plan, NTE amount, etc. or otherwise affect the recipient may be signed unilaterally by the GMO. Additionally, a unilateral amendment may be utilized if it should become necessary to suspend or terminate the agreement in accordance with 43 CFR, Subpart C, Section 12.83 for State, local and Indian tribal governments or Subpart F, Section 12.961 for institutions of higher education, hospitals, other non-profit and all other organizations.

(2) All other changes shall be made by means of a bilateral amendment to the agreement. No oral statement made by any person, or written statement by any person other than the GMO, shall be allowed in any manner or degree to amend or otherwise effect the terms of the agreement.

(3) All requests for amendment of the agreement shall be made in writing, provide a full description of the reason for the request, and be sent to the attention of the GMO. Any request for project extension shall be made at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the agreement or the expiration date of any extension period that may have been previously granted. Any determination to extend the period of performance or to provide follow-on funding for continuation of a project is solely at the discretion of the BLM.

c. Budget and Program Plan Revision. The budget plan is the financial expression of the project or program as approved during the award process. Recipients are required to report deviations from budget and program plans and request prior approval for budget and program plan revisions.