SUNY NOFO 2017 CA (2).pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Northeast Region

Division of Ecological Services

Natural Resources Damage Assessment, Restoration and Implementation

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.658

Notice of Funding Availability and Application Instructions

I. Description of Funding Opportunity

This is an announcement for issuing a single source financial assistance award to The Research

Foundation for The State University of New York (RFSUNY) in Syracuse, New York. This announcement is for notification purposes only. The intent of the award is to investigate piping plover (Charadrius melodus) survival and mortality and ways to improve management of populations in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties, New Jersey.

This project will evaluate the effects of beach nourishment, habitat management, and predators on nesting piping plovers in New Jersey. It will also establish priorities for improving monitoring and management of plovers in New Jersey, consistent with the goal of increased protective management of plovers identified in the Final Restoration Plan and NEPA Environmental

Assessment for the Anitra oil spill (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2004). This project is authorized by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and

Liability Act 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 5, intends to make a sole source award of a

Cooperative Agreement to RFSUNY. The appropriation for this project is the Comprehensive

Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq. Criteria for funding were based on the project’s ability to provide information to help improve protective management actions for piping plover populations in New Jersey, in accordance with the selected restoration actions identified in the Restoration Plan and NEPA Environmental

Assessment for the Anitra Oil Spill. The project will yield the greatest return on investment by taking advantage of existing science and available information to better inform management strategies for enhancing the recovery of piping plover, and by working with States, cities, communities, and partners who contribute to the goals restoring and rebuilding endangered species habitat and populations.

II. Award Information

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 5, intends to make a sole source award of a

Cooperative Agreement to RFSUNY. The appropriation for this project is made under the

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq. The estimated period for this project is: Field Work (Spring 2017-Fall 2018). Data Analysis

(Winter-Spring 2017). Report Preparation (Spring –Fall 2018).

This award is for the amount of $28,404.00. RFSUNY is a research foundation that has unique experience on the with endangered species research. RFSUNY has the project management skills and technical knowledge to manage this project. The project will (1) compare piping plover nest survival, chick survival, proportions of nests and chicks lost to different sources, and weekly adult survival among breeding sites that vary in foraging habitat quality and existing predator management strategies; (2) use automated and manual radio-tracking to document or deduce the fates of adults that disappear during the nesting period; and (3) evaluate the costs and benefits of habitat and predator management based on piping plover monitoring results. The project will provide recommendations for managing piping plover predators and nesting and foraging habitat, based on the response of reproductive parameters, survival, and dispersal to management and habitat changes including restoration. Recommendations will be applicable to the creation of foraging habitat and its interspersion with nesting habitat, distances among restoration projects, and reducing human disturbance and predation.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be substantially involved in projects under this funding opportunity. In particular, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be responsible for (1) review of project plans and research techniques that will meet the requirements for compliance under the

National Environmental Policy Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act prior to approving implementation, (2) provides technical support in review and selection of design and monitoring phases of the project, (3) determines scope and prioritizes project activities in the event of budget shortfalls, and (4) provides technical support during meetings to inform the State, landowners, and other project partners. In addition, the project will train U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff in current field and analytical methods for monitoring nest and brood success, as well as in survey design and implementation for predator monitoring that will improve current track-based monitoring by incorporating habitat correlates that predict predator habitat use. Local monitors will then be able to perform repeatable surveys that will yield unbiased estimates of demographic responses to management activities.

III. Basic Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants: RFSUNY is eligible to apply. RFSUNY is a research foundation associated with the State University of New York for the expressed purpose of providing research, technical assistance and education to federal land management, environmental and research agencies.

Federal law mandates that all entities applying for Federal financial assistance must have a valid

Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number and have a current registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). See Title 2 of the Code of Federal

Regulations (CFR), Part 25 for more information. Exemptions: The SAM registration requirement does not apply to individuals submitting an application on their own behalf and not on behalf of a company or other for-profit entity, state, local or Tribal government, academia or other type of organization.

A. DUNS Registration

Request a DUNS number at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. For technical difficulties, contact Dun & Bradstreet by email at: govt@dnb.com, or by calling the Government

Customer Resource Center at voice phone: 866-705-5711 or TTY line: 877-807-1679 http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform mailto:govt@dnb.com

(hearing impaired customers only). Once assigned a DUNS number, entities are responsible for maintaining up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet.

B. Entity Registration in SAM

Register in SAM at www.sam.gov. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly urged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure that their information is up to date and in synch with changes that may have been made to DUNS and IRS information. Foreign entities who wish to be paid directly to a

United States bank account must enter and maintain valid and current banking information in

SAM.

Note: The official U.S. government website address for SAM is www.sam.gov. There is NO

COST to register in or access SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who charge a fee in exchange for registering entities in SAM; please be aware that you can register to do business with the U.S. government FOR FREE directly in SAM at www.sam.gov.

C. Excluded Entities

Applicant entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits will not be considered for

Federal funding, as applicable to the funding being requested under this Federal program.

The Service conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award.

D. Cost Sharing or Matching:

Cost-sharing is not a requirement but priority is given to projects that leverage technical and financial assistance through voluntary partnerships.

IV. Application Requirements

To be considered for funding under this funding opportunity, an application must contain:

A. A completed, signed and dated Application for Federal Assistance form (SF-424), found at http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15 (see form name “Application for Federal

Assistance (SF-424)”, OMB Number 4040-0004). Do not include other Federal sources of funding, requested or approved, in the total entered in the “Federal” funding box on the

Application for Federal Assistance form. Enter only the amount being requested under this program in the “Federal” funding box. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the total funding entered in the “Other” box.

B. Project Summary

Title: Factors Affecting Piping Plover Reproductive Success in Southern New Jersey and

Priorities for Improving Monitoring and Management http://www.sam.gov/

Project Overview and Tasks: The study will take place in southern New Jersey between

Barnegat Light State Park and Cape May Point State Park and will incorporate up to 50 pairs of plovers. The field component will take place between 15 April and 15 August 2017.

Nest searching will be done on a daily basis in all potential nesting habitat in coordination with state, federal, and local monitors so as to avoid duplication of effort and unnecessary disturbance. Nests will be checked daily from a distance to determine incubation status and, if no incubating bird is present, approached to determine fate. Video cameras will monitor 10 nests at any given time to compare photographic evidence of the sources of any loss to circumstantial evidence recorded in the field.

Up to 25 breeding pairs of adult piping plovers will be captured on the nest with a walk-in trap and uniquely marked with 4 Darvic color bands. Chicks hatched from nests with banded adults will be hand-captured and also uniquely marked. Radio-transmitters will be attached to the intrascapular region using glue to 25 adults and 25 chicks (at least one per brood). Two automated telemetry receiving towers will be placed within piping plover habitat to continuously record the presence and movements of radio-tagged birds. The receiving towers will include a multi-Yagi antenna array to capture flight bearings of adult birds that leave the receiving range. Data from radio tags will be used in conjunction with sighting information from state and regional monitors to determine the disposition of adults that leave the area or abandon a nest.

Chicks will be recaptured and weighed every 5-7 days to determine body condition. The number of surviving chicks per brood will be tallied during daily foot surveys by local monitors. The Young Survival models will be used to estimate daily survival rates of broods.

Data from the receiving towers will be used to infer cause of death of chicks, which will attempt to be confirmed by tracking down carcasses with a handheld receiver. Band resighting data will be used to estimate natal dispersal rates of chicks banded in 2015.

Behavioral observations of adults and chicks will be used to assess habitat use in relation to habitat configuration and recreational beach use. Predator surveys will be conducted to understand the spatial and temporal distribution of avian and mammalian predators in piping plover nesting areas. In conjunction with chick condition and survival data, these observations will help to assess the relationship between human recreation, disturbance events, predators, and survival.

Expected Outcomes: The project will provide recommendations for managing piping plover predators and nesting and foraging habitat, based on the response of reproductive parameters, survival, and dispersal to predation pressure, disturbance due to human recreation, and habitat changes including restoration.

C. Project Narrative

1. Statement of Need: The threatened Atlantic Coast population of the piping plover

(Charadrius melodus) has increased greatly since being listed in 1986, from 790 pairs to

1898 as of 2012. Much of that increase is attributed to protection of disturbance-free zones on nesting beaches via symbolic fencing and reduction of predation via nest exclosures and predator removal. Nonetheless, in some parts of the breeding range, abundance has remained well below desired targets. In New Jersey, the Division of Fish and Wildlife set a minimum target of 200 pairs to help achieve the New York-New Jersey

Recovery Unit goal of 575 pairs. That target has not been reached, with abundance fluctuating in the last 15 years from 92 pairs in 2014 (below the population size in 1986) to 144 pairs. Many sites remain well below their estimated carrying capacity. Given that despite decades of intensive protection and monitoring, piping plovers in New Jersey have not exhibited a sustained upward trend, the best way to alleviate limiting factors is uncertain. A better understanding of both regional and local factors affecting nest survival, chick survival, and adult breeding season survival would enable a more focused management program targeting identified sources of loss.

2. Project Goals and Objectives: The project will collect information (i.e., nest observations, radio-telemetry data, habitat evaluation, and banding information) to provide critical evidence on the factors limiting nest, chick, and adult survival. The project will develop recommendations for managing piping plovers and train U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff in survey design to improve current track-based monitoring by incorporating habitat correlates that predict predator habitat use. The goal is to develop monitoring and management strategies that will ultimately increase the piping plover population in southern New Jersey and aid in the species’ recovery.

3. Project Activities, Methods and Timetable: Project activities include:

field observations (spring / summer 2017) and radio transmitter monitoring: Spring /

Summer (2017) o searching for nests o observing nests daily from a distance to determine incubation status o if no incubating bird is present, inspect nests to evaluate source of loss o video camera monitoring of nests o behavioral observations to assess habitat use by adults and chicks banding of birds and affixing radio transmitters (spring / summer 2017) o capture of birds on the nest with walk-in traps o marking with Darvic color bands o attaching radio transmitters to the intrascapular region of adults and chicks with glue o re-capture of chicks every 5-7 days to evaluate body condition radio-transmitter monitoring (spring / summer 2017) o monitoring of presence of radio-tagged adults and flight bearings of birds leaving the receiving range o tracking down source of loss, if indicated by stationary location data predator surveys (spring / summer 2017) o bi-weekly avian point-counts and inspections for mammal tracks o recording of habitat covariates that may affect occupancy data analysis (winter / spring 2017-2018) final summary report (summer-fall 2018).

4. Stakeholder Coordination/Involvement: The RFSUNY, New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey and the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service staff at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge are all expected to contribute to funding or provide in-kind services to complete the project. Interested members of the public and community offer partners feedback and have the opportunity to ask questions or have concerns addressed during field work activities.

5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation: The RFSUNY will provide USFWS staff at the

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and New Jersey Field Office with a report summarizing study design, study methods, results, and management recommendations no later than December 31, 2018. In addition, RFSUNY will summarize the results in a presentation to the USFWS, Conserve Wildlife foundation of New Jersey, and other partners.

6. Description of Organizations Undertaking the Project: RFSUNY is a research foundation associated with the State University of New York for the expressed purpose of providing research, technical assistance and education to federal land management, environmental and research agencies. New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, and the landowners will be helping to fully fund the piping plover research project. USFWS will be providing funding, project management, field support, and leadership. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service point of contact is:

Melissa Foster, Senior Fish and Wildlife Biologist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4 East Jimmie Leeds Rd

Galloway Twp, NJ 08205

Tel: 609-382-5262 melissa_foster@fws.gov.

The RFSUNY point of contact is:

Dr. Jonathan Cohen, Assistant Professor

SUNY, College of Enviromental Science and Forestry

403 Illick Hall, 1 Forestry Drive

Syracuse, NY 13210

Tel: 315-470-6743 jcohen14@esf.edu

7. Sustainability: The benefits of this project are expected to last for many years based on the applicability of the results to engineering efforts related to the Best Management

Practices project. Due to the prioritization of efforts to protect piping plover populations along beach areas in New Jersey, multiple partners will continue to invest funding and in-kind services to help improve management of piping plover and other beach nesting birds. The sustained benefits of this project will persist from the original design through the long-term outcome for increased recovery of this federally-listed species.

8. Literature Cited: None.

mailto:melissa_foster@fws.gov mailto:jcohen14@esf.edu

9. Map of Project Area:

D. Budget

RFSUNY will complete the Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A) or Budget Information for Construction Programs (SF 424C) form. Use the SF 424A if your project does not include construction and the SF 424C if the project includes construction or land acquisition. The budget forms are available on the Internet at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1. When developing your budget, keep in mind that financial assistance awards and subawards are subject to the

Federal cost principles in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, as applicable to the recipient organization type. Links to the full text of the Federal cost principles are available on the Internet at http://www.ecfr.gov/.

Note on Multiple Federal Funding Sources: If the project budget includes multiple Federal funding sources, you must show the funds being requested from this Federal program on the budget form separately from any other requested/secured Federal sources of funding. Enter the funds being requested from this Federal program in the first row of the Budget Summary section of the form, and then enter funding related to other Federal programs in the subsequent row(s). Be sure to enter each Federal program’s CFDA number in the corresponding fields on the form. The CFDA number for this Federal program appears on the first page of this funding opportunity.

E. Budget Justification

In a separate narrative titled “Budget Justification”, RFSUNY will explain and justify all requested budget items/costs. Detail how the SF 424 Budget Object Class Category totals were determined and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and the proposed project activities. For personnel salary costs, include the base-line salary figures and the estimates of time (as percentages) to be directly charged to the project. Describe any item that under the applicable Federal cost principles requires the Service’s approval and estimate its cost.

If Federally-funded equipment will be used for the project, provide a list of that equipment, including the Federal funding source.

Required Indirect Cost Statement: Recipients that do not have an approved indirect cost rate cannot charge indirect costs to their Federal award. All applicants except individuals applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may operate must include in the budget justification narrative one of the following statements and attach to their application any required documentation identified in the applicable statement:

“We are:

1. A U.S. state or local government entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding each year with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. A copy of our most recently approved rate agreement/certification is attached.

2. A U.S. state or local government entity receiving less than $35 million in direct Federal funding with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We are required to prepare and retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and related documentation to support those costs.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 http://www.ecfr.gov/

3. A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, please use one of the statements above or below] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [Insert either: “A copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement is attached. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.” or “A copy of our current, approved rate agreement(s) is attached.”]

4. A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.

5. A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is lower than 10%. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate; must be lower than 10%]. However, in the event an award is made, we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat indirect cost rate of [insert rate; must be lower than 10%] of

[insert a clear description of the direct cost base against which your rate is charged (e.g., salaries; salaries and fringe benefits; or modified total direct costs). However, please note that your organization cannot charge indirect costs in excess of the indirect costs that would be recovered if applied against modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR

220.68]. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing immediately if we establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.

6. A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is 10% or higher. Our indirect cost rate is [insert your organization’s indirect rate; must be 10% or higher]. However, in the event an award is made, we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award.

We request as a condition of award to charge a flat de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% of modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing immediately if we do establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period. We understand that additional

Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

7. A [insert your organization type] that is submitting this proposal for consideration under the [insert either “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program” or

“Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”], which has a Department of the Interior-approved indirect cost rate cap of [insert program rate]. If we have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must apply this reduced rate against the same direct cost base as identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that the basis for direct costs will be the modified total direct cost base defined in 2 CFR 200.68 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)”. We understand that we must request prior approval from the Service to use the MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement, and that Service approval of such a request will be based on: 1) a determination that our approved base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages); and 2) that use of the MTDC base will still result in a reduction of the total indirect costs to be charged to the award. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.405, we understand that indirect costs not recovered due to a voluntary reduction to our federally negotiated rate are not allowable for recovery via any other means.

8. A [insert your organization type] that will charge all costs directly.

All applicants are hereby notified of the following:

Recipients without an approved indirect cost rate are prohibited from charging indirect costs to a Federal award. Accepting a flat de minimis rate as a condition of award is an approved rate.

Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award.

Recipients may not charge to their Service award any indirect costs calculated against the portion of total direct project costs paid by any other Federal funding source or non-

Federal partner.

Recipients must have prior written approval from the Service to transfer unallowable indirect costs to amounts budgeted for direct costs or to satisfy cost-sharing or matching requirements under the award.

Recipients are prohibited from shifting unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

Applicants who are individuals applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for funding, do not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget.

For more information on indirect cost rates, see the Service’s Indirect Costs and Negotiated

Indirect Cost Rate Agreements guidance document on the Internet at https://www.fws.gov/grants/atc.html.

Negotiating an Indirect Cost Rate with the Department of the Interior: Entities that do not have a NICRA must first have an open, active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior is your cognizant agency, your indirect cost rate will be negotiated by the Interior Business Center (IBC). For more information, contact the IBC at:

Indirect Cost Services

Acquisition Services Directorate, Interior Business Center

U.S. Department of the Interior https://www.fws.gov/grants/atc.html

650 Capitol Mall, Suite 7-400

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: 916-930-3803

Email: Through https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/ibcfeedback web form

Internet address: https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services

F. Single Audit Reporting Statements: As required in Title 2 of the Code of Federal

Regulations Part 200, Subpart F, all U.S. states, local governments, federally-recognized

Indian tribal governments, and non-profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in

Federal award funds in a fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System. All U.S. state, local government, federally-recognized Indian tribal government and non-profit applicants must provide a statement regarding if your organization was/was not required to submit a Single

Audit report for the organization’s most recently closed fiscal year and, if so, state if that report is available on the Federal Audit Clearinghouse Single Audit Database website

(https://harvester.census.gov/facweb/) and provide the EIN under which that report was submitted. Include these statements at the end of the Project Narrative in a section titled

“Single Audit Reporting Statements”.

G. Assurances: Include the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form available at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1. Use the Assurances for Construction Programs (SF 424D) for construction and land acquisition projects. Use the Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF 424B) for all other projects. The form includes a statement that some of the assurances may not be applicable to your organization and/or your project or program. Signing this form does not make you or your organization subject to laws that are otherwise not applicable to you or your organization.

Changing, crossing out, or making notations on the form before signing has no impact on the applicability of law.

H. Certification and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities: Under Title 31 of the United States

Code, Section 1352, an applicant or recipient must not use any federally appropriated funds

(both annually appropriated and continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a grant or cooperative agreement award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is defined as influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress connection with the award. Submission of an application also represents the applicant’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-

Certification Regarding Lobbying. If you/your organization have/has made or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with this proposal AND the Federal share exceeds $100,000, complete and submit the SF LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form available at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1. See 43

CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/ibcfeedback https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services file:///C:/Users/Jean_Kvasnicka/Documents/POLICY/New%20Award%20Guidance/Round%204%20FY15%20updates/As http://www.ecfr.gov/ http://www.ecfr.gov/ https://harvester.census.gov/facweb/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1

I. Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Applicants must notify the Service in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that are known at the time of application or that may arise during the life of this award, in the event an award is made. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter which might place the recipient, the recipient’s employees, or the recipient’s subrecipients in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under the award and any other outside interests. Conflicts of interest may also include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-making affecting the award that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the applicant, the applicant’s employees, or the applicant’s future subrecipients in the matter. Upon receipt of such a notice, the Service Project Officer in consultation with their Ethics Counselor will determine if a conflict of interest exists and, if so, if there are any possible actions to be taken by the applicant to reduce or resolve the conflict. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in the project not being select for funding.

Application Checklist

□ Evidence of non-profit status: If a non-profit organization, a copy of their Section

501(c)(3) or (4) status determination letter received from the Internal Revenue Service.

□ SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance: A complete, signed and dated SF 424, SF

424-Mandatory, or SF 424-Individual form.

□ Project summary

□ Project narrative

□ Timetable

□ Single Audit Reporting statement: If a U.S. state, local government, federally-recognized Indian tribal government, or non-profit organization, statements regarding applicability of and compliance with Single Audit reporting requirements.

□ SF 424 budget form: A complete SF 424A or SF 424C Budget Information form.

□ Budget justification

□ Federally-funded equipment list: If Federally-funded equipment will be used for the project, a list of that equipment.

□ Indirect cost statement

□ NICRA: When applicable, a copy of the organization’s current Negotiated Indirect Cost

Rate Agreement.

□ SF 424 Assurances form: Signed and dated SF 424B or SF 424D Assurances form.

□ SF LLL form: If applicable, completed SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form.

□ Conflict of Interest disclosure, when applicable.

□ Overlap/Duplication statement

Failure to provide complete information may cause delays, postponement, or rejection of the application.

V. Submission Instructions

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: N/A This is an announcement for issuing a single source award.

This notification is for notification purposes only.

Intergovernmental Review: Before submitting an application, U.S. state and local government applicants should visit the following website (http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/) to determine whether their application is subject to the state intergovernmental review process under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 “Intergovernmental review of Federal Programs.” E.O.

12372 was issued to foster the intergovernmental partnership and strengthen federalism by relying on state and local processes for the coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development. The E.O. allows each state to designate an entity to perform this function. The official list of designated entities is posted on the website. Contact your state’s designated entity for more information on the process the state requires to be followed when applying for assistance. States that do not have a designated entity listed on the website have chosen not to participate in the review process.

Download the Application Package linked to this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov to begin the application process. Downloading and saving the Application Package to your computer makes the required government-wide standard forms fillable and printable. Completed applications may be submitted by mail, by email, electronically through Grants.gov, or as otherwise described in the Grants.gov funding opportunity. Please select ONE of the submission options:

To submit an application by mail:

Number all pages of your printed application. Mail one, single-sided, unbound copy (do not staple or otherwise permanently bind pages) of your complete application to the Service program point of contact identified in the Grants.gov funding opportunity.

The required SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance and Assurances forms and any other required standard forms MUST be signed by your organization’s authorized official. The

Signature and Date fields on the standard forms downloaded from Grants.gov are pre-populated with the text “Completed by Grants.gov upon submission” or “Completed on submission to

Grants.gov”. Remove this text (manually or digitally) before signing the forms.

To submit an application by e-mail:

Format all of your documents to print on Letter size (8 ½” x 11”) paper. Format all pages to display and print page numbers. Scanned documents should be scanned in Letter format, as black and white images only. Where possible, save scanned documents in .pdf format. E-mail your application to the Service program point of contact identified in the Grants.gov funding opportunity.

The required SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance and Assurances forms and any other required standard forms MUST be signed by your organization’s authorized official.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/

Signature and Date fields on the standard forms downloaded from Grants.gov are pre-populated with the text “Completed by Grants.gov upon submission” or “Completed on submission to

Grants.gov”. Remove this text (manually or digitally) before signing the forms.

To submit an application through Grants.gov:

Go to the Grants.gov Apply for Grants page

(http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html) for an overview of the process to apply through Grants.gov. You/your organization must complete the Grants.gov registration process before submitting an application through Grants.gov. Registration can take between three to five business days, or as long as two weeks if all steps are not completed in a timely manner.

Important note on Grants.gov application attachment file names: Please do not assign application attachments file names longer than 20 characters, including spaces. Assigning file names longer than 20 characters will create issues in the automatic interface between Grants.gov and the Service’s financial assistance management system.

VI. Application Review Information

Criteria: This is a notice of a single source financial assistance award. This announcement is for notification purposes only.

Review and Selection Process: RFSUNY is a research foundation that has unique experience in conducting endangered species research, including studies of the piping plover. RFSUNY has the project management skills and technical knowledge to manage this project. The appropriation for this project is the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act 42

U.S.C. § 9601 et seq. Criteria for funding were based on the project’s ability to provide information to help improve protective management actions for piping plover populations in

New Jersey, in accordance with the selected restoration actions identified in the Restoration Plan and NEPA Environmental Assessment for the Anitra Oil Spill. The project will yield the greatest return on investment by taking advantage of existing science and available information to better inform management strategies for enhancing the recovery of piping plover, and by working with

States, cities, communities, and partners who contribute to the goals restoring and rebuilding endangered species habitat and populations.

Prior to participating in any review or evaluation process, all staff and peer reviewers, evaluators, panel members, and advisors must sign and return to the program office point of contact the

“Department of the Interior Conflict of Interest Certification” form. For a copy of this form, contact the Service point of contact identified in the Agency Contacts section below.

Prior to award, the Service reviews the selected applicant’s statement regarding potential overlap or duplication in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel and makes a determination regarding Service funding. Depending on the circumstances, modification of the application, other pending applications, or an active award may be necessary, or the Service might choose to not fund the proposed project.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

Each fiscal year, for every entity receiving one or more awards in that fiscal year, the Service conducts a risk assessment based on eight risk categories. The result of this risk assessment is used to establish a monitoring plan for all awards to the entity in that fiscal year. For a copy of the Service’s risk assessment form, go to https://www.fws.gov/grants/atc.html.

Prior to approving an award with a Federal funding amount that exceeds or is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, as adjusted (see 2 CFR 200.88), the Service must review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS; https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action) to determine if, at a minimum, the information found in the system for the applicant demonstrates a satisfactory record of Federal award performance and integrity and business ethics (see 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2)). The Service must also report to FAPIIS if an applicant subject to this review is found not qualified for a particular award due to its prior record of integrity or performance under Federal awards (see 2 CFR 200.212).

VII. Award Administration

Award Notices: Following review, applicants may be requested to revise the project scope and/or budget before an award is made. Successful applicants will receive written notice in the form of a notice of award document. Notices of award are typically sent to recipients by e-mail.

If e-mail notification is unsuccessful, the documents will be sent by courier mail (e.g., FedEx, DHL or UPS). Award recipients are not required to sign/return the Notice of Award document.

Acceptance of an award is defined as starting work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, the

Service. The notice of award document will include instructions specific to each recipient on how to request payment. If applicable, the instructions will detail any additional information/forms required and where to submit payment requests. Applicants whose projects are not selected for funding will receive written notice, most often by e-mail, within 30 days of the final review decision.

Domestic Recipient Payments: Prior to award, the Service program office will contact you/your organization to either enroll in the U.S. Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for

Payments (ASAP) system or, if eligible, obtain approval from the Department of the Interior to be waived from using ASAP.

Transmittal of Sensitive Data: Recipients are responsible for ensuring any sensitive data being sent to the Service is protected during its transmission/delivery. The Service strongly recommends that recipients use the most secure transmission/delivery method available. The

Service recommends the following digital transmission methods: secure digital faxing; encrypted emails; emailing a password protected zipped/compressed file attachment in one email followed by the password in a second email; or emailing a zipped/compressed file attachment. The

Service strongly encourages recipients sending sensitive data in paper copy to use a courier mail service. Recipients may also contact their Service Project Officer and provide any sensitive data over the telephone.

Award Terms and Conditions: Acceptance of a financial assistance award (i.e., grant or cooperative agreement) from the Service carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions applicable to the award. Acceptance is defined as the start https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action of work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to and approved by the Service and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated into the notice of award either by direct citation or by reference to the following: Federal regulations; program legislation or regulation; and special award terms and conditions. The Service’s Standard Award Terms and Conditions are available on the Internet at https://www.fws.gov/grants/atc.html. If you do not have access to the Internet and require a full text copy of the award terms and conditions, contact the Service point of contact identified in the

Agency Contacts section below.

Recipient Reporting Requirements:

Financial and Performance Reports:

Final Reports: Recipients are required to submit final financial and performance reports no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date, whichever comes first. For awards lasting 12 months or less, the final reports will be the only financial and performance reports required, except in unusual circumstances or if waived.

Interim Reports: For awards that last longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial and performance reports no less frequently than annually and no more frequently than quarterly, except in unusual circumstances or if waived. Requiring a higher frequency of reporting than annual reporting will be based on the Service’s assessment of higher or other unusual circumstance. Quarterly and semiannual interim reports are due within 30 calendar days of the reporting period end date. Annual interim reports are due within 90 calendar days of the reporting period end date.

Recipients must use the Standard Form 425, Federal Financial Report for financial reporting, available on the Internet at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1.

Performance reports must contain: 1) a comparison of actual accomplishments with the goals and objectives of the award as detailed in the approved scope of work; 2) a description of reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and 3) any other pertinent information relevant to the project results.

Significant Developments Reports: Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates that have significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify the Service in writing as soon as the following types of conditions become known:

Problems, delays, or adverse conditions that will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the Federal award. This disclosure must include a statement of any corrective action(s) taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation.

Favorable developments that enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally planned.

The Service will specify in the notice of award document the reporting and reporting frequency applicable to the award.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Recipients are responsible for notifying the Service Project

Officer in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of this award. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter which might place the recipient, the recipient’s employees, or the recipient’s subrecipients in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under this award and any other outside interests.

Conflicts of interest may also include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-making affecting the award that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the Recipient, the Recipient’s employees, or the Recipient’s subrecipients in the matter. Upon receipt of such a notice, the Service Project Officer in consultation with their

Ethics Counselor will determine if a conflict of interest exists and, if so, if there are any possible actions to be taken by the Recipient, the Recipient’s employee(s), or the Recipient’s

Subrecipient(s) that could reduce or resolve the conflict. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for Noncompliance, including termination of this award.

Other Mandatory Disclosures: The non-Federal entity or applicant for a Federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. Non-Federal entities that have received a Federal award including the term and condition outlined in 2 CFR 200, Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for

Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338 Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment. (See also 2 CFR Part 180, 31 U.S.C. 3321, and 41 U.S.C. 2313.)

2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and

Performance Matters is applicable to awards with a total Federal share of more than $500,000, except those to individuals and foreign public entities.

VIII. Agency Contact: Melissa Foster, Senior Fish and Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, 4 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd., Suite 4, Galloway Twp, NJ 08205, Tel: 609-382-5262, Melissa_foster@fws.gov.

mailto:Melissa_foster@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Financial Assistance Award Terms and Conditions

Acceptance of a grant or cooperative agreement award from the U.S.