USDA-NRCS-PR-MULTI-24-NOFO0001338_REV3.pdf

Caribbean Partners for Conservation (CPC)

Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Caribbean Partners for Conservation (CPC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) No. USDA-NRCS-PR-MULTI-24-NOFO0001338

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO)

SUMMARY INFORMATION

All modifications to this announcement are highlighted in yellow. Please review information and update applications if needed. This is the official update, and all previous inquiries must refer to this modification.

Deadline date modification #3: pg. 2 Project management methodology modification pg. 14 Clarification on Deliverables pg. 15 Letters of Support update pg. 19 Merit/Technical Criteria updates pg. 24

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Caribbean Partners for Conservation (CPC) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Announcement for Program Funding – Caribbean Area

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-PR-MULTI-24-NOFO0001338

Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under:

Soil and Water Conservation 10.902

Soil Survey 10.903

Conservation Reserve Program 10.069

Environmental Quality Incentives Program 10.912

Conservation Stewardship Program 10.924

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 10.931 which can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/home.

SAM is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government's trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources, addressing local natural resource https://sam.gov/content/home issues, encouraging collaboration and developing state and community-level conservation leadership. Proposals must be for projects based in the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and U.S.

Virgin Islands (USVI)) and focus on conservation issues as noted in Section A (2) of this notice.

Collaborative projects that provide on-the-ground support for Caribbean NRCS Field Offices are highly encouraged. Research proposals will not be accepted, nor considered. NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2024 will be up to $1,500,000.00.

Proposals are requested from City or township governments, county governments, Federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state governments, nonprofits having or not having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education), or institutions of higher education for competitive consideration of awards for projects between 1 and 3 years in duration. Organizations may use this opportunity to request additional funding for existing agreements in the Caribbean Area.

Awarded organizations may be required to attend administrative training and may be required to present project updates in the form of a formal presentation to the Caribbean NRCS leadership.

This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for projects.

Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice.

Incomplete and/or non-compliant proposals may be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant.

For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.

Key Dates

Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 26th, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518- 4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.

For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.

The agency anticipates making selections by June 1st, 2024 and expects to execute awards by July 20th, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling Amounts

The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $75,000.00, and the estimated funding ceiling is $200,000.00. The funding floor means the minimum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. The ceiling is the maximum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. These numbers refer to the total agreement amount, not any specific budget period.

mailto:support@grants.gov

Federal Financial Assistance Training

The funding available through this NFO is Federal financial assistance. Grants 101 Training is highly recommended for those seeking knowledge about Federal financial assistance. The training is free and available to the public via https://www.cfo.gov/resources/federal-financial-assistance-training/.

It consists of five modules covering each of the following topics: 1) laws, regulations, and guidance; 2) financial assistance mechanisms; 3) uniform guidance administrative requirements;

4) cost principles; and 5) risk management and single audit. FPAC agencies also apply Federal financial assistance regulations to certain non-assistance awards (e.g., non-assistance cooperative agreements).

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cfo.gov%2Fresources%2Ffederal-financial-assistance-training%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmichele.devaney%40usda.gov%7C64a8b15d44b145ca688408dbdb1db568%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638344692880554498%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gWNVqnfECl4YtvVHNgN0vY1TJ%2FJ6kDLsRzIAU7x5U4M%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cfo.gov%2Fresources%2Ffederal-financial-assistance-training%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmichele.devaney%40usda.gov%7C64a8b15d44b145ca688408dbdb1db568%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638344692880554498%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gWNVqnfECl4YtvVHNgN0vY1TJ%2FJ6kDLsRzIAU7x5U4M%3D&reserved=0

Table of Contents

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Available Funding

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

2. Type of Award

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Other

3. Match

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Information for New Users of Grants.gov

2. Electronic Application Package

3. Content and Form of Application Submission

4. Submission Dates and Times and Correspondence

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review and Selection Process

2. Merit/Technical Criteria

3. Administrative and Risk Criteria

4. Awards Over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (if applicable)

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

4. Audit Requirements

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT

H. OTHER INFORMATION

APPENDIX A - Instructions for Completing SF424 APPENDIX B – Instructions for Completing SF424A APPENDIX C – Budget Narrative Guidance

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The authorizing statutes and regulations for this opportunity:

• Soil and Water Conservation (CTA): 16 U.S.C 590 a-f, 590q

• Soil Survey Program: 16 U.S.C. 590a-f, 590q 42 U.S.C. 3271-3274

• Conservation Reserve Program: 16 U.S.C 3831-3835a

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program: 16 U.S.C. 3839 et seq.

• Conservation Stewardship Program: 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-21 et seq.

• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements: 16

U.S.C. 3865 et seq.

The goals and objectives of this program are:

• Use climate-smart management and sound science to enhance the health and productivity of agricultural lands.

• Lead efforts to adapt to the consequences of climate change in agriculture and forestry.

• Restore, protect, and conserve watersheds to ensure clean, abundant, and continuous provision of water resources.

• Protect agricultural health by minimizing major diseases, pests, and wildlife conflicts.

• Foster agricultural innovation.

The purpose of the Caribbean Partners for Conservation awards will be to leverage NRCS and partner resources on proposals that address the following goals:

1. Increase implementation of conservation practices that promote the four Soil Health Principles (Disturbing Soil Less, Diversify Soil Biota, Keep Living Roots and Keep the Soil Covered)

2. Increase the implementation of conservation practices that aid in adapting to and mitigating against increasing extreme weather events and promoting drought resiliency measures.

3. Increase productivity of grasslands and improve animal husbandry.

4. Provide habitat for local wildlife species of concern as listed in Puerto Rico and USVI State Wildlife Action Plans.

5. Support and increase urban farming and conservation efforts in Puerto Rico and the USVI to achieve local, healthy, sustainable food, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Priority will be placed on projects that:

1. Provide support to both Puerto Rico and USVI field offices and/or clients.

2. Provide support to Landscape Planning efforts at the watershed or landscape level that reduces sediment, and nutrient loading by supporting with technical assistance, Farm Bill program promotion, innovative conservation approaches, evaluating conservation outcomes, and/or demonstration farms.

3. Conduct conservation planning, on-site (field) practice certifications and/or follow up with producers on establishment of conservation practices. All proposals that include conservation planning assistance must specifically include:

• What steps of the NRCS 9-step conservation planning process are included in the project proposal;

• Who will have responsibility for completing each step and a description of the training and certifications of the staff performing the conservation planning work; and

• Details in the project methodology on how each step will be executed.

4. Build tools and technical capacity for NRCS and partner conservation field employees.

5. Build the capacity of local watershed groups to develop and implement effective projects.

6. Conduct Hydraulic and Hydrologic studies required to support design process of stream level engineering applications.

7. Conduct validation conservation strategies such as new plant species, new components, or new scenarios to find managerial, vegetative or structural solutions to reduce soil erosion, increase soil health and crop productivity, improve water quality, produce forage and biomass, improve air quality, improve wildlife habitat (including pollinator habitat), restore wetlands, protect streambank and riparian areas, and stabilize coastal areas with NRCS conservation practices.

8. Conduct assessments of water quality and erosion control Practice Implementation (Step 8 of planning) in the Caribbean Area.

9. Conduct cost surveys for implementation and gathering components cost for conservation practices (electronic Field Office Technical Guide) that will serve NRCS to include in practices cost analysis in the conservation plans.

Proposed projects must be performed in Puerto Rico and/or U.S. Virgin Islands.

1. Available Funding

a. Estimated Funding The Federal funding agency expects to award approximately $1,500,000.00 through this opportunity. However, the agency retains the discretion to award a larger or lesser amount.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/technical/cta/

b. Start Dates and Performance Periods Projects may be between 1 and 3 years in duration. Applicants should plan their projects based on an estimated project start date of June 1st, 2024.

c. Number of Awards The agency expects to make 6 award(s).

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

2. Type of Award

a. Type of Federal Award The agency plans to award a cooperative agreement pursuant to this opportunity.

Depending on the nature of a particular proposal received, the agency may elect to negotiate an alternate award type with the selected applicant.

The agency will be substantially involved in the work performed under the agreement and will undertake activities such as the following:

a. Authority to suspend work if specifications or work statements are not met

b. Review and approval of one stage of work before another may begin

c. Review and approval of substantive provisions of proposed subawards or contracts beyond existing Federal policy

d. Agency and recipient collaboration or joint participation

e. Project monitoring to permit specified kinds of direction or redirection of the work because of interrelationships with and impacts on other projects

f. Highly prescriptive agency requirements that limit recipient discretion

g. Review and approval of key personnel

h. Direct agency operational involvement or participation during the activity

b. Procurement Contracts The agency does not expect to award procurement contracts associated with this

NFO.

c. Eligibility of Renewal or Supplemental Project Applications Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards. An application for renewal means an application submitted to continue an existing agreement that meets the objectives and requirements of this NFO. An application for supplementation of an existing project means an application to add components to an existing agreement so that it would meet the objectives and requirements in this NFO.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Applicants and applications must meet eligibility criteria by the application deadline to be considered for award. Eligible applicant type is determined by the implementing program statute. Applicant entities identified in the SAM.gov exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted, or excluded from receiving Federal contracts and certain Federal assistance and benefits will not be considered for Federal funding, as applicable to the funding being requested under this Federal program (2 CFR 200.206(d)). Neither foreign entities nor individuals are eligible to apply for this opportunity.

Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to the following entity types:

1. City or township governments

2. County governments

3. Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

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

5. Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

6. Private institutions of higher education

7. State governments

8. Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education

2. Other

Any award made pursuant to this NFO will be made to a single entity. Applicants that apply as “partnerships” or other similar groupings must clearly describe the relationship between the applicant and the “partner” parties. In all but exceptional cases, it must be reflected in the award as an awardee/sub awardee relationship.

An applicant organization may not submit more than one application for different projects or proposing different approaches. In the case of applications submitted as revisions or corrections to a previously submitted application under this NFO, the agency will consider the last application submitted prior to the established deadline.

Awards made pursuant to this NFO are not Farm Bill incentive contracts; therefore, the awards in and of themselves are not limited by the payment limitation in 16 USC Chapter 58. However, any agricultural producers receiving a payment through participation in a project awarded under this NFO must meet the eligibility requirements of 7 CFR Part 12 and 7 CFR Part 1400 and have control of the land involved for the term of the proposed award period.

Applicant entities 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 (2 CFR 200.205(d)).

Activities supported through these awards will be limited to those which are within authorities of contributing programs administered by the NRCS.

3. Match

There is no match requirement for this opportunity. There is no competitive advantage to applicants who voluntarily provide a match.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Information for New Users of Grants.gov

a. Overview

While a Grants.gov account is not required to download an NFO and related documents, it is required to submit an application. If your organization has never submitted an application via Grants.gov, please be aware that there are several steps you must take to register your organization before you can submit an application. Completing those steps can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly.

b. Register to Apply through Grants.gov

Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

For assistance with the registration process, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support, available 24/7, at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

Organizations must complete all steps to register (steps i. through v. below).

Complete organization instructions are included on Grants.gov here:

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/

Although creating a Grants.gov account online can be completed online in minutes, SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, organizations should begin the process early to ensure they have sufficient time to complete registration and meet required application submission deadlines.

Individuals (those submitting on their own behalf) are not subject to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) or SAM requirement and may begin with step iii., Create a Grants.gov Account, listed below. (Note: Individuals are not eligible for all opportunities.)

c. Steps to Register

i. Obtain a UEI: All entities applying for funding must have a UEI issued by SAM.gov. Applicants must enter the UEI in the data entry field labeled "UEI" on the SF-424 form.

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/

ii. Register with SAM: All organizations (entities) must register with System for Award Management (SAM) to apply online through Grants.gov. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually. Part of the SAM registration process includes designating an Electronic Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC). The EBiz POC plays an integral part in the organization’s Grants.gov registration and application process. The individual in that role must authorize all other roles in Grants.gov. For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/

iii. Create a Grants.gov Account: From the Grants.gov webpage (https://www.grants.gov/), click “Register” in the top right-hand corner and follow the on-screen instructions.

iv. Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant submitting on their own behalf. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations, you can have a profile for each organization under one Grants.gov account. In such cases you can log in to one Grants.gov account to access all your grant profiles. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the UEI for the organization in the UEI field.

If you are an individual applicant submitting on your own behalf, you do not need a UEI to add the profile. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/add-profile

v. EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, you must establish roles for individuals in the organization. The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role is critical; it gives an individual permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. Without this role, the organization cannot submit any applications. The request for role assignment will be routed to the organization’s EBiz POC for approval. Once approved, the AOR can submit an application online. For more detailed instructions about creating a EBiz POC authorized profile on Grants.gov, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ebiz-poc-authorizes-profile-roles

Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/track-profile-role-status

d. Electronic Signature https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/track-profile-role-status https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/track-profile-role-status

When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the AOR role. This step (step c.v. above) is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

e. Workspace

Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each NFO, you can create individual instances of a workspace. An applicant can start an application in Workspace and return to work on it later within Workspace.

Applicants using unreliable internet connections should be aware that the process of completing the Workspace can take some time. Therefore, applicants should allow enough time to prepare and submit the application before the package closing date.

f. Apply for an Opportunity

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview/

If the Apply button in the opportunity is not active (greyed out), the user does not have the appropriate permissions or has an incomplete applicant registration. For additional information, refer to https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/2023/06/08/unlock-the-mystery-of-the-gray-apply-button-four-scenarios/#:~:text=The%20Apply%20button%20will%20be,to%20view%20the% 20close%20date.

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

ii. Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the status of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

• Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview/ https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/2023/06/08/unlock-the-mystery-of-the-gray-apply-button-four-scenarios/#:%7E:text=The%20Apply%20button%20will%20be,to%20view%20the%20close%20date https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/2023/06/08/unlock-the-mystery-of-the-gray-apply-button-four-scenarios/#:%7E:text=The%20Apply%20button%20will%20be,to%20view%20the%20close%20date https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/2023/06/08/unlock-the-mystery-of-the-gray-apply-button-four-scenarios/#:%7E:text=The%20Apply%20button%20will%20be,to%20view%20the%20close%20date https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/2023/06/08/unlock-the-mystery-of-the-gray-apply-button-four-scenarios/#:%7E:text=The%20Apply%20button%20will%20be,to%20view%20the%20close%20date can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility

• Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

• Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and UEI. Once it is completed, the information will transfer (i.e., prepopulate) to the other forms.

iii. Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

iv. Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-training

2. Electronic Application Package

Applicants interested in submitting an application in response to this NFO must submit it via Grants.gov; the agency will not accept applications submitted via email or any other method. No exceptions will be made for applicants experiencing issues with Grants.gov unless a known system wide Grants.gov issue is identified, in which case the deadline will be extended for all applicants, as appropriate. Applicants are urged to submit early to the Grants.gov system.

For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support, available 24/7, at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.

Address to Request Application Package All information necessary to apply for this opportunity is included in the Grants.gov opportunity announcement.

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-training http://www.grants.gov/

3. Content and Form of Application Submission

The agency may choose not to consider applications that fail to comply with the required content, format, and page limits, or those that are incomplete. Do not submit video files or files larger than 10MB. File names of attachments must be limited to 50 characters, may not include special characters (e.g., &,–,*,%,/,#), periods (.), blank spaces or accent marks, and must be unique (i.e., no other attachment may have the same file name). An underscore (example: my_Attached_File.pdf) may be used to separate a file name. Attachments must NOT be password protected.

To be considered for funding under this opportunity, an application must contain the documents in a-g below.

a. Application Form

(Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance) See Instructions for Completing SF 424 located in the appendices section.

b. Project Narrative

Each page must be numbered and have one-inch margins. The text of the project narrative must be single spaced and typed in a standard typeface (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, Courier) with no smaller than 12-point font. The project narrative must not exceed 19 pages. This page limitation applies to the project narrative only.

a. First Page: Project Data Page (1 page)

b. Summary: 250 words maximum (1/2 page)

c. Introduction: One (1) page maximum

d. Needs Assessment: One (1) page maximum

e. Program Goals and Objectives: One and one-half (1.5) page maximum

f. Project Management Methodology: Three (3) page maximum

g. Deliverables Template One (1) page maximum

h. Evaluation: One (1) page maximum

i. Budget Narrative: Three (3) page maximum

j. Cost Benefit Analysis: Two (2) page maximum

k. Key Project Contacts: Two (2) page maximum

l. Agreement Contacts: One (1) page maximum

I. First Page: Project Data Page

A summary of organizational, funding, and project information.

II. Summary The summary should include one or two sentences about each of the following: the applicant organization, the need motivating the request, the project start and end dates, measurable outcomes and methodology, other organizations that will be involved, and the project total cost, funds already obtained, and the amount requested in this proposal.

III. Introduction This section should introduce your organization to the reviewer and lend credibility to your organization’s ability to successfully manage a federal agreement. The response should be succinct and offer a good balance between quantitative and qualitative information.

IV. Needs Assessment

This section should demonstrate the tie-in to the organizational mission and goals, describe the issue, and the history of, and need for, the proposed innovation, provide statistical and authoritarian evidence that supports the need identified in the proposal, supports a high probability for success, and makes a compelling case for the project funding based demonstrated client needs.

V. Program Goals and Objectives

This section of the proposal should demonstrate project outcomes, not project activities. Each goal reflects the purpose toward which an endeavor is directed. Each objective must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and contain a timeline for completion.

VI. Project Management Methodology

Provide a narrative with a strictly defined combination of logically related practices, methods and processes that describes how you will plan, develop, control and deliver the project until successful completion and termination. Include a list of key project personnel, their relevant education/experience, and their anticipated contributions to the project.

Include also a description of the organization’s experience and capacity to partner with others to accomplish work similar to the proposed project.

This section MUST include a timeline with milestones that include, but are not limited to: project initiation, planning and design of each deliverable, execution of each critical task and deliverable, and close-out project tasks, including project evaluation.

All proposals that include conservation planning assistance MUST specifically include the following in this section and will not be considered if not included:

What steps of the NRCS 9-step conservation planning process

(https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/conservation-technical-assistance/conservation-planning) (are included in the project proposal).

Who will have responsibility for the completion of each step? and Detail in the project methodology documenting how each step will be executed.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/technical/cta/ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/conservation-technical-assistance/conservation-planning https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/conservation-technical-assistance/conservation-planning

VII. Deliverables Provide a list of specific deliverables and products that directly relate to the project objectives, outcomes, and benefits. The proposal must include any set of technical deliverables that reflect the performance and broader applicability of the project.

VIII. Evaluation This section should clarify your objectives, define the ease with which they can be measured, and clearly state the criteria for how success will be measured using quantifiable methods. Your evaluation should determine whether the delivered program was consistent with the initial plan and identify which program activities individually contributed to the effectiveness of the program.

IX. Budget Narrative

Provide a detailed budget and budget narrative in support of the proposed project. Within the Budget Narrative, discuss how the budget specifically supports the proposed activities. Supplies, Other, and Equipment must be itemized. (See section b on the following page for additional instruction regarding the budget narrative.)

X. Cost Benefit Analysis

Compile a comprehensive list of all the costs and benefits associated with developing and delivering the project deliverables. Evaluate all costs and provide a detailed analysis of the cost benefits of your proposal. Assign a realistic dollar value on tangible and intangible proposal deliverables and benefits.

XI. Key Project Contacts

Provide information for the individuals who will be working directly on development and implementation of this project. Be specific regarding their Project Role and the experience they bring to the project. Do not include administrative personnel or signatories in this section.

XII. Point of Contacts

Provide the administrative and technical contact information for this agreement. This information will become part of the agreement package upon acceptance of the proposal.

The following documents do not count toward the above stated page limit.

c. Standard Form (SF) 424A, Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs

Fill in all spaces as appropriate. Section B, Item 6, Column 1 should reflect the agency funds, and Column 2 should reflect the applicant’s matching funds. This form is the summary budget for the project and should include the full project totals on pages one and two. See Instructions for Completing SF 424A located in the appendices section. Refer to Section D of this opportunity for information regarding indirect costs. Errors in the SF-424A regarding classifying costs may be negotiated after selection.

d. Budget Narrative

In a separate document titled “Budget Narrative,” explain and justify all requested budget items/costs. (Refer to the budget narrative guidance located in the appendices section.) Detail how the totals on the SF-424A 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 agency’s approval and estimate its cost. The pages included as the budget narrative to not count toward the page limit. Errors in the budget narrative regarding classifying costs may be negotiated after selection. Refer to the Budget Narrative Guidance located at the end of this document regarding procurement standards when including contracts for goods or services. Sole-source contracting is prohibited without proper justification. See Procurement Standards located at 2 CFR 200.317-327.

i. Build America, Buy American. “Buy America” preference applies to

Federal financial assistance awards that include construction components, even if it is funded by both Federal and non-Federal funds under the award. Subawards should conform to the terms and conditions of the

Federal award from which they flow. A Buy America preference only applies to articles, materials, and supplies that are consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to a construction project. Refer to the

General Terms and Conditions for additional information:

https://www.fpacbc.usda.gov/about/grants-and-agreements/award-terms-and-conditions/index.html

ii. Indirect Costs Recovery. If requesting indirect costs, provide the calculation specifying the amounts used in applying the base (the base specified in the applicable rate agreement) by the applicable rate. The calculation can be displayed in different formats but must capture the components (i.e., amounts used in determining the base and the rate applied to the base).

A. To be eligible to recover any indirect costs under a Federal award, recipients must either 1) have a current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) with a Federal agency that has not expired; or 2) qualify for use of the de minimis rate authorized by 2 CFR 200.414(f) https://www.fpacbc.usda.gov/about/grants-and-agreements/award-terms-and-conditions/index.html and described below. For-profit entities (if eligible to apply) must obtain a NICRA from their cognizant agency. USDA will not accept an indirect cost agreement that is not a NICRA, for example, those negotiated or approved by the Defense Contract Audit Agency or the Defense Contract Management Agency.

A copy of the applicant’s current NICRA must be provided with the application (see section D(3)(i)). Indirect costs may not be recovered under an expired NICRA. For applicants negotiating a NICRA, provide a copy of the indirect cost rate proposal submitted to the cognizant agency. See section D(3)(h) below for how to submit a NICRA as part of the application.

B. Any non-Federal entity (except State and local governments that receive more than $35 million per year in Federal funding) that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. No documentation is required to justify the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate, simply indicate in your budget narrative that the recipient elects to use the de minimis rate. Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

C. As described in 2 CFR 200.403, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.

D. A recipient may voluntarily reduce or waive recovery of indirect costs at its sole discretion and must not be encouraged or coerced in any way to do so by the agency.

iii. Indirect Costs Limitations.

A. In accordance with USDA’s annual appropriations act, indirect costs will be limited to no more than 10 percent of total direct costs for non-profit organizations or institutions of higher education that receive a cooperative or contribution agreement. Other types of entities are not https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.403 subject to this statutory limitation. An applicant subject to the statutory limitation with a current NICRA, must calculate indirect costs as follows. First, multiply the NICRA rate by the base stated in the NICRA to arrive at Amount A. Next, multiply the statutory limit of 10 percent by the total of all direct costs to arrive at Amount B. The lower of Amount A and B is the amount of indirect cost to include on the budget.

B. Applicants not subject to a statutory limitation, which have a current NICRA must calculate indirect costs using the rate and base specified in their NICRA.

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

D. Applicants who are individuals applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit organization they 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.

iv. Match.

If matching is included in the proposal, the funds must be committed at the time of application submission. The budget narrative must show the amounts and sources of match (including both cash and in-kind contributions).

Refer to the Budget Narrative Guidance located in the appendices section for information about making contract vs. subaward determinations.

e. Grants.gov Lobbying Form

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 2 CFR Part 418, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying.

f. Applicant Contact Information

Provide contact information for the roles identified in the Applicant Contact Information template, located in the Related Documents tab of the opportunity.

Upload the contact information under Other Attachments (listed as an Optional Form) in the Grants.gov Opportunity Application Package.

g. Statement of Current and Pending Support

Submit a Statement of Current and Pending Support for each key personnel who will participate in the project. For your convenience, a template is available for your use in in the Related Documents tab of the opportunity.

h. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, must be submitted only if you/your organization have/has made or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying. See 2 CFR 418.110 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

i. Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), if applicable

If charging indirect costs using a NICRA (including for match), upload the NICRA under Other Attachments (listed as an Optional Form) in the Grants.gov Opportunity Application Package.

j. Letters of Support

Letters of support are required if an applicant proposes to partner with and gain the support of other organizations, institutions, or agencies. The letter(s) must provide details of the proposed partner’s level of experience and capacity pertaining to the proposed project.

Provide evidence (e.g., letter of support) that the identified collaborators involved have agreed to render these services. You must also provide additional information on consultants and collaborators in the budget portion of the application.

Letters of support must be signed by the authorized organizational representative of the organization and must include the project name and name, address, and telephone number of the organization. The agency may conduct reference checks to ensure that organizations identified are supportive of the project. Upload letters of support under Other Attachments (listed as an Optional Form) in the Grants.gov Opportunity Application Package.

k. Letters of Intent

Letters of intent are not required and should not be submitted.

l. Disclosure of Potential Conflict of Interest

In accordance with 2 CFR 400.2, applicants must maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the performance of its employees in the selection, award, and administration of Federal awards. No employee, officer, or agent may participate in the selection, award, or administration of a Federal award if he or she has a real or apparent conflict of interest. Such a conflict of interest would arise when the employee, officer or agent, any member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of the parties referenced, has a financial or other interest in, or a tangible personal benefit from, an applicant considered for a Federal award. The standards of conduct must provide for disciplinary actions to be applied for violations of such standards by officers, employees, or agents of the applicant.

If the applicant has a parent, affiliate, or subsidiary organization that is not a state, local government, or Indian tribe, the applicant must also maintain written standards of conduct covering organizational conflicts of interest.

Organizational conflict of interest means that because of the relationships with a parent company, affiliate, or subsidiary organization, the applicant is unable or appears to be unable to be impartial in conducting a Federal award action involving a related organization.

Applicants must disclose in writing any potential conflicts of interest to the USDA awarding agency or pass-through entity. Include the name of the individual, the name of the entity with which the individual has a conflict, the nature of the financial or other interest, the value of the interest, a description of how the interest relates to your application. Upload disclosures under Other Attachments (listed separately under Optional Forms) in Grants.gov. If no conflict exists, no submission is required.

m. Post Award Documentation N/A

n. Unique entity identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. The agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the agency is ready to make an award, it may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

Entities must obtain a UEI and register in SAM prior to registering with Grants.gov. A description of each is below. Entities are strongly encouraged to apply early for their SAM registration.

System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: To register, go to:

https://www.sam.gov. The Federal Service Desk is available for registration assistance and can be contacted via the Help tab at the website listed above.

Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding UEI or SAM issues.

https://www.sam.gov/

4. Submission Dates and Times and Correspondence

All applications must be received by Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET) by the established due date in the Key Dates section of the Summary Information of this NFO. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov.

Applications received by Grants.gov after the established due date will be considered late and will not be considered for funding. An application is considered on time at 11:59.59 pm ET, but it is late at 12:00 am ET.

Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role attempting to submit the application. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process; be patient and give the system time to process the application.

The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive:

• an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application.

• an email with the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov tracking number serving as proof of timely submission.

When the agency successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will also provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application. Proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application.

If you have trouble submitting an application to Grants.gov, contact the Grants.gov Help Desk to resolve any issues. See Section D. 2. for Grants.gov contact information.

Applicants using unreliable internet connections should be aware that the process of completing the Workspace can take some time.