USFWS -NRCCP-18-NOFO.docx

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System

Natural Resource Conservation Careers Program Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.676

Notice of Funding Opportunity F18AS00058

I. Description of Funding Opportunity The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS or Service) National Wildlife Refuge System is accepting proposals from non-profit, state, and local government youth and veteran serving organizations with the interest and capacity to work cooperatively with the USFWS to develop introductory educational experiences in natural resource careers to young people and veterans, including culturally, ethnically and economically diverse students, and underserved communities that traditionally have low participation in outdoor recreation activities through hands-on experience and mentoring at a variety of USFWS programs including but not limited to, national wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries, and ecological services offices. Under this program, individuals and/or groups of youth, young adults, and veterans:

· Will be introduced to natural resource careers through hands-on work with, and training by, natural resource professionals employed by the USFWS.

· May be given the opportunity to serve both seasonal and or year-round assignments.

· Will enhance conservation stewardship; increase outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans and improve the management of game species and their habitats for this generation and beyond.

· Will be introduced to various real-world conservation and rehabilitation activities such as invasive species management, habitat restoration, wildlife management, public education and interpretation, disaster response and mitigation, and communications, mixed with informal and formal training sessions directed by USFWS employees during assignments.

· Will enhance and expand public access to lands and waters

· Will be provided feedback for their future growth and may receive consideration for future employment with the USFWS.

This award is made under the authority of the Powers and Duties of the Secretary of the Interior (16 U.S.C. 460 Sec. 460l (lower case “L”)-1(d) and (f); Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, as amended by the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 742a-754j-2, as amended; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661); National Fish Hatchery System Volunteer Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-360); National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997; National Wildlife Refuge System Volunteer and Community Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998 ( 16 U.S.C. 742j); Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, as amended 2005 (16 U.S.C. 1721-1726, P.L. 109-154); Youth Conservation Corps Act of 1972 (P.L. 93-408).

II. Award Information Contingent upon the availability of funds, the USFWS will award an estimated $5,000,000.00 per fiscal year for the next five fiscal years (FY18-FY23) to provide an introductory developmental experience of natural resource careers to recipient-recruited participants.

Based on regional priorities and available opportunities, USFWS Refuges headquarters will issue a national cooperative agreement to selected recipients. In addition, individual USFWS regional cooperative agreement awards will be made to recipients based on proposals approved by USFWS Refuges Headquarters office. Selected recipients are required to submit financial and performance reports for the national award and for each of the individual USFWS regional cooperative agreement award. All wards issued during the five year period will end by September 30, 2023.

The national cooperative agreement award will be revised over the period (FY18-FY23) to add funding as needed to meet regional priorities and available assignment opportunities. To support funding decisions beyond the first year, recipients are required to submit the documentation detailed in Section VII to USFWS Regional Headquarters on or before December 31 of 2018 (for FY19), 2019 (FY20), 2020, (FY21), 2021, (FY22), and 2022 (FY2023). USFWS Refuges Headquarters will review the annually-submitted documentation and send final approved versions out to the USFWS Regional Offices by January 31st of each year.

The recipient will:

1. Cooperate with the USFWS to provide youth, young adult and veteran programs and to place participants at requesting USFWS sites.

2. Recruit and provide trained staff crew and team leaders to undertake work projects under the direction of USFWS employees. Make final selection of crew and participants. Make sure crew and team leaders fully understand the appropriate and necessary safety regulations for projects to which they are assigned.

3. Provide reasonable round trip transportation to safely transport participants to USFWS project sites at the beginning and end of their assignment. For participants who live within commuting distance of their duty station, provide a travel allowance. Provide subsistence and clothing allowances for participants during the tour of duty.

4. Provide participants with food, camping equipment, and all educational, first aid, recreational and general supplies required.

5. Provide a 24/7 staffed hotline for emergencies, pre-project hazard assessments, post-project reviews, incident management and debriefing.

6. Conduct on-site project evaluations at approximately 25 percent of USFWS projects with USFWS staff to define progression of the planned project and to decide if the participant(s) is/are receiving the expected educational learning/training experience.

7. Manage and carry out all administrative functions associated with services under this Agreement, except those related to the performance and work assignments for the participants or as otherwise specified herein.

8. Process all administrative procedures and maintain all administrative records required for operation and management of the youth and veteran program participants.

9. Certify that standard background screenings and eligibility reviews have been conducted on all participants assigned to all programs.

10. Recipient agrees that USFWS rules regarding physical security and personnel security apply to all participants while on USFWS property and/or while conducting work on behalf of the USFWS.

11. Recipient is solely responsible for providing workers compensation coverage to all participants and staff, including project leaders and crew leaders.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will be substantially involved in projects under this funding opportunity. In particular, the Service will be responsible for the following:

1. Provide appropriate staff to oversee work assigned to recipient participants. Provide appropriate work specifications and direction to recipient participants and Project and Crew Leaders. Provide site- and project-specific safety information to recipient, as needed.

2. Provide duty transportation as required to carry out assigned projects.

3. Ensure recipient participants and youth/veteran program members receive proper training and oversight for all activities funded under this Award. Make training opportunities that could make their Service more effective available to recipient participants and youth/veteran program members.

4. Upon notification or otherwise becoming aware of existing or potential problems of health and safety, promptly notify the recipient’s personnel of the situation and provide the recipient an opportunity to eliminate existing or potential problems. If the recipient does not take corrective action promptly, the Service may direct the recipient and/or participants to cease work immediately until the issue has been corrected.

5. Provide a written performance evaluation of each participant, on forms to be provided by recipient.

6. If the project includes individually-placed participants from the recipient’s Conservation Interns program, enter: “The Service will make final decision on participants and will notify recipient of the names of candidates appropriate for the proposed projects.”

7. If the assignment will include hazardous working conditions, describe those conditions or reference an attached hazardous working conditions statement here.

8. If the Service will provide housing, enter: “Provide appropriate housing with utilities and/or camping sites with access to potable water for participants. Safety equipment will include a radio at remote locations.”

III. Basic Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants:

This opportunity is open to non-profit, state, county, city or township, and special district government youth and veteran serving organizations with the interest and capacity to work cooperatively with the USFWS to develop introductory educational experiences in natural resource careers to young people, including culturally, ethnically and economically diverse students, through hands-on experience and mentoring at a variety of USFWS programs including but not limited to, national wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries, and ecological services offices.

U.S. non-profit, non-governmental organizations with 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Status (IRS) must provide a copy of their status determination letter received from the IRS.

Applicants must ensure that activities occurring outside the United States are coordinated as necessary with appropriate U.S. and foreign government authorities and that any necessary licenses, permits, or approvals are obtained prior to undertaking proposed activities. The Service does not assume responsibility for recipient compliance with the laws and regulations of the country in which the work is to be conducted.

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 (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:

The recipient is not required to provide a Federal Share/Match for awards issued under this NOFO; however, if the award is entered into under the authority of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, as amended 2005 (16 U.S.C. 1721-1726, P.L. 109-154), the recipient is committed to provide a minimum of 25% of the total project costs in non-Federal cash and/or in-kind contributions for each project segment of this award.

E. Ineligible Activities and Program Restrictions

1. Individuals recruited under this program will not be assigned to:

· Staff a USFWS position that is a normal part of the USFWS work force;

· Displace any USFWS employee or contractor; or

· Perform inherent functions (such as decision-making) that impact the management of Federal programs.

Although participants may receive consideration for future employment with the USFWS, assignments under this program do not count towards the eligibility for, or accumulation of, benefits available to Federal employees.

F. To retain eligibility applicants must:

1. Maintain general liability insurance for all participants and staff of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage, subject to the usual and customary policy conditions, including standard exclusion on vehicles licensed for highway use and on property in the care, custody and the control of the policyholder.

2. Maintain worker compensation coverage and comprehensive general liability insurance for all participants and staff involved in activities funded under this award.

3. Be aware that the USFWS will not require the participants to sign an OMB 301A volunteer services agreement form.

4. Comply with all terms and conditions of this award, including being timely in submission of required consolidated reporting and eligibility documentation to USFWS Refuges Headquarters (see Section VII), and financial and performance reporting required under each cooperative agreement.

5. Participants, Project Leaders and Crew Leaders shall not be assigned law enforcement or wildfire-fighting duties, with the exception of prescribed burns, and shall not be permitted to handle or discharge any firearms or explosives unless provided prior written permission by the recipient and the USFWS.

6. Participants, project Leaders and Crew Leaders shall only operate mechanized equipment when provided all necessary safety training and only with on-site oversight by the USFWS.

7. Recipient high school-age participants shall not be allowed to operate any motorized vehicle. Participants over the age of 18, Project Leaders and Crew Leaders may be allowed to drive a vehicle owned, rented, leased or loaned by the USFWS when:

· The vehicle is used with written permission from USFWS’s field manager and only for official agency use;

· The driver is properly licensed and qualified to operate the vehicle, and all such vehicle use, maintenance, training and operation is in compliance with 243 FW 1, Safe operation of Motor Vehicles and Motor Equipment and all other applicable policies for usage of USFWS motor vehicles.

· The driver has completed a defensive driving course within the last three years;

· Before field work requiring the use of a motorized vehicle begins, the USFWS site coordinator provides written documentation that all of the above criteria have been met to the recipient Agency contact. Such documentation may be provided electronically; and

· Both the driver and the vehicle will be covered by an insurance policy maintained by the recipient organization covering the use of a vehicle.

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. 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 $0.00 in section 18, Estimated Funding ($), box (a) Federal. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the total funding entered in the “Other” box. This NOFO is intended to identify potential partners only. Individual project budgets will be developed in coordination with the USFWS.

B. Project Narrative

1. Statement of Need: Describe why this project is necessary (significance/value) and include supporting information. Summarize previous or on-going efforts (of you/your organization, and other organizations or individuals) that are relevant to the proposed work. Explain the successes or failures of past efforts and how your proposed project builds on them. If you have received funding previously (from the Service or any other entity) for this specific project work or site, provide a summary of the funding, associated activities and products/outcomes.

2. Description of Organization: Provide a description of your organization, including a description of all youth-based and veteran recruitment services/programs offered. Describe any particular organizational focus, such as types of individuals (age/skills/abilities/other demographics) targeted for recruitment. Describe the geographical area covered by your organization’s services. Describe any previous experience your organization has in delivering youth-based and veteran programs for the Federal Government.

3. Description of Entities Undertaking the Project: Provide a brief description of the applicant organization and all participating entities and/or individuals. Identify which of the proposed activities each agency, organization, group, or individual is responsible for conducting or managing. Provide complete contact information for the individual within the organization that will oversee/manage the project activities on a day-to-day basis

A. Cost Presentation Schedule A Cost Presentation schedule of the per program costs for each recipient program to be applicable to all awards from the USFWS for the next year. The Cost Presentation schedule must show/detail the indirect costs separately from the direct costs. When developing the schedule, refer to the appropriate Cost Principles for your type of organization.

D. Budget Justification In a separate narrative titled “Budget Justification”, explain and justify the per participant/unit costs. Describe the specific costs that are included/covered by the per participant/unit costs.

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.

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 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.

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.

J. Required Overlap/Duplication Statement: Applicants must provide a statement that addresses if there is any overlap between the proposed project and any other active or anticipated projects in terms of activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If any overlap exists, applicants must provide a description of the overlap in their application. Applicants must also state if the proposal submitted for consideration under this program is/is not in any way duplicative of any proposal that was/will be submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source (Federal or non-Federal). If such a circumstance exists, applicants must detail when the other duplicative proposal(s) were submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when funding decisions are expected to be announced. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be duplicative of the funding requested from the Service, applicants must notify the Service point of contact for this funding opportunity immediately.

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 narrative

· 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.

· Budget justification

· Cost Schedule

· 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: 02/15/2018.

Intergovernmental Review: Before submitting an application, U.S. state and local government applicants should visit the following website (https://obamawhitehouse.archives.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 email.

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 fwhqnwrsfa@fws.gov.

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.

VI. Application Review Information Criteria: Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a team of reviewers. Applications will be scored and selected based on the following criteria:

· Cost: Demonstrated in the Cost Schedule and Budget Justification

· Organizational Capacity: Demonstrated ability/capacity to work cooperatively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide educational opportunities in the field of natural resources to young people.

· Unique qualifications: Programs and partner organizations that combine to make organization uniquely qualified to engage in this partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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.

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 90 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 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:

A. Each year from 2018 through 2013, recipients must submit to the USFWS Refuges Headquarters on or before each December 31 the following documentation:

1. Recipient’s DUNS number, Employer Identification Number (EIN) and documentary evidence of their Section 501(c)(3) status as determined by the Internal Revenue Service.

2. Recipient’s complete contact information for the organization Point(s) of Contact for this project, including the point of contact for USFWS Refuges Headquarters and any region-specific point(s) of contact for the USFWS programs participating in this project.

3. A Cost Presentation schedule of the per program costs for each program to be applicable to all awards from the USFWS for the next year. The Cost Presentation schedule must show/detail the indirect costs separately from the direct costs. When developing the schedule, refer to 2 CFR Part 230, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations.

4. A separate narrative titled “Budget Justification” that explains and justifies the per participant/unit costs. Describe the specific costs that are included/covered by the per participant/unit costs.

5. Recipient shall procure and maintain, for the life of all cooperative agreement awards issued under this NOFA, and any extension thereof, liability insurance in a form satisfactory to the USFWS. The amounts of the insurance shall be not less than as follows: $1,000,000 each occurrence and $500,000 property damage. Recipient will provide to USFWS a Certificate of such Comprehensive General Liability Insurance, with USFWS named as an additional insured party, evidencing this insurance coverage. The certificate shall identify the name and address of the USFWS, as well as the insured, the policy number, and a brief description of services to be performed. Should any of the policies be cancelled before the expiration date thereof, notice will be delivered in accordance with the policy provisions.

6. Following OMB Circular A-133, domestic non-profit entities expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in a year must submit an A-133 Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System (http://harvester.census.gov/sac/). SCA must provide a “Statement Regarding A-133 Single Audit Reporting” indicating if your organization was/was not required to submit an A-133 Single Audit report for your most recently closed fiscal year and, if so, state if that report is available on the Federal Audit Clearinghouse Single Audit Database website (http://harvester.census.gov/sac/).

7. A signed and dated SF 424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs form, available online at http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424B-V1.1.pdf.

8. A copy of recipient’s most recently approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). The most recently approved NICRA may be for a provisional or a final rate.

9. If applicable, a completed SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form. Under Title 31 of the United States Code, Section 1352, applicants must complete and submit this form when they have made payment or have agreed to make payment to any lobbying entity for 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 in connection with the awarding of or the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or loan. Recipients may not use funds awarded under a Federal grant or cooperative agreement to conduct such lobbying activities.

Once approved, the USFWS Refuges Headquarters will make available to the USFWS Regional programs all of the above documents and an updated notice of award template to be used for all regional cooperative agreement awards to the recipient.

B. Each year starting in 2018 through 2023, recipient must submit to the USFWS Refuges Headquarters on or before each December 31 an annual report consisting of the following:

· Total number of project sites, hours, weeks, obligated amounts, and number of interns and other participants;

· Descriptive information and federal expenditures (invoiced amounts) to date of each program activity;

· Diversity of students placed, including demographics and age, to the extent that such information has been voluntarily provided by participants to the recipient. Demographics will be reported as an aggregate to ensure that recipient complies with confidentiality requirements regarding individual participant’s demographic data;

· Summary of USFWS participation;

· Recommendations for future program activity;

· The report shall be itemized by the location, program provided and number of participants; and

· The report shall be submitted electronically in a searchable, sortable, spreadsheet format.

C. For every cooperative agreement award issued under this NOFA:

1. The USFWS regional point of contact will work closely with the recipient to develop a Scope of Work for each project within that region and identify the type/number of recruited participants/teams needed for the project and then send the information to the recipient.

2. The recipient will respond to the USFWS by submitting a request for funding that includes a completed, signed, and dated SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance form. This form is available online at http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_2_1-V2.1.pdf.

3. Upon completion of an assignment under this NOFO of at least 640 hours, the intern/fellow can receive certification of their service hours under the Public Lands Corps Act. This enables the participant to receive special noncompetitive hiring status for 120 days.

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.