WAREP.Competitive Environmental Monitoring Agreement.Final 11-1-2023.pdf

Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll

Cooperative Agreement

Fiscal Year 2024 Funding Opportunity Announcement:

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-APHIS-10028-WSNWRC00-24-001

Publication Date: 11/01/2023

Application Due Date: JANUARY 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern

Funding Opportunity: Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection

Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services (WS) is announcing the availability of cooperative agreement funding for environmental monitoring on Wake Atoll for the Wake Atoll Rat Eradication Project.

The maximum available funding for this funding opportunity is $200,000.00 USD.

USDA APHIS WS entered into an Interagency Agreement with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) 611 Civil Engineer Squadron, Installation Management Flight (CES/CEI) to eradicate the Pacific rat (Rattus exulans) and White-toothed woodrat (Neotoma leucodon) from the entirety of Wake Atoll (Wake). Cooperatively, WS and Island Conservation (IC) will deliver the rodenticide Brodifacoum 25-W (B-25W) Conservation by several methods, to include by helicopter, hand broadcast, bait stations, and spot baiting. This project is collectively known as the Wake Atoll Rat Eradication Project (WAREP). This funding opportunity will test the decay of brodifacoum in selected environmental compartments, as stated in the Wake Atoll Rat Eradication Project’s Environmental Assessment (EA).

Synopsis

Funding Opportunity Title: Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-APHIS-10028-WSNWRC00-24-001

Funding Type: Cooperative Agreement

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)/Assistance Listing Number and Title: 10.028, Wildlife Services

Application Due Date: Proposals must be received through ezFedGrants by January 15, 2024 at 11:59 PM Eastern. Proposals received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered for funding. Submissions through Grants.gov will not be accepted.

Funding Opportunity Description: In this opportunity announcement, WS will make up to $200,000 USD available to fund environmental monitoring on Wake Atoll for the Wake Atoll Rat Eradication Project. This funding opportunity will test the decay of brodifacoum in selected environmental compartments, as stated in the Wake Atoll Rat Eradication Project’s EA.

Eligible Participants: This competitive funding opportunity is unrestricted, and available to all entities.

Cost Sharing: Although cost sharing is not required, APHIS WS may consider an eligible entity’s ability to contribute non-Federal funds for proposed activities.

https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/ezfedgrants https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html

Table of Contents

A. Program Description

A.1 Funding Opportunity Description

A.2 Funding Priorities

A.3 Other Funding Considerations

A.4 Alignment with USDA APHIS Goals

A.5 Legislative Authority

B. Federal Award Information

B.1 Cost Guidance

C. Eligibility Information

C.1 Eligible Applicants

C.2 Cost-Sharing and Matching

C.3 Other Criteria for Eligibility

C.4 Administrative Eligibility Criteria

D. Application and Submission Information

D.1 Obtaining an Application Package

D.2 Content and Form of the Application Package

D.3 Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

D.4 Submission Dates and Times

D.5 Intergovernmental Review

D.6 Funding Restrictions

D.7 Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

E.1 Evaluation Criteria

E.2 Review and Selection Process

E.3 Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F.1 Federal Award Notices

F.2 Administration and National Policy Requirements

F.3 Reporting

F.4 Project Evaluation

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

H. Other Information

H.1 Logistical Challenges

H.2 Communications

Appendix 1: WAREP Environmental Monitoring Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

Appendix 2: WAREP Environmental Monitoring Checklist and Tips

Appendix 3: Sample Wake Atoll Environmental Monitoring Plan

Appendix 4: Wake Atoll Environmental Monitoring Financial Plan Template

Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll-1

A. Program Description

Awarding Agency Name: USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services

Funding Opportunity Title: Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll

Announcement Type: Initial Announcement

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-APHIS-10028-WSNWRC00-24-001

CFDA/Assistance Listing Number: 10.028

Key Dates: Proposals must be received through ezFedGrants by January 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern. Proposals received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered for funding.

Submissions through Grants.gov will not be accepted. The performance period will begin in April-June 2024 and must end within twelve months after the start date.

Applicants can find the funding opportunity information on ezFedGrants or Grants.gov by searching the CFDA Number 10.028 or the Funding Opportunity Number USDA-APHIS-10028-

WSNWRC00-24-001.

A.1 Funding Opportunity Description

APHIS-Wildlife Services (WS) entered into an Interagency Agreement with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) 611 Civil Engineer Squadron, Installation Management Flight (CES/CEI) to eradicate the Pacific rat (Rattus exulans) and White-toothed woodrat (Neotoma leucodon) from the entirety of Wake Atoll (Wake). Cooperatively, WS and Island Conservation (IC) will deliver the rodenticide Brodifacoum 25-W (B-25W) Conservation by helicopter, hand broadcast, bait stations, and spot baiting. This project is collectively known as the Wake Atoll Rat Eradication Project (WAREP).

The overall objective of this funding opportunity is to test the decay of brodifacoum in selected environmental compartments, as stated in the Wake Atoll Rat Eradication Project’s Environmental Assessment (EA) through environmental monitoring.

APHIS-Wildlife Services anticipates awarding one cooperative agreement for a maximum of

$200,000 USD to the following entities: Unrestricted.

A.2 Funding Priorities

It is ecologically prudent and a regulatory requirement to assess the decay of brodifacoum residues in the environment and its impact on island fauna. WAREP will apply the highly toxic rodenticide B-25W to all terrestrial areas of Wake Atoll using aerial application, hand broadcast, and bait station application methods. This presents a primary (bait consumption), secondary https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/ezfedgrants https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html

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(consumption of prey with incurred residues), and tertiary (consumption of forage items that consumed prey with incurred residues) risk to island terrestrial and aquatic fauna.

As B-25W pellets are applied on Wake, the presence of brodifacoum residues throughout the environment is expected to increase rapidly and peak shortly after the last bait application.

Following the cessation of bait application and degradation, B-25W will incorporate into the food web; however, residue levels are expected to decline rapidly as brodifacoum percolates into the soil, is degraded by bacterial action, is metabolized by consumers, and is otherwise flushed from the environment by various physical and chemical processes. The funding priority will assess these expectations by collecting data detailing brodifacoum residues’ decay in vital environmental compartments detailed in WAREP’s Final Environmental Assessment (EA).

These compartments are marine and terrestrial water bodies, soil, sea and shorebirds, reptiles, terrestrial invertebrates, marine invertebrates, and marine fish. Samples will be collected two weeks before and immediately after the first aerial broadcast and immediately after and six months post-final aerial broadcast.

Applicant proposals must directly address and support the funding priority described above.

A.3 Other Funding Considerations

There are no other funding considerations.

A.4 Alignment with USDA APHIS Goals

The mission of APHIS Wildlife Services is to provide expertise to resolve conflicts between people and wildlife. Using an integrated approach, APHIS-Wildlife Services facilitates coexistence to protect agriculture, natural resources (including threatened and endangered species), property and infrastructure, and public health and safety.

This funding opportunity supports the overall mission of USDA, which is “to serve all Americans by providing effective, innovative, science-based public policy leadership in agriculture, food and nutrition, natural resource protection and management, rural development, and related issues with a commitment to deliverable equitable and climate-smart opportunities that inspire and help America thrive.”

This funding opportunity supports the following USDA APHIS Strategic Goals:

USDA APHIS Strategic Goal 5: Manage wildlife damage and threats to agriculture, natural resources, property, and people

Objective 5.3: Protect public health and safety by managing negative human/wildlife interactions.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/about_aphis/downloads/aphis-strategic-plan.pdf

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Objective 5.4: Reduce damage from invasive species and protect resources, critical habitats, and species of concern.

A.5 Legislative Authority

USDA-APHIS-WS’s primary statutory authorities are found in two acts of Congress: The Act of March 2, 1931 (46 Stat. 1468-69; 7 USC §§ 8351-8352) as amended; and The Act of December 22, 1987 (Public Law No. 100-202, § 101(k), 101 Stat. 1329-331, 7 USC § 8353).

The Act of March 2, 1931, as amended (7 U.S.C. § 8351 – Predatory and other wild animals and § 8352 – Authorization of expenditures for the eradication and control of predatory and other wildlife animals), authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a program of wildlife services concerning injurious animal species and take any action the Secretary deems necessary in conducting the program. The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated this authority to WS.

The Act of December 22, 1987 (7 U.S.C. § 8353 - Control of nuisance mammals and birds and those constituting reservoirs of zoonotic diseases; exception) authorizes, except for urban rodent control, the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct activities and to enter into agreements with States, local jurisdictions, individuals, and public and private organizations and institutions for the control of nuisance mammals and birds and those mammal and bird species that are reservoirs of zoonotic diseases. The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated this authority to WS.

Under 7 USC Part 2279 (g) and notwithstanding Chapter 63 of Title 31, APHIS is authorized to use cooperative agreements or grants to reflect a relationship with a state or other recipient to carry out programs to protect the nation's animal and plant resources or to carry out educational programs or special studies to improve the safety of the nation's food supply.

B. Federal Award Information

Total Amount to be Awarded: APHIS WS anticipates awarding a maximum of $200,000 USD to support a project that addresses the funding priorities described in Section A.2.

Type of Assistance Instrument: A cooperative agreement will fund the award. WAREP managers shall remain impartial and will not influence the collection of samples on Wake or the monitoring results but do recognize that getting personnel, supplies, and equipment on and off Wake is logistically challenging (see Section H.1).

Anticipated Awards: APHIS WS anticipates awarding one cooperative agreement.

Anticipated Award Start Date: The performance period will begin in April-June 2024.

Period of Performance: This project must be completed twelve months after the start date.

Funding will not be allowed or available, nor activities approved or allowed to occur outside of

Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll-4 the performance period. The funding for this opportunity is subject to statutory limitations which do not allow extensions beyond the period of performance.

Competitive Process: This is a competitive funding opportunity. Proposals will be evaluated by a team of reviewers who will recommend one funding opportunity based on the merits outlined in Section E.2. Recipients are not pre-determined. Final funding decisions are at the discretion of APHIS-WS.

Cost Sharing: Although cost sharing is not required, APHIS WS may consider an eligible entity’s ability to contribute non-Federal funds to carry out this cooperative agreement. Additional information on cost sharing is outlined in Section C.2.

Collaboration with Federal Agencies: Due to strict requirements around the distribution of funds to Federal agencies in cooperative agreements across fiscal years, sub-awarding this funding (any payments) to Federal agencies may not be included in the APHIS share of the

Financial Plan. The recipient may use funds from non-federal sources to pay for services from

Federal agencies; if applicable, such expenses should be listed in the recipient share in the

Financial Plan.

B.1 Cost Guidance

Each applicant must submit a detailed Financial Plan that provides sufficient information to determine the costs of the cooperative agreement. Allowable costs must be reasonable, allocable, and necessary to the project. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cost principles (2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E) must determine whether a cost can be applied to the project and, if so, how much it can be charged.

Allowable uses of cooperative agreement funds include but are not limited to, activities, equipment, supplies, and services needed to complete approved program activities that support the priorities and considerations described in Section A.2, including:

• Supplies and Equipment. The Federal definition of equipment is tangible personal property (including information technology systems) having a useful life of more than one year and a per unit value of $5,000 or more unless the applicant’s definition of equipment is more restrictive.

• Information technology systems. The term “information technology,” defined in 2 CFR

Part 200.1, includes, but is not limited to, computers, networks, ancillary equipment, software, firmware, similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources. This term also includes any equipment, interconnected system(s), or subsystem(s) of equipment that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E

Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll-5

• Personnel. APHIS will allow costs for salaries and wages provided the total compensation to individual employees is reasonable for the work performed, conforms to the established policy of the organization, and is consistently applied to Government and nongovernment activities.

• Travel. APHIS-WS will allow costs for travel to and from Hickam Airforce Base in

Honolulu, Hawaii, and shipping costs incurred from sending supplies and equipment to and from Wake Island Airfield on the bi-weekly rotator or similar method of conveyance to be determined by APHIS-WS.

Funds may NOT be used for the following:

• Land acquisition

• Compensation for Federal Employees

• Travel of Federal Employees

• Federal sub-awards (any payment to Federal entities)

• Construction or significant rehabilitation of buildings

• Bonuses or commissions

• Fundraising

• Meeting, conference, symposia, or workshop honoraria, which is payment to individuals or guests other than for documented professional services

• Vehicle purchases or leases

• Positions funded by other Federal cooperative agreements or grants

• International travel (international travel can be allowable if it is disclosed in advance and may be necessary if we are to extend the opportunity to international organizations.)

• Projects or activities associated with APHIS-State-Industry cooperative program activities already funded via USDA APHIS annual cooperative agreements

• Promotional, outreach, or giveaway items such as calendars, rulers, pens, pencils, squishy balls, cups, refreshments, etc.

Nothing in this section prevents an eligible entity from using funds received to enter into sub-agreements with another qualified entity, University, or nonprofit entity or to reimburse a

Tribe, state, or local agency for services rendered

C. Eligibility Information

C.1 Eligible Applicants

The following entities are eligible for funding through this opportunity: Unrestricted.

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C.2 Cost-Sharing and Matching

2 CFR Part 200.1 defines cost sharing and matching as a “portion of the project costs not paid by Federal funds or contributions (unless otherwise authorized by Federal statute).” For additional information on cost share, please reference 2 CFR Part 200.306. Although cost sharing is not required, APHIS WS may consider an eligible entity’s ability to contribute non-

Federal funds to carry out this cooperative agreement but shall not require an eligible applicant to contribute as a condition to enter into this cooperative agreement.

If applicable, applicants should describe cost-share or in-kind funding for the project. Once the cooperative agreement is accepted and finalized, the cost share becomes legally binding, and the recipient will be required to meet the cost share ratio.

C.3 Other Criteria for Eligibility

All applicant organizations must have at least two users registered in ezFedGrants, a Grants

Administrative Officer and a Signatory Official, to submit a proposal package successfully. This system will be used for all stages of the funding opportunity process, including submitting the proposal package, signing the cooperative agreement, and submitting reports.

Applicants will be checked against the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to ensure they have not been disbarred or suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal department or agency. See

Section D.3.

An eligible applicant may submit one proposal for this funding opportunity.

C.4 Administrative Eligibility Criteria

Proposal packages must meet these initial screening criteria to be considered for further review. Proposals must meet these criteria to be considered. The initial screening criteria are the following:

1. Proposals must be received by the deadline. Proposals received after the established deadline will not be reviewed or considered.

2. Proposals must be submitted by an eligible applicant.

3. All required documents and forms listed in Section D.2 must be included in the proposal package and comply with the submission instructions described in Section D. Any proposal package with missing or significantly incomplete documents or forms may not be considered for review, resulting in a rejected proposal.

4. Proposals must be consistent with the allowed use of funds guidance. Proposals that do not align with the cost guidance described in Section B.1 of this announcement may not be considered for review, resulting in a rejected proposal.

5. The timeline must be reasonable to complete objectives within twelve months. The proposal will only be accepted if it is designed to run for up to twelve months.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://sam.gov/content/home

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Applicants should refer to Appendix 1: Environmental Monitoring Funding Opportunity Criteria for a complete list of the Administrative Eligibility Criteria and the Evaluation Criteria for this funding opportunity.

D. Application and Submission Information

D.1 Obtaining an Application Package

All application materials are available through this announcement and through ezFedGrants.

If assistance is needed with locating application materials, please reach out via email to

NWRC.Agreements@usda.gov at least seventy-two hours before the application deadline.

D.2 Content and Form of the Application Package

The proposal package must include the following:

1. SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance” – Completed when applying to the Opportunity in ezFedGrants

2. SF-424A, “Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs” that matches the submitted Financial Plan – Completed when applying to the Opportunity in ezFedGrants

3. Certification Regarding Lobbying (for Federal Assistance greater than $100,000)

4. SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” (for Federal Assistance greater than $100,000 when there are activities to disclose)

5. Waiver or approval response letter from the State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) if the applicant is in a state that is required to comply with Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs

a. Refer to this list to see if your organization falls under the Intergovernmental Review (SPOC) list for CFDA 10.028 Intergovernmental Review (SPOC List) (usda.gov)

6. Environmental Monitoring Proposal Work Plan (See Appendix 3 for a sample Environmental Monitoring Work Plan)

7. Environmental Monitoring Proposal Financial Plan (See Appendix 4 Environmental Monitoring Financial Plan Template). Indirect Costs are statutorily limited to the de minimus rate of 10% of direct costs, or lower.

Applicants should refer to Appendix 2: Environmental Proposal Checklist and Tips when preparing a proposal package for submission. Any proposal package with missing or significantly incomplete documents or forms will not be considered for review, resulting in a rejection.

Letters of support are not required but may be included in the proposal package. Applicants should not request letters of support from APHIS employees; however, informal discussions are highly encouraged.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/certification_regarding_lobbying.pdf https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1 https://www.aphis.usda.gov/mrpbs/fmd/downloads/spoc_list.pdf

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Project Proposal Work Plan Applicants must submit an Environmental Monitoring Work Plan like the example in Appendix

3. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to follow this example Environmental Monitoring Work Plan.

Project Proposal Financial Plan Applicants must submit a Financial Plan that clearly identifies the costs associated with the proposed activities in the Work Plan and include all information outlined in the Environmental Monitoring Proposal Financial Plan Template example in Appendix 4. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to use this Environmental Monitoring Financial Plan Template.

Financial Plans must match the SF-424A submitted through ezFedGrants and provide additional details as necessary. When preparing this Financial Plan, applicants must comply with the cost guidance and funding restrictions described in Section B.1. This Financial Plan must account for the logistical challenges mentioned in Section H.1.

D.3 Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

All applicants are required to register in SAM before submitting a proposal for this funding opportunity, provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in the application, and always maintain an active SAM registration with current information during the application process and award period of performance (2 CFR Part 200.206). To register, go to the SAM.gov website.

During the SAM registration process, it is mandatory to complete the Financial Assistance

Certification Report to receive federal financial assistance. Please allow a minimum of five days to complete the SAM registration. Registration is free. Frequently Asked Questions, User

Guides, Demonstration Videos, etc., can be found on the SAM website under the “Help” tab.

Your organization will need a UEI, a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned by SAM. During the application package review process, APHIS will conduct a risk assessment which includes review in the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. All applicants will be verified in SAM to ensure they have not been disbarred or suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal department or agency. APHIS may only make a Federal award to an applicant once the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements.

Suppose an applicant still needs to fully comply with these requirements when APHIS is ready to make the Federal award. In that case, APHIS may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive this award and use that determination to give it to another applicant.

When the anticipated total Federal share exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, APHIS must review and consider any information about the applicant in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM before issuing the award. An applicant, if desired, may review and comment on any information about their organization that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance systems https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.206 https://sam.gov/content/home https://facweb.census.gov/uploadpdf.aspx

Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll-9 accessible through SAM. APHIS will consider any comments provided by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and performance record under Federal awards when completing the risk assessment.

D.4 Submission Dates and Times

All proposals must be completed and received electronically through ezFedGrants by January

15, 2024, 11:59 PM Eastern . The electronic date and time stamp ezFedGrants will determine whether proposals were received before the deadline. Submissions through Grants.gov will not be accepted.

We understand unanticipated issues can arise; therefore, we urge applicants to submit their application package early to allow time to address any complications. If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please get in touch with NWRC.Agreements@usda.gov at least seventy-two hours before the deadline for assistance. Only proposal packages with complete documents or forms may be considered for review.

Applicants should refer to Appendix 2: Environmental Monitoring Proposal Checklist and Tips to ensure that all documents are included before submission of the proposal package.

D.5 Intergovernmental Review

The Intergovernmental Review Process (CFDA 10.028) is subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” Awards will not be made until this process has been completed in the applicable states.

Names and addresses of States’ Single Point of Contact (SPOC) are listed at:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/mrpbs/fmd/downloads/spoc_list.pdf. Please get in touch with your State’s SPOC for additional information on your specific State requirements.

For applicants with this process in their State, submit your application to the SPOC simultaneously with submitting to APHIS WS. When the award is made, a copy of the SPOC waiver or approval letter will be required. Upload the waiver or approval response letter from the SPOC to your proposal package in ezFedGrants to fulfill this requirement. Please meet this requirement to avoid rejection of your application.

D.6 Funding Restrictions

Project funds are only available during the period of performance. They must be obligated by the recipient within twelve months from the date the funds are made available by APHIS WS

(the beginning date of the period of performance on the Award Face Sheet/Notice of Award unless otherwise stated in the Award Face Sheet/Notice of Award. Any expenses before the https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.aphis.usda.gov/mrpbs/fmd/downloads/spoc_list.pdf

Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll-10 beginning date or after the end date of the period of performance will not be reimbursed. See

Section B.1 for a list of unauthorized uses of funds.

Indirect costs are statutorily limited to not more than ten percent of total direct costs.

Due to strict requirements around the distribution of funds to Federal agencies across fiscal years, sub-awarding this funding (any payment) to Federal agencies may not be included in the

APHIS share of the Financial Plan. Recipients may use funds from other sources to pay for services from Federal agencies; if applicable, such expenses should be listed in the recipient share in the Financial Plan.

Please refer to the cost guidance in Section B.1 for additional information on funding restrictions and limitations.

D.7 Other Submission Requirements

Only electronic submissions of proposals through ezFedGrants will be accepted. The ezFedGrants system requires registration, and during the registration process, you will select a password necessary to log in to the system. Hard-copy proposals and submissions through

Grants.gov will not be accepted. APHIS complies with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of

1973.

Applicants experiencing technical difficulties should reach out to NWRC.Agreements@usda.gov at least 72 hours before the application deadline of January 15th, 2024, 11:59 PM Eastern. for assistance. Proposals received after the deadline will not be reviewed or considered.

E. Application Review Information

E.1 Evaluation Criteria

APHIS-WS will use the following criteria to evaluate proposals during the review process.

Applicants should consider the requirements when preparing the proposal package. Applicants should refer to Appendix 1: Environmental Monitoring Funding Opportunity Criteria for a complete list of the Administrative Eligibility Criteria and the Evaluation Criteria. NOTE:

Proposed activities must align with current Federal, State, and Tribal regulations.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Addresses the Priorities and Requirements in the Announcement. This criterion assesses the extent to which the proposal strongly supports and addresses

Environmental Monitoring on Wake.

a. Strong and direct support of this funding priorities. This criterion assesses the extent to which the proposed activities directly address the concern identified in https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/ezfedgrants https://www.fcc.gov/general/section-508-rehabilitation-act https://www.fcc.gov/general/section-508-rehabilitation-act

Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll-11 the funding priorities and how the expected outcomes and deliverables will strongly support the funding priority area of concern.

b. Strong and direct support for the overarching goal of the funding priority. This criterion assesses the extent to which the expected outcomes and deliverables will support the overarching goal of the funding opportunity, which is to determine the decay of brodifacoum in environmental compartments on Wake.

2. Feasibility of success. This criterion assesses the extent to which the proposal will successfully produce the expected outcomes and deliverables based on critical factors, such as a well-organized and sound approach, a reasonable schedule, effective partnerships and collaborations, and the applicant’s skills, knowledge, and experiences.

a. Plan of action. This criterion assesses the extent to which the Work Plan lays out a logical, well-organized, and complete plan of action that is likely to produce successful outcomes and deliverables. It considers whether the approach is explained sufficiently so the reader can understand what activities will be performed, how they will be conducted, and what will be produced.

b. Proposed activities or methods. This criterion assesses the extent to which the proposed activities or methods are technically sound.

c. Adequate budget. This criterion assesses the extent to which the budget is realistic, adequate, and sufficient to produce the outcomes and deliverables described in the proposal.

d. Reasonable schedule. This criterion assesses whether the project schedule allows an appropriate amount of time for completing all proposed objectives in a twelve-month performance period, including but not limited to considering a reasonable amount of time to conduct sample analysis, the competing time commitments of stakeholders who are critical to project completion, and other risks that may cause schedule delays.

e. Partnerships and collaboration. This criterion assesses the extent to which the proposal identifies and describes the partnerships and collaborations necessary to complete the proposed objectives and successfully produce the expected outcomes and deliverables.

f. Skills, knowledge, and experience. This criterion considers the extent to which the key person(s) who will carry out the methods or activities have the qualifications, skills, ability, experience, and infrastructure (facilities and equipment) to conduct the proposed activities and produce successful outcomes and deliverables.

3. Cost Effectiveness. This criterion assesses the extent to which the proposal identifies a cost-effective approach to produce the desired outcomes and deliverables.

Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll-12

a. All costs are reasonable and necessary. This criterion assesses the extent to which the Financial Plan is clear, logical, and includes only reasonable and necessary expenses to produce the expected outcomes and deliverables. It also assesses the extent to which the Financial Plan provides sufficient detail for reviewers to fully understand how each budget item specifically supports the activities outlined in the Work Plan without including things that are not allowed or appear superfluous or tangential to producing the outcomes and deliverables.

b. Use of existing resources. This criterion assesses the extent to which the proposal includes cost-saving measures by leveraging existing resources or partnerships where possible. For example, the proposal describes the practical use of existing personnel, vehicles, computers, venues, supplies, and other items to complete the project. This criterion will evaluate cost share, making up less than five percent of the total score.

E.2 Review and Selection Process

APHIS WS has the final authority in determining which proposal is funded for this initiative.

Proposals that meet the eligibility criteria in Section C will be subject to an administrative review by an APHIS WS Agreements Specialist and evaluated by reviewers based on the proposal’s merit. APHIS WS is responsible for reviewing submissions against the evaluation criteria in Section E.1. The review panel will consist of internal and external subject-matter experts from various departments, agencies, and academia as appropriate. High-quality proposals strongly support the priorities and address the needs, considerations, and evaluation criteria described in this funding opportunity.

Project funding necessitates a cap of $200,000 USD for this opportunity. Reviewers may prefer a Work Plan that meets the evaluation criteria in E.1 and is notably less than this cap.

Reviewers will not be associated with projects they are reviewing to avoid potential conflicts of interest. If an actual or perceived conflict of interest occurs, a reviewer shall recuse themselves as appropriate.

A risk assessment will be conducted during the selection and review process. See Section D.3 for additional information on the components of this risk assessment.

E.3 Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

The simultaneous review of all applications follows a single application deadline. APHIS WS will review proposals within sixty days of the application deadline. All applicants will be notified by email of the award status.

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F. Federal Award Administration Information

APHIS-WS will administer the awarded cooperative agreement, collaborate with recipients to provide advice on how to get personnel, equipment, and supplies to Wake; receive and review project documents; offer comments and suggestions; track project performance; and communicate as necessary to ensure progress in accomplishing the project, identifying obstacles, and resolving concerns.

Recipients will track performance and expenditures, provide progress reports and project deliverables in accordance with the project Work Plan, and communicate with APHIS WS staff to assess and evaluate progress.

F.1 Federal Award Notices

The applicant selected for funding will receive a notification stating their application has been approved. This notification is not an authorization to begin performance on the project or to expend the funds. The APHIS-WS Agreements Specialist or WAREP’s Logistics Officer may informally contact the applicant with application/Federal award status details.

Applicants selected for funding will receive an Award Face Sheet/Notice of Award, which will be routed to the applicant’s Signatory official(s) via ezFedGrants. The Award Face Sheet/Notice of

Award will provide pertinent instructions and information, including but not limited to the information described in 2 CFR Part 200.211 and a reference to the Terms and Conditions for

APHIS awards. The Signatory Official must provide an E-Signature in ezFedGrants for the

Federal Award Document unless an alternate Federal Award signature process is provided to the applicant by APHIS-WS. This Award Face Sheet/Notice of Award, fully signed by the applicant’s Signatory Official and WAREP’s Eradication Commander, which can be obtained electronically in ezFedGrants, is the only document that authorizes the project to begin.

F.2 Administration and National Policy Requirements

Successful applicants must comply with the requirements contained in the “Uniform

Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards,” 2

CFR Part 200; “Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension,” 2 CFR Part 417; “Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace," 2 CFR Part 421; “New Restrictions on Lobbying,” 2 CFR Part 418; and

Office of Management and Budget regulations governing “Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public,” 5 CFR Part 1320.

By the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable

Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Federal awarding agency will review and consider applications for funding under this notice of funding opportunity following the

Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020. Particularly on: selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.211 https://www.aphis.usda.gov/mrpbs/fmd/downloads/tcs-for-award-effective-oct-01-2022.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/mrpbs/fmd/downloads/tcs-for-award-effective-oct-01-2022.pdf https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/ezfedgrants https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-417?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-421 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-418 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-5/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-1320 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200

Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll-14 through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR Part 200.205);

prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019

(Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR Part 200.216); promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (Executive Order 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities

(Executive Order 13864) (2 CFR Parts 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341); providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR Part 200.322), and, terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

Successful applicants must also comply with the General Terms and Conditions for APHIS awards, approved project Work Plan, approved project Financial Plan, and the applicable authorization to issue the Award Face Sheet/Notice of Award.

F.3 Reporting

The Recipient’s Project Coordinator will provide quarterly performance reports on program activities outlined in the application and adequately certified Federal Financial Reports, SF-425s, to the APHIS-WS Program Manager through ezFedGrants as outlined in the Award Face

Sheet/Notice of Award and under the General Terms and Conditions for APHIS awards. APHIS-

WS will use the reports to verify compliance with the provisions in the cooperative agreement.

The Recipient will also provide the environmental monitoring results within forty-five days after each collection period. Upon completion of all field and laboratory activities, the awardee will collate the information collected over the performance period and draft an Environmental

Monitoring Plan Report detailing the persistence of brodifacoum in Wake’s environmental compartments and the impacts of brodifacoum residues resulting from the application of B-

25W. The awardee will submit this report thirty calendar days after receiving the final laboratory results. WS and IC will be afforded a 15-calendar day review period for comments submitted in matrix format.

The awardee shall utilize WS’s and IC’s comments to make final edits and changes to draft the final report, resulting in the Environmental Monitoring Plan Final Report. The awardee will respond to all WS’s and IC’s comments in the matrix and submit it with the Final Report. The awardee will submit the Final Report and comment matrix within fifteen calendar days of receiving WS and IC comments.

The performance and financial reports will be due as specified on the Award Face Sheet/Notice of Award. Any requests for an extension of time to submit reports must be made in writing to

WAREP’s Eradication Commander. Extensions of time for submission of the reports will be https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.205 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.216 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/05/09/2017-09574/promoting-free-speech-and-religious-liberty https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/03/26/2019-05934/improving-free-inquiry-transparency-and-accountability-at-colleges-and-universities https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.300 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.303 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR86b76dde0e1e9dc/section-200.339 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR86b76dde0e1e9dc/section-200.341 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR86b76dde0e1e9dc/section-200.341 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR86b76dde0e1e9dc/section-200.340 https://www.aphis.usda.gov/mrpbs/fmd/downloads/tcs-for-award-effective-oct-01-2022.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/mrpbs/fmd/downloads/tcs-for-award-effective-oct-01-2022.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/mrpbs/fmd/downloads/tcs-for-award-effective-oct-01-2022.pdf

Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll-15 considered on a case-by-case basis and are subject to the discretion of the Eradication

Commander. If allowed, approval will be provided in writing.

F.4 Project Evaluation

The Recipient’s performance will be evaluated, through the review of performance and financial reports, based on the following criteria to determine if the Recipient met the project standards and if the proposed results and benefits were achieved:

1. Adherence to the project schedule

2. Adherence to project budget

3. Delivery of results that meet the cooperative agreement performance standards and achieve the stated outcomes; and,

4. Periodic discussion of project progress with the APHIS WS Program Manager.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

For administrative questions about this funding opportunity, required documents, or the ezFedGrants application process, please contact NWRC.Agreements@usda.gov.

For programmatic questions regarding Environmental Monitoring on Wake, please contact the following WAREP staff:

Primary point of contact:

Eric Lanners, Logistics Officer, Wake Atoll Rat Eradication Project

Eric.lanners@usda.gov, (970) 266-6330

Secondary point of contact:

Tyler Bogardus, Eradication Commander, Wake Atoll Rat Eradication Project

Tyler.bogardus@usda.gov, (808) 208-1521

H. Other Information

USDA is not obligated to make any award because of this announcement nor to make any changes to future announcements. Only the APHIS Authorized Departmental Officer can bind the Government to an expenditure of funds. This obligation of funds shall only occur in writing by authorized officials and under the approved USDA APHIS cooperative agreement format.

H.1 Logistical Challenges

The Recipient must understand that getting staff, equipment, and supplies on and off Wake is challenging logistically. The primary method of getting everything to Wake is a bi-weekly rotator. To be able to collect samples two weeks before and immediately after the first broadcast, the Recipient’s staff must stay on Wake for one month and return for a two-week stay to collect samples immediately after and six months post final aerial broadcast. Due to seat availability on the bi-weekly rotator and housing limitations on Wake, the Recipient can only

Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll-16 send two personnel at once. WAREP will make available one UTV to be used by the Recipient’s staff to collect samples.

Logistics associated with all field and laboratory sites are the Recipient’s responsibility. The

Recipient will ensure that the appropriate approvals, agreements, and permits are in place to collect samples on Wake. The Recipient is responsible for all travel costs and arrangements, excluding the rotator flights to Wake. Recipient will be required to submit certain Personally

Identifiable Information (PII) for each individual who will travel via the rotator flights to Wake.

The Recipient must understand that Wake is an active USAF installation and must abide by any

DoD or Missile Defense Agency rules. The Recipient must also understand that Wake is hot, humid, and dusty, and accessing sample sites poses safety concerns for their staff. WAREP will provide a Safety Plan that all staff and contractors, including the Recipient, must follow.

H.2 Communications

All reports and data generated under this agreement are the government’s property, and distribution by the awardee to any source, unless previously authorized by the WS or 611 CES, is prohibited. The awardee shall not make available to the news media or publicly disclose any data generated or reviewed under this agreement. If the news media approaches, the awardee shall refer them to WS and the USAF Technical Point of Contact (POC) for a response.

The Recipient shall not photograph any sensitive areas on Wake, including runways or Missile

Defense Agency infrastructure. The awardee will make any media taken on Wake to Base

Command available before the awardee leaves Wake.

Environmental Monitoring on Wake Atoll-17

Appendix 1: WAREP Environmental Monitoring Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

Administrative Eligibility Criteria

Proposal packages must meet these initial screening criteria to be considered for further review. Proposals must meet these criteria to be considered. The initial screening criteria are the following:

1. Proposals must be received by the deadline. Proposals received after the established deadline will not be reviewed or considered.

2. An eligible applicant must submit proposals.

3. All required documents and forms listed in Section D.2 must be included in the proposal package and comply with the submission instructions described in Section D. Any proposal package with missing or significantly incomplete documents or forms may not be considered for review, resulting in a rejected proposal.

4. Proposals must be consistent with the allowed use of funds guidance. Proposals that do not align with the cost guidance described in Section B.1 of this announcement may not be considered for review, resulting in a rejected proposal.

5. Timeline must be reasonable to complete objectives within eighteen months. The proposal will only be accepted if it is designed to run for up to twelve months.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Addresses the Priorities and Requirements in the Announcement. This criterion assesses the extent to which the proposal strongly supports the Environmental

Monitoring of Wake identified in Section A.

a. Strong and direct support of this funding priorities. This criterion assesses the extent to which the proposed activities directly address the concern identified in the funding priorities and how the expected outcomes and deliverables will strongly support the funding.

b. Strong and direct support for the overarching goal of the funding priority. This criterion assesses the extent to which the expected outcomes and deliverables will support the overarching goal of the funding opportunity, which is to evaluate the decay of brodifacoum in environmental compartments of Wake Atoll.

2. Feasibility of success. This criterion assesses the extent to which the proposal will successfully produce the expected outcomes and deliverables based…