wrp-usda-nrcs-ga-03.docx

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, Commodity Credit Corporation

ACTION: NOTICE

Georgia Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) Restoration- Announcement for Program Funding

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.072

SUMMARY: The NRCS requests proposals for implementation of restoration activities on land enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) from individuals and organizations that share a common interest in the conservation and restoration of wetland resources throughout Georgia. Services shall be provided throughout the State of Georgia. One (1) to two (2) grant agreements may be awarded as a result of this AFO. A single award may include multiple (1‐2) areas. Georgia NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of easement restoration will be no more than $500,000. Applications are requested from eligible governmental or non-governmental organizations or individuals for competitive consideration of grant awards for projects between 3 years in duration.

This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for WRP Restoration proposals. Applications will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete applications will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be mailed to the applicant.

DATES: Applications must be received in 355 East Hancock Avenue, Athens, GA 30601 (Georgia NRCS State Office) by 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on September 18, 2012.

Notification of selected applications will be announced by September 24, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Applications sent via hand-delivery, express mail or overnight courier service must be sent to the following address: Sharon Holbrooks, Easement Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 355 East Hancock Avenue, Mail Stop 200, Athens, GA 30601. The contact phone number for hand-delivered applications is: (706) 546-2272.

Applications sent via the United States Postal Service must be sent to the following address: Sharon Holbrooks, Easement Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 355 East Hancock Avenue, Mail Stop 200, Athens, GA 30601.

Applications sent electronically must be sent through Grants.gov or sharon.holbrooks@ga.usda.gov.

For more information contact:

Sharon Holbrooks Conservation Easement Specialist Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service 355 East Hancock Avenue, Mail Stop 200 Athens, GA 30601 Phone: (706) 546-2272 E-mail: sharon.holbrooks@ga.usda.gov

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority Section 3837 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to provide technical assistance under this program to eligible producers. WRP provides that the Secretary may request the services of, and enter into cooperative agreements with, non-Federal entities to assist in providing specialized assistance necessary to implement restoration plans under the program. The agency is directing resources toward the restoration and/or enhancement of degraded wetlands and adjacent uplands within the state Georgia.

WRP is funded and administered by NRCS under the authorities of the CCC.

B. Overview The Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary wetlands conservation program that promotes the restoration, enhancement, and protection of wetland systems and associated uplands. Through WRP, landowners receive funds for the purchase of permanent or 30-year conservation easements, and landowners may receive financial and technical assistance to install or implement structural or vegetative wetland and associated upland restoration practices on eligible land. WRP is authorized by USC16 Section 3837; regulations at 7CFR Part 1467 and the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 which provides that the Secretary may request the services of non‐Federal entities to assist in providing services necessary to develop, implement, and monitor conservation programs. There are presently in excess of 25,000 acres enrolled in WRP in Georgia. The objective of WRP is to provide technical and financial assistance to landowners in planning, designing and implementing wetland and associated upland restoration that maximizes wildlife habitat in wetland systems, as well as provide water quality improvements, reduced soil erosion, reduced impacts of flooding and improve wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered species.

Applicants will be responsible for assisting NRCS by providing specialized assistance to implement WRP restoration plans, while at the same time improving and protecting wetland habitat for environmental benefits. Work shall include any or all of the following activities necessary to perform vegetative and hydrology restoration in a timely and effective manner:

a. Construction management activities for various wetland restorations and/or enhancement practices; and other related conservation practices that meet NRCS standards and specifications,

b. Selection of appropriate subcontractors,

c. Obtaining all applicable state permits required to implement restoration plans.

d. Providing PCN documentation for USACE and request on behalf of the landowner.

NOTE: All engineering practice designs will be provided by NRCS. All services shall be provided in accordance with applicable NRCS policy and criteria that can be found at the following websites: NRCS Field Office Technical Guide: http://efotg.nrcs.usda.gov; and NRCS National Engineering Handbook, and National Engineering Manual References: Wetland Engineering Practices and Biological Practices may include but are not limited to the following Conservation Practices: Wetland Restoration (657), Wetland Enhancement (658), Wetland Creation (659), , Tree/Shrub Establishment (612), and Structure for Water Control (587); and others as deemed necessary and applicable by the state of Georgia.

NRCS will accept applications for multi-year projects, not to exceed 5 years, submitted to NRCS from eligible entities including federally recognized Indian tribes, State and local units of government, and non-governmental organizations and individuals.

Complete applications received by applicable deadlines will be evaluated by a technical peer review panel based on the Criteria for Application Evaluation identified in the application instructions in section V.B.

Full proposal applications, along with their associated technical peer review, will be forwarded to the Georgia State Conservationist. The State Conservationist will make the final selections.

C. Restoration Proposals The proposal shall include a capabilities statement that addresses the following as a minimum:

Note: The below information must be provided for the recipient, or all employees of the recipient that would be assigned the responsibility of this AFO.

1. A description of the specialized experience, resources, technical competence, financial responsibility, and available organizational resources necessary to successfully perform ecologically sound wetland and associated upland restoration activities.

2. Description of knowledge of wetland restoration techniques, including engineering skills, habitat design, and hydrology; Also describe knowledge of Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management, Wetland Restoration, Wetland Enhancement, Upland Wildlife Habitat Management, and Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats, as they pertain to NRCS Conservation Practice Standards identified in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG.)

3. Description of knowledge of conservation easements and the WRP Warranty Easement Deed.

4. Description of the capabilities to perform the terms of the cooperative agreement, including a brief description of the organizational entity and of the qualifications, employment status, current responsibilities, and proposed level of effort for the project coordinator, and staff responsible for implementation. Resumes for key personnel should be included in an appendix to the application and for all sub-applicants or anyone who would work on the project.

5. A list of past experiences with providing implementation of wetland and associated upland restorations for conservation contracts.

6. Please carefully review all Attachments and make sure that the contractor is able to perform all duties and provide all equipment and means necessary to perform the duties associated with the types of restoration activities listed.

7. The application may include an appendix. Material should be included only when necessary to support information provided in the narrative. Copies of documents, certifications, etc., are encouraged to demonstrate experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. Materials will not be returned.

8. List and/or proof of insurance, certifications, bonds, or other documentation necessary to prove capability to perform work, and for safety of employees who will perform work.

II. FUNDING AVAILABILITY

NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program will be a maximum of $500,000. NRCS may award one (1) to two (2) awards.

All awards are subject to the availability of sufficient funds being appropriated by Congress and apportioned by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to support the addition and full cost of service to implement specialized assistance activities. Cooperative agreements will be awarded competitively to applicants. Cooperative agreements have been determined to be the appropriate funding instrument because of the substantial involvement of NRCS in providing technical oversight and coordination of planning, designing and implementing wetland and associated upland restoration activities. It is anticipated that approximately $500,000 will be available for implementing wetland and associated upland restoration plans. The amount of funds available for this program is not fixed and may vary considerably from the current funding level. The maximum allowable overhead under this agreement is 10%. Amendments to the agreement(s) may be developed upon availability of funding in future years (approximately a 5-year period).

The cooperative agreements will include one base-year and four, one-year amendment periods. Work under this cooperative agreement is subject to satisfactory negotiation of individual or grouped conservation plans of operation projects. There will be no minimum or maximum price on any conservation plans of operation projects. The maximum amount of reimbursement for each cooperative agreement period (base-year and each option-year) shall be determined by available funds. There shall be no guaranteed minimum. Multiple cooperative agreements may be awarded as a result of this announcement. Projects will be ordered on an as-needed basis beginning from the date of the award of the agreement for a period not to exceed five years.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Applicant Eligibility To be eligible for WRP Restoration Agreements, all applicants must be:

1. One of the following types of organizations:

· State governments

· County governments

· City or township governments

· Special district governments

· Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

· Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

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

· For profit organizations other than small businesses

· Small businesses

2. Registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). This database is used as a central location for maintaining organizational information for organizations seeking and receiving grants/agreements from Federal agencies. Please visit the: http://www.grants.gov Get Started section to register. Allow a minimum of 5 days to complete the CCR registration.

3. The Federal Government requires that all applicants for Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreements excluding individuals other than sole proprietors have a unique nine digit identification number provided by Dun & Bradstreet, Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number. The DUNS number will be used to identify related organizations receiving Federal funding under Grants/Cooperative Agreements; and to provide consistent name and address data for electronic submission through grant application systems. To request a DUNS number, please call 1-866-705-5711 (toll free), between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (M‐F) local time of caller when calling within the United States or visit: RequestaDUNS.htm. The process to request a number takes about 5‐10 minutes. A DUNS number will be assigned at the conclusion of the call. Please have the following information ready before requesting your DUNS number: Legal Name of Entity or Doing Business as (DBA), Employer/Vendor Identification Number (EIN/VIN), Address, and Telephone Number.

4. The entity certifies that it is in compliance with the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012, P.L. No. 112-55, Division A, Sections 738 and 739 regarding corporate felony convictions and corporate federal tax delinquencies. Accordingly, by accepting this award the recipient acknowledges that it: (1) does not have a tax delinquency, meaning that it is not subject to any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, and (2) has not been convicted (or had an officer or agent acting on its behalf convicted) of a felony criminal violation under any Federal or State law within 24 months preceding the award, unless a suspending and debarring official of the United States Department of Agriculture has considered suspension or debarment of the recipient corporation, or such officer or agent, based on these convictions and/or tax delinquencies and determined that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government. If the recipient fails to comply with these provisions, Natural Resources Conservation Service will annul this agreement and may recover any funds the recipient has expended in violation of sections 738 and 739.

IV. APPLICATION and SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

All Office of Management and Budget standard forms necessary for WRP Restoration proposal submission are posted on the following web site: Grants.gov - Forms Repository.

1. Content and Format Applications are required to contain the content, format, and information set forth below in order to receive consideration for funding. Applicants should not assume prior knowledge on the part of NRCS or others as to the relative merits of the project described in the application. Applicants must submit one original copy of the application in the following format:

B. Project Description: The application shall include a capabilities statement that addresses the following as a minimum:

Note: The below information must be provided for the recipient, or all employees of the recipient that would be assigned the responsibility of this AFO.

· A description of the specialized experience, resources, technical competence, financial responsibility, and available organizational resources necessary to successfully perform ecologically sound wetland and associated upland restoration activities.

· Description of knowledge of wetland restoration techniques, including engineering skills, habitat design, and hydrology; Also describe knowledge of Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management, Wetland Restoration, Wetland Enhancement, Upland Wildlife Habitat Management, and Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats, as they pertain to NRCS Conservation Practice Standards identified in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG.)

· Description of knowledge of conservation easements and the WRP Warranty Easement Deed.

· Description of the capabilities to perform the terms of the cooperative agreement, including a brief description of the organizational entity and of the qualifications, employment status, current responsibilities, and proposed level of effort for the project coordinator, and staff responsible for implementation. Resumes for key personnel should be included in an appendix to the application and for all sub-applicants or anyone who would work on the project.

· A list of past experiences with providing implementation of wetland and associated upland restorations for conservation contracts.

· Please carefully review all Attachments and make sure that the contractor is able to perform all duties and provide all equipment and means necessary to perform the duties associated with the types of restoration activities listed.

· The application may include an appendix. Material should be included only when necessary to support information provided in the narrative. Copies of documents, certifications, etc., are encouraged to demonstrate experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. Materials will not be returned.

· List and/or proof of insurance, certifications, bonds, or other documentation necessary to prove capability to perform work, and for safety of employees who will perform work.

C. Additional Information: Bibliographies and/or resumes (not to exceed two pages per person), and references.

a. Budget Information: The budget portion of the application consists of three parts described below.

1. Standard Form (SF) 424A Budget Information- Non-Construction Programs: Fill in all spaces as appropriate. Section B, Item 6, column 1 should reflect the NRCS funds requested.

2. Detailed Budget Description: Specific item by item breakdown of the totals provided in Item 6 of the SF-424A should be provided. This detail should show what individual costs were added together to arrive at the totals presented in each of Object Class Categories on the SF-424. The format of this information should be readable in 8.5 by 11 printable pages. It may be in a chart, spreadsheet, table, etc. The information needs to be presented in such a way that the evaluators and NRCS can readily understand what expenses will be incurred to support the project. Listed below are some suggested items that should be shown in the budget details. These are suggested details and are not inclusive:

6a. Personnel; A list of personnel, their salary, hourly rate, hours, % time 6b. Fringe Benefits: % of salary, differing rates for different staff 6c. Travel: basis for airfare, mileage rate (NTE Federal govt. rate), per diem, hotel, car rental, how many trips, how many days, number of staff 6d. Equipment: type of equipment, cost per item, per batch, per load, quantity 6e. Supplies: type of supplies, cost per item, per batch, per load, quantity (a general statement such as “office supplies $3,000” is not acceptable) 6f. Contractual; Cost of each subcontract – the total of all subcontracts should be shown on the SF-424, but an itemized budget should be provided for each potential subcontract. The budgets for the subcontracts should follow this same format and be submitted with your proposal.

6g. Construction: N/A 6h. Other: Cost per item, per batch, per load, quantity

3. Budget Narrative: Provide a detailed narrative in support of the budget for the project, broken down by each project year, by easement group, and totals. Discuss how the budget specifically supports the proposed activities. Justify the project cost effectiveness and include justification for personnel and consultant salaries with a description of duties. In addition to the information above, the subcontractors and consultants must also submit a statement of work..

b. Certifications: Standard Form (SF) 424B - Assurances, Non-construction Programs. All applications must include this document. The SF-424B may be found at: Grants.gov - Forms Repository or by contacting the State office. Applicants, by signing and submitting an application, assure and certify that they are in compliance with the following from 7 CFR:

a. Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement)

b. Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying

c. Part 3021, Government wide Requirements for Drug Free Workplace (Financial Assistance)

c. DUNS Number: A Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the universal standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70 million businesses worldwide. CIG applicants must obtain a DUNS Number. Information on how to obtain a DUNS number can be found at: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or by calling 1-866-705-5711. Please note that the registration may take up to 14 business days to complete.

d. Central Contractor Registry (CCR) Registration: The CCR is a database that serves as the primary government repository for contractor information required for the conduct of business with the government. This database is also used as a central location for maintaining organizational information for organizations seeking and receiving grants from the government. CIG applicants must register with the CCR. To register, go to: 4http://www.SAM.gov. Allow a minimum of 5 days to complete the CCR registration.

2. RESPONSIBLITIES OF PARTIES:

If an agreement is pursued with the applicant, they must understand the following:

A. The NRCS will:

1. Conduct an initial briefing at the Georgia NRCS State Office in Athens, Georgia to review the terms of the agreements and review required documentation and procedures.

2. Provide recipient with list of easement landowners and contact information, location maps, restoration maps and/or restoration plans, pertinent information regarding T&E species and other management objectives, compatible use agreements, designs, survey information, and other information needed to accomplish the restoration activity.

3. Forward the conservation plan, schedule, and design specifications to the applicant(s) and request the submission of a cost proposal and breakdown. NRCS will negotiate with the applicant(s) if the proposed costs are not fair and reasonable considering the government estimate. The agreement Attachment B will then be amended as necessary to show funds committed to each individual easement restoration.

4. Designate a liaison to participate in the planning and management of the cooperative agreement and coordinate activities between the applicant and Georgia NRCS.

5. Provide quality assurance for services provided under the agreement.

6. Provide access to NRCS technology and technical tools to the maximum extent possible.

7. Provide NEPA compliance, restoration plans and approved NRCS engineering specifications.

8. Approve all practice plan or design change orders, including applicable standards and specifications, prior to the applicant applying those practices.

9. The Area 4 Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations (ASTC-FO), Easement Specialist(s), the District Conservationist(s) (DC), and the Area Engineers will participate in the planning and managing of the cooperative agreement(s) and coordinate activities between the applicant and the NRCS.

10. The NRCS will monitor the applicant’s progress and suspend work if agreement or conservation plan requirements or NRCS standards and specifications are not met.

B. The Recipient will:

2. Perform all services in accordance with applicable NRCS policy and criteria that can be found in the following:

a. NRCS Field Office Technical Guide: http://efotg.nrcs.usda.gov

b. Acknowledgement of Section 1619 Compliance (Attachment F)

3. Applicants will be responsible for assisting NRCS by providing specialized assistance to implement WRP restoration plans, while at the same time improving and protecting wetland habitat for environmental benefits. Work shall include any or all of the following activities necessary to perform vegetative and hydrology restoration in a timely and effective manner:

a. Construction management activities for various wetland restorations and/or enhancement practices; and other related conservation practices that meet NRCS standards and specifications,

b. Selection of appropriate subcontractors,

c. Obtaining all applicable state permits required to implement restoration plans.

d. Providing PCN documentation for USACE and request on behalf of the landowner.

NOTE: All engineering practice designs will be provided by NRCS. All services shall be provided in accordance with applicable NRCS policy and criteria that can be found at the following websites: NRCS Field Office Technical Guide: http://efotg.nrcs.usda.gov; and NRCS National Engineering Handbook, and National Engineering Manual References: Wetland Engineering Practices and Biological Practices may include but are not limited to the following Conservation Practices: Wetland Restoration (657), Wetland Enhancement (658), Wetland Creation (659), , Tree/Shrub Establishment (612), and Structure for Water Control (587); and others as deemed necessary and applicable by the state of Georgia.

4. Applicants will perform all work in close coordination with the NRCS WRP Team staff members. Once a project is received, the applicant will complete the assigned project during the performance period identified in project documentation.

5. The applicant will be responsible for obtaining all necessary state permits on the landowners behalf, selecting subcontractors, scheduling contractors for implementation, keeping NRCS informed of the installation schedule to allow NRCS to complete all necessary on the ground layout work prior to practice implementation. All activities will occur in accordance with the NRCS provided design.

6. Wetland Engineering Practices and Biological Practices are described in the NRCS electronic FOTG, which can be found at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg/.

7. The applicant will be expected to provide the inspection and quality control of each WRP restoration project, provide to the NRCS a monthly status report of work in progress and any other documentation as may be required by the NRCS standards and specifications.

8. Contact all landowners via letter to let them know that your company will be providing restoration services on behalf of NRCS. This shall be done soon after award is made.

9. Contact all landowners prior to any onsite/pre-construction meetings to notify landowner of presence, and to offer the landowner the opportunity to participate in the planning. The Recipient will not enter the land without expressed permission by the landowner. The Recipient will immediately notify the Easement Specialist if a landowner will not grant access permission, or if there is adversarial confrontation with the landowner.

10. Attend trainings and meetings regarding restoration provided by NRCS, maximum of two (2) per duration of agreement.

11. Have the following resources:

a. The adequacy of organizational, personnel, and financial resources and experience to successfully perform the listed restoration activities.

b. Illustration of understanding the intent of the WRP program. The applicant’s recognition of the value and need of the project and the understanding of the intent of WRP.

c. Ability to demonstrate successful past history and credibility in working on wetland restoration in the State of Georgia or similar ecosystems.

d. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and past experience working with threatened and endangered species, conservation program compliance, violations, and compatible uses.

e. Ability to work with private landowners, including conducting the site visit in the company of the landowner.

f. Ability to provide all equipment, staff, and resources necessary to perform all listed restoration activities to meet NRCS standards. Unless all restoration activities are up to NRCS standards and specifications, no payment will be made.

How to Submit an Application Applicants may submit applications electronically through Grants.gov or to the e-mail address listed below. Alternatively, applications may be submitted in person or via express mail, overnight courier service, or U.S. Postal Service to the addresses listed below. Applications submitted through Grants.gov or e-mail must contain all of the elements of a complete package and meet the requirements described above. Instructions for electronically submitting the required standard forms, and instructions for adding attachments are posted on Grants.gov. Applications submitted electronically are date and time stamped by Grants.gov and must be received by the identified closing date of September 18, 2012. E-mailed applications must be received by NRCS before the submission deadline.

Note: NRCS is not responsible for any technical malfunctions or web site problems related to Grants.gov or e-mailed submissions. Applicants should begin the Grants.gov process or send their e-mail in advance of the submission deadline to avoid problems.

E-mail address: sharon.holbrooks@ga.usda.gov

The address for submitting an application via hand-delivery, express mail or overnight courier service is:

Sharon Holbrooks, Easement Specialist Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service 355 East Hancock Avenue, Mail Stop 200 Athens, GA 30601

The contact phone number for hand-delivered applications is (706) 546-2272.

The address for applications sent via the United States Postal Service is:

Sharon Holbrooks, Easement Specialist Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service 355 East Hancock Avenue, Mail Stop 200 Athens, GA 30601 Note: Applicants must submit one signed original copy of each project application. Applications submitted by fax will not be considered.

Due Date Applications must be received at 355 East Hancock Avenue, Mail Stop 200, Athens, GA, by 4:00 p.m. EST on September 18, 2012. The applicant assumes the risk of any delays in application delivery. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed applications via e-mail, overnight mail, or delivery service to ensure timely receipt by NRCS.

Acknowledgement of Submission NRCS will acknowledge receipt of timely applications via e-mail. An applicant who does not receive such an e-mail acknowledgement within 30 days of their submission but believes he/she submitted a timely application must contact the NRCS program contact below within 30 days. Failure to do so will result in the application not being considered for the second phase of the application process.

WRP Contact:

Sharon Holbrooks Conservation Easement Specialist

USDA-NRCS

355 East Hancock Avenue, Mail Stop 200 Athens, GA 30601 Phone: (706) 546-2272 Fax: (706) 546-2120 E-mail: sharon.holbrooks@ga.usda.gov

Withdrawal Applications may be withdrawn by written notice at any time before selections are made. Applications may be withdrawn by the applicant, or by an authorized representative.

Funding Restrictions WRP funds may not be used to pay any of the following costs unless otherwise permitted by law, or approved in writing by the Authorized Departmental Officer in advance of incurring such costs:

a. Costs above the amount of funds authorized for the project;

b. Costs incurred prior to the effective date of the grant;

c. Costs which lie outside the scope of the approved project and any amendments thereto;

d. Entertainment costs, regardless of their apparent relationship to project objectives;

e. Compensation for injuries to persons, or damage to property arising out of project activities;

f. Consulting services performed by a Federal employee during official duty hours when such consulting services result in the payment of additional compensation to the employee; and,

g. Renovation or refurbishment of research or related spaces; the purchase or installation of fixed equipment in such spaces; and the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of buildings or facilities.

This list is not exhaustive. Questions regarding the allowances of particular items of cost should be directed to the administrative contact person.

Review Applications will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete applications will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be mailed to the applicant. Complete applications will be evaluated by a technical peer review panel based on the Criteria for Application Evaluation identified in the application instructions in section V.B.

Applications with technically-based recommendations from the peer review groups will be forwarded to the State Conservationist. The Georgia NRCS State Conservationist will make the final selections.

Patents and Inventions Allocation of rights to patents and inventions shall be in accordance with USDA regulation 7 CFR §3019.36 and 7 CFR §3019.2. USDA receives a royalty-free license for Federal Government use, reserves the right to require the patentee to license others in certain circumstances, and requires that anyone exclusively licensed to sell the invention in the United States must normally manufacture it domestically.

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Review and Selection Process There are three steps in evaluating full WRP Restoration Proposals. Proposals will be reviewed by a group of individuals with appropriate technical expertise. Applications will be reviewed based on the WRP Restoration Technical Evaluation Criteria listed in Part V.B below.

The Technical Review Panel will forward their recommendations and the proposals to the WRP Program Contact, who will then review the Technical Review Panels’ recommendations and ensure that the application evaluations are consistent with program objectives. The applicants along with the Review Panel recommendations will be forwarded to the Georgia State Conservationist for final selection.

The NRCS will use a cooperative agreement with selected applicants to document the agreement parameters. The cooperative agreement will include:

a. Project purpose;

b. Project objectives and deliverables;

c. Project progress and budget reporting requirements;

d. Award amount and budget Information;

e. Information regarding requests for advance of funds or reimbursement;

f. Other requirements and terms deemed necessary to protect the interests of the United States.

Neither the approval of any application nor the award of any cooperative agreement commits or obligates the United States to provide further support of a project or any portion thereof or implies any endorsement

B. Criteria for Application Evaluation Each proposal will be evaluated in accordance with the capabilities statements requested in the proposal. Discussions may be held with each applicant to clarify aspects of the proposal prior to selection.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates WRP Restoration Proposal selections are anticipated to be announced by September 24, 2012; all agreements are expected to be awarded by September 24, 2012. Funds are not awarded, and work may not start until an agreement is signed by both NRCS and the grantee. Applicants should plan their projects based on a project start date of September 27, 2012.

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

Applicants who have been selected for funding will receive a letter of official notification from the Georgia NRCS State Office in Athens, Georgia. However, all selections are contingent upon successful completion of the environmental review process and financial review.

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

Sharon Holbrooks Conservation Easement Specialist

USDA-NRCS

355 East Hancock Avenue, Mail Stop 200 Athens, GA 30601 Phone: (706) 546-2272 Fax: (706) 546-2120 E-mail: sharon.holbrooks@ga.usda.gov

ATTACHMENTS LIST

A. Sample of types of restoration per property B. Acknowledgement of Section 1619 Compliance C. Certification Requirement

OTHER INFORMATION

Important: Applications Missing Any of These Required Items Will Not Be Considered

CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS

FISCAL YEAR 2012 FULL APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECK LIST

· A. Proposal Cover Sheet: Submit Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance

· B. Project Description: (12 pages maximum, single-spaced, single-sided, 12 point font)

· A description of the specialized experience, resources, technical competence, financial responsibility, and available organizational resources necessary to successfully perform ecologically sound wetland and associated upland restoration activities.

· Description of knowledge of wetland restoration techniques, including engineering skills, habitat design, and hydrology; Also describe knowledge of Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management, Wetland Restoration, Wetland Enhancement, Upland Wildlife Habitat Management, and Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats, as they pertain to NRCS Conservation Practice Standards identified in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG.)

· Description of knowledge of conservation easements and the WRP Warranty Easement Deed.

· Description of the capabilities to perform the terms of the cooperative agreement, including a brief description of the organizational entity and of the qualifications, employment status, current responsibilities, and proposed level of effort for the project coordinator, and staff responsible for implementation. Resumes for key personnel should be included in an appendix to the application and for all sub-applicants or anyone who would work on the project.

· A list of past experiences with providing implementation of wetland and associated upland restorations for conservation contracts.

· Please carefully review all Attachments and make sure that the contractor is able to perform all duties and provide all equipment and means necessary to perform the duties associated with the types of restoration activities listed.

· The application may include an appendix. Material should be included only when necessary to support information provided in the narrative. Copies of documents, certifications, etc., are encouraged to demonstrate experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. Materials will not be returned.

· List and/or proof of insurance, certifications, bonds, or other documentation necessary to prove capability to perform work, and for safety of employees who will perform work.

· C. Additional Information: Bibliography, resumes, and/or references

· D. Budget Information: Submit a completed Standard Form 424A (SF-424A) Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs.

1. Complete SF-424A

2. Detailed budget description

3. Budget narrative

· K. Certifications: Complete Standard Form 424B (SF-424B) Assurances-Non-Construction Programs.

· L. DUNS Number: For information about how to obtain a DUNS number, go to http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or call 1-866-705-5711. Please note that the registration may take up to 14 business days to complete.

· M. Central Contractor Registry (CCR): To register, visit www.SAM.gov. Allow a minimum of 5 days to complete the CCR registration.

WRP-USDA-NRCS-GA-03

Attachment A: Samples of Types of Restoration per property

Types of Restoration:

DITCH PLUGS: Where open channels were previously constructed to drain wetlands, the channel will be filled with earth to restore the wetland hydrology as close as possible to the pre-drained or natural condition. The equipment and specific compaction methods to be utilized shall be discussed and agreed upon by the landowner, contractor, and NRCS. The ditch plug location shall be marked in the field by NRCS and shall not be moved or altered under any circumstance, unless authorized by NRCS. Vegetation of the finished plug shall be in accordance with NRCS specifications.

STREAM CROSSING - FORD: A stablilized area or trail/travelway constructed of geotextile and stone, concrete or geocell across a stream to allow livestock or farm equipment to cross with minimal disturbance to the stream ecosystem. The equipment and specific compaction methods to be utilized shall be discussed and agreed upon by the landowner, contractor, and NRCS. The stream crossing locations shall be marked in the field by NRCS and shall not be moved or altered under any circumstance, unless authorized by NRCS.

TREE PLANTING: Longleaf and Hardwood (including site preparation)

Others as deemed necessary by NRCS. This is not a comprehensive list.

ATTACHMENT B

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SECTION 1619 COMPLIANCE

Purpose and Background The purpose of this Acknowledgment of Section 1619 compliance (hereinafter “Acknowledgment”) is to require acknowledgment by [replace with the name of the individual/organization] of the requirements of Section 1619 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill), which prohibits disclosure of certain information by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its cooperators. [replace with the name of the individual or organization] assists NRCS in the delivery of conservation- related services (for example, services that sustain agricultural productivity, improve environmental quality, reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damages caused by floods and other natural disasters) or with restoration, assessing, or evaluating of conservation benefits from USDA conservation programs under a Cooperative Agreement for the restoration of Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) easements. Those individuals or organizations (governmental or nongovernmental) that assist NRCS with providing conservation- related services are known as NRCS Conservation Cooperators.

NRCS Conservation Cooperator

As an NRCS Conservation Cooperator, [replace with the name of the individual or organization] is authorized access to otherwise-protected agricultural information. Such protected information must be strictly limited to only that information necessary for [replace with the name of the individual or organization] to perform restoration on WRP easements. Disclosure to [replace with the name of the individual or organization] can include receiving the protected information either 1) directly from NRCS; 2) directly from the producer or owner as part of the process required to enable a producer or owner to participate in a USDA program; or 3) in another manner with the producer’s permission.

Section 1619 of the 2008 Farm Bill

Section 1619 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Exhibit 1) (hereinafter “section 1619” provides that USDA, or any “contractor or cooperator” of USDA, “shall not disclose—(A) information provided by an agricultural producer or owner of agricultural land concerning the agricultural operation, farming or conservation practices, or the land itself, in order to participate in the programs of the Department; or (B) geospatial information otherwise maintained by the Secretary about agricultural land or operations for which information described in subparagraph (A) is provided.” USDA may disclose protected information to a USDA cooperator when such cooperator is “providing technical or financial assistance with respect to the agricultural operation, agricultural land, or farming or conservation practices” if USDA determines that the protected information will not be subsequently disclosed, except in accordance with the exceptions contained in Section 1619. [Replace with the name of the individual or organization] is a “contractor or cooperator” of USDA within the meaning of Section 1619. Accordingly, [replace with the name of the individual or organization] may not subsequently disclose any information protected by section 1619. By signature on this Acknowledgment, [replace with the name of the individual or organization] is certifying future compliance with the statutory obligations under Section 1619. Upon execution of this Acknowledgment, NRCS may continue to provide to [replace with the name of the individual or organization] the protected information provided under the cooperative agreement for restoration of WRP easements.

Responsibilities

[Replace with the name of the individual or organization] (hereinafter the “Conservation Cooperator”) certifies that:

· Signature on this Acknowledgment indicates acknowledgment and understanding that the Conservation Cooperator is legally bound by Federal statute to comply with the provisions of Section 1619 and that the Conservation Cooperator will not subsequently disclose information protected by section 1619 to any individual or organization that is not directly covered by this Acknowledgment. Any such subsequent disclosure of the protected information (except as permitted under Section 1619) will be considered a violation of Section 1619. The Conservation Cooperator will be held responsible should disclosure of the protected information occur.

· Signature on this Acknowledgment legally binds every owner, manager, supervisor, employee, contractor, agent, and representative of the Conservation Cooperator to comply with the provisions in Section 1619. The Conservation Cooperator must consult with NRCS prior to providing protected information to an entity or individual outside of the Conservation Cooperator and as necessary to implement the program to ensure that such release is permissible.

· The Conservation Cooperator will use the protected information only to perform work that is directly connected to perform restoration on WRP easements. Use of the protected information to perform work that is not directly connected to perform restoration and evaluation of conservation benefits is expressly prohibited.

· The Conservation Cooperator must internally restrict access to the protected information to only those individuals who have a demonstrated need to know the protected information in order to perform restoration of WRP easements

· The provisions in Section 1619 are continuing obligations. Even when the Conservation Cooperator is no longer an NRCS Conservation Cooperator, or when individuals currently affiliated with the Conservation Cooperator become no longer so affiliated, every person having been provided access to the protected information will continue to be legally bound to comply with the provisions of this Acknowledgment.

· The Conservation Cooperator must notify all managers, supervisors, employees, contractors, agents, and representatives about this Acknowledgment and the requirements of Section 1619. For the duration of this Acknowledgment, notifications about the existence of this Acknowledgment must be made to those individuals who are new to the organization and periodic notifications must be sent throughout the organization (as well as to all contractors and agents) to remind all about the ongoing and continuing requirements.

· When the Conservation Cooperator is unsure whether particular information is covered or protected by Section 1619, the Conservation Cooperator must consult with NRCS to determine whether the information must be withheld.

· This Acknowledgment is nontransferable and may not be bought, sold, traded, assigned, extended to, or given free of charge to any other individual or organization not directly covered by this Acknowledgment.

· Use of the protected information for any purpose is expressly prohibited when an individual or organization is no longer an NRCS Conservation Cooperator. When the Conservation Cooperator is no longer an NRCS Conservation Cooperator, any protected information provided under this Acknowledgment must be immediately destroyed or returned to NRCS. The Conservation Cooperator must provide to NRCS written certification that the protected information (paper copy, electronic copy, or both) has been properly destroyed, removed from any electronic storage media, or both.

· [If the cooperator is a State governmental employee, contractor, or representative or a State agency - remove this bullet if not applicable] The State’s “sunshine law,” “open records act” or other version of the Freedom of Information Act is superseded by section 1619 under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Accordingly, information protected from disclosure by section 1619 must not be released under such State laws.

Note: If the Secretary of Agriculture cannot determine that the protected information will be properly withheld by a State governmental agency, (for example, State policy indicating that public disclosure of information will not be required for records that are specifically required by the Federal Government to be kept confidential), then section 1619 prohibits the disclosure of the protected information to the State governmental agency. Acknowledgement of this provision by a State agency/employee’s signature confirms a presumption for that determination. Conversely, failure or refusal to sign undermines the determination and prevents information sharing. Remove this text from the final Acknowledgment.

Protected Information An example of the type of…