Grant Reporting (Private Sector)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of International Conservation
Wildlife Without Borders – Latin America and Caribbean
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.640
Funding Opportunity Number: F14AS00076
Submission Deadline: May 30th
Notice of Funding Availability and Application Instructions
I. Description of Funding Opportunity
Spanning Central America, South America and the Caribbean islands, the Latin America and
Caribbean region is home to some of the most biologically and culturally rich sites in the world.
The region’s landscapes host large numbers of endemic species and are primarily threatened by
habitat loss and degradation. The biodiversity of Latin America and the Caribbean is at risk due
to one of the highest land degradation and deforestation rates in the world, driven by increased
demands of a growing global population for food, forest products, land minerals, and energy.
Whereas people can be the greatest threat to a region’s biodiversity, they are also the most
powerful ingredient for conservation when stakeholders are able to work cooperatively toward
shared conservation goals that reflect local values, pride, aspirations, and needs. The question is
no longer whether to involve key actors at the individual, organizational or group level, but how.
Program Goal: Strengthen the capacity of Latin American and Caribbean individuals and
institutions to manage and conserve species, habitats, and ecological processes.
Program Objective: Support projects that address one or more of the following three focal
areas: (i) threatened landscapes, (ii) threatened species, and (iii) regional training programs.
In fiscal year 2014, the Wildlife Without Borders-Latin America and Caribbean Program
(WWB-LAC) seeks proposals that address the underlying human dimensions of species and
ecosystem conservation in the following regions:




Central America
Tropical Andes (western Amazon)
Regional Caribbean projects (defined as two or more countries or islands)

Projects should take place in the above regions of Latin America or the Caribbean. (Please note
that projects in Mexico are administered through the Wildlife Without Borders – Mexico
Program.)
Below are the descriptions and desired results for the three focal areas for fiscal year 2014
funding:

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1. Threatened landscapes
In 2014, the WWB-LAC program seeks proposals under this focal area that address
integrated landscapes for people and nature.
Description: USFWS will support projects that benefit landscapes that are clearly justified to be
of 1) high conservation value and 2) under immediate and direct threat. 1 Through targeted
ecosystem and/or landscape-level conservation actions, projects shall directly link identified
threats to key stakeholders. Projects should seek to create or promote community-level entities
that work cooperatively to identify conservation problems, diagnose causes and jointly develop
management prescriptions through a participatory and inclusive process that acknowledges the
legitimacy of partner needs and goals and the advantages of concerted collaborative action to
address complex resource management challenges.
Desired results: Increased conservation and management of threatened landscapes of high
conservation value including both protected areas and multi-functional landscapes. Proposals
will be strengthened if they address one or more of the following: (a) reduction of unsustainable
land use activities (e.g., habitat degradation or loss due to the expansion of agriculture and/or
cattle ranching/pastures, road and infrastructure) that lead to improved alternative livelihoods,
climate change resilience, and/or sustainable food production systems in the biodiversity
conservation project area; (b) mitigation of the impacts of extractive industries (e.g., logging,
fishing, hunting, mining, oil and gas development); (c) reduction of threats to highly endangered
wildlife and plant species (e.g., harvesting, hunting, fishing, habitat destruction by land use
change, wildfires, other); and (d) integration of both human and biological dimensions into
conservation policies and programs at the local, national, and/or regional level.
2. Threatened species
In 2014, the WWB-LAC program seeks proposals under this focal area that address either
a) human-jaguar conflict or b) wildlife trafficking and illegal pet trade.
A) Human-jaguar conflict
Description: USFWS will support local, national and regional (transnational) activities designed
to mitigate and reduce conflicts between people and jaguars due to predation on livestock,
domestic animals and game species, wildlife disease, and overall damage to human lives and
livelihoods in agricultural and multi-use areas located within or near protected areas.
Desired results: Reduction or elimination of conflicts between humans and jaguars, including
livestock predation, and damage to human lives and livelihoods. Proposals will have a higher
likelihood of being selected if they address one or more of the following: (a) pre-emptive
techniques to reduce or eliminate conflicts between humans and jaguars, (b) reduction of
retaliatory attacks and killings of jaguars, (c) engagement of strong constituencies (e.g. ranchers,
1

 Due to limited funding, projects in the Caribbean should demonstrate a positive conservation impact
across at least two islands or countries/territories.
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decision-makers, community or opinion leaders) for peaceful co-existence with jaguars through
education, outreach and social marketing campaigns, (d) integration of sustainable mechanisms
and/or policy incentives for owners to prevent livestock predation at the local, national, and/or
regional level, and (e) produce benefits for other species and/or habitats within the project area.
B) Wildlife trafficking and illegal pet trade
Description: USFWS will support local, national and regional (transnational) activities designed
and implemented to reduce wildlife trafficking and illegal pet trade in LAC. Proposals should
focus on reducing the market for wild animals and plant resources that are illegally and
unsustainably harvested.
Desired results: Reduced illegal and/or unsustainable harvesting of wildlife and plant resources.
Decreased availability and commercial consumption and/or use of illegal wild animals.
Increased application of wildlife protection laws by in-country decision-makers and law
enforcement agents. Regional and/or transnational cooperation on reducing wildlife trafficking.
Effective messaging in the media and development community regarding the link between
wildlife declines and illegal trade. Proposals will have a higher likelihood of being selected if
they address one or more of the following: (a) demonstrate that threatened species are at risk of
extirpation due to the wildlife trafficking and illegal pet trade, (b) identify and address the key
human behavior(s) to be changed related to the unsustainable or illegal trade; (c) define credible
measure(s) demonstrating effectiveness of project activities, and (d) produce benefits for other
species and/or habitats within the project area.
3. Regional training programs
In 2014, the WWB-LAC program seeks proposals for regional training programs that
focus on early conservation professionals.
Description: USFWS will support the development and implementation of effective training
programs in LAC to train early conservation professionals (e.g., individuals with 1-5 years of
experience) from different backgrounds to strengthen and facilitate biodiversity conservation
competencies at the local level. Programs can be a) specialized trainings of 2 -8 weeks, b)
certificate programs of 2 months or more or c) accredited 1 to 2 year degree programs. The
training program will include courses taught by instructors who are knowledgeable of teambased, participatory teaching methods and have a proven track record of working with local
people to achieve conservation success in the field.
Desired results: Highly inter-disciplinary, experiential training programs for early conservation
professionals to develop or strengthen key competencies (knowledge, skills and attitudes) to lead
local biodiversity projects that focus on the human dimensions of conservation. Proposals will
have a higher likelihood of being selected to the extent that the following components are
included in the curricula: (a) interdisciplinary understanding of the social, economic, legal and
scientific aspects of biodiversity conservation strategies; (b) a strong field practice component on
a real-world issue that complements the coursework; (c) facilitation of participatory processes,
conflict resolution, intercultural dialogue, and promotion of sustainable development initiatives;
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(d) project design, implementation, and evaluation; (e) organizational behavior; (f) knowledge
management; and (f) governance processes and mechanisms within local and national policies
and laws.
This program is authorized under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C.
1531-43).
II. Award Information
This program uses 1- or 2- year grants or cooperative agreements as financial assistance instruments. The
type of assistance instrument to be used is the decision of USFWS.
Grant Awards
Due to the limited funds available, proposals requesting less than $50,000 USD have a higher
likelihood of being selected. The amount of funding requested must the scope of the activities, the
anticipated results, and the length of the project period. Higher amounts may be requested with
appropriate justification. The period of performance for projects awarded may be one or two years,
starting on the date the award is signed by the USFWS. Past and present recipients of awards under this
program are eligible, but must submit new proposals to compete for funding each year.
Cooperative Agreements
The criteria for funding levels, matching in-kind or financial support, period of performance, and the
requirement for a new proposal for past and present recipients of awards are the same as under Grant
Awards. For cooperative agreements, substantive involvement by the USFWS should be expected and
may include collaborating jointly with the recipient partner in carrying out the scope of work, drafting the
proposal and offering technical assistance. To submit a proposal for consideration as a cooperative
agreement, provide a justification statement in the project proposal as to the type and duration of
assistance requested of the USFWS and a rationale for why involvement of USFWS is needed to fulfill
project objectives.

III. Basic Eligibility Requirements
Eligible Applicants:
Applicants under this program can be: individuals; multi-national secretariats, federal, state and local
government agencies; non-profit, non-governmental, community and indigenous organizations; and
public and private institutions of higher education. U.S. non-profit, non-governmental organizations

must submit documentary evidence of their Section 501(c)(3) or (4) status as determined by the
Internal Revenue Service.
Federal law (2 CFR Part 25, Central Contractor Registry and Data Universal Numbering System)
mandates that all entities applying for Federal financial assistance must have a valid Dun &
Bradstreet Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number and have a current registration in the
System for Award Management (SAM). Exemptions: The SAM registration requirement does
not apply to individuals submitting an application on their own behalf and not on behalf of a
company or other for-profit entity, State, local or Tribal government, academia or other type of
organization.
Ineligible Activities: The Division of International Conservation will not fund:
 the purchase of firearms or ammunitions;
 buying intelligence information or paying informants;
 gathering information by persons who conceal their true identity;
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



law enforcement operations that, to arrest suspects, prompt them to carry out illegal activities
(entrapment);
any activity that would circumvent sanctions, laws, or regulations of either the U.S. or the country
of proposed activity;
material support or resources to individuals, entities, or organizations of countries that the U.S.
Department of State has identified as state sponsors of terrorism. These countries are: Cuba, Iran,
Sudan, and Syria. (Exceptions may be allowed with clearance from U.S. Department of State)

A. DUNS Registration
Request a DUNS number online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. U.S.-based entities may
also request a DUNS number by telephone by calling the Dun & Bradstreet Government
Customer Response Center, Monday – Friday, 7 AM to 8 PM CST at the following numbers:
U.S. and U.S Virgin Islands: 1-866-705-5711
Alaska and Puerto Rico: 1-800-234-3867 (Select Option 2, then Option 1)
For Hearing Impaired Customers Only call: 1-877-807-1679 (TTY Line)
Once assigned a DUNS number, entities are responsible for maintaining up-to-date
information with Dun & Bradstreet.
B. Entity Registration in SAM
Register in SAM online at http://www.sam.gov/. Once registered in SAM, entities must
renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least every 12 months from the date
previously registered. Entities are strongly urged to revalidate their registration as often as
needed to ensure that their information is up to date and in synch with changes that may have
been made to DUNS and IRS information. Foreign entities who wish to be paid directly to a
United States bank account must enter and maintain valid and current banking information in
SAM.
C. Excluded Entities
Applicant entities identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible,
prohibited/restricted or excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and
certain Federal assistance and benefits will not be considered for Federal funding, as
applicable to the funding being requested under this Federal program.
D. Cost Sharing or Matching:
Cost sharing is not required, but is considered in the merit review of proposals. Applicant and
partner contributions cannot be included as contributions for any other federally assisted project or
program. Funds provided by another U.S. Federal Government agency or another USFWS award
cannot be reported as matching contributions, but should be noted and explained in detail. Only
verifiable contributions should be included as a match. A match shown during one year may not be
repeated as a match in a subsequent proposal. See Section VI. APPLICATION REVIEW for

more information on cost sharing.
IV. Application Requirements
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 30th is the deadline for applications. A confirmation e-mail will
be sent out to applicants once their submission has been received. You may submit your proposal in
English or Spanish. (If you submit a proposal in Spanish you must include a project summary in
English.) Proposals should not exceed ten pages. Application cover page, summary (English and

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Spanish), figures, tables, maps, curriculum vitae, and required forms do not count toward the ten-page
limit.

To be considered for funding under this funding opportunity, an application must contain:
A. A completed, signed and dated Application Cover Page, and for U.S. applicants a completed,
signed, and dated Application for Federal Assistance form (SF-424).
Complete the Application Cover Page located at http://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/cover-page.pdf
according to the instructions on page 3 of the form.

All U.S. applicants must also submit the SF 424, Application for Federal AssistanceIndividual form located at http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=12
B. Project Summary
BRIEFLY summarize your project or program in one page or less. This section should be a standalone summary of your project. It may or may not be shared with the public. Include the title of the
project, focal area under which your proposal falls (e.g. threatened landscapes, threatened species, or
regional training programs), geographic location, and a brief overview of the need for the project.
Goal(s), objectives, specific project activities, beneficiaries, and expected products can also be
mentioned in this section.

C. Project Narrative
1. Statement of Need: Describe why this project is necessary (significance/value) and
include supporting information. The statement of need should identify a) the species,
habitats, or other biodiversity the project is attempting to conserve, b) the direct threats that
adversely affect biodiversity conservation at the project site, and c) the specific threats and
target audiences to be addressed through project activities and how they relate to stakeholder
coordination activities described in Section 4 below. Summarize previous or on-going efforts

(of you/your organization, and other organizations or individuals) that are relevant to the
proposed work. Explain the successes or failures of past efforts and how your proposed
project builds on them. If you have received funding previously (from the USFWS or
any other donor) for this specific project work or site, provide a summary of the funding,
associated activities and products/outcomes.
2. Project Goals and Objectives: State the long-term, overarching goal(s) of the
program/project. State the objectives of the project. Objectives are the specific outcomes
to be accomplished in order to reach the stated goal(s). The project objectives must be
specific, measurable, and realistic (attainable within the project’s proposed project
period), and results-orientated (i.e., objectives should represent necessary changes in
threats, conditions or capacity that affect one or more conservation targets or project
goals). Objectives should form the basis for the project’s monitoring and evaluation
section, described later in the proposal.
3. Project Activities, Methods and Timetable: List the proposed project activities and
describe how they relate to the stated objectives. Activities are the specific actions to be
undertaken to fulfill the project objectives and reach the project goal(s). The proposed
project activities narrative must be detailed enough for reviewers to make a clear
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connection between the activities and the proposed project costs. For projects being
conducted within the United States, the narrative must provide enough detail so that
reviewers are able to determine project compliance with the National Environmental
Policy Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act. For projects being conducted on the high seas, the narrative
should provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance
with Section 7 of Endangered Species Act. Provide a detailed description of the
method(s) to be used to carry out each activity. Provide a timetable indicating roughly
when activities or project milestones are to be accomplished. Include any resulting
tables, spreadsheets or flow charts within the body of the project narrative (do not include
as separate attachments). The timetable should not propose specific dates but instead
group activities by month for each month over the entire proposed project period. To view
a sample project timetable go to: http://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/sample-timetable.pdf
4. Stakeholder Coordination/Involvement: As applicable, describe how you/your
organization has coordinated with and involved other relevant organizations or
individuals in planning the project, and detail if/how they will be involved in conducting
project activities, disseminating project results and/or incorporating your results/products
into their activities. Please describe any previous work with these stakeholders and how
working with them relates to the specific threats and target audiences.

5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation: Detail the monitoring and evaluation plan for the
project. Building on the stated project objectives, which must be specific and
measurable, identify what you will measure (i.e. quantitative/quantifiable indicators) and
how you will measure (i.e. methods, sample size, survey tools). Reference the stated
project timetable (i.e. process indicators) and budget information (i.e. input indicators).
Identify the products/services to be delivered and how/to whom they will be delivered
(i.e. output indictors). Detail the expected direct effect(s) of the project on beneficiaries
(i.e. outcome indicators). Include any available questionnaires, surveys, curricula,
exams/tests or other assessment tools to be used for project evaluation. Describe the
resources and organizational structure available for gathering, analyzing and reporting
monitoring and evaluation data. If applicable, describe how project participants and
beneficiaries will participate in monitoring and evaluation activities. Describe how
findings will be fed back into decision making and project activities throughout the
project period.
Identify all expected project products/outputs (examples include: management plans,
brochures, posters, training manuals, number of people trained, workshops held, hours of
training provided, patrols conducted, etc.). Once the outputs are identified, describe the
intended impact of the products/outputs on the objectives
The USFWS values projects that report both the success and failures of efforts as a means
by which an applicant can improve their performance and provide lessons learned to
improve our efforts to conserve wildlife.

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The following table format is recommended:
Objective

Indicator
(i.e., what you will measure
to track your progress
toward achieving the
objective)

Monitoring Method
(i.e., how you will
measure the indicator)

Current
Status,
if known

Desired
Status

6. Description of Entities Undertaking the Project: Provide a brief description of the
applicant organization and all participating entities and/or individuals. Identify which of
the proposed activities each agency, organization, group, or individual is responsible for
conducting or managing. On the Application Cover Page, provide complete contact
information for the individual within the organization that will oversee/manage the
project activities on a day-to-day basis. If eligibility for funding is based in whole or in
part on the qualifications of key personnel, provide brief (1-2 pages) curricula vitae for
key personnel, identifying their qualifications to meet the project objectives. Do not
include Social Security numbers, the names of family members, or any other personal
or sensitive information including marital status, religion or physical characteristics on
the curricula vitae!
7. Sustainability: As applicable, describe which project activities will continue beyond the
proposed project period, who will continue the work or act on the results achieved, and
how and at what level you expect these future activities will be funded.
8. Literature Cited: if applicable.
9. Map of Project Area: Map should clearly delineate the project area and be large enough
to be legible. Label any sites referenced in the project narrative.
10. Governmental Endorsement: Non-governmental applicants must include a RECENT letter of

support (no older than two years) from the appropriate local, regional, or national
government wildlife or conservation authority. Where appropriate, letters of support
from local communities or project beneficiaries should be provided. Endorsement letters
should make specific reference to the project by its title, as submitted on the applicant’s
proposal.

D. Budget
All U.S. applicants must complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424) and
Assurances – Non-Construction Programs (SF 424B) form. The budget forms are
available online at http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15.
When developing your budget, keep in mind the following:
Cost Principles: Financial assistance awards and subawards are subject to the cost principles
in the following Federal regulations, as applicable to the recipient organization type:


2 CFR Part 220, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions

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

2 CFR Part 225, Cost Principles for States and Local Governments



2 CFR Part 230, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations



45 CFR Part 74, Appendix E, Principles for Determining Costs Applicable to
Research and Development Under Grants and Contracts with Hospitals



48 CFR 1, Subpart 31.2, Contracts with Commercial Organizations

These documents are available on the Internet at http://www.ecfr.gov/.
Federally-Funded Equipment: Applicants cannot use equipment paid for by the U.S. Federal
Government under another award as matching or in-kind contributions. Do not include this
type of equipment in your budget! Instead, provide a separate list of any equipment paid for
by the U.S. Federal Government that will be used for the project, including the name of the
Federal agency that paid for the equipment.
Instructions for Budget Table:
Begin your project budget table on a new page. The budget table should include a column for all cost
categories/items for the project, one column to show the cost calculation, a column for the total costs,
one column for the requested USFWS funding, one or more columns for applicant and partner
contributions, and, if applicable, a column for any program income that will be used to conduct
project activities, as demonstrated here:

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Category/ 
Budget Item 

I.  Per Diem: 

A. 
Instructor 
(1) 

B. Trainees 
(30)  
2. Lodging (11 
individuals) 
3.Transportation: 

Bus tickets 
(30 
individuals) 
4. Production of 
training material: 

A. Printing 
(100 
manuals) 

B. Postage  
Totals 

Cost 
Calculation 

Total 
Cost 

$500/month *6  $3,000 
months 

$60/day*5 
days*30 
trainees 
20 nights *11 
people * 
$15/night 

30 tickets * 
$20/each 

USFWS

Applican
t 

Partne
r X 

$x,xxx

$xxx

$xxx

Partner  Program 
Y 
Income (if 
applicable) 

$xxx 
$xxx

$xxx

$9,000 

$x,xxx

$xxx

$xxx

$xxx 

$3,300 

$x,xxx

$xxx

$xxx

$xxx 

$xxx

$xxx

$xxx 

$xxx

$600 

$x,xxx

$xxx

100 manuals * 
$10/each 

$1,000 

$x,xxx

$xxx

$xxx

$xxx 

$xxx

12 months * 
$20/month  

$240 

$x,xxx

$xxx

$xxx

$xxx 

$xxx

$x,xxxx

$x,xxx

$xxx

$xxx

$xxx 

$xxx

*Present all amounts in U.S. dollars
**We cannot accept the term “contingencies” in the budget as a line item

Go to http://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/sample-budget.pdf to view a sample project budget table.
The budget table should provide enough information for reviewers to be able to understand the cost
basis and calculation at a glance. For example, a $3,300 line item for lodging costs should include the
formula for how the cost was calculated: Lodging for 20 nights x 11 people x $15/night = $3,300.
Wherever possible, cost calculations should be included in the Project Budget Table, but where
necessary, additional description should be provided in the Budget Justifications. If the budget table
requires more than one page, verify that the column headings and row titles appear on all pages.

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

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Program Income: Your project may include activities that will generate program income.
Program income earned as a result of activities supported with Federal funding includes, but
is not limited to the following: income from fees for services, the use or rental of property,
the sale of commodities or fabricated items, license fees and royalties on patents and
copyrights, and interest on loans. Program income does not include interest earned on
advances of Federal funds. Under this Fund, income earned during the project period of an
approved award shall be retained by the recipient and used in at least one of the following
ways:
1. added to the funds requested from the USFWS for the project in addition to those
committed by the recipient/other partners, and later used to conduct additional
activities that will further the project objectives; OR
2. used to finance the non-Federal share of the project.
If your project generates program income, please provide: (1) a description of how the
income will be generated, (2) an estimate of how much income will be made during the
project duration, and (3) a description of how the funds will be used. If the income is to be
used to conduct additional activities, you must include a Program Income column in your
budget table and include all cost categories/items and associated amounts that the program
income will cover.
Indirect Costs and Required Indirect Cost Statement: Applicants who are individuals
applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may operate
are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for
funding, do not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget. ALL other applicants
must include in their budget justification narrative ONE of the following statements, as
applicable and attach any required documentation as detailed below:
1. Our organization does not have an indirect cost rate and will charge all costs directly.
2. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]%. We have a current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate
Agreement (NICRA). A copy of our NICRA is attached.
3. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]%. We have [insert one of these statements, as
applicable: “established a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) in the past,
but it has expired. A copy of our latest NICRA is attached” or “never established a
Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA)”]. In the event an award is made we
will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency immediately and no
later than 90 calendar days after the date the award is made. We understand that:


Although the USFWS may approve a budget that includes an estimate of indirect
costs based on our stated rate, that approval will be contingent on our establishing
a NICRA.



Recipients without a NICRA are prohibited from charging indirect costs to a
Federal award.



Failure to establish a NICRA during the award period will make all costs
otherwise allocable as indirect costs under the award unallowable.

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

We will not be authorized to transfer any unallowable indirect costs to the amount
budgeted for direct costs or to satisfy cost-sharing or matching requirements
without the prior written approval of the USFWS.



We may not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless
specifically authorized by legislation.

4. We have never established a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and in
the event an award is made we agree as a condition of award to charge a flat indirect cost
rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) for the life of the award, including any
future extensions of time, regardless of any NICRA we may establish during the award
period. We understand that MTDC is defined as all salaries and wages, fringe benefits,
materials and supplies, services, travel, and subgrants and subcontracts up to the first
$25,000 of each subgrant or subcontract (regardless of the period covered by the subgrant
or subcontract). We understand that equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient
care, participant support costs (includes registration fees, travel allowances, manuals and
supplies, tuition, and stipends), rental costs, tuition, and the portion of subcontracts and
subgrants in excess of $25,000 are excluded from MTDC.
Negotiating an Indirect Cost Rate with the Department of the Interior:
For organizations without a NICRA, you must have an open, active Federal award to submit
an indirect cost rate proposal to your cognizant agency. The Federal awarding agency that
provides the predominant amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant
agency (unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget).
If the Department of the Interior is your cognizant agency, your indirect cost rate will be
negotiated by the Interior Business Center (IBC). For more information, contact the IBC
directly at:
Indirect Cost Services
Acquisition Services Directorate, Interior Business Center
U.S. Department of the Interior
2180 Harvard Street, Suite 430
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: 916-566-7111
Email: ics@nbc.gov
Internet address: http://www.aqd.nbc.gov/Services/ICS.aspx
F. Statements Regarding A-133 Single Audit Reporting: Following OMB Circular A-133
(http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/a133/a133_revised_2007.pdf), all
U.S. states, local governments, federally-recognized Indian tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations expending $500,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in a year must
submit an A-133 Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s
Internet Data Entry System. All U.S. state, local government, federally-recognized Indian
tribal government and non-profit applicants must provide a statement regarding if your
organization was/was not required to submit an A-133 Single Audit report for the
organization’s most recently closed fiscal year and, if so, state if that report is available on

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the Federal Audit Clearinghouse Single Audit Database website
(http://harvester.census.gov/sac/). Include these statements at the end of the Project
Narrative in a section titled “A-133 Single Audit Reporting Statements”.
G. Assurances
Include the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form available online at
http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15. Use the Assurances for NonConstruction Programs (SF 424B) if the project does not involve construction. Use the
Assurances for Construction Programs (SF 424D) if the project does involve construction
or land acquisition. Signing this form does not mean that all items on the form are
applicable. Some of the assurances may not be applicable to your organization and/or your
project or program.
H. Certification and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities:
Under Title 31 of the United States Code, Section 1352, an applicant or recipient must not
use any federally appropriated funds (both annually appropriated and continuing
appropriations) or matching funds under a grant or cooperative agreement award to pay any
person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is defined as influencing or
attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an
officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress connection with
the award. Submission of an application also represents the applicant’s certification of the
statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If you/your
organization have/has made or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for
lobbying in connection with this project AND the project budget exceeds $100,000, complete
and submit the SF LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form. See Title 43 of the Code
of Federal Regulations, Subpart 18.100 (43 CFR 18.100) for more information on when
additional submission of this form is required. Submission of an application also represents
the applicant’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification
Regarding Lobbying.
Application Checklists
All proposals must include:

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Signed Grant Application Cover Page (MUST be signed by authorized representative)

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Map

DUNS Number
System for Award Management (SAM) registration (only domestic applicants must be registered
at time of application)

Project Summary (1 page)
Project Narrative and Timetable
Budget Table
Budget Justification narrative
Bio (1-2 paragraphs) or curricula vitae for key personnel
Recent Letter of Governmental Endorsement

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□
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If a U.S. state, local government, federally-recognized Indian tribal government, or nonprofit organization, statements regarding applicability of and compliance with OMB
Circular A-133 Single Audit Reporting requirements
If Federally-funded equipment will be used for the project, a list of that equipment
When applicable, a copy of the organization’s current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate
Agreement
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (India only)

Proposals from U.S. Applicants must also include:
□ A complete, signed and dated SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424, SF
424-Mandatory, or SF 424- Individual) form http://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/sf-424.pdf
□ If a non-profit organization, documentary evidence of Section 501(c)(3) or (4) non-profit
status
□ Signed and dated SF-424B Assurances form http://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/sf424b.pdf

□

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

Failure to provide complete information may cause delays, postponement, or rejection of the
application.
V. Submission Instructions
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 30th
Download the Application Package linked to this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. or via the
program website. Downloading and saving the Application Package to your computer makes the
required government-wide standard forms fillable and printable. Applications may be submitted
by email, electronically through Grants.gov. U.S. applicants must submit applications
electronically through Grants.gov. Please select ONE of the submission options:
To submit an application by e-mail (Non-Domestic Applicants only):
Format all of your documents to print on Letter size (8 ½” x 11”) paper. Format all pages to
display and print page numbers. Scanned documents should be scanned in Letter format, as
black and white images only. Where possible, save scanned documents in .pdf format and send
all documents together in a single e-mail message. If your files are too big for a single e-mail,
please number your e-mails and attachments so that we know the order of your submissions. Email your proposal to the USFWS at wwb_lac@fws.gov
To submit an application through Grants.gov (Domestic Applicants):
Go to the Grants.gov Apply for Grants page
(http://www07.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp) for an overview of the process to
apply through Grants.gov. You/your organization must complete the Grants.gov registration
process before submitting an application through Grants.gov. Registration can take between

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three to five business days, or as long as two weeks if all steps are not completed in a timely
manner.
Important note on Grants.gov application attachment file names: Please do not assign
application attachments file names longer than 20 characters, including spaces. Assigning file
names longer than 20 characters will create issues in the automatic interface between Grants.gov
and the USFWS’ financial assistance management system.
VI. APPLICATION REVIEW
USFWS may solicit advice from qualified experts to conduct a technical review of your proposed project.
USFWS may also discuss your proposal with known past and present partners to reduce the potential for
waste, fraud and abuse and to encourage coordination and collaboration among projects on the ground.
Criteria: The Division of International Conservation ranks proposals by scoring how well each addresses
the Desired Results described under each focal area in the Description of Funding Opportunity as well as
the requested elements listed in the Application and Format section above. High priority, well-justified
and feasible projects that address most or all of the requested proposal elements will receive higher
scores. Other review criteria include considering the degree to which a project:
•
•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Strengthens local individual and institutional capacity, and ensures that communities have an
active role in project planning and implementation;
Demonstrates a clear theory of change, and includes specific impact assessment criteria;
Provides a catalyst for activities in a previously neglected area with significant conservation
value;
Integrates problem solving, conflict resolution, and participatory approaches that are socially,
culturally, politically, and economically enduring.
Complements activities of other organizations/individuals in a manner which will lead to
efficient, effective conservation and avoids duplication of other on-going activities;
Promotes cooperation and partnerships to create coalitions, build networks and facilitate regional
collaboration;
Facilitates the sharing of best practices and the replication of successful conservation initiatives
throughout the region;
Utilizes funds in an efficient, cost-effective manner to accomplish project objectives;
Maintains a positive track record with USFWS based on previous grant support, including timely
submission of financial and performance reports and a summary of major activities and
accomplishments of previous USFWS support in the Project Statement section.
Contributes funds or other cost sharing or matching to the project, which may include cash or inkind contributions. Applicants who offer cost sharing will be assigned more points during the
review process and cost sharing will be used to break ties among applications with equivalent
scores after evaluation of all other factors.

Following review, applicants may be asked to revise the project scope and/or budget before a final
funding decision can be made. The Division of International Conservation occasionally receives and
funds proposals outside of the announced submission deadlines that are of such a critical nature that they
warrant immediate consideration (e.g., projects resulting from a natural disaster, disease outbreak, other
imminent threats or population crash, among others).

VII. Award Administration

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Award Notices: Following review, applicants may be requested to revise the project scope
and/or budget before an award is made. Successful applicants will receive written notice in the
form of a notice of award document. Notices of award are typically sent to recipients by e-mail.
If e-mail notification is unsuccessful, the documents will be sent by courier mail (e.g., FedEx,
DHL or UPS). Award recipients are not required to sign/return the Notice of Award document.
Acceptance of an award is defined as starting work, drawing down funds, or receiving the award
via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, the
USFWS. The notice of award document will include instructions specific to each recipient on
how to request payment. If applicable, the instructions will detail any additional
information/forms required and where to submit payment requests. Applicants whose projects
are not selected for funding will receive written notice, most often by e-mail, within 30 days of
the final review decision.
Domestic Recipient Payments: Prior to award, the USFWS program office will contact
you/your organization to either enroll in the U.S. Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for
Payments (ASAP) system or, if eligible, obtain approval from the Department of the Interior to
be waived from using ASAP.
Domestic applicants subject to the SAM registration requirement (see Section III B.) who receive
a waiver from receiving funds through ASAP must maintain current banking information in
SAM. Domestic applicants exempt from the SAM registration requirement who receive a waiver
from receiving funds through ASAP will be required to submit their banking information directly
to the USFWS program. However, do NOT submit any banking information to the USFWS
until it is requested from you by the USFWS program!
Foreign Recipient Payments: Foreign recipients receiving funds to a bank outside of the
United States will be paid electronically through U.S. Treasury’s International Treasury Services
(ITS) system.
Foreign recipients receiving funds electronically to a bank in the United States will be paid by
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) through the Automated Clearing House network. Foreign
recipients who wish to be paid to a bank account in the United States must enter and maintain
current banking information in SAM (see Section III).
The Notice of Award document from the USFWS will include instructions specific to each
recipient on how to request payment. If applicable, the instructions will detail any additional
information/forms required and where to submit payment requests.
Transmittal of Sensitive Data: Recipients are responsible for ensuring any sensitive data being
sent to the USFWS is protected during its transmission/delivery. The USFWS strongly
recommends recipients use the most secure transmission/delivery method available. The
USFWS recommends the following digital transmission methods: secure digital faxing;
encrypted emails; emailing a password protected zipped/compressed file attachment in one email
followed by the password in a second email; or emailing a zipped/compressed file attachment.
The USFWS strongly encourages recipients sending sensitive data in paper copy to use a courier

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mail service. Recipients may also contact their USFWS Project Officer and provide any
sensitive data over the telephone.
Award Terms and Conditions: Acceptance of a financial assistance award from the USFWS
carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions
applicable to the award. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down funds, or
accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to and
approved by the USFWS and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated into the notice
of award either by direct citation or by reference to the following: Federal regulations; program
legislation or regulation; and special award terms and conditions. The Federal regulations
applicable to USFWS DIC awards are provided by recipient type in the DIC Financial
Assistance Award Terms and Conditions posted on the Internet at
http://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/assistance-award-guidelines.pdfIf you do not have access
to the Internet and require a full text copy of the award terms and conditions, contact the USFWS
point of contact identified in the Agency Contacts section below.
Recipient Reporting Requirements:
Interim financial reports and performance reports may be required. Interim reports will be
required no more frequently than quarterly, and no less frequently than annually. A final
financial report and a final performance report will be required and are due within 90 calendar
days of the end date of the award. Performance reports must contain: 1) a comparison of actual
accomplishments with the goals and objectives of the award as detailed in the approved scope of
work; 2) a description of reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and 3) any
other pertinent information relevant to the project results.
Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates that have significant
impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify the USFWS
in writing as soon as the following types of conditions become known:
 Problems, delays, or adverse conditions that will materially impair the ability to meet the
objective of the Federal award. This disclosure must include a statement of any
corrective action(s) taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the
situation.
 Favorable developments that enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at
less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally
planned.
The USFWS will specify in the notice of award document the reporting and reporting frequency
applicable to the award.
VIII. Agency Contacts
Ani Cuevas
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of International Conservation
Branch of Latin America & the Caribbean
4401 North Fairfax Dr., MS 100
Arlington, VA22203-1622
Tel: 703-358-1950 Fax: 703-358-2115

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E-mail:Ani_Cuevas@fws.gov
Jenny Martínez
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of International Conservation
Branch of Latin America & the Caribbean
4401 North Fairfax Dr., MS 100
Arlington, VA 22203-1622
Tel: 703-358-2041 Fax: 703-358-2115
E-mail: Jenny_Martinez@fws.gov

IX. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: The Paperwork Reduction Act requires us to tell
you why we are collecting this information, how we will use it, and whether or not you have to
respond. A response to this Notice of Funding Availability is required to receive funding. A
Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. OMB has approved this
collection and assigned OMB Control No. 1018-0123 which expires on 09/30/2014. The public
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average of 22 hours per
application and 40 hours per performance report. These burden estimates include time for
reviewing instructions and gathering data, but do not include the time needed to complete
government-wide Standard Forms associated with the application and financial reporting. You
may send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this information
collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401
North Fairfax Drive, Mailstop 222, Arlington, VA 22203.

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