southeast new england program 2020 watershed …...southeast new england program 2020 watershed...

SoutheastNewEnglandProgram2020WatershedGrants

RequestforProposals

ReleaseDate:April1,2020

ApplicationDeadline:May29,2020Checkwww.snepgrants.orgforupdatesandmoreinformationWebinars:Informationalwebinarswillbeheldonthefollowingdates.Forlog-ininformation,pleaseseewww.snepgrants.org

• Tuesday,April14,1:00p.m.• Thursday,April30,1:00p.m.

Forallinquiriesrelatedtothissolicitation,pleasecontactThomasArdito,RestoreAmerica’sEstuaries,tardito@estuaries.org.Subscribetoourmailinglistatwww.snepgrants.orgforRFPs,updatesandannouncements.ContentsofthisRequestforProposals(RFP):

1.ProgramInformation2.Awards&Match3.Eligibility4.UseofFunds5.StreamlinedAwardProcess6.Selection7.RequirementsofFundedProjects8.AdditionalResources9.AdjustmentofCalendarifNecessaryAppendix1.StreamlinedProposalRequirementsAppendix2.CalculationofIndirectCosts

1.ProgramInformationProgramOverviewCleanwater,healthywatersheds,andvibrantcoastalecosystemsareessentialtothecommunitiesofSoutheastNewEngland–afoundationofourregion’sprosperityandqualityoflife.InRhodeIslandandMassachusetts,naturalsystemsgeneratebillionsofdollarsineconomicactivityandvaluethroughbeach-going,fishing,coastaltourism,marine

2020SNEPWatershedGrantsRFP–Page2/17

trades,drinkingwatersupply,propertyvalues,ecosystemservices,andmanyotheruses.Yetdespiterecentimprovements,waterpollutionandecosystemdegradationthreatenourmostimportantnaturalassets.Inordertostrengthenandsustainprosperous,resilientcommunitiesthroughoutSoutheastNewEngland,actionisneededtoreducewaterpollutionandtorestorecoastalandwatershedhabitats.TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency’s(EPA’s)SoutheastNewEnglandProgram(SNEP)hasestablishedbroadgoalstopromotearesilientecosystemofcleanwater,healthydiversehabitats,andsustainablecommunitiesinSoutheastNewEngland’scoastalwatersheds(seewww.epa.gov/snecwrp).Toachievethesegoalsthroughon-the-groundaction,RestoreAmerica’sEstuaries(RAE),withfinancialsupportfromEPA,managesSNEPWatershedGrants.Thepurposeof2020SNEPWatershedGrants(SNEPWG20)istoadvanceSoutheastNewEngland’sabilitytorestorecleanwaterandhealthycoastalecosystems,encouragingstrategicinvestmentsbystate,local,tribal,andregionalpartners.Theprogramtargetsintegratedapproachestowaterqualityandecosystemrestoration,recognizingthatcleanwater,healthyhabitats,resilientecosystems,andprosperouscommunitiesarecloselyinterconnected,andthatstrongpartnershipsofferthemosteffectivemeansofmeetingtheregion’senvironmentalchallenges.In2019,RAEawarded13SNEPWatershedGrantstotaling$2.3milliontodiverseorganizationsandpartnershipsthroughoutSoutheastNewEngland.In2020,SNEPWatershedGrantswillcontinuetofundprogramsandprojectswithlargeandlastingimpacts,providingbenefitsandlearningthatcontinuebeyondthegrantperiod.Throughthis2020RequestforProposals(RFP),SNEPWatershedGrantswillsupportprojectsandprogramsthatrestorecoastalandwatershedecosystemsthroughoutSoutheastNewEngland,whileimprovingtechnicalandinstitutionalcapacitytoaddresspressingcoastalissues.GeographicFocusForpurposesofthissolicitation,SoutheastNewEnglandisdefinedaslands,watersheds,waters,andislandsfromWesterly,RI,toPleasantBay,MA,onCapeCod,includingthewatersofNarragansettBayandBuzzardsBay,andtheirwatershedsasfarnorthasWorcesterandBrockton,MA.ItincludesallmajorriversandriverdrainagebasinsflowingintocoastalwatersofRhodeIsland,BuzzardsBay,andtheSouthShoreofCapeCod.ItalsoincludesMartha’sVineyard,Nantucket,BlockIsland,andtheElizabethIslands.Theinsetmapbelowprovidesanapproximateguide.Amoredetailed,interactivemapmaybeaccessedviathelinkonwww.snepgrants.org.ThefundingregionislocatedentirelywithinRhodeIslandandMassachusettsandisreferredtoasthe“SNEPRegion”inthisRFP.


SNEPWatershedGrantsFundingRegion

2.Awards&MatchSourceofFundsThesourceof2020SNEPWatershedGrantsisfederalfundingthroughEPA(CFDA66.129-SoutheastNewEnglandCoastalWatershedRestorationProgram).However,allgrantsunderthisprogramwillbeawarded,overseenandadministeredbyRAE.AnticipatedAwardsIn2020,RAEwillawardupto$2millioninfederalfundsthroughSNEPWatershedGrants.Typicalawardswillrangefrom$100,000to$500,000.Smallerprojectsmaybeconsideredunderspecialcircumstances(forexample,pilot-scaleprojects,largerprojectsneedingsmalleramountstocompletefunding,orpeer-to-peerlearningprojectsasdescribedbelow).Proposalsforregion-wideprojectsandprogramsofexceptionalimpactcostingmorethan$500,000willalsobeconsidered.2020SNEPWatershedGrantsareexpectedtofund5–15projectsin2020.Incombinationwithpriorgrantrounds,2020SNEPWatershedGrantswillcontinuethedevelopmentofadiverseportfolioofprojectsthroughouttheSNEPregion,ledbyavarietyoforganizationsandusingarangeofapproachestoaccomplishSNEPgoalsandpriorities.


FundingPrioritiesThis2020SNEPWatershedGrantsRFPseeksprojectsandprogramsthataddressoneormoreofthefollowingpriorities:

• AddressSNEPprogramgoals(seewww.epa.gov/snecwrp);• Reducenutrientsandnutrientimpactsoncoastalecosystems;• Developandimplementinnovativeapproachesandpracticesthatprovidemultiple

benefitsforcommunitiesandecosystems;• Establishandsupportsustainablepartnerships;• Fosterenvironmentalequityandtherestorationorimprovementofurban

landscapesandcommunities;• Fostercoastalresilienceandadaptationtochangingclimateandenvironmental

conditions;• Restorecoastalandwatershedhabitatssuchasriversandwetlands;• Measureandassesstheeffectivenessofenvironmentalprogramsandprojects;• Analyze,interpretandcommunicateenvironmentaldata;and• Builduponorimplementexistingwatershed,waterquality,orotherenvironmental

plans.Peer-to-PeerLearningProjectsInadditiontothelargerprojectsdescribedabove,RAEwillconsidersmallergrantsthatadvancelocalandpeer-to-peerlearningregardingtherestorationofcleanwaterandhealthycoastalecosystems.Examplesofpeer-to-peerlearningprojectsincludeworkshopsortrainingseries,majorsymposia,partnershipdevelopment,etc.Suchprojectswilltypicallybeinthe$10,000to$20,000range.RAEisparticularlyinterestedinfundingspecialprojectsthatshareknowledgeandexperiencedevelopedthroughSNEPprogramsandprojectswithstakeholdersandpractitionersthroughouttheSNEPregion.LargerProjectsRAEencouragesapplicationsforregion-wideprojectsandprogramsofexceptionalimpactandwillconsiderapplicationsforsuchprojectsgreater$500,000.MatchFundedprojectsmustprovideanadditional33%oftherequestedamountinnon-federalmatchingfunds.Forexample,arequestof$100,000mustbeaccompaniedbyacommitmentofatleast$33,000innon-federalmatch,foratotalprojectcostof$133,000.Matchingfundsmaybecashorin-kind.Documentationofmatchisnotrequiredforapplicationsbutwillberequiredpriortoaward.Matchmustbeexpendedbytheendoftheapprovedbudgetperiodofthegrant,butmaypre-datetheaward(noearlierthanOctober1,2017)ifdirectlyrelatedtothefundedwork.State,municipal,andprivatefunding,aswellasvolunteertime,arealleligiblesourcesofmatch.PeriodofPerformance2020SNEPWatershedGrantswillbeawardedforaperiodof30monthsasfollows:

• ContractStartDate:Aug.1,2020• CompletionofFundedProject:Dec.31,2022• CompletionofReporting:Jan.31,2023


3.EligibilityEligibleApplicantsEligibleapplicantsaremunicipalities,stateagencies,tribes,regionalplanningorganizations,stateormunicipally-charteredcommissions,othersubdivisionsofstateandlocalgovernment,501(c)3non-profitorganizations,andacademicinstitutions.Federalagenciesarenoteligiblerecipients,butmaybeincludedaspartnersinproposalssubmittedbyeligiblerecipients.Public-privatepartnershipsareencouraged,consistentwiththecompetitiveprocurementrequirementsnotedbelow.SNEPSteeringCommitteemembersareeligibletoapplyforandreceiveSNEPWatershedGrantsiftheymeetallothercriteria.RAEutilizesestablishedprocedurestoavoidconflictsofinterestintheawardofSNEPWatershedGrants.EligibleProjectsEligibleprojectsareexpectedtoachievesignificantprogresstowardrestoringcleanwaterandhealthyecosystems;protectingwatershedsandfosteringresilience;restoringcoastalorwatershedhabitats;orimprovinginstitutionalcapacitytoaddresswaterquality,ecosystemdegradation,orhabitatloss.EligibleprojectsmustbeimplementedwithinthedefinedSNEPboundaries.Eligibleprojectsshouldbuilduponorimplementexistingwatershed,waterquality,orotherenvironmentalplans;strengthenecosystemsandcommunitiesbybuildingorenhancingresilience;andbeconsistentwiththevision,mission,andgoalsofEPA’sSoutheastNewEnglandProgramforCoastalWatershedRestoration(seewww.epa.gov/snecwrp).IneligibleProjectsProjectsineligibleforfundingunderthisprogramare:

• Actionsrequiredtosettleaformalenforcementactionorincludedinacourtorder;orspecifiedasarequiredmitigationmeasureunderastate,local,orfederalpermitforaspecificproject;however,grantfundingmaybeusedtoenhanceorexpandsuchprojectsbeyondminimumrequirementsforcompliance.Similarly,grantfundsmaynotbeusedtosatisfyfundingcommitmentsforsupplementalenvironmentalprojects(SEPs),butmaybeusedinadditiontosuchfundingtoexpandtheeligiblescopeofsuchprojects,inwhichcasetheSEPfundingmaybeusedasmatchtowardaSNEP-fundedproject.

• Workinvolvingonlyroutineactivitiestomaintainstormwaterinfrastructure,otherfacilities,orland.

• Projectswhichfallundertheexistingresponsibilitiesofanindividualstateorlocalgovernment(e.g.,developmentofTMDLsorMS4permits).

• Plans,researchprojectsorstudiesthatlackaclearenvironmentalimpactorpathtoimplementation.Plansandstudieswillbeconsiderediftheyaredirectlyrelevantto,andprovideresultsthatinform,thepracticeofwaterqualitymanagement,watershedpreservation,orhabitatrestoration.

• Conventional“grayinfrastructure”projectsusingwell-establishedtechnologiesormethods(e.g.,installationofsewerlines).

• Projectsthatinvolvenewconstructionorretrofittingofbuildingsorfacilitiesservingprimarilyprivatepurposes,includingresidential,commercialandinstitutional,amongothers.

• Purchaseoflandorrealestate.


MultipleApplications&ProjectsOrganizationsmaysubmitmultiplegrantapplicationseitherasaleadorganization,orasapartneronanotherorganization’sapplication.Multipleapplicationsmustbesubmittedseparatelyandwillbeevaluatedindependentofotherproposals.CoordinationwithOtherGrantRoundsRAEwillconsiderapplicationsthatarelinkedtopriorSNEP-fundedprojects(forexample,constructionfundingforprojectsdesignedwithpriorgrants;orfurtherassessmentormonitoringofprojectsconstructedwithpriorfunding);however,eachapplicationineachyearwillbeevaluatedindependently,andfundingdecisionswillbebasedonevaluationresultsforthatparticularroundoffunding,includingconsiderationsofgeographicdiversityandprojecttype.Similarly,applicantsmaysubmitSNEPWG20applicationsontheexpectationofapplyingforfutureSNEPWatershedGrants;theawardofa2020grant,however,doesnotrepresentorimplycommitmenttowardfundinginfuturegrantrounds.CoordinationwithOtherProgramsRAEencouragescoordinationwithotherstate,local,privateandfederalprograms,includingtheNationalEstuaryProgram;state-fundedwaterquality,habitatandresilienceprograms;initiativesofprivatefoundations;etc.Althoughfederalresourcesmaynotbeusedasmatch,suchresourcesmayfundcomponentsofprojectsthatarenotfundedthroughRAE,andapplicantsareencouragedtopartnerwithfederalorfederally-fundedorganizations,includingotherSNEP-fundedprogramssuchastheSoutheastNewEnglandNetwork(www.snepnetwork.org).PartialAwardsIngeneral,RAEwillseektofundproposalsintheirentirety.Insomecases,however,RAEmayelecttopartiallyfundproposals,ormayrequestotherprojectmodificationspriortofinalizingawards.4.UseofFundsSNEPWG20fundingmaybeusedformostprojectcosts,includingsalary,fringe,contractualsupport,equipment,supplies,travel,andindirectcosts.Expectedcostsmustbeoutlinedintheproposal–seeAppendix1forbudgetformat.Costsunderthisgrantmustbereasonable,allowable,allocable,andnecessarytothesupportedprojectinaccordancewith2CFRPart200,SubpartEandmustadheretothegeneralprocurementstandardssetforthin2CFR200.318and“ConsultantFeeCap”setforthin2CFR1500.9.


Tools&EquipmentUnderthissolicitation,RAEwillconsiderfundingtoolsandequipmentsuchashardware,software,monitoringdevices,durableequipment,andheavyequipment,wheresuchinvestmentssupporttheimplementationofSNEPgoalsandobjectives.RAEisparticularlyinterestedinfundingtoolsandequipmentthatsupportpartnershipsandbuildlocalorregionalcapacity.SurveysandQuestionnairesRAEwillnotfundsocialsurveysorquestionnairesunderSNEPWatershedGrants;normaythecostsofsuchinstrumentsbeincludedasmatch.Ifyourprojectutilizessocialsurveysorsimilarinstruments,pleasebesuretheyareoffbudget,withallcostspaidbyentirelyseparatefundingsources.ConferencesandTravelApplicantsareencouragedtobudgetfortravelinordertosharelessonsandresultsofprojectsthroughouttheSNEPregion,andtoconnectwithregionalandnationalpracticealignedwithSNEPWG-fundedprojects.AnexampleofanationalforumforSNEPWatershedGrantsisRAE’sbiennialSummitonCoastalandEstuarineRestorationandManagement,tobeheldinProvidence,RIfromOctober4-8,2020,andagaininFall2022atalocationanddatetobeannounced.Applicantsareencouragedtoincluderegistrationandtravelfundsforthisconferencein2020SNEPWatershedGrantproposals.IndirectCostsRAEwillreimbursereasonableindirectcostsincurredaspartof2020SNEPWatershedGrantsprojects.SeeAppendix2,below.5.StreamlinedAwardProcessGrantProcess&ScheduleDuetouncertaintiescausedbytheCOVID-19pandemic,RAEhasstreamlinedandacceleratedtheawardprocessfor2020SNEPWatershedGrants,utilizingaone-stepcompetitiveapplicationprocesswithanextendeddeadline.StreamlinedproposalformatandsubmittalrequirementsaredescribedinAppendix1,below.AwardCalendar(alldates2020)

April1:SNEPWG20RFPreleasedApril14:Webinar#1:Seewww.snepgrants.orgfordetailsApril30:Webinar#2:Seewww.snepgrants.orgfordetailsMay29:DeadlineforproposalsJune:NotifyapplicantsregardingawardsJune/July:DevelopandfinalizegrantcontractsSeptember/October,2020:Publicannouncementofawards


6.SelectionProposalswillbereviewedbyanindependentadvisorycommitteeofindividualswithexpertiseinenvironmentalmanagementandecologicalrestoration.Inconsultationwiththereviewcommittee,RAEwillselectproposalsforfunding.Followinginitialselections,RAEmayrequestadditionalinformationfromapplicants,orchangestoprojectscopeandbudget,priortoaward.Proposalswillbeevaluatedunderthefollowingcriteria:

1.Impact:ThepotentialoftheproposaltohaveasignificantpositiveimpactonSoutheastNewEngland’scoastalandwatershedecosystems,includingwaterquality.2.Capacity-Building:Thepotentialoftheproposaltosignificantlyadvanceregionalknowledge,practiceandcapacitytorestore,protectandunderstandSoutheastNewEngland’scoastalecosystems.3.Innovation:Considerationwillbegiventoproposalsthatimplementnewtechnologiesormethods,andtoensuringthatSNEPWatershedGrantsfundsadiversityofapproachesacrosstheregion.4.Cost-Effectiveness:Thelikelycost-effectivenessoftheproposalrelativetoexpectedresults.5.GeographicDistribution:FundingdecisionswillconsiderthegeographicdistributionofcurrentandpriorSNEPinvestments,withthegoalofensuringthattheentireSNEPregionisfairlyservedbytheprogram,andthatSNEPWatershedGrantsworkstobuildcapacityinareasandcommunitiesofgreatestneed.

WhileRAEworkscloselywiththetechnicaladvisorycommitteeandEPAinevaluatingapplications,finalfundingdecisionswillbemadeatthesolediscretionofRAE.7.RequirementsofFundedProjectsReportingRequirementsGranteesmustsubmitsemi-annualprogressreportsaswellasafinalreport.RAEwillprovidegranteeswiththeformatofinterimandfinalreportsuponaward.InformationingranteereportswillbeusedbyRAEandEPAinpubliccommunicationmaterialsandperformancereports.ProcurementRequirementsThesourceofSNEPWatershedGrantsisfederalfunding.Therefore,fundedprojectsmustadheretofederalrequirementsregardingcontracting,sub-awardsandpurchases.Theseincludemultiplebidsforprocurementsabove$10,000(2C.F.R.200),good-faitheffortstoemployDisadvantagedBusinessEnterprises(40C.F.R.33.301),andDavis-Baconprevailingwagerequirementsforconstructionactivities(2C.F.R.200).


Formoreinformationonbudgetcategoriesandprocurementrequirementsassociatedwiththisfunding,applicantsshouldreferto:

BestPracticeGuideforProcuringServices,Supplies,andEquipmentUnderEPAAssistanceAgreements

onlineat:https://www.epa.gov/grants/best-practice-guide-procuring-services-supplies-and-equipment-under-epa-assistance-agreementsCollaboration&TechnologyTransferGranteeswillberequiredtoparticipateintwoSNEPGrantees’meetingsduringtheperiodoftheaward,tobeheldwithintheSNEPregionorinBoston.Onewillbeatechnicalworkingsessionheldapproximatelysixmonthsaftergrantawards,andthesecondwillbeanannualpartnershipandtechnologytransfermeetingwiththeSNEPSteeringCommitteetoreportontheirwork.Travelfundsforthesemeetingsshouldbeincludedinproposalbudgets.GranteesmaybeaskedtoparticipateinotherregionalSNEPeventsaimedatsharingprogressandresultswithorganizationsthroughoutSoutheastNewEngland,includingSNEPsymposia.SharingofData&ResultsGranteesmustmakeprojectdata,results,andotherprojectinformationpubliclyavailableandreadilytransferablewithinoneyearofprojectcompletion.Shouldthispresentaproblemwithproprietaryorpersonalinformation,contactRAEtodiscussinadvanceofapplication.Additionally,applicantsareexpectedtoshareprojectinformationandresultsatthecollaborationandtechnologytransfermeetingsdescribedabove.AuditsApplicantswithindependentauditsorauditedfinancialstatementsmustmakethemavailabletoRAEwithinonemonthofreceipt.RAEconductsperiodicon-siteauditsofallgrantees.ReimbursementProjectcostswillbereimbursedonthebasisofdocumented,incurredexpenses.Reimbursementrequestsshallbesubmittedatleastquarterlyandatmostmonthly.QualityAssuranceProjectPlans(QAPPs)MostprojectsfundedbySNEPWatershedGrantswillrequireaQualityAssuranceProjectPlan(QAPP)approvedbyEPARegion1priortobeginningwork.Thisincludesallprojectsthatcollectorutilizeenvironmentaldata,water-qualitymodels,orsimilartoolsandinformationfordecision-making.Thisalsoincludesmostconstructionprojects.DraftQAPPsmustbesubmittedatleast30dayspriortobeginningdatacollectionoruseinordertoprovidesufficienttimeforreview.GrantrecipientsareresponsiblefordevelopmentofanapprovedQAPPandmustidentifywithintheproposalthemeansbywhichtheyplantocompletetheQAPP(forexample,throughcontractualsupportorin-house).QAPPs,ifrequired,mustbeapprovedwithinoneyearofgrantaward.RAEwillassistgranteesincoordinatingQAPPsubmittalstoEPA.


AnoverviewofEPARegion1QAPPrequirementsisavailableat:www.epa.gov/quality/managing-quality-environmental-data-epa-region-1whiledetailedguidanceonQAPPrequirementsisprovidedat:www.epa.gov/quality/epa-qar-5-epa-requirements-quality-assurance-project-plansApplicantsunfamiliarwiththeQAPPdevelopmentandapprovalprocessareencouragedtocontactRAEforassistanceinQAPPplanningpriortoproposalsubmittal.AcknowledgementofSNEPWatershedGrantsandEPAGranteesmustacknowledgeSNEPWatershedGrantsandEPAassourcesofprojectfundinginallexternalcommunicationsmaterials–pressreleases,webpages,publicandtechnicalpresentations,etc.RAEwillprovideacknowledgementguidelinesandmaterialswithgrantcontracts.LandControl,Permissions,&PrivatePropertyProposalsmustdemonstratesufficientauthoritytoperformtheworkproposed.Iftheapplicantisnotthesolepropertyowner,thismaytaketheformofpartnershipcommitments,letterofpermission,etc.Permitsandaccessagreementsdonotneedtobecompletedpriortoaward,buttheapplicantmustdemonstrateaclearunderstandingofpermittingandaccessrequirementsandschedules,asdescribedintheapplicationguidelinesbelow.RAEwillfundworkonprivatepropertyonlywherethereisaclearpublicbenefitandwheretheapplicantcanprovideanassuranceoflastingimpact–forexample,throughaconservationeasement,deedrestriction,orotheragreementwiththeprivatelandowner.Aswithprojectsonpubliclyownedproperty,projectsitesonprivatelandmustincludesignagerecognizingSNEP/EPAfunding.8.AdditionalResourcesAdditionalresourcesthatmaybeofassistanceindeveloping2020SNEPWatershedGrantapplicationsareavailableatwww.snepgrants.org,including:

• Programoverview;• Webinaraccessinformation;• Informationonpriorgrantawards;and• UpdatestothisRFPifnecessary.

9.AdjustmentofCalendarifNecessaryApplicantsshouldconsiderthegrantcalendarpresentedinthisRFP,includingdeadlines,asfirmandfixed.IntheeventthatpublichealthcircumstancesnecessitatechangestothisRFP,suchasextensionofdeadlinesorchangestotheawardcalendar,suchchangeswillbepostedpromptlyonwww.snepgrants.orgThankyouforyourinterestin2020SNEPWatershedGrants.Welookforwardtoyourproposal!

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Appendix1:StreamlinedProposalRequirementsDuetotheCOVID-19pandemic,RAEhasstreamlinedandacceleratedtheapplicationprocessforSNEPWG20ascomparedwithpriorgrantcycles.Pleaseadheretotheproposalsubmittalformat,pagelimits,anddeadlinesasdescribedbelow.Proposalsmustfollowthistemplatetobeconsideredforfunding.Pleaseusethesubheadsandbulletsprovided,andclearlyaddressallquestionsdirectly.RAEreservestherighttodisqualifyapplicationsthatdonotadheretotherequiredformatandpagelimits.ProposalApplicationFormatPageLimits&Format:Theapplicationislimitedtoten(10)pages,includingthecoverpage,map(s)andimages,andmustbesubmittedasasinglePDFdocument.Applicationsshouldbein12-pointtypewithmarginsnolessthan0.75in.Tablesmaybein10-pointtype.Allpagesinthedocumentmustbeletter-sized.Withthisstreamlinedapplicationprocess,lettersofsupportorcommitmentarenotrequired–donotincludethem.RAEwillrequiredocumentationofmatchandotherpartnercommitmentspriortoaward.Applicationsmayincludeinternethotlinkstosupportinginformation(organizationalwebsites,supportingdocuments,etc.);however,theapplicationshouldbeself-containedforpurposesofreview.Inotherwords,thereviewershouldbeabletofullyevaluateyourproposalregardlessofwhethers/hechoosestofollowthelinks.Donotincludereferences,footnotes,orendnotes.RAEmayrequestadditionalinformationfromapplicants,includingorganizationbudget,independentaudits,federalNegotiatedCostRateAgreement(NICRA),etc.,priortoselectingproposalsforfunding.ProposalApplicationTemplate(10pagestotal,max.,includingcoverpage,mapsandimages)1.CoverPage(1pagemax.)Thecoverpagemustincludethefollowinginformation:

• Nameofproject• Projectabstract(Briefdescriptionofproject,oneparagraphmax.)• Applicantorganizationnameandaddress• ApplicantDUNSandEIN(aDUNSnumbercanbeobtainedfreeat

www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html)• ApplicantSAMregistration(seewww.sam.gov.DUNSnumberrequiredtoregister).• Applicationpointofcontact(name,email,telephone)• Projectleadername,email,andtelephone(ifdifferent)• NatureofOrganization(501(c)3non-profit,stateagency,tribe,etc.)• ListofPartnerOrganizations(Note:Partnerorganizationsarethosematerially

contributingtotheproject,notmerelysupportingit.Theywillgenerallyappearinthebudget,providingeithercashorin-kindcontributions.)


• Locationofproject(state,city,streetaddressifthereisone;lat./long.coordinates;waterbodyifapplicable,etc.)

• Cost:Totalamountofrequest;totalamountofnon-federalmatch;totalprojectcost;matchpercentage

• Signatureoforganizationalleader(executivedirector,boardchair,townmanager,councilpresident,etc.)

• Isthisapeer-to-peerlearningprojectasdescribedintheRFP?(Yes/No)2.ProjectNarrativeTheproposalprojectnarrativeshouldaddressthefollowingquestions:2.A.ProjectPurpose:WhatisthethreattoSoutheastNewEngland’scoastalandwatershedecosystemsthatthisproposalseekstosolve,andhowwillitcontributetosolvingthisproblem?What,specifically,willbetheimmediateimpactoftheproject,andwhatisitslong-termvision?Whatisthegeographicareaofimpact?HowwilltheprojectadvanceSNEPgoalsthroughouttheregion?HowwillitcontributetoimprovingthepracticeandknowledgeofcoastalecosystemrestorationandmanagementinSoutheastNewEngland?Describeregionaloutcomesoftheproject(ecological,institutional,etc.)2.B.ProjectWorkplan:Describeyourapproachtocompletingthefundedproject.Includeatablethatdescribesschedule,majortasksanddeliverables.Besuretolistallpermitsneededandprojectedtimelinesforpermitting.StatewhetheraQAPPwillbeneededandhowitwillbedeveloped(in-house,contractwithconsultingfirm,etc.)2.C.ProjectPartners:Listprojectpartnersandbrieflydescribetheroleofeachpartner.Includeadiscussionofthecapacityoftheleadorganizationtosuccessfullycompletetheproject;describehowtheprojectteamwillbemanagedorcoordinated.Note:Projectpartnersarethosethataremateriallycontributingtotheproject,notsimplysupportingit.Projectpartnersmaybereceivinggrantfunds,providingmatch,orboth,andshouldbelistedintheprojectbudget.Whilefederalorfederally-fundedpartnersmaynotprovidematch,theyshouldbeincludedinbudgetnotes.Sincethisstreamlinedapplicationprocessdoesnotincludelettersofcommitment,allprojectpartnersshouldbelistedintheproposalnarrativeand,asappropriate,thebudget.2.D.Outreach&Communications:Howwillyoupublicizetheprojectandsupportregionalpractice?Provideabriefoutreachplan.Thisshouldincludecommunityengagementandmediacoverageatthelocallevel,aswellasinformationforusebyprofessionalresourcemanagerselsewhereintheSNEPregion.3.Map(s)&Images:Provideatleastonemapoftheprojectarea.Moremapsorimagesmaybeprovidedwithintheapplicationpagelimit.4.Budget:Theproposalrequiresabudgettable.Additionalbudgetnotesornarrativeareoptional,andshouldbeprovidedasneeded.Onlyapplicationsthatprovideclear,complete,anddefensibleinformationonprojectcostswillbecompetitive.Costbases(methodsorformulasforcalculatingcosts)shouldbeincludedinthebudgettableorbudgetnotes.Whereitisnecessarytousecostestimates,forexampleforcontractualitemsthatwillbe


advertisedforbid,notethatthisisanestimateandprovidethebasisforestimation.Roundallcoststothenearestdollar–donotincludecents.4.A.BudgetTable:ThebudgettablemustbreakdowncostsforbothRequestandMatchbyfederal(SF-424A)costcategory(objectclass).Thesecategoriesareasfollows(additionalexplanationprovidedbyRAE):

a.Personnel:UnderRequest,“Personnel”coverssalariesforthegranteeorganizationonly,whilerequestedfundsforpartnerorganizationsalariesshouldbelistedunder“Other.”UnderMatch,“Personnel”mayincludesalariesandvolunteertimefromthegranteeandpartnerorganizations.Salariesmustbeprovidedatactualratesbutshouldfactorinanticipatedraises(includenotetoexplaincalculation).b.FringeBenefits:Fringemaybecalculatedonanhourlybasisorasapercentageofstaffsalariesandmustbeprovidedatactualrates.c.Travel:Estimatecostsforlocalandlong-distancetravel.Usecurrentfederalmileagerateandnotepurposeoftravel.d.Equipment:Durablegoodsinexcessof$5,000only.e.Supplies:Allotherdurableandnon-durablegoodslessthan$5000,includingcomputers.Grantswillpayforrefreshmentsasnecessaryforpublicmeetings,etc.,butfoodanddrinkcostsmustbelistedasaseparatelineitem.Grantswillnotpayforalcoholicbeverages.f.Contractual:Includepaymentstooutsidebusinesses(engineeringcompanies,constructioncompanies,etc.).Provideseparatelineitemsforeachcontract.g.Construction:Donotincludethiscategory.Constructioncostsshouldbelistedunder“Contractual”ifhiredout;orifperformeddirectlybyagranteeorpartner,laborcostsmaybelistedunder“Personnel”or“Other,”andmaterialsunder“Supplies”or“Other,”asappropriate.h.Other:Includepaymentstofundedpartnerssuchasnon-profitorganizations.Alsoincludesequipmentrentalsoranyothercoststhatdonotfitintothecategoriesabove.Mayincludeconstructionitems,suchaspre-castbasins,ifover$5000andnotincludedaspartofaconstructioncontract.i.TotalDirect:SumofCategoriesa–h,above.j.Indirect:SeeAppendix2forcalculationofindirectcosts.k.Total:SumofDirect(i)andIndirect(j.),above.

PleaseincludeallcategoriesexceptforConstruction(g.)inyourbudgettable,eveniftheamountinthatcategoryiszero.Categoriescan,andshouldbesubdividedasnecessary,asintheexamplebudgetbelow.BudgetTableFormatApplicationsmustusethefollowingbudgettableformat,usingthefederalcostcategoriesaslistedabove,subdividedwithadditionallineitemsasnecessary.Provideaseparatelineunder“Personnel”foreachindividualontheproject,andaseparatelineunder“Contractual”foreachcontract.Showrequestandmatchamountsforeachlineitemandcostcategory.


SampleBudgetTable–FriendsoftheWatershed(FOTW)CleanWaterPartnershipCost Category and Item Cost Basis RAE

Request Non-Fed

Match Match Source Total

Cost a. Personnel Jane Trout, FOTW Senior Scientist 2500 hrs @ $37.50 $73,750 $20,000 Mackerel

Foundation $93,750

Susan Scup, FOTW Comm. Mgr. 1600 hrs. @ $30 $40,000 $8000 FOTW Unrestricted

$48,000

James Salmon, Scalloptown DPW 160 hrs. @ $50 0 $8000 Scalloptown Gen. Fund

$8000

FOTW Volunteers 1000 hrs. @ $25.43 0 $25,430 In-kind $25,430 Total Personnel $113,750 $61,430 $175,180 b. Fringe Benefits Fringe, FOTW Staff 25% of Salaries $28,438 $7000 As above $35,438 Fringe, Scalloptown 30% of Salaries 0 $2400 As above $2400 Total Fringe $28,438 $9400 $37,838 c. Travel Mileage to Outreach Meetings 1000 mi. @ $0.575 0 $575 FOTW Unrestr. $575 Travel to RAE Conference See Narrative $2000 0 $2000 Total Travel $2000 $575 $2575 d. Equipment ***ACME Water Quality Probe See Narrative $7000 0 $7000 Total Equipment $7000 0 $7000 e. Supplies Office Supplies $500 0 $500 Total Supplies $500 0 $500 f. Contractual QAPP Development See Narrative $7500 0 $7500 BMP Construction See Narrative $5000 $5000 Scalloptown GF $10,000 Total Contractual $12,500 $5000 $17,500 h. Other ***Boat Rental See Narrative $5000 0 $5000 Total Other $5000 0 $5000 i. Total Direct $169,188 $76,405 $245,593 NICRA Indirect Cost OR Modified Total Direct Cost

MTDC in this example

$157,188 $76,405 $233,593

j. Indirect Cost: For NICRA: Up to 25% of request Non-NICRA: use 10% of MTDC (this example)

$15,719 $7641 $23,360

k. Total (Direct + Indirect) $184,907 $84,046 $268,953 Non-Federal Match as a Percentage of Request [in this example]: 45% ***Items excluded from MTDC calculation


Noteallsourcesofmatchandwhethertheyarecashorin-kind.Totalnon-federalmatchmustbeatleast33%ofrequest.Proposalsprovidingagreatermatchpercentagewillreceivenoadditionalbenefitinscoring.Matchpercentageiscalculatedasfollows:(non-federalmatch)÷(request)x100=matchpercentage.4.B.BudgetNotesorNarrative:Includeadditionalbudgetnotesorbudgetnarrativeasneeded,toexplainorjustifycostsorcostbaseslistedinthebudgettable.AdditionalNotesonCalculationandPresentationofCosts:

• Salariesandfringemaybecalculatedonanhourlyorpercentagebasis.Ifsalariesareexpectedtoincreaseovertheperiodofthegrant,factorinsuchincreasestoreflecttotalcostovertheperiodofthegrant,andprovideanoteexplainingyourcalculations.

• RAErecognizesthatcostestimateswillbenecessaryinsomeinstances,forexampleconstructioncontractsthatwillbecompetitivelybid.Pleasenotecostestimateswhereusedandcostbasisfordevelopingestimates.

• Sub-awardstopartnerorganizationsshouldbelistedunder“Other,”withaseparatelineitemforeachorganization.Provideabriefexplanationorjustificationforcalculationofpartnercosts.

• Contractsorsub-contractsawardedtoengineeringfirms,constructionfirms,andotherfor-profitbusinessesmustbeselectedthroughcompetitivebiddingproceduresconsistentwithFederalrequirements(2C.F.R.200)aswellasthegrantee’sownpurchasingprocedures(seeProcurementRequirements,above).WhereSNEPWGfundscontinuingcontracts(i.e.,contractsthatwereawardedbythegranteepriortotheSNEPgrantaward),RAEwillrequiredocumentationofcompetitiveselectionproceduresusedinawardingsuchcontracts.

• BesuretobudgetforQAPPdevelopmentifyourprojectwillrequireone(mostSNEPWG-fundedprojectsdo,includingconstructionprojects).QAPPsmaybedevelopedin-houseorthroughaconsultantcontract–contactRAEforassistanceinQAPPplanningifneedbe.

• Volunteertimeshouldbecalculatedatthenationalaverageratepublishedbywww.independentsector.organdshouldbelistedunderthe“Personnel”categoryinthe“Non-FederalMatch”column.

• Whilefederalresourcesmaynotbecountedasmatch,pleaselistanyfederalfundsorresourcesthatarecontributingtowardthework.

• Passengervehiclemileageshouldbecalculatedatthecurrentfederalrate.• Equipmentisgenerallydurablepropertyvaluedatmorethan$5,000–see2CFR

200forguidance.• Forinstructionsoncalculatingindirectrates,seeAppendix2tothisRFP.• Ifyouanticipateearningprogramincomeaspartofyourproject,showthesource,

estimatedamount,andhowitwillbeused.• Asnotedabove,thereisno“Construction”category.Itemizeconstructioncosts

under“Contractual,”“Personnel,”“Other,”etc.,asappropriate.• Roundallcoststonearestdollar.


HowtoSubmitYourProposalCombineallapplicationelementsintoasinglePDFdocumentandemailitasanattachmenttosnepgrants@estuaries.orgby5:00p.m.EDTonMay29,2020.Applicantsareencouragedtofileearlytoavoidtransmittaldelaysandprovidetimetorectifyanyproblemspriortothedeadline.Usethefollowingfilenameformat:SNEPWG20-[organizationidentifier].pdf.Forexample,aproposalsubmittedbyFriendsoftheWatershedwouldbelabeled:SNEPWG20-FOTW.pdf.TheemailsubjectlinemaybeFOTWProposal.Ifsubmittingmultipleproposals,provideuniqueidentifiers,e.g.,SNEPWG20-FOTW1.pdfandSNEPWG20-FOTW2.pdf.DocumentationofTimelySubmittalWhenyousubmityourapplication,youwillreceiveareplyacknowledgingreceiptofthesubmittal.Saveorprintthereplyforyourrecords,intheeventthereisaproblemwiththetransmittal.Ifyoudonotreceiveconfirmationofrecieptbytheendofthefirstbusinessdayfollowingthedeadline,youmustcontactThomasArditoassoonaspossibleattardito@estuaries.orgtoensureacceptanceofyourapplication.Allapplicationsmustmeetthedeadlineslistedabove,andmustbecompleteasdirectedatthetimeofsubmittal.Intheeventofdocumentedtransmittalproblems,corruptedfiles,orothertechnologyproblems,RAEwillmakeeveryefforttoacceptapplicationsthatweresubmittedcorrectly,butnotreceivedduetoproblemsoutsidethecontroloftheapplicant.However,tominimizethechancethataproposalcannotbeaccepted,weencourageapplicantstosubmitproposalswithsufficienttimetorectifythesekindsofproblemspriortodeadlines.NotificationofFunding:InJune,2020,followingreviewofproposals,RAEwillnotifyallapplicantsviaemailwhethertheirproposalhasbeenselectedforfunding.RAEmayrequestadditionalinformation,orrequestchangestoprojectscopeorbudgetpriortofundingselection.Followinginitialselectionofawards,RAEwillrequestdocumentationofmatchandpartnercommitments,andadditionalorganizationalinformationsuchasindependentauditsifavailable,priortofinalizationofawards.

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Appendix2:IndirectCostsSNEPWatershedGrantswillreimbursegranteesforreasonableindirectcostsrelatedtotheexecutionoffundedprojects.Thecalculationofindirectcostsandamountofreimbursementdependsonthetypeoforganization,andwhetherithasanapproved,currentNegotiatedIndirectCostRateAgreement(NICRA)onfilewithafederalagency.ThefollowingguidancesummarizestheprocessforcalculatingindirectcostsfororganizationswithorwithoutanapprovedNICRA.3.A.OrganizationswithCurrentApprovedNICRA:Organizationswithacurrentfederally-approvedNICRAmaychargecalculatedindirectcostsupto25%oftheawardamount.UtilizetheguidanceintheNICRAtocalculateindirectcosts.IftheindirectcostcalculatedfromtheNICRAexceeds25%,thedifferencemaybeappliedasmatchifitisfromeligiblenon-federalsources.3.B.ForStateExecutiveAgenciesOnly:ForstateexecutiveagencieswithanapprovedNICRA,ifthecalculatedindirectcostexceeds25%,RAEwillconsiderfundingthefullapprovedindirectcostrateonrequest.3.C.OrganizationswithoutNICRA:ForapplicantsthathaveneverhadaNICRAwithaFederalagency,theapplicantmayusethedeminimisindirectcostrateof10%ofModifiedTotalDirectCosts(MTDC).MTDC(asdefinedunder2C.F.R.§200.68)includesalldirectsalariesandwages,applicablefringebenefits,materialsandsupplies,services,travel,andthefirst$25,000ofeachsubawardorsubcontract(regardlessoftheperiodofperformanceofthesubawardsandsubcontractsundertheaward).MTDCexcludesequipment,capitalexpenditures,chargesforpatientcare,rentalcosts,tuitionremission,scholarshipsandfellowships,participantsupportcosts,andtheportionofeachsubawardorsubcontractinexcessof$25,000.Organizationsseekingtochargethe10%indirectcostratemustcalculateMTDCinordertocalculatetheallowableindirectcost.Note:OrganizationswithanapprovedNICRAshouldnotcalculateMTDC.Rather,showthecalculatedNICRAindirectcostbelow“TotalDirect”and,beneaththat,thereimbursableportionofindirectcosts(upto25%oftotalrequest).Again,thenon-reimbursableportionoftheNICRA-determinedindirectcostmaybeappliedtowardmatchiffromnon-federalsources.

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