L15AS00032 BLM FOA VERSION.PDF

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT
for
Federal Financial Assistance
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE:
BLM-(Arizona), BLM AZ Maricopa County
Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)
Continuation Phoenix District Office (PDO)
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER:
L15AS00032
ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE:
Request for Applications
Issued: 2 March 2015
Modification No. 00
Issued (Date)
CFDA NUMBER & TITLE:
15.228 – Title National Fire Plan - Wildland
Urban Interface Community Fire Assistance
LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY:
HAZARDOUS FUELS REDUCTION,
Wildland Fire Management, Annual
Appropriations (2014 Public Law 113-76)
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS:
1 May 2015, 17:00 Local Time
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Name, Eddie W Bell Jr, Grants Management Specialist
Telephone: 602-417-9268, Email: ebell@blm.gov

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS0032
Project Title: BLM AZ Maricopa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Page 2 of 27
(CWPP) Continuation Phoenix District Office (PDO)
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
1. Authority
This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Federal Financial Assistance Funding
Opportunity is being announced under the following legislative authority:
HAZARDOUS FUELS REDUCTION, Wildland Fire Management, Annual
Appropriations (2014 Public Law 113-76), Wildland Fire Management, which
states in part: That using the amounts designated under this title of this Act, the
Secretary of the Interior may enter into procurement contracts, grants, or cooperative
agreements, for hazardous fuels reduction activities, and for training and monitoring
associated with such hazardous fuels reduction activities, on Federal land, or on
adjacent non-Federal land for activities that benefit resources on Federal land:
Provided further, That the costs of implementing any cooperative agreement between
the Federal Government and any non-Federal entity may be shared, as mutually
agreed on by the affected parties: Provided further, That notwithstanding
requirements of the Competition in Contracting Act, the Secretary, for purposes of
hazardous fuels reduction activities, may obtain maximum practicable competition
among: (1) local private, nonprofit, or cooperative entities; (2) Youth Conservation
Corps crews or related partnerships with State, local, or non-profit youth groups…"
.
2. Description of Program and/or Project
a. Background:
Phoenix District Office (BLM) Fuels Management Staff has targeted the
communities of Wickenburg, Aguila, Morristown, Buckeye, Buckeye Valley,
Goodyear, Maricopa, Gila Bend, Tonopah, Palo Verde, and Circle City to help
in the effort to promote, teach and create defensible space. In accordance with
the National Fire Plan and the President’s Healthy Forest Initiative the efforts
under this assistance agreement are intended to reduce the risk of catastrophic
fire to wildland urban interface communities, and promote community
assistance. The Maricopa County CWPP technical support group is
researching uses for the biomass that is being created from the fuels reduction
activities in Maricopa County. The CWPP was completed in April 2010. 2 to 4
projects to reduce the effects of wildfire on communities have been completed
each year. The CWPP was updated in September 2014 the plan will continue to
be updated every 5 years or as needed.
b. Objectives:
The primary objective of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Communities-at-
Risk Initiative is to reduce the risk of wildland fire in urban interface
communities. For Maricopa County, WUI priorities have been identified in the
Maricopa Community Wildfire Protection Plan (MCCWPP). In this plan a
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 3 of 27
variety of WUI priorities are identified as well as fuels treatments and education
activities that will reduce the risk to communities from wildland fire. This plan
currently identifies communities with hazardous fuels issues and high priority
projects that will mitigate these hazardous fuels.
c. Public Benefit:
The public will benefit from this assistance agreement by creating, promoting,
and the maintenance of desired defensible space within specified communities.
Project purpose provides assistance to the overall joint collaborative effort by
State, County, Rural Fire Districts, local citizens and Bureau of Land
Management to reduce the risk of damage to property and infrastructure from
wildfire.
3. Program/Project Performance Goals
a. Mission Area 1 (M1): Provide Natural and Cultural Resource Protection
and Experiences GOAL 4 (G4): Manage the Impacts of Wildland Fire(Full
Goal: We will swiftly act to minimize the risk of unwanted wildland fire
whenever possible. When unwanted wildfires occur, we will work to control
their spread and effects on safety, public and private property, and the
environment.)
b. Strategy 1 (S1): Establish fire-adapted ecosystems.
M1G4S2.01: Percent of acres treated which achieve fire management objectives
as identified in applicable management plans.
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
1. Award Instrument
a. Successful applicants will be awarded a Cooperative Agreement.
b. If a cooperative agreement is used, substantive Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) involvement will consist of the following: The BLM Program Officer
(PO) will collaborate with the recipient's Project Manager/Principal Investigator
(RPM/PI) to manage all stages of project development, implementation, and
evaluation. Responsibility for project management, control, and direction will
be shared by the recipient and the BLM, however the BLM will have the right
to intervene by modifying the project management plan if the project is not
staying on schedule and/or technical issues arise.
2. Expected Number of Awards
One (1) Cooperative Agreement
3. Total Funding Expected to be Awarded through this Announcement
$100,000.00
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 4 of 27
4. Expected Individual Award Amounts
$100,000.00
5. Anticipated Start Date
1 May 2015
6. Anticipated Period of Performance (five (5) years maximum)
From: 1 May 2015
To: 30 April 2020
7. No Obligation to Award
The BLM is under no obligation to award funds for this project. Only BLM Grants
Management Officers (GMO) may obligate funds for financial assistance.
C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
1. Eligible Applicants
The following types of entities are eligible to apply for award under this
announcement. Failure to meet eligibility requirements will result in precluding the
BLM from making an award. Eligible applicant types are:
Unrestricted, anyone may apply
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
This program has no cost sharing or matching requirements but the Program Officer
would like to see a 10% match.
D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
1. Application Package
This announcement includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses
needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Paper copies may be
requested by contacting the individual(s) listed on the application coversheet.
2. DUNS Number and SAM Registration
Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that
is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an
exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is
required to:
a. Provide a valid DUNS number (Dun & Bradstreet Universal Numbering
System) on its application. DUNS numbers are nine-digit numbers established
and assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to uniquely identify business
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 5 of 27
entities. DUNS numbers may be obtained free of charge from Dun &
Bradstreet, Inc., at: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or by calling them at (877)
930-5228.
b. Be registered in SAM (System for Award Management, www.SAM.gov) before
submitting its application. SAM is the Official U.S. Government system that
consolidated the capabilities of CCR/FedReg, ORCA, and EPLS. There is no
fee to register at this site. Register in the System for Award Management
(SAM) at: http://www.sam.gov.
c. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all
times during which the applicant has an active Federal award or an application
or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.
3. The Application Package
Applications must include all required Standard Forms (SF) shown below, a Proposal
(Attachment A), a Budget Detail (Attachment B), and a copy the applicant's approved
federal agency Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), if applicable.
Non-governmental organizations that have not previously received award funds or
have not had an active award within 3 (three) years must complete a Financial
Assistance Evaluation Questionnaire. A copy of the questionnaire may be requested
by contacting the individual(s) listed on the application coversheet.
WHAT TO SUBMIT:
Form Name and Number 
SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance
SF-424A Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs
SF-424B Assurances - Non-Construction Programs
Grants.gov Lobbying Form
Project Proposal (Attachment A)
Budget Detail (Attachment B)
Federal Agency-approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate
Agreement (NICRA, if applicable)
Financial Assistance Evaluation Questionnaire (if applicable)
a. Project Proposal (Attachment A)
1) Attachment B is a suggested project proposal template and may be used
when submitting your proposal. The proposal must be no longer than 15
pages, with a type-face no smaller than 11-point, and have at least one (1)
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 6 of 27
inch margins on all sides. The 15 page limit includes all text, figures,
references, and vitae, but does not include the Budget Detail (Attachment
B).
2) All proposals are confidential.
b. Budget Detail (Attachment B)
1) Use the Budget Detail form (Attachment B) to present the breakdown of
your estimated costs by category needed to accomplish project activities.
Estimated costs should be described in sufficient detail so that they may be
checked for reasonableness. Include a description of any cost share (cash,
in-kind, etc.) listed. Lump sum costs are not acceptable in any category,
without a detail breakdown of how the cost were arrived out. No profit or
fees are allowable.
2) Budget details should be broken down into the following categories:
(a) Personnel Costs. Salaries or wages of employees working directly
on this agreement project, indicate program manager and other key
personnel by name and title. Other personnel may be indicated by
title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries or wages and estimated
hours or percent of time to be spent on the agreement.
(b) Fringe Benefit Costs. The costs of fringe benefits of employees
working directly on this agreement project. Indicate rates/amounts,
what costs are included in this category, and the basis of the rate
computations. Federally approved rate agreements are acceptable
for compliance with this item.
(c) Travel Costs. The estimated costs for travel related to agreement
activities. Include the purpose of trip, destination, number of
persons traveling, length of stay, and all travel costs including
airfare, per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel-related expenses.
For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation. If
applicable, indicate that the costs are per your organization's written
travel policy. Current Federal per diem rates (the maximum
allowances that federal employees are reimbursed for expenses
incurred while on official travel) may be found at
http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877.
(d) Equipment Costs. Equipment is defined as expendable tangible
personal property having a useful life of more than one (1) year and
an acquisition cost of more than $5,000.00, or a value which reaches
the capitalization threshold level established by the organization for
financial statement purposes.
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 7 of 27
(e) Supply Costs. The costs of consumable supplies and materials to be
used for agreement activities. List each item and quantity
individually.
(f) Contractual Costs. Include estimated costs of proposed professional
and technical consultants and contractors participating on the project.
Identify all work that will be accomplished, including a breakdown
of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time,
rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each task. Any
changes or additions will require a request for approval.
Procurement procedures must comply with 2 CFR Parts 200.317
through 200.326.
(g) Construction Costs. The cost of any construction directly related to
the project activities.
(h) Other Costs. The cost of items not listed above and which do not fit
in any other category, such as the cost of duplicating and printing,
equipment rental, postage, etc. No profit or fee will be allowed.
(i) Total Direct Costs. The sum of categories (a) through (h).
(j) Indirect Costs.
(1) If indirect costs will be charged to the project, complete this
section and show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed
amount for allowable indirect costs. It is not acceptable to
simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line
items.
(2) Include a copy of any federally approved negotiated indirect
cost rate agreement (NICRA).
(3) If your organization has never had a NICRA, the BLM Grants
Management Officer (GMO) may allow an indirect cost rate of
up to 10% of your base modified total direct costs (MTDC).
MTDC includes all salaries and wages, fringe benefits,
materials and supplies, services, travel, and subgrants and
subcontracts up to the first $25,000 of each. Include the
computational basis for the indirect expense pool and
corresponding allocation base for your rate.
(4) Information on obtaining a NICRA, "Preparing and Submitting
Indirect Cost Proposals," is available from the Department of
the Interior, National Business Center, Indirect Cost Section, at
http://www.aqd.nbc.gov/services/ICS.aspx.
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 8 of 27
(k) Total Costs. The total of both direct and indirect costs estimated to
be expended on this agreement's activities.
4. Submission Dates and Times
See announcement cover sheet for the deadline (date and time) for submission of
applications. Applications must be received by the BLM prior to the posted deadline.
Any application received after the deadline for submission may not be considered for
award unless it can be determined the delay was caused by Federal government
mishandling.
5. Application Submission via www.grants.gov
The Bureau of Land Management participates in the Grants.gov initiative which
provides the Grant Community with a single website, www.grants.gov, to search for
and apply for all federal grant opportunities.
a. All applicants should register at www.Grants.Gov and all applications should be
submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov unless other arrangements are
made and approved of in advance of the submission deadline. If you have any
questions or problems with the registration or application submission process,
contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4726, or go to
http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technical-
support/troubleshooting.html for online help.
b. Applications submitted through www.Grants.gov are considered to be
electronically signed applications.
E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
1. Application Screening
Applications and proposals submitted in response to this funding opportunity
announcement will be screened to determine they meet basic eligibility,
completeness, and timeliness requirements (see D. APPLICATION AND
SUBMISSION INFORMATION) before being reviewed for risk and merit.
2. Basic Eligibility Screening
a. Applications will be screened by the Grants Management Officer to ensure that
applications meet basic eligibility requirements. Depending on the specifics of
the opportunity, screening may include, but is not limited to, the following:
1) Program and/or legislative authority requirements are met;
2) Submission is timely;
3) Complete and properly executed SF-424 application package documents
(see D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION) are
included;
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 9 of 27
b. Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be
considered for further review.
3. Risk Management and Merit Review Evaluation
a. Risk Management.
1) The BLM uses a risk-based approach to evaluate the risk posed by
supporting applicants' projects before it awards Federal funds.
2) Prior to making a Federal award, the BLM is required to review
information available through OMB-designated eligibility and/or financial
integrity databases, such as the Federal Awardee Performance and
Integrity Information System (FAPIIS). The BLM considers factors such
as:
(a) Financial stability;
(b) Quality of management systems;
(c) History of performance managing Federal awards, timeliness of
compliance with reporting requirements, conformance to the terms
and conditions of previous Federal awards, etc.;
(d) Reports and findings from audits performed; and
(e) The applicant’s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory,
or other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities.
3) If the BLM determines that a Federal award will be made, special
conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed may be applied to
the Federal award.
b. Merit Review Evaluation. Eligible applications will be evaluated in an
objective and unbiased manner using the following merit review criteria using
numerical scoring based on a 100 point maximum score.
1) Purpose and Objectives (Maximum score 50/100 Points):
(a) Describe the applicant's mission and objectives
(b) How this project will provide a benefit to the public
2) Technical Approach (Maximum score 20/100 Points):
(a) Describe how the proposed objectives will be achieved in
accordance with the Project Management Plan in Section I
(b) Detail development of the project plans
(c) Describe the tasks and relationships of the partners
(d) Detail significant milestones and ultimate objectives
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 10 of 27
(e) Describe the techniques, processes, methodologies to be used
(f) Detail the data collection, analysis, and means of interpretation
(g) Describe how the work will be accomplished within the proposed
period of performance
(h) Describe how milestones will be evaluated using BLM performance
measures
3. Qualifications, Experience, Past Performance (Maximum score 30/100
Points):
(a) List key project personnel and their contact information
(b) Describe their responsibilities, time to be dedicated to the project,
and how their experience and qualifications are appropriate to
success of the project
(c) List contractors and consultants, if known, and their qualifications
4. Budget (Not scored):
(a) Budget line items must be allowable, allocable, reasonable in price,
and appropriate for the level of effort needed to accomplish the
project
(b) Budget details and narrative must provide adequate explanation of,
and justification for, each estimated cost
(c) Requested equipment must be justified and necessary for completion
of the project
(d) Cost Sharing/Matching funds must not come from Federal funds
4. Application Selection Process
a. Applications eligible for merit review will be evaluated by an ad hoc evaluation
team assembled to review, rate, rank, and recommend applications for award
using the above evaluation criteria. Evaluation teams are made up of two or
more qualified personnel familiar with the program and who have been certified
to have no conflict of interest with any persons or organizations applying for
award.
b. Reviews are treated as confidential documents. Once award decisions are made,
applicants may request in writing a written summary of the evaluation of their
application/proposal.
F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
1. Uniform Guidance (Effective December 26, 2014)
On December 26, 2013, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published its
Final Rule for the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 11 of 27
Requirements for Federal Awards with guidance for agency implementation (see 2
CFR Part 200 and Federal Register Volume 78, No. 248). The Uniform Guidance
streamlines the Federal Government's administrative requirements, cost principles,
and audit requirements for Federal awards including grants and cooperative
agreements. The Uniform Guidance supersedes OMB Circulars A-21, A-87, A-110,
and A-122; Circulars A-89, A-102, and A-133; and the guidance in Circular A-50,
Audit Follow-up.) The Uniform Guidance provides a government-wide framework
for Federal awards management, and is a key component of a larger Federal effort to
more effectively focus Federal resources on improving Federal awards performance
and outcomes while ensuring the financial integrity of taxpayer dollars in partnership
with non-Federal stakeholders. This OMB guidance reform will reduce the
administrative burden for non-Federal financial assistance recipients while reducing
the risk of waste, fraud and mismanagement.
2. Federal Award Notices
a. Any award made from this announcement will be based on the application
submitted to, and as approved by, the Department of the Interior, Bureau of
Land Management, and will be regulated by OMB's Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR
Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements for Federal Awards.
b. Acceptance. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down of funds,
or accepting the award via electronic means. Costs may not be incurred before
the effective date listed on the award. Acceptance of a Federal Financial
Assistance award from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land
Management, carries with it the responsibility to be aware of, and comply with,
the administrative and national policy requirements and terms and conditions of
award.
3. Reporting
Periodic submission of Federal Financial reports (SF-425), Performance/Progress
reports, and Youth Employment reports (if applicable) will be required under this
financial assistance agreement. Submission of financial and performance/progress
reports may be required either quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Submission of
youth employment reports (if applicable) is required quarterly.
4. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
a. Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements. By
accepting additional Federal funding under the current Federal assistance, your
organization agrees to abide by the applicable OMB Guidance for Grants and
Agreement in the expenditure of Federal funds and performance under this
program. OMB guidance is available at the following web site:
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 12 of 27
idx?SID=954b81d94bf127c6de3c76a3c99d8d9f&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2subt
itleA.tpl
b. Administrative Requirements.
1) 2 CFR Part 200 Subparts A through D - Uniform Administrative
Requirements and Cost Principles.
2) 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F - Audit Requirements. Non-Federal entities that
expend $750,000.00, or more, in federal awards in a single year shall have a
single or program-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with
the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507) and
revised OMB Circular A-133, available at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars_default.
3) Indirect Facilities and Administration (F&A) Costs.
(a) 2 CFR Part 200.414 - Indirect (F&A) Costs
(b) 2 CFR, Appendix III to Part 200 - Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification
and Assignment, and Rate Determination for Institutions of Higher
Education (IHEs)
(c) Appendix IV to Part 200 - Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification and
Assignment, and Rate Determination for Nonprofit Organizations
(d) Appendix V to Part 200 - State/Local Government-wide Central
Service Cost Allocation Plans
(1) The provisions of 2 CFR 200.414(c) require Federal agencies
to accept federally negotiated indirect cost rates. The BLM has
applied the following policies, procedures and general
decision-making criteria for deviations from negotiated Indirect
Cost Rates for financial assistance programs and agreements.
(2) Distribution Basis. For all deviations to the Federal negotiated
indirect cost rate, including statutory, regulatory,
programmatic, and voluntary, the basis of direct costs against
which the indirect cost rate is applied must be:
(i) The same base identified in the recipient’s negotiated
indirect cost rate agreement, if the recipient has a
federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement; or
(ii) The Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) base in cases
where the recipient does not have a federally negotiated
indirect cost rate agreement or, with prior approval of the
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 13 of 27
Awarding Agency, when the recipient's federally
negotiated indirect cost rate agreement base is only a
subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages) and the
use of the MTDC still results in an overall reduction in
the total indirect cost recovered. MTDC is the base
defined by 2 CFR 200.68, "Modified Total Direct Cost
(MTDC)."
(iii) In cases where the recipient does not have a federally
negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, under no
circumstances will the Department use a modified rate
based upon Total Direct Cost or other base not identified
in the federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or
defined within 2 CFR 200.68. The purpose of this
restriction is to ensure that the reduced rate is applied
against a base that does not include any potentially
distorting items (such as pass-through funds, subcontracts
in excess of $25,000, and participant support costs) and is
based on the requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200.68; 2
CFR 200.414(f); 2 CFR 200 Appendix III, Section C.2.; 2
CFR 200 Appendix IV, Section B.3.f.; and Appendix VII,
Section C.2.c.
(3) Indirect Cost Rate Reductions Used as Cost-Share. Instances
where the recipient elects to use a rate lower than the federally
negotiated indirect cost rate, and uses the balance of the
unrecovered indirect costs to meet a cost-share or matching
requirement required by the program and/or statute, are not
considered a deviation from 2 CFR 200.414(c) as the federally
negotiated indirect cost rate is being applied under the
agreement in order to meet the terms and conditions of the
award.
c. Program Legislation and/or Regulations.
5. Standard Award Terms and Conditions
a. Code of Federal Regulations/Regulatory Requirements, as applicable (contact
your program officer with any questions regarding the applicability of the
following):
1) 2 CFR Part 25, Universal Identifier and System of Award Management
2) 2 CFR Part 170, Reporting Subawards and Executive Compensation
3) 2 CFR Part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons
4) 2 CFR Part 1400, Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-
procurement)
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 14 of 27
5) 2 CFR Part 1401, Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial
Assistance)
6) 43 CFR 18, New Restrictions on Lobbying: Submission of an application
also represents the applicant’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR
Part 18, Appendix A, Certification Regarding Lobbying.
7) 41 USC §4712, Pilot Program for Enhancement of Recipient and Sub-
recipient Employee Whistleblower Protection: This requirement applies to
all awards issued after July 1, 2013 and shall be in effect until January 1,
2017.
8) 41 USC §6306, Prohibition on Members of Congress Making Contracts
with Federal Government: No member of or delegate to the United States
Congress or Resident Commissioner shall be admitted to any share or part
of this award, or to any benefit that may arise therefrom; this provision
shall not be construed to extend to an award made to a corporation for the
public’s general benefit.
9) Executive Order 13513, Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging
while Driving: Recipients are encouraged to adopt and enforce policies
that ban text messaging while driving, including conducting initiatives of
the type described in section 3(a) of the order.
b. Funding.
1) Awards shall be funded subject to availability of BLM funding. Initial
funding does not guarantee additional funding in subsequent years.
2) Once the grant or cooperative agreement is signed by a BLM Grants
Management Officer (GMO), funding is obligated and the recipient may
incur approved costs beginning on the effective date of the award and as
specified in their submitted and approved budget.
c. Payment Mechanism. BLM requires the use of the United States Department of
the Treasury, Financial Management System, Automated Standard Application
for Payment system (ASAP). The ASAP system (https://www.asap.gov) is a
recipient-initiated, on-line payment and information system. The timing and
amount of cash advances shall be as close as is administratively feasible to the
actual disbursements by the recipient organization for direct program or project
reimbursable costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs.
d. Conflicts of Interest. The Recipient must establish safeguards to prohibit its
employees and sub-recipients from using their positions for purposes that
constitute or present the appearance of a personal or organizational conflict of
interest. The Recipient is responsible for notifying the Grants Management
Officer (GMO) in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest which
may include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close
personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 15 of 27
of future employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-
making affecting the award that would cause a reasonable person with
knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the recipient
and/or recipient's employees and sub-recipients in the matter.
6. Special Award Terms and Conditions:
a. Liability, Insurance, and Indemnification. Recipients of awards arising from
this announcement will be required to agree to the following:
1) Liability. The BLM assumes no liability for any actions or activities
conducted under this agreement except to the extent that recourse or
remedies are provided by Congress under the Federal Tort Claims Act, 28
USC 2671.
2) Insurance. The recipient will be required to (1) obtain liability insurance
or (2) demonstrate present financial resources in an amount determined
sufficient by the Government to cover claims brought by third parties for
death, bodily injury, property damage, or other loss resulting from one or
more identified activities carried out in connection with this financial
assistance agreement.
3) Insured. The federal government shall be named as an additional insured
under the recipient's insurance policy.
4) Indemnification. The recipient hereby agrees:
(a) To indemnify the federal government, Bureau of Land Management
(BLM), from any act or omission of the recipient, its officers,
employees, or (members, participants, agents, representatives, as
appropriate) (1) against third party claims for damages arising from
one or more activities carried out in connection with this financial
assistance agreement and (2) for damage or loss to government
property resulting from such an activity, to the extent the laws of the
State where the recipient is located permit. This obligation shall
survive the termination of this agreement.
(b) To purchase public and employee liability insurance at its own
expense from a responsible company or companies with a minimum
limitation of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per person for any
one claim, and an aggregate limitation of three million dollars
($3,000,000.00) for any number of claims arising from any one
incident. The policies shall name the United States as an additional
insured, shall specify that the insured shall have no right of
subrogation against the United States for payments of any premiums
or deductibles due thereunder, and shall specify that the insurance
shall be assumed by, be for the account of, and be at the insured's
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 16 of 27
sole risk. Prior to beginning the activities authorized herein, the
recipient shall provide the BLM with confirmation of such insurance
coverage. Each policy shall have a certificate evidencing the
insurance coverage and identifying the assistance agreement number.
(c) To pay the United States the full value for all damage to the lands or
other property of the United States caused by the recipient, its
officers, employees, or (members, participants, agents,
representatives, agents as appropriate).
(d) To provide workers' compensation protection to the recipient’s
officers, employees, and representatives.
(e) To cooperate with the BLM in the investigation and defense of any
claims that may be filed with the BLM arising out of the activities of
the recipient, its agents, and employees.
(f) In the event of damage to or destruction of the buildings and
facilities assigned for the use of the recipient in whole or in part by
any cause whatsoever, nothing herein contained shall be deemed to
require the BLM to replace or repair the buildings or facilities. If the
BLM determines in writing, after consultation with the recipient that
damage to the buildings or portions thereof renders such buildings
unsuitable for continued use by the recipient, the BLM shall assume
sole control over such buildings or portions thereof. If the buildings
or facilities rendered unsuitable for use are essential for conducting
operations authorized under this agreement, then failure to substitute
and assign other facilities acceptable to the recipient will constitute
termination of this agreement by the BLM.
(e) Flow-down. For the purposes of this clause, "recipient" includes
such sub-recipients, contractors, or subcontractors as, in the
judgment of the recipient and subject to the Government's
determination of sufficiency, have sufficient resources and/or
maintain adequate and appropriate insurance to achieve the purposes
of this clause.
(f) Identified Activities. All activities carried out in connection with
financial assistance arising from this funding opportunity
announcement.
b. Recipients must successfully complete an appropriate Defensive Driving Course
before operating a Government-owned vehicle (GOV).
c. Recipients must successfully complete appropriate safety and training
requirements before operating Government-owned equipment, 4-wheel all-
terrain vehicles (ATV) or other Government-furnished property (GFP).
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 17 of 27
d. Recipient/Sub-recipient Personnel Security and Suitability Requirements.
1) Performance of this grant/cooperative agreement requires recipient/sub-
recipient personnel to have a Federal government-issued personal
identification card before being allowed unsupervised access to a DOI
[facility and/or information system]. The Program Officer will be the
sponsoring official, and will make the arrangements for personal identity
verification and card issuance.
2) At least two weeks before start of grant/cooperative agreement
performance, the recipient will identify all recipient and sub-recipient
personnel who will require [physical and/or logical] access for
performance of work under this grant/cooperative agreement. The
recipient and sub-recipient must make their personnel available at the
place and time specified by the Program Officer in order to initiate
screening and background investigations. The following forms, or their
equivalent, may be used to initiate the credentialing process:
(a) OPM Standard Form 85 or 85P
(b) OF 306
(c) Fingerprint card (local procedures may require the fingerprinting to
be done at a police station; in this case, any charges are to be borne
by the recipient or sub-recipient, as applicable)
(d) Release to Obtain Credit Information
(e) PIV card application (web-based)
3) Recipient and sub-recipient employees are required to give, and to
authorize others to give, full, frank, and truthful answers to relevant and
material questions needed to reach a suitability determination. Refusal or
failure to furnish or authorize provision of information may constitute
grounds for denial or revocation of credentials. Government personnel
may contact the recipient or sub-recipient personnel being screened or
investigated in person, by telephone or in writing, and the recipient agrees
to make them available for such contact.
4) Alternatively, if an individual has already been credentialed by another
agency through OPM, and that credential has not yet expired, further
clearance may not be necessary. Provide the sponsoring office with
documentation that supports the individual’s status.
5) During performance of the grant/cooperative agreement, the recipient will
keep the Program Officer apprised of changes in personnel to ensure that
performance is not delayed by compliance with credentialing processes.
Cards that have been lost, damaged, or stolen must be reported to the
Program Officer, Grants Management Officer, and Issuing Office within
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 18 of 27
24 hours. Replacement will be at the recipient’s expense. If reissuance of
expired credentials is needed, it will be coordinated through the Program
Officer.
6) At the end of grant/cooperative agreement’s performance, or when a
recipient/sub-recipient employee is no longer working under this
grant/cooperative agreement, the recipient will ensure that all
identification cards are returned to the Program Officer. Before starting
work under this agreement, a National Agency Check (NAC) will be
conducted to verify the identity of the individual applying for clearance.
Upon successful completion of the NAC process, an identification card
will be issued and access granted.
7) Simultaneously, a NAC with Inquiries (NACI) will be initiated to
determine the individual’s suitability for the position. If the NACI
adjudication is favorable, nothing more needs to be done. If the
adjudication is unfavorable, the credentials will be revoked. In the event
of a disagreement between the recipient and the Government concerning
the suitability of an individual to perform work under this
grant/cooperative agreement, DOI shall have the right of final
determination.
8) This requirement must be incorporated into any sub-grants/cooperative
agreements that require sub-recipient personnel to have unsupervised
access to a Federally controlled facility for more than 180 calendar days or
unsupervised access to a Federally controlled Level 3 or 4 information
system.
9) Federal Information Systems Security Awareness Training. Before the
recipient, or any of its employees or sub-recipients, are granted access to
the BLM Federal computer system they must first successfully complete
the U.S. Department of the Interior's (DOI) Federal Information Systems
Security Awareness Online Course. This course was designed specifically
for users of Federal computer systems. The course is a Web-based
training product that explains the importance of Information Systems
Security and takes approximately one hour to complete. This course is
mandatory for all Department of the Interior employees, contractors,
recipients, and all other users of DOI computer resources. Topics covered
in the course include: threats and vulnerabilities, malicious code, user
responsibilities, and new developments affecting Information Systems
Security.
G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
For questions, contact one of the individuals listed on the front cover of this announcement.
Version 1 1/2015

BLM Funding Opportunity No. L15AS#####
Project Title Page 19 of 27
END
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT
Version 1 1/2015

[Attachment A]
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Arizona State Office
Grants & Cooperative Agreements
PROJECT PROPOSAL
Instructions: A Project Proposal must be submitted with the Standard Form (SF) 424 Application for Financial
Assistance for all Financial Assistance Agreements. A new proposal must be included with any request for
modification which involves a revision to funding, project scope, period of performance, or key personnel.
Agreement or Funding Opportunity No.: Date:
Organization Name:
Project Title:
Current Funding Estimated
Date of Award* to
Period of Performance (PoP):
Name & Title of Person Submitting Proposal:
* If a specific start work date is needed, contact your BLM Program Officer. Do not start work without prior
approval from the Grants Management Officer.
1. Purpose, Objectives, and Relevance:
(Describe why the project is needed, the applicant's objectives, how the applicant's objectives support their
mission, and how this project benefits the general public.)
2. Technical Approach:
(Describe how the project will be conducted. The project design must contain enough detail to show the
development of the project, including the relationship between the partners, milestones, and objectives. Clearly
describe the techniques, procedures, and methodologies to be used; the data collection, analysis, and means of
interpretation; the expected results and/or outcomes; and the procedures for evaluating project effectiveness,
including appropriate performance measures and the probabilities of obtaining them.)
3. Qualifications, Experience, and Past Performance:
(Describe who will carry out the project activities. List all project personnel, including consultants,
contractors, sub-recipients, etc., and their contact information. Describe their responsibilities and the amount
of time each will dedicate to the project. Briefly describe how their experience and qualifications are
appropriate to successfully achieve the stated objectives.)
Version 1 1/2015

[Attachment B]
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Arizona State Office
Grants & Cooperative Agreements
BUDGET DETAIL
Instructions: Starting with the same budget amounts as listed on the SF-424A Budget Information form, use this
worksheet to show details of the estimated costs. Provide enough information that costs may be analyzed for
reasonableness as compared to costs or work of similar size and scope. Use the Narrative boxes as necessary to
explain each cost.
Agreement or Funding Opportunity No.: Date:
Organization Name:
Project Title:
A) PERSONNEL (SF-424A Object Class Category 6a.)
The cost of salaries & wages, not including fringe benefits, paid to Recipient employees working directly on
this agreement. Indicate Key Personnel with an asterisk (*). Provide more detail in the Narrative Box if
needed.
Matching
Months or BLM
Name & Title or Position Title Salary or Wage Funds
Hours (if applicable) Funds
A) TOTAL PERSONNEL COSTS:
$ $
(SF-424A Object Class Category 6a. Personnel)
Narrative:

Budget Detail Page 2
B) FRINGE BENEFITS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6b.)
The cost of fringe benefits, such as health insurance, vacation, FICA, etc., paid to Recipient employees
working on this agreement. List employees or positions below, and their fringe benefit rates as percentages of
their salaries. List what are included as fringe benefits in the Narrative Box.
Salary/Wage Base Fringe Matching
Name & Title/Position (BLM Amounts Benefit Funds BLM
budgeted in Section Funds
A above) Rate (%) (if applicable)
Example: James Smith, Executive Director $20,000.00 30% $0.00 $6,000.00
B) TOTAL FRINGE BENEFIT COSTS:
$ $
(SF-424A Object Class Category 6b. Fringe Benefits)
Narrative:
Version 1 1/2015

Budget Detail Page 3
C) TRAVEL (SF-424A Object Class Category 6c.)
LODGING & PER DIEM - The cost of lodging & meals while travelling for agreement activities. Give details
and purpose of the travel in the Narrative Box. Current Federal rates may be found online at:
http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21287.
Cost Per Matching
Proposed Travel No. of No. of BLM
Person Funds
Lodging & Per Diem People Days Per Day (if applicable) Funds
To:
From:
To:
From:
To:
From:
To: Example: Portland, OR $150.00/
1 2 $100.00 $200.00
From: Eugene, OR Day
MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT - The cost of reimbursement for estimated mileage traveled for agreement
activities. Give details and the purpose of the travel in the Narrative Box. Current Federal mileage
reimbursement rates may be found online at: www.GSA.gov.
Matching
Proposed Travel No. of No. of Cost Per BLM
Funds
Mileage Reimbursement Miles Trips Mile Funds
(if applicable)
To:
From:
To:
From:
To:
From:
To: Example: Portland, OR 110 $0.10/
2 $0.00 $22.00
From: Eugene, OR Miles Mile
OTHER TRAVEL COSTS - The costs of airfare, bus fare, car rental, etc., required for agreement activities.
Explain the details and the purpose of the costs in the Narrative Box.
Matching
Proposed Other BLM
Type Cost No. Funds
Travel Reimbursement (if applicable) Funds
To:
From:
To:
From:
To:
From:
C) TOTAL TRAVEL COSTS:
$ $
(SF-424A Object Class Category 6c. Travel)
Narrative:
Version 1 1/2015

Budget Detail Page 4
D) EQUIPMENT (SF-424A Object Class Category 6d. Equipment)
The cost of equipment (items with a useful life of more than one (1) year and a cost of $5,000+ per unit).
Explain the need and purpose of the equipment in the Narrative box below.
Matching
BLM
Equipment Quantity Cost per Unit Funds
(if applicable) Funds
Example: John Deere Compact Tractor 1 $17,500.00 $7,500.00 $10,000.00
D) TOTAL EQUIPMENT COSTS:
$ $
(SF-424A Object Class Category 6d. Equipment)
Narrative:
E) SUPPLIES (SF-424A Object Class Category 6e. Supplies)
The cost of materials and supplies used directly on this project, such as safety glasses, work gloves, office
supplies, etc. Explain the details and purpose in the Narrative box below.
Matching
BLM
Item Quantity Cost per Unit Funds
(if applicable) Funds
Example: Work Gloves, Leather 6 $10.00/Pair $50.00 $10.00
E) SUPPLIES COST TOTAL: $ $
(SF-424A Object Class Category 6e. Supplies)
Narrative:
Version 1 1/2015

Budget Detail Page 5
F) CONTRACTUAL (SF-424A Object Class Category 6f. Contractual)
The cost of contracted services and/or sub-recipient agreements. Provide names and explain the details and
purpose of the costs in the Narrative box below. NOTE: Contracts must be competed per the Uniform
Administrative Rules.
Matching
BLM
Contractor Name, Type, etc. Cost Funds
(if applicable) Funds
Example: Ace Backhoe Service / Excavator $2,500.00 $0.00 $2,500.00
F) CONTRACTUAL COST TOTAL: $ $
(SF-424A Object Class Category 6f. Contractual)
Narrative:
G) CONSTRUCTION COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6g. Construction)
The cost of construction.
Matching
BLM
Contractor: Name/Type/Organization/Etc. Cost Funds
(if applicable) Funds
*** NOT APPLICABLE ***
G) CONTRUCTION COST TOTAL: $ N/A $ N/A
(SF-424A Object Class Category 6g. Construction)
Narrative:
Version 1 1/2015

Budget Detail Page 6
H) OTHER (SF-424A Object Class Category 6h. Other)
Costs that don't fit any other Object Class Category, such as duplicating and printing, postage and freight,
rented equipment, etc. Explain the details and purpose in the Narrative box below.
Matching
BLM
Item Cost Funds
(if applicable) Funds
Example: Ace Equipment Rental (Post-Hole Digger, 4 Days) $25/Day $0.00 $100.00
H) OTHER COSTS TOTAL:
$ $
(SF-424A Object Class Category 6h. Other)
Narrative:
I) TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES (SF-424A Object Class Category 6i. Sum of 6a.-6h.)
The total of all direct costs applicable to this project.
Matching
BLM
Direct Costs Funds
(if applicable) Funds
I) TOTAL DIRECT COSTS: $ $
(SF-424A Object Class Category 6i. Total, Sum of 6a.-6h.)
Version 1 1/2015

Budget Detail Page 7
J) INDIRECT COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6j. Indirect Charges)
Costs which can't be readily identified and charged to a particular project, such as building rent, utilities,
miscellaneous office supplies, etc. Such costs are usually charged to the project as a percentage of some or all
of the Direct Costs (Items I above). This percentage is called the Indirect Cost Rate.
Note: If your organization has a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) with a federal agency, please
use that rate and submit a copy with your application. If your organization has no NICRA, the BLM Grants
Management Officer may allow an indirect cost rate of up to 10% of the base modified total direct costs
(MTDC). MTDC is all salaries and wages, fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and
subgrants and subcontracts up to the first $25,000 of each. Use the Narrative box below to explain how you
calculated your indirect costs.
Base amount for this Grant:
$
(Total Direct Costs, Total Labor Costs, MTDC, etc.)
Rate to be used on this Grant (%):
Matching
BLM
Indirect Costs Funds
(if applicable) Funds
J) TOTAL INDIRECT COSTS:
$ $
(SF-424A Object Class Category 6j. Indirect Charges)
Narrative:
K) TOTALS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6k. TOTALS)
The sum total of Direct and Indirect Costs (Sum of 6i. & 6j.) applicable to this agreement.
Matching Funds BLM
Total Project Costs
(if applicable) Funds
K) TOTAL COSTS:
$ $
(SF-424A Object Class Category 6k. TOTALS)
By signing below, I certify that to the best of my knowledge the costs detailed above are correct and
complete and for the purposes set forth in the application for Federal Assistance.
Signature
Printed Name & Title of Person Completing Budget
Rev 01/2015
Version 1 1/2015