Endangered Species Candidate Conservation Action Funds
The purpose is to provide a means by which the ecosystems upon which candidate and at-risk species depend may be conserved, to provide a
Examples of Funded Projects
Fiscal Year 2012: Examples of the 36 projects funded in FY2012 include surveys, monitoring, and translocation of candidate species such as the Louisiana pine snake.
Funding was also awarded to projects to study the distribution and threat assessment of 14 species of crayfish proposed for listing.
Fiscal Year 2013: Similar types of projects that secure candidate and other at-risk species information or undertake restoration actions that will help avert federal listing of species are expected to be awarded in FY 13.
Fiscal Year 2014: Similar types of projects that secure candidate and other at-risk species information or undertake restoration actions that will help avert federal listing of species are expected to be awarded in FY 14.
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
A list of Regional and Field Office contacts may be accessed at 15.660 posted on grants.gov.
Program Accomplishments
Fiscal Year 2012: 36 projects were funded across the country utilizing $714,000 in grant funds. Based on estimated funding available in FY 2012. Assuming the average grant amount remains consistent, we expect to be able to fund an estimated 30 projects for similar project activities in each of the next two fiscal years. Fiscal Year 2013: 36 projects were funded across the country utilizing $714,000 in grant funds. Based on estimated funding available in FY 2013.Assuming the average grant amount remains consistent, we expect to be able to fund an estimated 30 projects for similar project activities in each of the next two fiscal years. Fiscal Year 2014: Program does not have information.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The assistance can be used for Candidate Conservation.
Funding maybe used for actions related to: (1) the development of scientific information that is useful in supporting candidate assessments, conservation actions and candidate conservation agreements; (2) reduce threats to a candidate and other high priority species, such as propagation of imperiled freshwater mussels; or (3) conservation of candidate species, such as biological field work to conduct species surveys; or (4) in a spotlight species action plan, or projects documenting species" response to climate change.
These are discretionary funds that are used for project purposes to help ensure the use of the best available scientific information in making management decisions.
The percentage of funds set aside for discretionary activities varies eah year.
An estimated ten percent of the total funds are available as discretionary grants.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Natural Resources.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Anyone/general public.
Credentials/Documentation
Cost will be determined in accordance with 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart C, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments. " Section 12.62 (of the common rule), identifies Federal cost principles for determining allowable costs. OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
FWS Regional Field Office contacts can provide specific information on the amount of funding available, as well as Regional recovery priorities.
We encourage you to contact the appropriate FWS Regional and Field Office contacts to discuss potential projects.
If funding is available and the potential project address a high priority Regional recovery need, then the Regional contact will refer the potential applicant of the appropriate FWS Ecological Services Field Office for further coordination.
Environmental impact information is not required for this program.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
OMB Circular No. A-102 applies to this program. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. The following Federal regulations apply to this program: (1) Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 31.2; 2 CFR Parts 215, 220, 225, 230; 43 CFR Parts 12 and 18; and 48 CFR 31. The following OMB Circulars apply to this program: OMB Circular No. A-102 and A-133. Applicant must complete the Standard Form (SF) 424, and the appropriate Budget and Assurances Forms (SF 424A and SF 424B - Non-construction; or SF 424C and SF 424D - Construction). Applicants must also submit a project summary page, and a project description. The project description section of the application should address the evaluation factors identified in the Full Announcement posted on www.grants.gov.
Award Procedures
Awards will be announced by August 1 of each Fiscal year via letters sent directly to the applicants. No work may begin on a project until the appropriate legal contracting or procurement documents, and the required environmental compliance documents, have been signed by the authorized FWS official. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified either by letter, fax, email or by telephone.
Deadlines
Jul 31, 2013 July 31, 2013.
Authorization
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended., Public Law 93-205, 87 Stat. 884, 16 U.S.C 1531 et. seq.; Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, 16 U.S.C 4601.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 120 to 180 days.
Appeals
Not Applicable.
Renewals
None, however project applicants are not prohibited from submitting applications for consideration for subsequent funding for multi-year projects though there is no governmental guarantee that multiple years of the project will be funded.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Statutory formulas are not applicable to this program.
Matching requirements are not applicable to this program.
MOE requirements are not applicable to this program.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The funding is for projects that can be completed within one year of the date of award. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Funds are disbursed to recipients as requested and in accordance with the payment methods prescribed in 43 CFR Part 12, or as otherwise prescribed in program-specific legislation.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Program reports are not applicable.
Cash reports are not applicable.
Recipients of Candidate Conservation Action funding will be required to provide a written final report for each funded project detailing project results.
If a project is funded for more than one year, the recipient will be required to provide a written, annual report at the end of each year detailing the status of each project, in addition to the final report when the project is completed.
In general, OMB circulars A-102 § 40 and 41, and 2 CFR 215 specify requirements for both financial and program performance reporting.
A performance report is due annually within 90 days of the anniversary of the start date of the funding award and a final report is due 90 days after the funding expiration.
Funding recipients may be required to complete the following financial form: SF-425, Federal Financial Report.
A performance report is due annually within 90 days of the anniversary of the start date of the funding award and a final report is due 90 days after the funding expiration.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Records must be maintained for 3 years following the submission of the final expenditure report or until final action has been taken on any litigation, claim or audit finding.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-1611-0-1-302.
Obigations
(Cooperative Agreements (Discretionary Grants)) FY 12 $714,000; FY 13 est $600,000; and FY 14 est $600,000 - This funding opportunity uses U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional and Field Office discretionary funding, if available. The amount of actual funding available in each Regional and Field Office will vary from year to year. Funding may not be available every year in each Regional or Field Office. If funding is available, it may be obligated on a per-project basis, rather than by fiscal year.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Varies by Region.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
A table lists administrative requirements that may apply.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Regional Agency Offices. A list of Regional and Field Office contacts may be accessed at 15.660 posted on grants.gov.
Headquarters Office
Chief, Endangered Species Division of Conservation and Classification, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 420, Arlington, Virginia 22203 Phone: (703) 358-2171.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
This opportunity is limited to projects carrying out actions for candidate species describe in annual assessment; or for at-risk species in a conservation plan or strategy; or in a spotlight species action plan; or projects documenting species" response to climate change.
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