2023 California Conservation Contribution Agreements is a grant from USDA NRCS California that funds outreach and conservation organizations supporting NRCS program implementation across California.

The program invites proposals from organizations that assist the Natural Resources Conservation Service in delivering conservation programs — including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) — with emphasis on reaching underserved farming, ranching, and forestry communities.

Additional consideration is given to proposals targeting increased utilization of CSP in California. Eligible applicants are outreach and conservation organizations within California's NRCS network. Awards range from $25,000 to $150,000, with up to $1,000,000 available in total funding.

# NRCS California Conservation Contribution # Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) # No. USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Page 2 of 26 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: 2023 California Conservation Contribution Agreements Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.

gov under the assistance listings below which can be found at : https://www. sam. gov/ .

10. 902 Soil and Water Conservation (CTA): 16 U.S.C. 590a-f, 590q 10.

912 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): 16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq. 10.

924 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-21 et seq. 10.

931 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): 16 U.S.C. 3865 et seq. 10.

069 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP): 16 U.S.C 3831-3835a SAM is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government's trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes. Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary The amount of funding available for successful agreements will range between $25,000.

00 and $150,000. 00 per award. $1,000,000 is potentially available under this announcement.

This announcement invites applications from the network of outreach and conservation organizations with a focus on California NRCS Conservation Program implementation. This notice is a solicitation for contribution agreement proposals to assist the Natural Resources Conservation Service in California in carrying out our mission.

Note, Conservation Cooperative Agreements and Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are advertised separately and should not be submitted in response to this notice of funding. Underserved sectors of our farming, ranching and forestry communities. We are continuously working to expand our conservation footprint in all communities in California.

• Additional emphasis may be given if the proposal will target increased utilization of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) in California. Applications for funding are invited through 11:59 pm EST (8:59 pm PST) on June 4, 2023. News Release found at https://www.

nrcs. usda. gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/california .

For new users of Grants. gov, see Section D. for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.

gov. Applicants must submit their applications via Grants. gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on June 4, 2023. For technical issues with Grants.

gov, contact Grants. gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants. gov .

Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants. gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO).

Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by June 30, 2023, and expects to execute awards by August 31, 2023.

These dates are estimates and are subject to change. Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling Amounts The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $25,000. 00, and the estimated funding ceiling is $150,000.

00. The funding floor means the minimum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. The ceiling is the maximum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded.

These numbers refer to the total agreement amount, not any specific budget period. Federal Financial Assistance Training The funding available through this NFO is Federal financial assistance. Grants 101 Training is highly recommended for those seeking knowledge about Federal financial assistance.

The training is free and available to the public via https://www. cfo. gov/grants-training/.

It consists of five modules covering each of the following topics: 1) laws, regulations, and guidance; 2) financial assistance mechanisms; 3) uniform guidance administrative requirements; 4) cost principles; and 5) risk management and single audit. FPAC agencies also apply Federal financial assistance regulations to certain non-assistance awards (e.g., non-assistance cooperative agreements).

USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Page 4 of 26 A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................. 5 B.

FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION ............................................................................. 7 1. Available Funding .......................................................................................................

7 2. Type of Award............................................................................................................. 7 C.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION ........................................................................................ 8 1. Eligible Applicants ......................................................................................................

8 2. Other ............................................................................................................................ 9 D.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION .................................................. 9 1. Information for New Users of Grants.

gov................................................................... 9 2. Electronic Application Package ................................................................................

12 3. Content and Form of Application Submission .......................................................... 13 4.

Indirect Costs Limitations. ........................................................................................ 15 5.

Submission Dates and Times and Correspondence ................................................... 18 6. Intergovernmental Review ........................................................................................

19 7. Funding Restrictions.................................................................................................. 19 E.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ................................................................... 20 1. Review and Selection Process ...................................................................................

20 2. Merit/Technical Criteria ............................................................................................ 21 3.

Administrative and Risk Criteria ............................................................................... 21 4. Awards Over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (if applicable) .........................

22 F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION ........................................ 23 1.

Federal Award Notices .............................................................................................. 23 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements ...................................................

23 3. Reporting ................................................................................................................... 24 G.

FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT ............................................................ 24 H. OTHER INFORMATION ................................................................................................

24 APPENDIX A - Instructions for Completing SF424 APPENDIX B – Instructions for Completing SF424A APPENDIX C – Budget Narrative Guidance USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Page 5 of 26 The authorizing statutes and regulations for this opportunity are: 10. 902 Soil and Water Conservation (CTA): 16 U.S.C. 590a-f, 590q, 7 CFR part 610 10.

912 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): 16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq. 7 CFR part 1466 10.

924 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-21 et seq. , 7 CFR part 1470 10.

931 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): 16 U.S.C. 3865 et seq. , 7 CFR 1468 10.

069 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP): 16 U.S.C 3831-3835a, 7 CFR 1410 The purpose of these conservation agreements is to address the following objectives in all areas of California, as applicable. Consideration will be given to collaborative efforts that address needs within geographical watersheds, ground water basins, air basins or other conservation-focused boundaries.

Please note, if multiple partners are participating in a proposal, there must be a primary applicant/recipient. Any award made pursuant to this funding opportunity will be made to a single entity. Applicants that apply as partnerships or other similar groupings must clearly describe the relationship between the lead applicant and the “partner” parties; typically, this is done as an awardee/sub-awardee relationship.

a. Address climate resiliency and drought b. Improve plant and forest health and productivity – consideration given to fire risk mitigation d.

Improve surface and groundwater quality e. Improve surface and groundwater quantity f. Improve soil health/soil quality g.

Improve wildlife habitat of terrestrial and/or aquatic wildlife species h. Provide educational opportunities for tribes and historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial forestland users, including urban farmers with education and conservation planning. i.

Collect and produce scientifically credible information through assessments of soil, water and related resources from Core Land Segments identified by the National Resource Inventory (NRI) program.

The agreement can meet the above objectives a variety of ways, however, emphasis will be placed on projects that provide direct technical assistance to NRCS staff in the planning, implementation and evaluation of Farm Bill conservation programs, practices, enhancements, and activities. Outreach and education agreements may also be considered if funding allows.

This will be done in coordination with NRCS District Conservationists, Technical and Program Specialists. USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Page 6 of 26 Examples of actions can include, but are not limited to: 1. Planning: Completion of or assistance with resource concern identification at the farm, watershed, or other applicable scale to address the targeted objective.

May include: a. inventory of resources and analyzing resource data both in the office or in the field b. use of agency-approved resource assessment tools c.

completion of or assistance with determining resource objectives d. assisting with and participating in the formulation of conservation alternatives and evaluation of conservation alternatives e. assisting land stewards with decision making 2.

Systems Data Management: During conservation program application periods, with direction from NRCS leads: a. direct input and development of plans in Conservation Desktop, where applicable. b.

assist with applicant data entry and data management in ProTracts, Conservation Desktop and/or Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool 3. Implementation: Practice, enhancement, and activity implementation assistance. May include: a.

conducting practice implementation workshops b. preparing practice implementation requirements or enhancement job sheets c. preparation of design, layout, construction instructions, inspection, management operation or maintenance information d.

conducting field inspections and preparing check-out notes/documentation for conservation practices e. coordination of state and local regulatory permits/consultations to support NRCS funded projects f. support activities for environmental evaluations and documentation 4.

Evaluation: Evaluation of the effectiveness of the plan in solving the resource concerns as implemented. May include: a. follow-up field observations or documentation of results b.

monitoring and evaluation actions c. review of operation and maintenance actions 5. Outreach/Education: Assisting with and participating in announcements of technical and financial assistance opportunities for conservation planning on private lands.

May include: a. participation in outreach events and workshops to share NRCS opportunities b. coordination of local needs assessments and workgroup events c.

partner/stakeholder coordination efforts d. content publication and/or materials distribution e. language and communication services f.

identification and assistance with participation barriers USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Page 7 of 26 Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance under the provisions of this notice. Evaluated proposals will be forwarded to the NRCS State Conservationist who will make the final selections. Research proposals will not be accepted under this announcement.

Proposed projects must be performed in California, USA. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION The Federal funding agency expects to award approximately $1,000,000.

00 through this opportunity. However, the agency retains the discretion to award a larger or lesser amount. b.

Start Dates and Performance Periods Projects may be between 1 and 3 years in duration. Applicants should plan their projects based on an estimated project start date of 8/31/2023. The agency expects to make 10 award(s).

The agency plans to award a contribution agreement(s) pursuant to this opportunity. Contribution agreement means a unique non-assistance cooperative agreement type available only to NRCS established by 7 U.S.C. Section 6962(a).

NRCS may enter contribution agreements, including for the acquisition of goods or services, when the objectives of the agreement will serve a mutual interest of the parties to the agreement in carrying out NRCS programs, and all parties will contribute resources to the accomplishment of these objectives.

Depending on the nature of a particular proposal received, the agency may elect to negotiate an alternate award type with the selected applicant. The agency will be substantially involved in the work performed under the agreement and will undertake activities such as the following: i. Authority to suspend work if specifications or work statements are not met ii.

Review and approval of one stage of work before another may begin iii. Review and approval of substantive provisions of proposed subawards or contracts beyond existing Federal policy iv. Agency and recipient collaboration or joint participation v.

Project monitoring to permit specified kinds of direction or redirection of the work because of interrelationships with and impacts on other projects vi. Highly prescriptive agency requirements that limit recipient discretion USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Page 8 of 26 vii. Review and approval of key personnel viii.

Direct agency operational involvement or participation during the activity The agency does not expect to award procurement contracts associated with this NFO. c. Eligibility of Renewal or Supplemental Project Applications Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

An application for renewal means an application submitted to continue an existing agreement that meets the objectives and requirements of this NFO. An application for supplementation of an existing project means an application to add components to an existing agreement so that it would meet the objectives and requirements in this NFO. C.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION Applicants and applications must meet eligibility criteria by the application deadline to be considered for award. Eligible applicant type is determined by the implementing program statute. Applicant entities identified in the SAM.

gov exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted, or excluded from receiving Federal contracts and certain Federal assistance and benefits will not be considered for Federal funding, as applicable to the funding being requested under this Federal program (2 CFR 200. 206(d)). Neither foreign entities nor individuals are eligible to apply for this opportunity.

Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to the following entity types: a. City or township governments c. For profit organizations other than small businesses d.

Independent school districts e. Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) f. Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments) g.

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education) h. Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education) i. Private institutions of higher education j.

Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education k. Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities m. Special district governments n.

State governments USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Page 9 of 26 Any award made pursuant to this NFO will be made to a single entity. Applicants that apply as “partnerships” or other similar groupings must clearly describe the relationship between the applicant and the “partner” parties. In all but exceptional cases, it must be reflected in the award as an awardee/sub awardee relationship.

An applicant organization may submit more than one application for different projects or proposing different approaches. In the case of applications submitted as revisions or corrections to a previously submitted application under this NFO, the agency will consider the last application submitted prior to the established deadline.

Awards made pursuant to this NFO are not Farm Bill incentive contracts; therefore, the awards in and of themselves are not limited by the payment limitation in 16 USC Chapter 58.

However, any agricultural producers receiving a payment through participation in a project awarded under this NFO must meet the eligibility requirements of 7 CFR Part 12 and 7 CFR Part 1400 and have control of the land involved for the term of the proposed award period. 3. Cost Sharing or Matching This NFO requires applicants to share 50% percent of total project costs (includes Federal and non-Federal).

Applications that do not include the required level of cost-sharing will be ineligible for award. Cost sharing may be achieved with contributions of cash, services, materials, equipment, or third-party in-kind contributions. Recipients with unrecovered indirect costs may also use those to meet cost-sharing obligations.

Funds from another Federal award cannot be used as match except where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for such program can be applied to matching or cost sharing. Additional details about cost sharing or matching funds/contributions can be found at 2 CFR 200. 306.

Refer to Section D of this NFO for information about any required submittals related to match or cost-share requirements. While the pace of cost-sharing/matching may vary throughout the award period, the agency will actively monitor cost-sharing/matching levels as it receives payment requests to ensure the total cost sharing/matching requirement is met by the award periods of performance end date.

Additional details about cost sharing or matching funds/contributions are located at 2 CFR 200. 306. D.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Information for New Users of Grants. gov While a Grants.

gov account is not required to download an NFO and related documents, it is required to submit an application. If your organization has never submitted an application via Grants. gov, please be aware that there are several steps you must take to register your organization before you can submit an application.

Completing those steps can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly. For information about the Grants. gov pre-award phase of the grant lifecycle see https://www.

grants. gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase. html .

USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Page 10 of 26 b. Register to Apply through Grants. gov Carefully review the registration steps and gather information requested prior to beginning the registration process to avoid last-minute searches for required information.

For assistance with the registration process, contact Grants. gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants. gov .

Organizations must complete all steps to register (steps i. through v. below).

Complete organization instructions are included on Grants. gov here: https://www. grants.

gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration. html . Although creating a Grants.

gov account online can take only minutes, SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, organizations should begin the process early to ensure they have sufficient time to complete registration and meet required application submission deadlines. Individuals are not subject to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) or SAM requirement and may begin with step iii.

, Create a Grants. gov Account, listed below. (Note: Individuals are not eligible for all opportunities.)

i. Obtain a UEI: All entities applying for funding must have a UEI issued by SAM. gov. Applicants must enter the UEI in the data entry field labeled "UEI" on the SF-424 form.

ii. Register with SAM: All organizations must register with System for Award Management (SAM) to apply online through Grants. gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

Part of the SAM registration process includes designating an Electronic Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC). The EBiz POC plays an integral part in the organization’s Grants. gov registration and application process.

The individual in that role must authorize all other roles in Grants. gov. For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to https://www. grants.

gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2- iii. Create a Grants. gov Account: From the Grants.

gov webpage (https://www. grants. gov/ ), click “Register” in the top right-hand corner and follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the detailed instructions here https://www.

grants. gov/web/grants/applicants/registration. html your Grants.

gov account, enter the UEI for the organization in the UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) field while adding a profile. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants. gov, refer to https://www.

grants. gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile. html v.

EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants. gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, you must establish roles for individuals in the organization. The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role is critical; it gives an individual permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization.

Without this role, the organization cannot submit any applications. The request for role assignment will be routed to the organization’s EBiz POC for approval. Once approved, the AOR can submit an application online.

For more detailed instructions about creating a EBiz POC authorized profile on Grants. gov, refer to https://www. grants.

gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles. html Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to https://www. grants.

gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role- When applications are submitted through Grants. gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. Please be aware that the EBiz POC and the person with AOR Role cannot be the same individual; they must be different people.

The EBiz POC must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the AOR role. This step (step c. v.

above) is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each NFO, you can create individual instances of a workspace.

An applicant can start an application in Workspace and return to work on it later within Workspace. f. Apply for an Opportunity Below is an overview of applying on Grants.

gov. For complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities, refer to https://www. grants. gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.

html i. Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete an application online and route it through your organization for review before submitting. ii.

Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the status of your application process as you apply.

As you apply using USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Page 12 of 26 Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help. • Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace.

The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader. NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants. gov to download the appropriate version of the software at https://www.

grants. gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software- • Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

• Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and UEI. Once it is completed, the information will transfer (i.e., prepopulate) to the other forms. iii.

Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants. gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

iv. Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants. gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application.

The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace. For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to https://www.

grants. gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training. html 2.

Electronic Application Package Applicants interested in submitting an application in response to this NFO must submit it via Grants. gov; the agency will not accept applications submitted via email or any other method. Applicants are urged to submit early to the Grants.

gov system. For technical issues with Grants. gov, contact Grants.

gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants. gov . Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Address to Request Application Package USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Page 13 of 26 All information necessary to apply for this opportunity is included in the Grants.

gov opportunity announcement. 3. Content and Form of Application Submission The agency may choose not to consider applications that fail to comply with the required content, format, and page limits, or those that are incomplete.

To be considered for funding under this opportunity, an application must contain the documents in a-e below. (Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance) See Instructions for Completing SF 424 located in the appendices section. Each page must be numbered and have one-inch margins.

The text of the project narrative must be single spaced and typed in a standard typeface (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, Courier) with no smaller than 12-point font. The project narrative must not exceed three pages. This page limitation applies to the project narrative only.

Narrative content should include: i. Institutional background. Describes the applicant institution in terms of its location, demographics, mission, relationship to the service area and past successes in the project area.

Applicants should not assume prior knowledge on the part of NRCS or others. Include the project director/contact name, address, email, and telephone number. ii.

Conservation Activity Location. Identifies the project’s activity geographical area(s)/location(s) or “footprint”. iii.

Problem statement/needs assessment. Documents the problem that will be addressed, linking it to the stated goals and priorities outlined in this funding announcement. Include explanation of the problem(s) and known cause(s) as iv.

Program goals and objectives. Identifies anticipated outcomes and benefits of the potential agreement, including measurable results, as appropriate. Clearly demonstrate how the proposal addresses a specific topic area as outlined in the NFO Overview section.

v. Methods/implementation. Describes the activities that directly support the achievement of the objectives.

Include a written statement of work. Include a timeline identifying as well as a description of staffing needs. vi.

Evaluation plan. Presents a plan for determining the success of the project at interim points and at the end of the project. If your proposal will include information collection from non-Federal sources, ensure the collection meets the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Surveys of USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Page 14 of 26 individuals or entities are generally prohibited without prior approval from the Office of Management and Budget. For additional guidance about allowable and unallowable activities, please visit the following website: https://pra. digital.

gov/do-i-need-clearance/ The following documents do not count toward the above stated page limit. c. Standard Form (SF) 424A, Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs Fill in all spaces as appropriate.

Section B, Item 6, Column 1 should reflect the agency funds, and Column 2 should reflect the applicant’s matching funds. This form is the summary budget for the project and should include the full project totals on pages one and two. See Instructions for Completing SF 424A located in the appendices section.

Refer to Section D of this opportunity for information regarding indirect costs. Errors in the SF-424A with regard to classifying costs may be negotiated after selection. In a separate document titled “Budget Narrative,” explain and justify all requested budget items/costs.

(Refer to the budget narrative guidance located in the appendices section.) Detail how the totals on the SF-424A were determined and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and the proposed project activities. For personnel salary costs, include the base-line salary figures and the estimates of time (as percentages) to be directly charged to the project.

Describe any item that under the applicable Federal cost principles requires the agency’s approval and estimate its cost. The pages included as the budget narrative to not count toward the page limit. Errors in the budget narrative with regard to classifying costs may be negotiated after selection.

Refer to the Budget Narrative Guidance located at the end of this document regarding procurement standards when including contracts for goods or services. Sole-source contracting is prohibited without proper justification. See Procurement Standards located at 2 CFR 200.

317-327. i. Build America, Buy American.

“Buy America” preference applies to Federal financial assistance awards that include construction components, even if it is funded by both Federal and non-Federal funds under the award. Subawards should conform to the terms and conditions of the Federal award from which they flow. A Buy America preference only applies to articles, materials, and supplies that are consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to a construction project.

Refer to the General Terms and Conditions for additional information: https://www. fpacbc. usda.

gov/about/grants-and-agreements/award-terms-and- ii. Indirect Costs Recovery. If requesting indirect costs, provide the calculation specifying the amounts used in applying the base (the base specified in the applicable rate agreement) by the applicable rate.

The calculation can be displayed in different formats but must capture the components (i.e., amounts used in determining the base and the rate applied to the base). USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Page 15 of 26 A.

To be eligible to recover any indirect costs under a Federal award, recipients must either 1) have a current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) with a Federal agency that has not expired; or 2) qualify for use of the de minimis rate authorized by 2 CFR 200. 414(f) and described below. For-profit entities (if eligible to apply) must obtain a NICRA from their cognizant agency.

USDA will not accept an indirect cost agreement negotiated or approved by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. B. Any non-Federal entity (except State and local governments that receive more than $35 million per year in Federal funding) that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely.

No documentation is required to justify the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate, simply indicate in your budget narrative that the recipient elects to use the de minimis rate.

Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award).

MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs. C.

As described in 2 CFR 200. 403 , costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.

iii. Indirect Costs Limitations . A.

In accordance with USDA’s annual appropriations act, indirect costs will be limited to no more than 10 percent of total direct costs for non-profit organizations or institutions of higher education that receive a cooperative agreement. The 10 percent indirect cost rate applies to both federal and non-federal funds. Other types of entities are not subject to this statutory limitation.

B. Applicants not subject to a statutory limitation, which have a current NICRA must calculate indirect costs using the rate and base specified in their NICRA. A recipient may voluntarily reduce or waive recovery of indirect costs at its sole discretion and must not be encouraged or coerced in any way to do so by the agency.

A copy of the applicant’s current NICRA must USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-23-NOFO0001282 Page 16 of 26 be provided with the application. Indirect costs may not be recovered under an expired NICRA. However, if an applicant with a current NICRA is subject to the statutory limitation, indirect costs must be calculated as follows.

First, multiply the NICRA rate by the base stated in the NICRA to arrive at Amount A. Next, multiply the statutory limit of 10 percent by the total of all direct costs to arrive at Amount B. The lower of Amount A and B is the amount of indirect cost to include on the budget.

C. Recipients are prohibited from shifting unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation. Cost sharing/matching must be committed at the time of application submission.

The budget narrative must show the amounts and sources of match or cost share (including both cash and in-kind contributions). If using third-party contributions,