White-Nose Syndrome Grants to States and Tribes (WNS Program)

White-Nose Syndrome Grants to States and Tribes (WNS Program) is sponsored by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The WNS Program provides financial and technical assistance to investigate issues related directly to the management of white-nose syndrome (WNS) and conservation of bats.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Funding Opportunity 2025 White-nose Syndrome Grants to States and Tribes Funding Opportunity Number BASIC INFORMATION ................................................................................................................. 1 ELIGIBILITY ..................................................................................................................................

4 Cost Sharing Requirement ........................................................................................................... 4 GET READY TO APPLY ............................................................................................................... 4 Required System Registrations ....................................................................................................

4 PROGRAM OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................... 5 Program Goals .............................................................................................................................. 5 Program Description ....................................................................................................................

5 Legislative Authority ................................................................................................................... 7 Type of Award ............................................................................................................................. 7 PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION ................................................................................................

7 Application Content and Format .................................................................................................. 7 Application Documents ................................................................................................................ 7 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES ..............................................................

11 Address to Request Application Package .................................................................................. 11 Submission Dates and Times ..................................................................................................... 11 Submission Instructions .............................................................................................................

12 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ................................................................................ 13 Eligibility Review ...................................................................................................................... 14 Merit Review ..............................................................................................................................

14 Review and Selection Process .................................................................................................... 15 Risk Review ............................................................................................................................... 16 AWARD NOTICES ......................................................................................................................

16 POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION ................................................ 17 Administration and National Policy Requirements ................................................................... 17 Reporting ....................................................................................................................................

18 Announcement Type: Initial Funding Opportunity Number: F25AS00296 Assistance Listing Number(s): 15. 684 Page 2 of 18 Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,500,000 Expected Number of Awards: 30 Proposals must adhere to the sub-caps for categories (a) and (b), as described below. The total award maximum is $75,000, so projects may not request the maximum amount from both categories .

a. Up to $50,000 may be used for activities that address Priorities 1 and 2. More information about priorities is in the Program Description, below.

1. Conduct and support WNS treatment and management research and implementation. 2.

Implement conservation strategies for WNS-affected or WNS-vulnerable species b. Up to $50,000 may be used for activities that address Priorities 3 through 6. More information about priorities is in the Program Description, below.

3. Conduct bat population monitoring 4. Conduct WNS and Pd surveillance 5.

Build and maintain local expertise 6. Engage with the WNS National Response Team NOTE: Funding may not be used for land purchases, general forestry actions, fulfilling consultation and permitting requirements, or offsetting costs of curtailment or construction. Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

IMPORTANT: The Service will conduct a preliminary evaluation of all proposals received by an initial deadline on 8/15/2025. At this time, each proposal will be a) recommended for an award, b) declined for an award, or c) deferred for a decision after the final deadline. The Service will award up to 80% of the available funds for this funding opportunity to proposals submitted for the initial deadline.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100 For technical support related to the application and grant administration process, contact Shelley Dobona, Office of Conservation Investement. Shelley_Dibona@fws. gov With programmatic questions, contact the regional or national coordinators of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's WNS program: • Jeremy Coleman, National WNS Coordinator; Phone: 413-253-8223, Jeremy_Coleman@fws.

gov Page 3 of 18 • Jonathan Reichard, WNS National Assistant Coordinator; Phone: 413-253-8258, Jonathan_Reichard@fws. gov • Christina Kocer, Northeast WNS Coordinator (CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV and DC); Phone: 413-335-4482, Christina_Kocer@fws. gov • Richard Geboy, Midwest WNS Coordinator (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI); Phone: 812-334-4261 x210, Richard_Geboy@fws.

gov • Pete Pattavina, Southeast WNS Coordinator (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, VI); Phone: 706-208-7511, Pete_Pattavina@fws. gov • Mike McGrath, Mountain-Prairie WNS Coordinator (CO, KS, MT, NE, ND, SD, UT, WY); Phone: 406-475-2965, Mike_McGrath@fws. gov • Jennifer Smith-Castro, Southwest WNS Coordinator (AZ, NM, OK, TX); Phone: 505-621-9060, Jennifer_Smith-Castro@fws.

gov • Erin Adams, Pacific Northwest WNS Coordinator (ID, OR, WA); Phone: 360-584-6118, • Bronwyn Hogan, Pacific Southwest WNS Coordinator (CA, NV, Klamath Basin); Phone: 916-215-9502, Bronwyn_Hogan@fws. gov • Nichole Bjornlie, Alaska WNS Coordinator (AK); Phone: 907-786-3488, White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease of hibernating bats caused by the invasive fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd).

WNS is confirmed in 12 bat species in North America, including three that are federally listed as endangered and one that is proposed to be listed. WNS has led to severe declines in multiple hibernating species of bats, although impacts vary among affected species and locations. Severity of the disease is unclear for multiple recently or not yet exposed species.

The goal of this funding opportunity is to provide financial assistance to our partners at U.S. State and Tribal agencies to fulfill information needs for conserving bats, implement management actions for WNS and susceptible bat species, and actively engage in the National Response to WNS and North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is offering financial assistance to wildlife and natural resource management agencies and departments of States, the District of Columbia, and federally-recognized Native American Tribes for efforts related to the management of WNS.

Since 2010, funding through the WNS Grants to States has led to critical information and resources for maximizing the benefits of coordinated bat conservation and recovery efforts. In 2019, this funding opportunity was extended to Tribes engaged in or seeking to engage in bat management and conservation efforts.

Supported activities will include implementing conservation actions for bats, supporting scientific information gathering, training local personnel, managing WNS and the causative fungus, monitoring bat populations, and maintaining expertise in bat conservation and management in state and tribal agencies.

Successful proposals for this program will be plans of action relevant to the current status of WNS in the applicants’ locations and will address context-specific conservation needs of WNS impacted bat species and disease management. Funding priorities are intended to support Page 4 of 18 relevant projects in State or Tribal jurisdictions, whether WNS is already affecting resident bats or the fungus has recently or not yet arrived.

Successful applications to this funding opportunity will present effective and efficient plans to meet all of the following objectives: • Benefit hibernating bat species in the United States. • Advance the stated priorities of this funding opportunity and the WNS National Plan. • Build upon or advance the current state of knowledge of bats.

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Additional Information on Eligibility Applicants must be in good standing on previously awarded federal grant agreements as demonstrated by the following outcomes: • A record of meeting proposed objectives, performance, and delivery requirements on past awards • No avoidable past performance delays or issues and responsiveness of recipient to Service communications to resolve issues • A record of successful use of funds previously awarded to the applicant from USFWS WNS funding programs.

Applicants who have relinquished or surrendered funds from previous awards from the USFWS WNS funding programs must demonstrate that they did everything possible to have avoided this outcome. Applicants with existing financial assistance awards from the WNS program must have demonstrated progress toward successful completion of the funded objectives to be eligible to receive an additional award.

# Cost Sharing Requirement # Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM. gov Registration Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM. gov .

During the SAM. gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The SAM.

gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not already registered in SAM. gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.

Page 5 of 18 To register in SAM. gov , go to the SAM. gov website and use the available resources to • Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.

gov “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”. • Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID.

Before applying, check that your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM. gov is complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you have an award or application in progress.

You can update your registration whenever you need, including during renewal. • Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.

gov Help This program accepts applications through Grants. gov so once you receive your UEI return to Grants. gov to register with Grants.

gov. Please allow 30 days to register and set up a Workspace in Grants. gov. See Submission Instructions section below for additional details. This program accepts applications through GrantSolutions.

gov. You must register with GrantSolutions. See Submission Instructions . Disease Management: Funds are awarded to prepare for and respond to WNS in the United States.

Activities include conducting disease and pathogen surveillance and testing and implementing WNS mitigation strategies. The goal is to understand location-specific status of WNS and take appropriate action to reduce the impacts of the disease on native bats. Species Conservation: Funds are awarded to help protect hibernating bat species and important habitat to support their survival year-round.

Activities include population monitoring to understand the need for and results of conservation actions. The goal is to reduce non-disease stressors on hibernating bat populations. Collaboration and Communication: Funds are awarded to support State and Tribal engagement in the National Response to WNS and the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat), and to engage public and private partners in bat conservation locally.

Activities include coordinating monitoring, research, and management efforts and conducting outreach. The goal is to support State- and Tribe-led management activities for bats. White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease of hibernating bats caused by the invasive fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd).

The disease quickly emerged as a primary threat to countless species of hibernating bats after its discovery during the winter of 2006-2007. WNS has been confirmed in 12 bat species in North America, including three federally listed as Page 6 of 18 threatened or endangered and one currently proposed for listing.

WNS has led to severe declines in multiple hibernating species of bats, although impacts vary among affected species and locations. Severity of the disease is unclear for multiple recently or not yet exposed species.

Implementation of the WNS National Response seeks to conserve and recover bat species affected by WNS through financial and technical support to States and Tribes for their management planning and actions, pathogen and disease surveillance, coordination of research activities, collaboration with partners, development and use of disease treatments, and population monitoring.

The Service’s WNS program is coordinated and funded through the branches of Ecological Services and Science Applications. Grants awarded through this funding opportunity will be administered by the Service's Office of Conservation Investment (formerly Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration, WSFR).

Grants will be competitively awarded based on merit review of proposed actions for their applicability and feasibility to advance the priorities identified in this notice, which contribute to meeting the objectives of the WNS National Plan (WNS Response Plans). Program Priorities in 2025 1.

Conduct and provide support for WNS treatment and management research and implementation, including, but not limited to the following tools: Bat Fungal Disease Immunogen (BFDi; a vaccine for WNS); roost cleaning or disinfection; management of hibernacula to improve microclimate conditions; and field-testing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), probiotics, or anti-Pd RNAi. 2.

Conduct bat population monitoring to inform management, with a focus on developing, advancing, and maintaining long-term data streams for monitoring bat populations using protocols and data archiving standards of NABat 3. Conduct WNS and Pd surveillance in concert with National and State WNS plans or priorities. 4.

Implement conservation strategies for WNS-affected or WNS-vulnerable species with the goal of improving survivorship or resilience through restoration or improvement of important bat roosts; guarding bats from disturbance, predation, or other threats; and conserving and preserving important roosting locations for WNS-affected and WNS-vulnerable bat species, with a focus on long-term protection and resilience into the future. 5.

Build and maintain local expertise and partnerships for long-term capacity to advance management and monitoring of bats. 6. Engage with working groups, committees, workshops, and meetings of the WNS National Response Team.

Collaborations are encouraged. Collaborative projects that describe the contributions of multiple partners to enact conservation strategies may be more competitive than projects conducted by a solitary organization or agency. Projects are subject to compliance with the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and National Historic Preservation Act.

Documentation of compliance with these regulations must be approved prior to initiating potentially impactful work. Certified Local Governments are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday (American250).

This may include, but is not limited to, preservation, Page 7 of 18 planning, interpretation, public engagement, and rehabilitation projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage. Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. §1531 et.

seq. ; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 661-666; Fish and Wildlife Act, 16 U.S.C.

§ 742 et seq. Projects will be funded through G (Grant). # PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION # Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements Prior to applying, applicants should review presidential actions found at: https://www.

doi. gov/document-library/secretary-order .

By applying in response to this Notice ofFunding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all currently effective and applicable executive orders and secretary’s orders, including but not limited to the Executive Order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the Executive Order and Secretary’s order titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed activities are consistent with the intent and requirements of these directives. Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below. Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission Instructions section of this document below.

For instructions on completing form fields, see the form instructions on the Grants. gov Forms Repository .

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electronic equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form also represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying Required from all applicants SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs Required for non-construction projects SF-424C: Budget Information – Construction Programs Required for construction projects SF-429 (Cover Page & Attachment B), Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish Real Property Required if requesting to acquire, improve, or furnish real property.

Page 8 of 18 Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement Note: The SF-429 forms are only available in the Grants. gov Forms Repository . Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Required if requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds and the applicant has used or plans to use funds other than Federal appropriated funds for lobbying related to the proposed project. Project Abstract Summary (OMB 4040-0019).

Must include, in plain language: • Award purpose, • Activities to be performed, • Expected deliverables or outcomes, • Intended beneficiaries, Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award) Required from all applicants DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Current and Pending (Other) Support Note: This form is available on the DOI website .

Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment. Required for research projects. DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Biographical Sketch Note: This form is available on the DOI website .

Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment. Required for research projects. Proposals must not exceed 6 pages in length (excluding required forms, letters of support/collaboration, environmental compliance documentation, and literature cited) and must have a minimum font size of 11 pt.

b. Description of Entities Undertaking the Project: Provide a brief description of the applicant’s organization and all participating entities and/or individuals collaborating to complete the project. Identify which of the proposed activities each agency, organization, group, or individual is responsible for conducting or managing.

Provide complete contact information for the individual within the organization that will oversee/manage the project activities on a day-to-day basis. c. Statement of Need: The statement of need should be a concise paragraph describing why the applicant is requesting funds and how the funds will advance the State’s or Tribe’s Page 9 of 18 objectives for managing bats affected by or vulnerable to WNS.

If the applicant is using different funding to contribute to the objectives stated for this funding opportunity, those activities and funds should be described. d. Project Goals and Objectives: State the long-term, overarching goal(s) of the program/project seeking funds and the specific objectives to be addressed with the proposed funding.

Objectives are the specific outcomes to be accomplished to reach the stated goal(s). The project’s objectives must be clear and specific with measurable outcomes and deliverable within the project’s proposed timeline. Describe how the objectives address the priorities of this funding opportunity (i.e., specifically identify the priority(ies) from the list above and explain hos it is addressed).

Additionally, describe how the proposed activities build upon previous work to advance the applicant’s long-term goals. e. Species and Locations: Identify the species affected by the proposed activities.

Clearly describe the geographic scope of the proposed activities. f. Project Activities, Methods, and Results: Identify the proposed activities to be undertaken to fulfill the project objectives and reach the project goal(s).

The proposed project activities narrative must be sufficiently detailed for reviewers to clearly connect the activities with the project costs. Provide a detailed description of the method(s) to be used to carry out each activity and the anticipated results. g.

Project Timeline: Provide a timeline indicating when project milestones will be met and activities completed by quarter of each year in the proposed project period. h.

(If applicable) Proposals that seek funds for the enhancement, restoration, or protection of important bat roosts must provide the following information: • a clear description of the estimated abundance of each species present at the location of the action and the conservation need or problem they face; • a clear description of the measures proposed and how the action mitigates the problem; • a quantified estimate of the benefit from the proposed action, e.g., linear feet of subterranean habitat restored or protected, number of bats protected, etc.; • justification for cost of the project and an analysis of cost efficiency; • names and affiliations of the partners who will contribute to the work; • and the project’s timeline and future monitoring.

• In proposals where an easement will be purchased, describe who will hold title to the easement, manage the easement, and if it is ready to implement. Include a copy of the letter from the willing seller. i.

Environmental Compliance: Provide all necessary environmental compliance documentation for your project, including compliance for National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

If the project is also protecting a site and Federally Endangered or Threatened species are present, provide letters of coordination with the relevant Service’s Field Office and national or regional species recovery lead. NOTE: Bat roost conservation supported through this funding opportunity can occur on non-Federal, publicly owned or managed land; on private property; or on Federally owned or managed land.

Applicants seeking funds to meet this priority on Federally owned or managed land should contact the WNS regional coordinator in their area to discuss options. Projects Page 10 of 18 proposed on Federal land should demonstrate significant contributions or involvement from the Federal partner j.

Permitting: All participants working in conjunction with the proposed activities must be covered by necessary Federal, State, and local permits, and landowner permissions must be secured prior to project initiation.

Applicants submitting proposals to support animal-based experiments, whether in conjunction with universities or not, will be expected to demonstrate compliance with the Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act with satisfactory review of animal use protocols by an established Animal Care and Use Committee or related State wildlife veterinarian (as appropriate).

Treatment and decontamination actions also require demonstrated compliance with FDA, EPA, and other relevant regulatory agencies. k. Sustainability: Identify how the actions to be completed in the project period contribute to complementary or long-term management objectives for bats in the jurisdiction where the project is located.

Describe anticipated future funding needs to implement or sustain outcomes of funded activities. Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, and any pre-award costs.

Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.

• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary • Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied: • De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs.

Entities that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200. 414(f) .

• Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently negotiated rate agreement (active or expired). A table in the budget narrative should be used to clarify use of requested funds.

The table should include, at a minimum, these budget categories: a. Salaries and benefits (include names, responsibilities, and time commitments); b. Project related expenses (e.g., travel, communications, supplies, consultants, etc.); c.

Equipment (purchases of tangible, personal property over $10,000. 00 that will be used for one year or more, unless the applicant's capitalization policy indicates a lower amount); and d. Indirect costs (if any).

Page 11 of 18 Note: In order for tuition to be eligible and allowable, it must comply with regulations as written in 2 CFR 200. 466 . Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures: If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination of significance per 2 CFR 1402.

112 . Refer to 2 CFR 200. 112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement: Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award or not.

If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide: • Activities: Description any overlapping activities. • Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time. • A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity. • Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected date of the funding decision.

Other Required Information # SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES # Address to Request Application Package GrantSolutions - https://home. grantsolutions. gov/home/ - Search for the funding opportunity using the Program name and/or CFDA Number 15.

684. Or, search for the funding opportunity name: 2025 White-nose Syndrome Grants to States and Tribes. Grants.

gov - https://www. grants. gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.

html Or contact - Shelley Dibona, Office of Conservation Investment, 413 253-8509 or Shelley_Dibona@fws. gov # Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 09/12/2025 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date. IMPORTANT: The Service will conduct a preliminary evaluation of all proposals received by an initial deadline on 8/15/2025.

At this time, each proposal will be a) recommended for an award, b) declined for an award, or c) deferred for a decision after the final deadline. The Service will award up to 80% of the available funds for this funding opportunity to proposals submitted for the initial deadline.

Page 12 of 18 # Submission Instructions Simplified Application Procedures for Certain Applicants and Applications Certain applicants may be eligible to apply following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) simplified application procedures. These procedures remove the requirement to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system.

You may be eligible to follow our simplified application procedures if all the following apply: Your proposal requests $200,000 or less from the FWS and, in the event an award is made, would not be expected to exceed that amount over the life of the award from the FWS, AND You are not requesting funds to purchase land or for construction-related activities except culvert replacements and dam removals, AND Your proposed project can be completed within three years or less, AND You are NOT a State, an Institution of Higher Education (except projects supporting Service-specific initiatives), or a large Nonprofit Organization (i.e., received more than $10M from Department of the Interior bureaus and offices combined in the past three years) If you and your project meet the above criteria and you do not want to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system, do not follow the application instructions below.

Instead, please contact us (see contact information below) to confirm your eligibility and request alternate application instructions. If you and your project do not meet the above criteria, follow our standard application instructions below. Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM.

, ET, on the listed application due date. IMPORTANT: The Service will conduct a preliminary evaluation of all proposals received by an initial deadline on 8/15/2025. At this time, each proposal will be a) recommended for an award, b) declined for an award, or c) deferred for a decision after the final deadline.

The Service will award up to 80% of the available funds for this funding opportunity to proposals submitted for the initial deadline. To apply through Grants. gov , please follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide for Applicants .

Before applying, ensure that at least one person at your organization is registered and has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Only the AOR can submit the application. If you need more users, they must create their own Grants.

gov account. Follow these steps below to apply: • Create a Workspace : Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting. • Complete a Workspace : Invite participants to the workspace so you can collaborate on the application.

Required applications forms are included in the Grants. gov Funding Opportunity Package and can be completed in the Workspace, unless noted otherwise in the Required Forms table above. Check for errors before submission.

Page 13 of 18 • 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 • Track a Workspace Submission : After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants. gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application.

The system generates a date and time stamp and sends it to the applicant’s AOR via email as proof of submission . Make sure your application passes the Grants. gov validation checks.

Do not encrypt, zip, or password-protect any files. Only registered individuals in SAM as both a user and an AOR can submit applications. Please allow 30 days to register in Grants.

gov. Application System Technical Support: For Grants. gov technical registration and submission, downloading forms, and application packages, contact Grants. gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.

gov. Apply Through GrantSolutions To apply through GrantSolutions , follow these steps: 1. Register your organization. Send an e-mail to help@grantsolutions.

gov with: • Subject: New Organization Request • Entity name (organization or individual applying as a natural person) • SAM. gov Unique Entity Identifier (not required for individuals) • Employer Identification Number (individuals, do not include your SSN) • Contact details (First and last name, e-mail, phone) This information should be the same as entered on the entity’s SAM. gov profile.

2. Assign system user roles. Follow the GrantSolutions “Recipient user” registration instructions .

Submit a separate Recipient User Account Request form for each official to be assigned a system role. At minimum, the Authorizing Official (ADO) and Principal Investigator/Program Director (PI/PD) must be assigned. 4.

Find and apply to this Funding Opportunity. After logging in, click on either the “Begin an application” link (first time applicants) or the “Funding Opportunity” link to go to the “Competing Announcements-Application Kits” list screen. Search the list for this Funding Opportunity’s title and number.

Click on the associated “Apply” link. Follow the prompts from there. Required applications forms are provided with the Funding Opportunity in GrantSolutions unless otherwise indicated on the Required Forms table above.

5. For detailed instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web page . 6.

Need help? Find help topics and contact information on the GrantSolutions Contact Us # APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION Page 14 of 18 During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

The Service will determine that each applicant has NO record of any of the following outcomes with previously awarded grants through WNS National Response Implementation (Listing Assistance #15. 684): • Failure to meet proposed objectives, performance, and delivery requirements. • Failure to communicate with the Service about delays and issues with meeting objectives.

• Avoidable return or surrender of significant funds upon completion of the project. • Insufficient progress toward successful completion of currently funded projects. If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.

gov registration (see 2 CFR 25. 200 and 2 CFR 25. 110 ) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else.

Please refer 2 CFR 25. 205 for more information. Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for Award Management (SAM.

gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to this program. If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in writing.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria in order to rank them in competition for available funds: