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Full Proposal Applicant Webinar Register here:\u00a0https:\/\/attendee.gotowebinar.com\/register\/6949582401497720589<\/a><\/p>\n Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 10 AM PST<\/strong> The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is requesting proposals to enhance, restore, and protect stream flows for key fish habitat in the\u00a0Grande Ronde subbasin<\/u>\u00a0within the Columbia Basin. The Columbia Basin Water Transaction Program (CBWTP) funds water transactions development and implementation in the United States portion of the Columbia Basin and is the largest instream flow restoration program in the country. Since its inception in 2002, the CBWTP has implemented over 643 water transactions and secured 12.5 million acre-feet of water in flow-limited tributaries of the Columbia River Basin. The CBWTP works across portions of Oregon, Washington, Montana and Idaho, and its investments in water transactions have increased stream flows for the benefit of native fish species, including Pacific salmon, steelhead trout, and resident fish species.<\/p>\n NFWF is conducting an open proposal solicitation for organizations to develop water transactions with water right holders specifically in the Grande Ronde subbasin of the Columbia Basin. \u00a0NFWF will only accept proposals for programmatic support to develop water transactions under this solicitation, not for water acquisitions<\/u>. Up to $300,000 will be available for programmatic support, allowing for staff time, limited travel, supplies\/materials, indirect, and other associated costs of developing a water transaction. If an entity is selected through this RFP, they will be eligible to apply for funding to pay for individual water transactions during the term of the grant through a competitive process. Funding for this program will be primarily provided by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). The funding from BPA may include areas of the Columbia River basin that are covered by the\u00a0Columbia Basin Fish Accords<\/a>\u00a0with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.<\/p>\n If an entity is considered qualified and receives a grant through this solicitation, they are eligible to submit water transaction projects through CBWTP\u2019s closed water transaction solicitations. As water transactions are reviewed and deemed eligible to implement, additional funding may be made available during the grant period. More information on the water transaction solicitation process can be found\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Proposed activities must be located within the Grande Ronde subbasin in Oregon. A CBWTP priority geography is defined as tributaries that have identified flow as a priority limiting factor affecting ESA listed species and is expected to benefit in order of priority:<\/p>\n CBWTP priorities are species and sub-basin focused, based on species of concern and flow limitations. Competitive programmatic proposals will address both factors while also demonstrating innovation, incorporating monitoring plans and connecting on a watershed level.<\/p>\n The CBWTP will award up to $300,000 for Qualified Local Entity programmatic grants with an end date of September 30, 2021. See the below timeline for more details on when to expect an award.<\/p>\n Additional Funding Information:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Eligible and Ineligible Entities<\/strong><\/p>\n Ineligible Uses of Grant Funds<\/strong><\/p>\n All proposals will be screened for relevance, accuracy, completeness and compliance with NFWF and funding source policies. Proposals for programmatic support will then be evaluated based on the extent to which they meet the following criteria.<\/p>\n Program Goals and Priorities<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 Project contributes to CBWTP\u2019s overall species and habitat conservation goals and clearly addresses program priorities. Proposals will be evaluated on the watershed level and applicants should demonstrate the ability of each proposed geography within the Grande Ronde to meet program goals and priorities.<\/p>\n Technical Merit<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 Project is technically sound and feasible, and the proposal sets forth a clear, logical and achievable work plan and timeline. Project engages appropriate technical experts throughout project planning, design and implementation to ensure activities are technically sound and feasible.<\/p>\n Long-term Sustainability<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 Project will be maintained to ensure benefits are achieved and sustained over time, with a substantial emphasis on long-term water transactions. This includes future transaction projections, and how future funding will be secured to implement long-term deals, monitoring and maintenance activities.<\/p>\n Monitoring<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 Project will incorporate water transaction monitoring plans in accordance with the Flow Restoration Accounting Framework regarding project compliance and implementation monitoring requirements. Project demonstrates how collaboration with partnering entities will leverage habitat and biological data.<\/p>\n Cost-Effectiveness<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 Project includes a cost-effective budget that balances performance risk and efficient use of funds. \u00a0Cost-effectiveness evaluation may include, but is not limited to, an assessment of either or both direct and indirect costs in the proposed budget. The federal government has determined that a\u00a0de minimis<\/em>\u00a010% indirect rate is an acceptable minimum for organizations without a NICRA, as such NFWF reserves the right to scrutinize\u00a0ALL<\/strong><\/u>\u00a0proposals with indirect rates above 10% for cost-effectiveness.<\/p>\n Funding Need<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 Project establishes a clear need for the funds being requested, and demonstrates that activities would not move forward absent funding.<\/p>\n Budget<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 Costs are allowable, reasonable and budgeted in accordance with NFWF\u2019s\u00a0Budget Instructions<\/a>\u00a0cost categories. \u00a0Federally-funded projects must be in compliance with\u00a0OMB Uniform Guidance<\/a>\u00a0as applicable.<\/p>\n Matching Contributions<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 Matching Contributions consist of cash, contributed goods and services, volunteer hours, and\/or property raised and spent for the Project during the Period of Performance. Larger match ratios and matching fund contributions from a diversity of partners are encouraged and will be more competitive during application review.<\/p>\n Procurement<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 If the applicant chooses to specifically identify proposed Contractor(s) for Services, an award by NFWF to the applicant does not constitute NFWF\u2019s express written authorization for the applicant to procure such specific services noncompetitively. \u00a0When procuring goods and services, NFWF recipients must follow documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable laws and regulations.<\/p>\n Publicity and Acknowledgement of Support<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 Award recipients will be required to grant NFWF the right and authority to publicize the project and NFWF\u2019s financial support for the grant in press releases, publications and other public communications. \u00a0Recipients may also be asked by NFWF to provide high-resolution (minimum 300 dpi) photographs depicting the project.<\/p>\n Receiving Award Funds<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 Award payments are reimbursable only. \u00a0Projects may request funds for reimbursement at any time after completing a signed agreement with NFWF.<\/p>\n Compliance Requirements<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 Projects selected may be subject to requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act (state and federal), and National Historic Preservation Act. Documentation of compliance with these regulations must be approved prior to initiating activities that disturb or alter habitat or other features of the project site(s). \u00a0As may be applicable, successful applicants may be required to comply with additional Federal, state or local requirements and obtain all necessary permits and clearances.<\/p>\n Standards of Conduct<\/u>\u00a0\u2013 Applicants must follow established conflict of interest and professional ethics policies at all times in order to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest, favoritism, or other improper behavior. \u00a0BPA has established conflict of interest policies for financial assistance awards. Applicants must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest in accordance with applicable BPA policy.<\/p>\n Dates of activities are subject to change. \u00a0Please check the\u00a0program page\u00a0<\/a>of the NFWF website for the most current dates and information.<\/p>\n Applicant Webinar [Register here] December 8, 2020 at 10:00 AM PST<\/p>\n Full Proposal Due Date December 17, 2020 by 8:59 PM PST<\/p>\n Review Period December 2020 to February 2021<\/p>\n Awards Announced Early February 2021<\/p>\n All application materials must be submitted online through NFWF\u2019s Easygrants system.<\/p>\n A Tip Sheet is available for quick reference while you are working through your application. This document can be downloaded\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Additional information to support the application process can be accessed on the NFWF website\u2019s Applicant Information page.<\/p>\n For more information or questions about this RFP, please contact:
\nFull Proposal Due Date:\u00a0\u00a0Thursday, December 17, 2020 by 8:59 PM PST<\/strong><\/p>\n\nOVERVIEW<\/h3>\n
\nGEOGRAPHIC\/SPECIES FOCUS<\/h3>\n
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PROGRAM PRIORITIES<\/h3>\n
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FUNDING AVAILABILITY AND MATCH<\/h3>\n
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ELIGIBILITY<\/h3>\n
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EVALUATION CRITERIA<\/h3>\n
\nOTHER<\/h3>\n
TIMELINE<\/h3>\n
HOW TO APPLY<\/h3>\n
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\nAPPLICATION ASSISTANCE<\/h3>\n
\nKate Morgan
\nCoordinator, Water Investments
\nKatherine.Morgan@nfwf.org<\/a>
\n(202) 595-2469<\/p>\n