F26AS00026-NAWCA 2026-2 US Standard Grants

Foa_Content_of_F26AS00026 2026-2 US Standard NOFO.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice of Funding Opportunity
F26AS00026-NAWCA 2026-2 US Standard Grants
Funding Opportunity Number
F26AS00026

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Table of Contents
BASIC INFORMATION .................................................................................................................1
ELIGIBILITY ..................................................................................................................................2
Cost Sharing Requirement ...........................................................................................................3
GET READY TO APPLY ...............................................................................................................3
Required System Registrations ....................................................................................................3
PROGRAM OVERVIEW ...............................................................................................................4
Program Goals ..............................................................................................................................4
Program Description ....................................................................................................................4
Legislative Authority ...................................................................................................................4
Type of Award .............................................................................................................................4
PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION ................................................................................................4
Application Content and Format ..................................................................................................5
Application Documents ................................................................................................................5
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES ................................................................7
Address to Request Application Package ....................................................................................7
Submission Dates and Times .......................................................................................................7
Submission Instructions ...............................................................................................................7
APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ..................................................................................8
Eligibility Review ........................................................................................................................8
Merit Review ................................................................................................................................8
Review and Selection Process ......................................................................................................9
Risk Review .................................................................................................................................9
AWARD NOTICES ........................................................................................................................9
POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION ................................................10
Administration and National Policy Requirements ...................................................................10
Reporting ....................................................................................................................................10
BASIC INFORMATION
Announcement Type: Initial
Funding Opportunity Number: F26AS00026
Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.623
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Estimated Total Program Funding: $46,000,000
Expected Number of Awards: 25
Award Ceiling: $3,000,000
Award Floor: $250,001
Cost Sharing Required?
Yes
Closing Date Explanation
Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the
listed application due date.
OMB Control Number: 1018-0100
Have Questions?
For technical questions about the US Standard Program, contact Stacy_Sanchez@fws.gov
Executive Summary
The U.S. Standard Grants Program is a competitive, matching grant program that supports
public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the
North American Wetlands Conservation Act. The program promotes partnerships projects that
must involve a) only long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetland and
associated upland habitats to benefit a variety of wetland ecosystems and b) maintaining an
abundance of waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) and other populations of wetlands-associated
migratory birds consistent with the objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management
Plan, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, Waterbird Conservation Plan for the Americas, and
Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan. The program requires a 1:1 non-federal match and
research funding is ineligible. This program supports the Department of Interior and U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service's mission of protecting and managing the nation's natural resources by
collaborating with partners and stakeholders to conserve land and water and to expand outdoor
recreation and access.
The program for wetlands conservation and management grants is administered by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service's Migratory Bird Program. Thirteen partner organizations make up the
North American Wetlands Conservation (NAWC) Council and participate in the review and
assessment of proposals. For U.S. Standard Instructions (scoring criteria page 32) and Eligibility
Criteria, visit: https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-us-
standard-grants
To view previously successful awarded NAWCA US Standard Projects, visit NAWCA's external
facing database to query for your viewing: https://www.fws.gov/grantsum/
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible Applicants
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
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Special district governments
Independent school districts
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Small businesses
Additional Information on Eligibility
For US Standard eligiblity criteria, proposal instructions, proposal template, visit:
https://fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-grants-us-standard
Cost Sharing Requirement
Cost Sharing Required?
Yes
The program requires a minimum 1:1 non-federal match.
GET READY TO APPLY
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.
To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to
complete registration.
• 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
page.
GRANTSOLUTIONS
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This program accepts applications through GrantSolutions.gov. You must register with
GrantSolutions. See Submission Instructions.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Program Goals
• The U.S. Standard program's goal is to promote partnerships between public agencies and
groups interested in protecting, improving, and restoring an appropriate distribution and
variety of wetland ecosystems and other habitats for wetlands-associated migratory birds
and other fish and wildlife in North America; maintaining and improving the current
distributions of wetlands-associated migratory bird populations; and maintaining an
abundance of waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) and other populations of wetlands-
associated migratory birds consistent with the objectives of the North American
Waterfowl Management Plan, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, Waterbird Conservation
Plan for the Americas, Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan, and other international
obligations contained in the treaties and migratory bird conventions and other agreements
with Canada, Mexico, and other countries. For additional goals and proposal information,
visit: https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-us-
standard-grants
Program Description
Proposals should demonstrate how the activities of partners involved in the project will
encourage sustainable and effective wetland conservation for the long-term conservation of
wetlands-associated migratory birds. Allowable activities include protection, restoration, and/or
enhancement. For further allowable activities for grant and match, review the U.S. Grant
Administration and Eligibility Criteria documents.
The U.S. Standard Program for wetlands conservation and wetland grants is administered by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Division of Bird Habitat Conservation. Thirteen partner
organizations make up the NAWC Council and participate in the review and assessment of
proposals. For US Standard Instructions (scoring criteria page 32) and Eligibility Criteria, visit:
https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-us-standard-
grants
Recipients are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th
birthday (America250). This may include, but is not limited to, projects that recognize and honor
the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.
Legislative Authority
North American Wetlands Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. §4401 et seq.
Type of Award
Projects will be funded through G (Grant).
PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION
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Application Content and Format
Pre-Application Requirements
Prior to applying, applicants should review presidential actions found at:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ and DOI Secretary’s Orders found at:
https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order . By applying in response to this Notice of
Funding 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.
Application Documents
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
Required from all applicants
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 for non-construction
SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs
projects
Required if requesting more
than $100,000 in Federal
funds and the applicant has
used or plans to use funds
SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
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, Required from all applicants
• Expected deliverables or outcomes,
• Intended beneficiaries,
Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award)
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Project Narrative
Project narrative consists of elements captured within the NAWCA's proposal template that
mandatory for all applicants to complete. The proposal template can be downloaded here:
https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-us-standard-
grants
Budget Narrative
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.
Budget items must be:
• 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).
Budget narrative consists of elements captured within NAWCA's financial table. The financial
table and financial table examples can be found at: https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-
wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-us-standard-grants
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
200.113.
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.
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• Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected
date of the funding decision.
Other Required Information
USFWS and NAWCA Related Information also are submitted to GrantSolutions:
• Proposal (project narrative) includes Project Officer page, Summary page, budget table, Work
Plan, tract table, and Technical Assessment Questions 1-7 (See US Standard Instructions for
completing all sections.)
• Signed contribution match letter(s)
• Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)
• A-133 Single Audit or Most recent Audit/Financial Statement
Attachments to be emailed to DBHC@fws.gov:
• GrantSolutions Application Number
• GIS shapefile of Project Area and Tract(s) as a .zip file
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES
Address to Request Application Package
For NAWCA 2026-2 US Standard instructions, proposal template, eligibility criteria, visit:
https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-us-standard-
grants
Submission Dates and Times
Closing Date for Applications: 05/07/2026
Closing Date Explanation
Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the
listed application due date.
Submission Instructions
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)
• Entity type
• SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (not required for individuals)
• Employer Identification Number (individuals, do not include your SSN)
• Address
• 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
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be assigned a system role. At minimum, the Authorizing Official (ADO) and Principal
Investigator/Program Director (PI/PD) must be assigned.
3. Log in. GrantSolutions requires users to log in through Login.gov. Each user must create
a Login.gov account. For instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web
page.
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
page.
APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
Eligibility Review
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.
For U.S. Eligibility criteria, visit: https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-
conservation-act-nawca-us-standard-grants
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.
Merit Review
For U.S. Standard scoring criteria and to evaluate merit, review scoring is outlined within the
U.S. Standard instructions: https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-
act-nawca-us-standard-grants
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Review and Selection Process
This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:
• figures are correct
• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives
• avoid obviously unallowable costs
• identify costs requiring prior approval
• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly
• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.
This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed
project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may
choose to not make an award.
Reviewers assign points based on information in the proposal outlined within the scoring criteria
found in the U.S. Standard Instructions. There are seven technical assessment questions (TAQs)
for scoring to assess the proposal's activities, objectives, and goals in relation to NAWCA and its
application in the U.S. Reviewers evaluate the different TAQs within the proposal in relation to
the group of proposals under review. Applicants are encouraged to review the U.S. Standard
Instructions to see how scored sections within the proposal are answered and incorporated into
the Notice of Award. Also, applicants can review Section H: Reports and Other Documentation
within the NAWCA U.S. Grant Administration Standards for required reporting information. To
download that both documents, visit: https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-
conservation-act-nawca-us-standard-grants
Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to
determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the
NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; (4) the
proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination);
and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable executive and secretary orders,
including the President’s executive order on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI
Programs and Preferencing as well as the executive order and Secretary order on Restoring Truth
and Sanity to American History. If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of
the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be
considered nonresponsive and eliminated from further review.
Risk Review
Prior to making an award, the applicant will be assessed for their level of risk per 2 CFR
200.206. This assessment includes the applicant's financial management capabilities, project
delivery experience, staffing resources, past award performance, administration and reporting
compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential for challenges. If an award will
be made, special conditions may be applied to the award corresponding to the assessed risk. For
awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $350,000), a review of the applicant's
eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant's SAM.gov records will also be
performed per 2 CFR 200.206.
AWARD NOTICES
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Notices of Federal Award are sent electronically via GrantSolutions or e-mail. These notices
outline the terms, conditions, and payment instructions per 2 CFR 200.211. The Notice of
Federal Award signed by an authorized Grants Officer is the legal instrument obligating financial
assistance to a recipient. Any other prior notice is not an authorization to begin work. If the
program allows pre-award costs per 2 CFR 200.458, beginning performance before receiving a
Notice of Federal Award is at the applicant’s own risk.
Anticipated Project Start Date: 05/07/2027
Anticipated Project End Date: 05/08/2029
FY2026-2 U.S. Standard awards will potentially be issued in May 2027 and period of
performance will be determined once award is issued within GrantSolutions. Unsuccessful
applicants will receive an email from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Migratory Bird Program
on the status of their proposal and will change intake review status and complete business review
for unsuccessful submissions.
POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
Administration and National Policy Requirements
For award administration and national policy requirements, see the DOI General Terms and
Conditions. Infrastructure projects require the use of American iron, steel, manufacture products,
and construction materials per 2 CFR 184.
See the FWS General Award Terms and Conditions for national policy requirements for FWS
awards. Special terms and conditions will be detailed in award notices.
Grant funds may not be disbursed to acquire real property interests until U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service's Migratory Bird Program has reviewed and approved the appraisals, appraisal reviews,
SF 429 B, and drafts of other supporting documentation (e.g., draft of a Notice of Grant
Requirements, deed, conservation easement, or other documents that would be recorded upon
closing).
The real property documentation package for tracts acquired with old match are due at the time
of the first annual report.
Real Property Status Report SF-429-A with Cover page must be completed for all grant and
match acquisitions (fee and easements) and submitted with only the final report.
See also 2 CFR §1402.329 requirements
Reporting
The recipient’s Notice of Award will detail all reporting requirements, including frequency, due
dates, and instructions for requesting extensions. In general, but not limited to, recipients must:
• Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.
• Use the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) form for financial reporting,
• Monitor award activities and report on program performance per 2 CFR 200.329,
• Promptly notify the awarding program in writing of any issues, delays, or conditions
impairing award objectives per 2 CFR 200.329(e),
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• Disclose any conflicts of interest related to their award that arise during the award period
per 2 CFR 1402.112,
• Report on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal
government retains an interest per 2 CFR 200.330, and
• Report all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity
violations potentially affecting the Federal award per 2 CFR 200.113.
• Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per
Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.
• If the Federal share of the award is more than $100,000 and the recipient makes or agrees
to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection to the
award, disclose those activities using the Disclosure of Lobbying (SF-LLL) form per
43 CFR 18.100.
• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) and 2 CFR 170
requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation, and
information on all sub-awards, subcontracts and consortiums equal to or over $30,000 to
SAM.gov.
Other Information
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2025 Eligibility Criteria and Processes FINAL March 2026.pdf

North American Wetlands Conservation Act
United States Small and Standard Grant Proposal
2026 Eligibility Criteria & Processes
Updated March 2026
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
NAWCA U.S. PROPOSAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ....................................................................................................... 3
WHAT IS A PROPOSAL? .................................................................................................................................................... 3
WHO IS AN ELIGIBLE PROJECT OFFICER AND WHAT ARE THE PROJECT OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES? ................................................... 5
WHAT IS AN ELIGIBLE OPTIONAL MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS PLAN (MCP)? U.S. STANDARD GRANTS ONLY ................................... 5
WHAT IS AN ELIGIBLE PROPOSAL FINANCIAL PLAN SECTION? .................................................................................................... 6
WHAT ARE NON-MATCH FUNDS? ....................................................................................................................................... 6
CAN GRANT AND MATCH DOLLARS BE USED IN COMBINATION WITH NON-MATCH FUNDS? ............................................................. 6
ELIGIBLE GRANT COSTS .......................................................................................................................................... 7
WHAT ARE DIRECT AND INDIRECT COSTS? ............................................................................................................................ 7
WHAT ARE ELIGIBLE COSTS? .............................................................................................................................................. 8
I. Acquisition .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
II. Wetland Restoration .......................................................................................................................................... 9
III. Wetland Enhancement ..................................................................................................................................... 9
IV. Wetland Establishment .................................................................................................................................... 9
V. Other Direct Long-Term Wetland Conservation Work ..................................................................................... 10
VI. Indirect Costs .................................................................................................................................................. 10
VII. Accomplishment of Work .............................................................................................................................. 10
VIII. Work Prior to Submission Date ..................................................................................................................... 10
IX. Federal Salary Costs ........................................................................................................................................ 10
X. Prescribed Burn Activities ................................................................................................................................ 10
XI. Infrastructure .................................................................................................................................................. 10
ELIGIBLE MATCH COSTS ....................................................................................................................................... 11
INELIGIBLE GRANT COSTS .................................................................................................................................... 12
INELIGIBLE GRANT AND MATCH COSTS ................................................................................................................ 12
INELIGIBLE MATCH COSTS .................................................................................................................................... 14
NAWCA GRANT PROPOSAL PROCESSES ............................................................................................................... 14
WHAT ARE THE SUBMISSION DEADLINES? .......................................................................................................................... 14
WILL I GET COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSAL? WHEN WILL I KNOW IF A SITE VISIT IS NEEDED (US STANDARD PROPOSALS ONLY)? ......... 15
HOW DO I COMMUNICATE WITH DBHC ON MY APPLICATION, ELIGIBILITY REVIEW, AND IF AWARDED, WHERE DO I REQUEST
MODIFICATIONS, EXTENSIONS FOR MY PROJECT, ETC.? ......................................................................................................... 15
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AFTER THE COUNCIL SELECTS THE PROPOSAL? .................................................................................... 15
WHEN WILL I KNOW IF THE PROPOSAL HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR FUNDING? ............................................................................. 16
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE THE GRANT FUNDS? ......................................................................................................................... 16
HOW WILL I RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS? ................................................................................................................................ 17
APPENDIX A: EXAMPLE OF NOTICE OF GRANT REQUIREMENTS (NOGR) .............................................................. 18
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INTRODUCTION
This document contains the factors used to determine whether a proposal is eligible or ineligible for a
US Small and Standard North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant proposal, including
format and various schedules and processes involved in the submission, review, and approval of a
proposal. For Proposal Instructions, Proposal Outline Template, and other information visit:
• US Small: https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-grants-us-small
• US Standard: https://fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-grants-us-standard
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Bird Habitat Conservation (DBHC), will review proposals to
verify eligibility with the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, 2 CFR § 200, U.S. NAWCA Grant
Administration Standards, and other applicable rules and regulations.
NAWCA U.S. PROPOSAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
All costs must be directly linked to eligible acquired, restored, enhanced, or established acres that are
completed DURING the project period.
Before writing a proposal, we recommend you read the Proposal Instructions:
• US Small: https://www.fws.gov/media/north-american-wetlands-conservation-aca-small-grants-program-
proposal-application
• US Standard: https://www.fws.gov/media/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-united-states-standard-
grants-proposal-instructions
What is a proposal?
1. A plan of action supported by a NAWCA grant and matching partner funds to conserve wetlands and
wetland-dependent fish and wildlife through acquisition (including easements and land title
donations), restoration, enhancement, and/or wetland establishment, and contains a grant request
between $1 and $3,000,000. Applicants requesting $250,000 or less should apply for a NAWCA Small
Grant. Applicants requesting between $250,001 and $3,000,000 should apply for a NAWCA Standard
Grant. Match must be no more than 2 years old, non-Federal in origin and equal to, or exceed, the
grant request (referred to as a 1:1 match).
2. Includes monies and partners involved in wetlands conservation.
3. May include non-match partner contributions in each section of the proposal except Technical
Assessment Questions. The non-match contributions and source (monetary and acres) must be
clearly identified whenever they are included and must be used on a project tract with Grant and/or
match contributions.
4. Contains adequate wetlands-associated uplands to buffer and protect wetlands and meet the needs
of wetland-associated wildlife.
5. Contains consistent dollar and acre figures across all parts of the proposal, Technical
Assessment/Evaluation Questions, partner letters and the Standard Form 424s. All figures must be
rounded off and consistent throughout the proposal.
6. Has a specifically defined boundary that includes tracts in a geographic area (such as a watershed)
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affected by grant and partner funds. The boundary can include sites that are part of a wetlands
conservation plan, sites in the same wetlands system, sites that are managed to meet the same
wetlands objectives, sites that are in proximity, and/or sites that provide direct benefits to each
other.
7. Contains all required sections as described in the Proposal Instructions and outline template:
• US Small: https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-grants-us-
small
• US Standard: https://fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-grants-us-
standard
8. Contains work that:
● shows a clear connection between money spent and long-term wetland benefits
● demonstrates that grant funds will be spent in the most cost-effective manner possible
● is complementary among match and grant-funded actions
● may have been completed within the past two years and work that can be completed within the
proposed period of performance
● includes minimal administrative costs directly involved with completing acquisition, restoration,
enhancement, or establishment of wetlands
9. Does not contain extra or unsolicited material, such as photographs, pamphlets, engineering plans,
business cards, appraisals, general lists of fauna and flora, or letters from supporters who are not
partners in the proposal. Extra material will not be sent to reviewers.
10. If the proposal involves multiple sites that are not specifically identified, an explanation of the
method that will be used for selecting these sites must be provided.
11. For US Standard proposals, if an Optional Matching Contributions Plan (MCP) (see page 5) is
submitted or a proposal includes funding from a previously approved MCP, only the partner’s match
applied to the current proposal is shown throughout the Summary, and acreage is shown only in the
initial phase, per instructions.
12. Includes Partner Contribution Statements signed and dated by each partner (including non-match
partners). The statements should document the same amount of funding as listed in the proposal
for that partner. The Partner Contribution Statement for donations shall come from the entity or
individual donating the property. Partner Contribution Statements received separate from the
proposal or after the deadline are not eligible. The type of partnership is defined by the source of
the funds. For example, if state grant funds for a specific project activity are channeled through
various partner organizations, the partner is the state only, not the various organizations.
13. Includes a description of (calculations for) how match amounts were calculated.
14. Technical Assessment/Evaluation Questions are answered for the proposal’s grant or match sites
and NOT the general project area or prior projects or phases.
15. Includes public access on acquired lands to the extent that it is compatible with long-term
conservation of fish and wildlife dependent on the area. It may be appropriate to limit the number
of people permitted access or the season of access.
16. Any agreements with landowners will be considered part of the proposal; the agreements must
include clauses to allow the Federal government, specifically DBHC, to recoup the costs of property
and habitat development if the agreements are broken.
17. A proposal becomes ineligible if it is substantially changed after it is submitted. A substantial change
includes anything that changes answers to the Technical Assessment/Evaluation Questions.
However, at any time and for any reason, a proposal may be withdrawn by the applicant and
resubmitted for a future proposal cycle.
18. Complies with policies described in US Grant Administration Standards.
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Who is an eligible Project Officer and what are the Project Officer responsibilities?
1. The Project Officer must be affiliated with the grant recipient’s organization and must be
knowledgeable about the biological, partnership, and administrative aspects of the proposal.
1. The Project Officer is responsible for obtaining prior approval for any grant administration activities,
if required.
2. The Project Officer may be, but does not necessarily have to be, the grant recipient organization’s
Authorized Representative who signs the required SF-424 forms, which makes the recipient
ultimately responsible for complying with the Federal regulations and policies described in the US
Grant Administration Standards.
3. The Project Officer is responsible for all correspondence regarding a proposal and award, including
annual and final reporting. There can only be one Project Officer. DBHC may only discuss grant
administrative matters with the Project Officer. The Project Officer must have a GrantSolutions’
account and will be listed as the Principal Investigator (PI/PD).
4. The Project Officer serves as the point of contact for the grant, and must be actively involved in the
proposal/grant process and be available to provide information:
● immediately after the proposal is submitted if there are questions about eligibility,
● within a few weeks after the proposal is submitted, the Project Officer may be asked to respond
to comments and questions about the proposal and provide possible site visit dates, and
● if the proposal is funded, during implementation of the Assistance Award (Grant Agreement).
What is an eligible Optional Matching Contributions Plan (MCP)? U.S. Standard Grants only
A Matching Contributions Plan (MCP) is defined as eligible old match (acquisition only) that was
obtained within the past two years and is in excess of what will be used for the current proposal. The
purpose of an MCP is to maintain the eligibility of this old match beyond two years for the current
proposal and future proposal phases. MCPs may be utilized for U.S. Standard projects only and are valid
for 5 years from the date of Council approval. The following criteria apply to MCPs:
1. Match for a newly submitted MCP can only come from the acquisition of a real property interest.
2. May only be submitted with a proposal.
3. May only contain match that meets eligibility requirements. For example, a conservation easement
in which one of the retained rights is to pursue wetland or wildlife mitigation/credits would be
deemed ineligible.
4. A new MCP may not be approved even if the proposal is funded.
5. Approved MCP match may only be used to meet match to grant ratio in the same or similar project
area described in the original proposal. At minimum, the original MCP tract must be within the
future phase’s project area.
6. Identification by tract name and location must be consistent through all phases.
7. Must show use of the match over a period no greater than five years. The beginning date for the
five-year period is the date that Council approves the plan.
8. Must use a portion of the MCP total match in the proposal with which it is submitted.
9. Future proposals may utilize the MCP account until the account is depleted or the five-year deadline
is reached.
10. Funds from only one MCP are allowed in any given proposal, including in the first proposal
associated with an MCP. Match associated with an existing MCP must be completely expended
before another MCP for the same project area can be approved.
11. Reduction in MCPs requires DBHC approval. Substitution of an MCP tract is not allowed. Other
modifications will require Council approval.
12. Should not exceed one page in length.
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13. Should contain the following sections: Match Plan Amount and Purpose; Match Intent; Match Need;
Identified Property Interest and Tract Title Holder; and a Chart identifying the proposed expenditure
of MCP funds by phase. See the MCP section of the US Standard Instructions for more information.
14. Acres are listed in the initial phase of the MCP only.
15. Match may only be derived from a single old match tract with an appraised value in excess of what
will be used in the initial proposal. A tract is defined as a discrete piece of land as described in a
recorded deed.
16. The applicant must ensure that the match associated with the MCP tract has not been used to
satisfy the match or cost-share requirements of any other Federal grant program.
17. Tract acquisition documentation must be included as part of the proposal. Documentation includes
a Yellow Book or Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (UASFLA) appraisal, a
closing statement, a bargain sale letter (if applicable) and a recorded deed or conservation
easement. If funded, NAWCA requires that the interest holder record a Notice of Grant
Requirements (NOGR) on the MCP tract and submission of an appraisal review supporting the MCP
value. Tract documentation must be received, reviewed, and approved by DBHC before the MCP can
be used on subsequent phases.
18. The grantee that submitted the original proposal and accompanying MCP is responsible for
maintaining the MCP use records throughout the life of the MCP. That organization/agency must
provide a partner letter with each MCP phase (regardless of the phase applicant) stating the amount
of MCP funds used and the remaining MCP balance.
19. MCP must be referenced in the proposal Summary Page, Financial Plan, and Work Plan.
What is an eligible proposal financial plan section?
The financial plan section must include a financial plan table and financial plan justification section
including the required information as explained in the Proposal Instructions. Justifications must be
calculated correctly and consistent with other sections of the proposal, such as the Proposal Summary.
What are non-match funds?
Except as noted, when funds that do not qualify as NAWCA match, including money from other Federal
agencies, are used to accomplish mutual and/or complementary objectives, these funds may be
included in the final proposal but must be noted throughout the proposal as non-match funds. The
source of non-matching funds must be identified. Funds associated with mitigation activities required
under the Water Resources Development Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, or other related
statutes (see “Ineligible Grant and Match Costs”) are mitigation funds and may NOT be included in the
proposal or otherwise combined with grant or match funds and activities. Such funds include, but are
not limited to, direct mitigation payments, payments to an “in-lieu-fee” fund, off-site mitigation, and
mitigation banks.
Can grant and match dollars be used in combination with non-match funds?
Grant and match dollars can also be combined, or “pooled,” with other non-match funds, provided that
the actual uses of the funds are otherwise eligible (see sections below concerning eligible costs).
However, NAWCA funds cannot be used for salaries, travel expenses, and other associated costs
necessary for the delivery of another Federal program funded with non-match. Mitigation funds, as
noted above, cannot be pooled with grant or match funds. Grant/match funds in a pooled project must
demonstrate a discrete project with a defined, specific (identifiable) conservation result to be achieved.
Neither matching funds nor the accomplishment can be used in a NAWCA project if they have already
been committed or predicated to another Federal Program, such as, but not limited to, Partners for Fish
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and Wildlife, NRCS programs and/or Land and Water Conservation Fund. The intent to pool NAWCA
funds must be described in the proposal. The proposal shall indicate the Federal program(s) providing
non-matching funds and the total percent of NAWCA’s interest.
When NAWCA match and grant funds are pooled with non-matching funds to acquire a real property
interest, the non-matching Federal program(s) must be notified of the intent to pool funds with a
NAWCA project. In these cases, NAWCA’s percent interest in the acquisition must be reflected in the
real property documentation and reviewed/approved by DBHC prior to the acquisition.
ELIGIBLE GRANT COSTS
All eligible costs must be directly linked to eligible acquired, restored, enhanced, or established acres
that are completed during the project period.
What are direct and indirect costs?
Direct costs can be identified with a specific service or activity. Indirect costs are all other costs that have
been incurred for common or joint objectives that cannot be readily identified with a particular service
or activity and are calculated using a negotiated indirect cost rate or using the 15% de minimis method
described below. Note: As of October 1, 2024, de minimis rate change up to 15 percent of modified total
direct costs. Indirect costs are eligible only if an organization:
● has a current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) with an agency of the Federal
government, or
● will obtain a rate after the grant agreement is awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service), or
● does not have a NICRA and will follow the 15% de minimis rule. In this circumstance, any non-
Federal entity, except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200—States
and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b, may elect to
charge a de minimis rate of 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used
indefinitely. As described in §200.414, factors affecting allowability of costs, 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.
The use of de minimis rates does not require the review and approval of the cognizant agency for
indirect costs. Therefore, Indirect Cost Services does not provide approval of de minimis rates. For
more information, visit: https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-contract-audit.
Indirect costs may only be charged at the rate specified and during the period specified in the NICRA
submitted to DBHC. Grantees must submit renegotiated rates during the project period if the NICRA
submitted with the proposal expires during the project period.
Only with written approval, direct and indirect costs for goods, services, salaries and labor associated
with long-term migratory bird and wetlands conservation work are eligible grant costs when conducted
in the periods:
● between when the Service receives the proposal and the Notice of Award is issued if pre-award
costs are approved (if the proposal is not approved for funding, the Federal government is under no
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obligation to pay for any costs incurred). For additional pre-award information, see page 7 of the US
Grant Administration Standards.
● after the Notice of Award is signed by the Service (during the project period); in all cases, you may
not obligate more grant funds than you are awarded.
What are eligible costs?
All expenses must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable and must meet the following criteria:
A. Verifiable from the grant recipient’s and sub-grant recipient’s records
B. Fair market value (in the case of acquisitions, the appraised value)
C. Must be an expense in the approved budget and necessary for the accomplishment of the proposal.
Specific examples of costs that are eligible to be paid with NAWCA grants funds follow:
I. Acquisition
This category includes fee-title acquisition and donation (transfer of title), conservation easement and
lease acquisition and donation; appraisal fees; acquisition legal costs; boundary surveys; travel and
transportation, and annual payments for 10-year conservation agreements (or the maximum duration
allowed by State law). In situations when NAWCA grant and match funds are being pooled with non-
matching funds to acquire a real property interest, a portion of the NAWCA funds must be applied
directly to the property interest being acquired.
A. An easement should not include the right to pursue mitigation credits required by Federal, State or
local wetland regulations, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1934, as amended, the Water
Resources Development Act of 1986, as amended, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers related to
development or management of water resources (such as, but not limited to, Section 404 of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act), actions to benefit
fish and wildlife resources that are required as part of a settlement or relicensing of an energy
project under the Federal Power Act, compensation required under the Federal Water Projects
Recreation Act, etc. Organizations and agencies are encouraged to adopt and implement the
practices and procedures described in the Land Trust Alliance’s Land Trust Standards and Practices
(available at www.lta.org). Easement and lease conditions should address the following points:
1. Specifically ensure long-term wetlands and associated upland protection.
2. List all restrictions, allowed activities (e.g., building envelopes/areas, agricultural practices,
recreation), and reserved rights and clearly demonstrate how those rights will complement
long-term wetlands and associated uplands protection.
3. Be legally enforceable by organizations that can demonstrate ability or experience in enforcing
easement terms.
4. Be recorded pursuant to state law.
5. Be held by or transferred to a conservation organization (e.g. State or Federal conservation
agency, or non-governmental conservation organization); and
6. Be described in the NAWCA proposal.
B. The acquisition must be completed before the end of the project period.
C. A Notice of Grant Requirements (NOGR) will be recorded for tracts unless the tracts are in an
established Federal land management system with a habitat protection focus. See example of
NOGR. For more NOGR information: https://www.fws.gov/media/united-states-grant-administration-
standards-north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-and. Property acquisition costs are incurred at the
time of transfer of title, not when signing a purchase agreement. Therefore, a contractual obligation
to purchase real property (purchase agreement, etc.) may be made at any time and as long as the
title is transferred after the proposal is received, the costs associated with the purchase can be
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reimbursed (if required compliance documents are completed) with grant funds.
D. All real property acquisitions must be from willing sellers. Prior to making an offer for the property,
the buyer must inform the seller via a Willing Seller Letter that the buyer will be unable to acquire
the property in the event negotiations fail to result in an amicable agreement and must inform the
seller what the buyer believes to be the market value of the property. If the buyer is an agency that
has eminent domain authority, then additional assurances will be required to be in the notice (see
appropriate standards and regulations).
E. The number of acquired acres must be verifiable and supported with legal documentation.
F. For lease acquisitions, payments must be valued by a state-certified appraiser and reviewer using
the approved methodology (Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (UASFLA or
the “Yellow Book”). Lease acquisitions are held to the same real property requirements as other
types of acquisition (49 CFR.102, 2 CFR 200, and 2 CFR Part 1402, and the US Grant Administration
Standards).
G. Donations must have a statement from the landowner donating the value to the project.
II. Wetland Restoration
The manipulation of the physical, chemical and/or biological characteristics of a site with the goal of
returning natural/historic functions to a former or degraded wetland. Restoration can further be defined
as either re-establishment (returning natural/historic functions to a former wetland resulting in a gain in
wetland acres) or rehabilitation (repairing natural/historic functions of a highly degraded wetland
resulting in no gain in wetland acres). Rehabilitation is considered a one-time action. This category
includes engineering and design costs that lead to restoration activities occurring during the project
period or allowed as old match, travel and transportation, material and supply costs, and equipment
(including all-terrain vehicles) with a current value of $10,000 or more secured by the most cost-
effective and feasible method. See the applicable CFR and the following decision tree for equipment
valuation. This category does not include periodic repair/maintenance activity. This category does
include restoration work on upland associated habitat.
A. If equipment is rented or leased, use the cost of renting or leasing.
B. If equipment is purchased more than 2 years before the year that the proposal is submitted (i.e.,
equipment on hand), use either the depreciation or use-allowance method, but not a combination
of the 2 methods.
C. If equipment to be used solely for the NAWCA project is purchased within the project period, use
the full purchase price.
D. If equipment will be used outside of the NAWCA project, calculate and use the cost relative to
NAWCA only.
III. Wetland Enhancement
The manipulation of the physical, chemical and/or biological characteristics of a wetland site to improve
specific functions of the wetland. The result produces no gain in wetland acres.
This category includes the same eligible costs as restoration above, plus nest boxes; habitat islands;
plantings and initial land management costs caused by the proposal (i.e., fencing). This category does
not include periodic repair/maintenance activity such as replacement of same type of water control
structures and reinforcement of existing berms. This category does include enhancement work on
upland associated habitat.
IV. Wetland Establishment
The manipulation of the physical, chemical and/or biological characteristics present to develop a
wetland that did not previously exist. The result produces a gain in wetland acres. This category includes
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the same eligible costs as restoration above.
V. Other Direct Long-Term Wetland Conservation Work
Administration of the NAWCA grant agreement that is not specific to one or more tracts; conducting
required State and Federal compliance activities (e.g., permits, National Environmental Policy Act and
National Historic Preservation Act compliance, and contaminants surveys); and conducting work that
cannot easily be assigned to other activity categories.
VI. Indirect Costs
These costs are different from directly attributable administrative costs and must be supported by a
NICRA approved by the Federal government for the applicable period, or by using the 15% de minimis
rate. As of October 1, 2024, de minimis rate changed to 15% as per CFR 200.414.
VII. Accomplishment of Work
Work to be accomplished must be done in the project area(s) defined in the proposal. The project area
may be defined as:
A. area that is part of a wetlands conservation plan;
B. areas in the same wetlands system (e.g., watershed or river basin);
C. areas that are managed to meet the same wetlands objectives;
D. areas that are in close proximity;
E. areas that provide direct benefits to each other; or
F. areas that are part of a pooled project with non-match funds, if the NAWCA portion is distinctly
identified as an undivided interest of the total acres involved.
VIII. Work Prior to Submission Date
For all activities, grant funds cannot be used for work completed prior to submission. Only approved
pre-award costs can be spent prior to the period of performance.
IX. Federal Salary Costs
Associated with Service Term/Temporary/Seasonal/Intermittent Employees actively working on NAWCA
projects are allowable.
X. Prescribed Burn Activities
Will be considered eligible depending on the qualifications of the grantee, following the USFWS fire
policy:
A. Certified Agency: Partner must comply with NWCG (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) policies
and qualifications regarding prescribed burning.
B. Non-Certified Agency: Grant Agreements with a non-certified state agency are for the purpose of
general habitat restoration activities only.
XI. Infrastructure
Repair and/or rehabilitation of previously funded infrastructure at the end of its useful design life may
be considered eligible. The previously funded grant, tract and work must be identified in the proposal.
The repair and/or rehabilitation of infrastructure that fails due to improper design, neglect or
mismanagement is not eligible for funding or to be used as match.
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ELIGIBLE MATCH COSTS
Generally, all items listed above as Eligible Grant Costs are also eligible as match costs. The following list
describes certain additional conditions for costs to be eligible as NAWCA match. In some cases, these
conditions allow certain costs to be eligible as match when the costs would not be eligible to be paid
with grant funds. In all cases, the costs must be associated with an eligible activity. The match costs:
I. Must be at least equal or greater than the grant request.
II. Must be non-Federal. Even if funds pass through a non-Federal entity, they retain their federal
nature. For possible exceptions, see XI and XII, below.
III. Must be documented by the following:
A. signed and dated Partner Contribution Statements sent with the proposal and
B. a copy of easements and/or leases if the easements or leases are offered as match and are
signed at the time the proposal is submitted.
1. DBHC will not review draft easements
IV. Must be or have been contributed:
A. no earlier than 2 years prior to the year the proposal is submitted unless supported by a Council-
approved Matching Contributions Plan. Anticipated funds must be guaranteed by the
contributing organization (for example, future fundraising efforts or grant applications are only
eligible if the partner organization agrees to provide the full funding amount even if the
fundraising effort or grant application is unsuccessful).
B. between the time when the Service receives the proposal, and the Notice of Award is signed; or
C. during the project period after receipt of the Notice of Award
V. May have as its source as the Indian Self-Determination and Educational Assistance Act, P.L. 93-638,
of 1975.
VI. Must not be reimbursed by NAWCA or by another organization claiming the expense as a match for
the project, but instead must be permanently dedicated to a project proposal and committed by the
proposal due date. For example, if an organization funds an acquisition but is later reimbursed by a
different organization, the value of the acquisition can be counted as match only once (that is, only one
of the two organizations counts as contributing the match).
VII. May include monitoring and evaluation costs, only if results will be used to improve wetlands
conservation activities at project sites during the project period. If monitoring and evaluation covers
areas outside of project sites, only the portion of those costs related to work on project sites is eligible
unless the work outside of the sites comprises a de minimis portion of the costs.
VIII. May be donated title to real property where the donation increases resource values of the proposal
or protection or management of wetlands and migratory bird values.
IX. May be the fair rental value of loaned equipment.
X. May be easement stewardship or endowment costs, if the funds are in an account dedicated solely to
easement stewardship and are for activities such as easement defense as opposed to management of
fee title properties.
XI. May be Department of the Interior (DOI) Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration
(NRDAR) Fund (Fund) monies:
A. if wetlands mitigation required under Water Resources Development Act (including Clean Water
Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, etc.) or Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act is not part of the NRDAR-
funded work,
B. if the work significantly contributes to the wetland protection objectives of the proposal,
C. if the monies have been or will be deposited pursuant to a joint and indivisible recovery by the
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DOI and non-Federal trustees under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Oil Pollution Act (OPA),
D. if the monies were or will be transferred to a non-Federal trustee who has joint and binding
control over the funds (the non-Federal trustee may transfer it to another entity, but that could
affect whether it’s an eligible match based on such considerations as: Did the trustee’s transfer
of the money comply with the trustee’s own laws and regulations regarding any State or tribal
grant, cooperative agreement, or contracting statute or regulations?),
E. if the co-trustees agree that monies from the Fund should be made available to the non-Federal
trustee and allowed to be proffered as a non-Federal match to accomplish an appropriate
project consistent with the settlement agreement and the provisions of CERCLA and OPA, and
F. if the factors above are addressed in a letter submitted with the proposal from the non-Federal
trustee; if a letter is not included, the match will be ineligible.
XII. May be congressionally appropriated funds if legislative language specifically characterizes the
appropriated funds as “non-Federal” for certain designated purposes that would include NAWCA
objectives. The grant applicant should provide ample evidence in the proposal regarding the non-
Federal nature of the match. For example, P.L. 103-434, the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning
and Conservation Act, provides an exception that allows Bonneville Power Administration rate payer
funds to be used as non-Federal funds for purposes of matching Federal dollars to fund projects that
promote conservation of wildlife and fisheries resources, including wetlands, while improving water
quality and availability in the Yakima River Basin.
XIII. Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) and RESTORE Act funds may be
considered as eligible Federal match funds if the associated acquisition documents clearly identify
subordination to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
NOTE: unless a grant or match cost is explicitly allowed, the cost should be assumed to be ineligible
unless otherwise informed in writing by the Service/DBHC. Contact DBHC staff to discuss allowability
of grant and/or match funds, policy requirements, and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
explanations.
INELIGIBLE GRANT COSTS
The following grant costs/activities are ineligible to be paid with NAWCA grant funds (these activities
may be eligible as match under certain circumstances; see Eligible Match Costs):
A. stewardship costs;
B. monitoring or evaluation costs;
C. proposal planning and development costs, including experiments, studies, or other investigations to
document resource values;
D. interest on a loan;
E. administrative salary costs incurred prior to grant execution (including for proposal development)
and after the project period; and
F. costs related to enrollment of participants in other Federal conservation programs;
INELIGIBLE GRANT AND MATCH COSTS
The following costs/activities are ineligible to be paid with NAWCA grant funds or to be used as
match:
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A. actions that will put credits into wetlands mitigation banks;
B. mitigation activity required by Federal, State or local wetland regulations. Federal mitigation activity
includes compliance under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1934, as amended, or the
Water Resources Development Act of 1986, as amended. This includes mitigation required by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers related to development or management of water resources (such as,
but not limited to, Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or Section 10 of the Rivers
and Harbors Act), actions to benefit fish and wildlife resources that are required as part of a
settlement or relicensing of an energy project under the Federal Power Act, compensation required
under the Federal Water Projects Recreation Act, etc.;
C. unless your approved NICRA specifically allows it, indirect costs calculated on a base that include the
following are ineligible:
1. subgrants (subawards), the portion of contracts and subcontracts above $25,000, any in-kind
match provided by a party other than the applicant;
2. non-match, in-kind match from partners other than the partner with the NICRA, and
contributions from Federal agencies and other items that “distort” the cost base;
3. the purchase price of interests in real property and the cost to put it into place, including legal
and administrative fees associated directly with the transfer of the property;
4. the purchase price of equipment with an acquisition cost of $10,000 or more per unit and a
useful life of more than one year (consistent with recipient policy, lower limits may be
established);
D. law enforcement;
E. research;
F. the value of existing residences, structures, and buildings unnecessary for wetlands conservation
purposes and the cost to construct, remove or repair; in the case of allowable development
envelopes, the acres and costs associated with the envelopes should not be included as part of the
proposal;
G. boat ramps, parking lots, roads, and other public access work;
H. observation towers and blinds;
I. routine operations and maintenance salaries and costs;
J. acquisition of tractors and other equipment if it would be more cost effective to rent, lease, or use
equipment on hand;
K. acquisition of vehicles (note that all-terrain vehicles are considered equipment if the acquisition cost
is more than $5,000 per unit);
L. loss of income (e.g., lost grazing revenue);
M. contingencies;
N. non-proposal specific communications products;
O. salaries and travel expenses for permanent, full-time Federal employees;
P. an easement that is subordinate to a mortgage or lien;
Q. costs over the appraised value for lease, fee-title and easement acquisitions;
R. short-term annual conservation activities, such as annual predator management;
S. materials or salaries related to conservation education, including signage;
T. land-owner incentive payments;
U. maintenance or habitat management costs other than qualified restoration/enhancement/
establishment actions;
V. acquisition costs, salaries, travel expenses, and other costs that are associated with non-matching
acquisitions;
W. procurement, repair, or service of Designated Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
X. Costs not part of the approved budget
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NOTE: unless a grant or match cost is explicitly allowed, the cost should be assumed to be ineligible
unless otherwise informed in writing by the Service/DBHC. Contact DBHC staff to discuss allowability
of grant and/or match funds, policy requirements, and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
explanations.
INELIGIBLE MATCH COSTS
In addition to those costs listed under Ineligible Grant and Match Costs, the following costs/activities
are ineligible as match:
A. Funds and accomplishments that have been successfully committed or reported as match or cost-
share for other Federal financial assistance programs, even if the cost-share was more than what
was statutorily required by that program. This restriction includes Federal Aid to States (i.e. State
Wildlife Grants); Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act grants; Endangered
Species Act grants; Partners for Fish and Wildlife (private lands); USDA (WRE, ACEP-Ale and RCPP),
and other Federal financial assistance programs.
B. Funds that are designated for wetland or wildlife mitigation.
C. Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) funds.
D. Monitoring and inventory activities not specifically related to wetland conservation actions during
the project period.
E. Proposal planning and development costs, including experiments, studies, or other investigations to
document resource values.
NAWCA GRANT PROPOSAL PROCESSES
What are the submission deadlines?
● US Standard Proposal Deadline: No later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on submission deadline date.
● US Small Proposal Deadline: No later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on submission deadline date.
Can I submit a proposal early or what if I submit a proposal after a submission deadline?
Yes, proposals may be submitted at any time before the submission deadline.
Proposal Deadlines
The U.S. Standard Program operates on two submission cycles. Please note that as of December 12,
2024, these cycles have been swapped. The upcoming deadlines are:
• Cycle 1: July 10, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
• Cycle 2: May 7, 2026 (11:59 PM ET) — Special one-time deadline
We strongly encourage applicants to submit proposals well in advance of these dates to avoid technical
issues or unforeseen delays. Proposals may be submitted at any time prior to the deadlines.
Late Submission Policy:
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• Proposals received after the July 2025 deadline will automatically be considered for the May
2026 cycle.
• Proposals received after the May 2026 deadline will be ineligible unless clearly labeled as an
early FY2027 submission (subject to future guideline modifications).
● US Small: Proposals received after the deadline will be processed but will be considered for funding
as an early submission for the next Fiscal Year.
Will I get comments on the proposal? When will I know if a site visit is needed (US Standard Proposals
only)?
DBHC will communicate with the Project Officer after:
1. DBHC has completed its initial eligibility review of the proposal. Approximately three weeks after the
submission deadline, we will send the Project Officer comments via email requesting clarification
and/or more information regarding the application. DBHC will typically request that you respond via
email within 72 hours of receiving it to ensure that the scoring of your proposal will not be impacted
due to insufficient information or that the proposal is determined to be ineligible for further review.
2. The proposal has been scored. Site visits will be scheduled, if needed.
3. Each Council Staff, Council, and Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) meeting, the
Project Officer must be available to respond to questions about the proposal.
How do I communicate with DBHC on my application, eligibility review, and if awarded, where do I
request modifications, extensions for my project, etc.?
The Service has officially migrated to GrantSolutions. GrantSolutions is a federally shared service for
grant and management programs to support Federal agencies throughout the entire grant lifecycle. If
selected and approved for a grant, all external NAWCA grantees are required to be registered within
GrantSolutions. Grantees must first properly set up your Grant Solutions account, including obtaining
the correct user roles within the system. DBHC recommends all entities to review all the training videos
and FAQ section on GrantSolutions website, https://www.grantsolutions.gov/.
Every entity will need to have the following roles within Grant Solutions
1. “GRANTEE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR” (PI/PD) (Project Officer)
2. “GRANTEE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER” (ADO)
Any questions regarding role creation or grant solutions in general should be directed to the Grant
Solutions Help Desk: (202) 401-5282 or (866) 577-0771.
Internal (Service) awards are not administered through GrantSolutions. DBHC will communicate directly
with Service applicants and award recipients regarding their NAWCA proposal and award.
What do I need to do after the Council selects the proposal?
Hopefully, you have already contacted your Migratory Bird Joint Venture Coordinator so you know
whether DBHC needs additional information to complete eligibility/compliance review. There are only a
few months between the Council and MBCC meetings, so you should be prepared to provide additional
information quickly, if needed. The proposal will not be presented to the MBCC for final funding
approval unless the Service can ensure that environmental compliance reviews are likely to be
completed (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, the
National Historic Preservation Act, and with Service contaminants survey requirements (if
applicable)). Before funds can be electronically distributed to your organization via the ASAP payment
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system, your organization must send final compliance documentation to DBHC for each tract (excluding
those exclusively funded with old match), establish a UEI (Unique Entity identifier) and SAM.gov profile,
and register for a GrantSolutions’ account. For UEI and SAM information, visit:
https://sam.gov/content/duns-uei
When will I know if the proposal has been approved for funding?
● US Standard: The Migratory Bird Conservation Commissions usually meets in April and September
to give final funding approval to NAWCA proposals. Special due date circumstance for these April
proposals will be presented to the MBCC for the upcoming Fall and July 2026 proposals will be
presented to the MBCC the following Spring. Note: July 2026 proposals for 2027-1 US Standard
cycle is pending DOI approval process. After each MBCC meeting, you will be notified of the results
and will be asked to establish or renew an ASAP account. Additionally, Project Officer and proposal
summary information will be posted on the NAWCA website. Please share the approval news with
elected officials and the general public via a news release and send us a copy. For information on
MBCC visit: https://fws.gov/program/land-acquisition-and-realty/migratory-bird-conservation-
commission.
● US Small: The Council usually meets in late February to make project selections. Note: For this
FY2026 US Small cycle, Council meeting will take place at a later date in 2026, but applicants will
be notified once that date is scheduled. After the Council meeting, you will be notified of the
results and asked to establish or renew an ASAP Account. Additionally, Project Officer and proposal
summary information will be posted on the NAWCA website. Please share the approval news with
elected officials and the general public via a news release and send us a copy. Selected US Small
projects will be presented to the September MBCC meeting as a report of funded projects.
When will I receive the grant funds?
The Notice of Award incorporates the proposal by reference and is developed by the Service when
funding is available to issue grant award. A DBHC Grant Administrator will review the proposal and
assemble the pertinent documents. If the Grant Administrator finds any problem related to compliance
with law, policy, or administrative procedures, they will contact the Project Officer to seek a resolution.
If there are no problems, or the problems have been resolved, the NGA will be sent through Grant
Solutions. The period of performance will be indicated on the Notice of Award. Recipient signature is not
required.
The recipient may decline the award or request a delay of the execution date by written notice to the
Grant Administrator within 30 days of receipt of the award. The Grant Administrator may terminate the
award in whole or part if the recipient materially fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the
award. The Grant Administrator may also terminate the award with the consent of the recipient, in
which case the two parties must agree upon the termination conditions, including the effective date
and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. The recipient may terminate the
award upon sending to the Grant Administrator written notification setting forth the reasons for
termination, the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.
However, in the case of partial termination, if the Grant Administrator determines that the reduced or
modified portion of the grant agreement will not accomplish the purposes for which the award was
made, the Grant Administrator may terminate the award in its entirety. In any partial termination
situations, the Grants Officer must consider the recipient’s responsibilities for property management (if
any) and the submission of financial, performance, and other reports required by the grant agreement.
Remember that you will be expected to conduct work and meet acreage objectives as described in the
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proposal. Annually appropriated funds are not available until the beginning of the Federal fiscal year,
October 1. Grant funds are “no-year dollars” and, therefore, do not have to be spent within a Federal
fiscal year, but do need to be spent within the award’s period of performance.
US Standard table and diagram below show the processes described above:
PROPOSAL IS SUBMITTED IN MAY BE CONSIDERED BY AND MAY BE APPROVED FOR
COUNCIL IN FUNDING BY MBCC IN
Cycle 1: July 2025 December 2025 May 2026
Cycle 2: May 2026 June/July 2026 Fall 2026
US Small table and diagram below show the processes described above:
PROPOSAL IS SUBMITTED IN MAY BE CONSIDERED AND REPORT FUNDING TO MBCC IN
APPROVED BY COUNCIL IN
*Summer 2026 Fall/Winter 2026 Spring 2027
*FY2026 Small grants dates will be confirmed soon.
How will I receive grant funds?
The Service is using the U.S. Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP). Once
approved you will be prompted to set up an ASAP account before DBHC can release the award.
If you have questions about whether you can comply with any stipulations in any of these documents,
please contact the program coordinator associated with the program you are applying for before you
submit a proposal:
US Standard Program: Stacy Sanchez, (703)358-2017, Stacy_Sanchez@fws.gov
US Small Grants Program: Anya Rushing, (703)358-2032, Anya_Rushing@fws.gov
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Appendix A: Example of Notice of Grant Requirements (NOGR)
(Required on all acquired real property interests, including those that are 100% match funded)
Notice of Grant Requirements
[PARTNER] is the owner of a certain piece or parcel of land located in [TOWN, COUNTY,
STATE] more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto and made part hereof (the
“Property”).
[PARTNER] acquired the Property [with] [as match for] North American Wetlands Conserva-
tion Act funds pursuant to a Grant Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
[Grant Recipient] (“NAME OF PROJECT”), dated ______________, Agreement Number:
_________________, a copy of which is kept at the Division of Bird Habitat Conservation
(DBHC), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240 and at the
office of [GRANT RECIPIENT] at [address].
This property was conserved in order to [STATE PURPOSE OF PROJECT].
[PARTNER] hereby agrees to be bound by the terms of the Grant Agreement as they relate to
the Property, including the obligation to ensure the long-term conservation of the Property and to
obtain the consent of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service DBHC prior to the conveyance or en-
cumbrance of any interest therein. If any interest is converted, sold, conveyed, or otherwise en-
cumbered, an attributable share may be owed to DBHC.
The terms of this Notice shall be binding upon [PARTNER] and its designees and successors.
In witness whereof the [PARTNER] has set its hand and seal this ___ day of __________,
20___
__________________________
By:
Its:
DULY AUTHORIZED
STATE OF () COUNTY OF ()
On this ___ day of __________, 20___, before me personally appeared _______________, to me
personally known, who, being by my duly sworn did state that ______ is the ________________
of the corporation named in the foregoing instrument; that the seal affixed to said instrument is
the corporation seal of said corporation; and acknowledged said instrument to be the free act and
deed of said corporation.
__________________________
Notary Public
My Commission expires:
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> Download XLSX file: 2025 Financial Table Example for 2026-2.xlsx

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> Download XLSX file: 2025 US ST Proposal Tables Template for 2026-2.xlsx

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2025 US Standard Instructions for 2026-2 FINAL2 March 2026.pdf

MB-FWS-Migratory Birds
NAWCA 2026-2 US Standard Grants
FY2026
Announcement Title: F26AS00026-NAWCA 2026-2 US
Standard Grants
Application Due Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 11:59 pm Eastern
Time
Program Authorizing Legislation: North American Wetlands Conservation Act (16 USC Ch. 64)
SOLICITATIONS: The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program does not use social
media or contact individuals by phone to solicit, review, or make awards. Government staff will NOT call
or message you are requesting money in order to be eligible for an award. Please report any information
and documentation that you have related to such incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center
(https://www.ic3.gov) and your local law enforcement authorities.
Privacy Act, Paperwork Reduction Act, and burden estimate statements for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service collection of information to administer financial assistance programs and activities were updated
in July 2024. For further information, visit: https://www.fws.gov/media/required-notices-and-burden-
statement-omb-control-no-1018-0100.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
HOW TO MAKE YOUR PROPOSAL SUCCESSFUL ........................................................................................... 3
APPLYING FOR A NAWCA US STANDARD GRANT ........................................................................................ 4
MAJOR CHANGES/UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR US STANDARD GRANT
INSTRUCTIONS ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
PROJECT OFFICER’S PAGE .................................................................................................................................. 8
PROPOSAL SUMMARY (2-PAGE LIMIT) .......................................................................................................... 11
FINANCIAL PLAN TABLE .................................................................................................................................... 14
WORK PLAN ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
WORK PLAN FORMAT.......................................................................................................................................... 19
TRACT TABLE AND FINAL TITLEHOLDER SUMMARY ............................................................................. 21
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS (14-PAGE LIMIT) ........................................................................ 23
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS FORMAT ....................................................................................... 24
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #1 ...................................................................................................... 24
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #2 ...................................................................................................... 25
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #3 ...................................................................................................... 26
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #4 ...................................................................................................... 27
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #5 ...................................................................................................... 28
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #6 ...................................................................................................... 29
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #7 ...................................................................................................... 30
SCORING TABLE .................................................................................................................................................... 32
PARTNER CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS ..................................................................................................... 33
PARTNER CONTRIBUTION LETTER TEMPLATE .......................................................................................... 34
COORDINATION WITH THE MIGRATORY BIRD JOINT VENTURES ...................................................... 35
OPTIONAL MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS PLAN (MATCH PLAN OR MCP) .......................................... 35
STANDARD FORM-424S, SF-LLL AND PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY INSTRUCTIONS ............... 35
MAPS OF PROJECT AREA AND TRACT(S) ...................................................................................................... 37
PROJECT AREA MAP EXAMPLES ..................................................................................................................... 39
TRACT MAP EXAMPLES .................................................................................................................................... 42
GIS SHAPEFILE INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................................................................................... 45
PROPOSAL EMAIL ATTACHMENTS ................................................................................................................. 46
PROPOSAL EXAMPLES BY SECTION ............................................................................................................... 47
PROPOSAL SUMMARY EXAMPLE ................................................................................................................... 48
FINANCIAL PLAN TABLE EXAMPLE............................................................................................................... 50
WORK PLAN EXAMPLE ..................................................................................................................................... 51
TRACT TABLE EXAMPLE .................................................................................................................................. 54
TAQ #1 EXAMPLE ................................................................................................................................................ 55
TAQ #2 EXAMPLE ................................................................................................................................................ 56
TAQ #3 EXAMPLE ................................................................................................................................................ 57
TAQ #4 EXAMPLE ................................................................................................................................................ 58
TAQ #5 EXAMPLE ................................................................................................................................................ 58
OPTIONAL MATCHING CONTRIBUTION PLAN EXAMPLE ......................................................................... 59
OTHER ATTACHMENTS....................................................................................................................................... 60
A. TAQ #1 PRIORITY NAWCA WATERFOWL SPECIES ................................................................................. 61
B. BIRD CONSERVATION REGIONS AND TAQ #2 PRIORITY NAWCA NON-WATERFOWL SPECIES .. 62
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INTRODUCTION
These instructions are applicable to U.S. Standard Grant proposals submitted through Thursday, May 7,
2026.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR PROPOSAL SUCCESSFUL
Contact the Division of Bird Habitat Conservation (DBHC) with any questions.
DBHC staff reviews each proposal, proposal component, and recipient(s) for eligibility. The rules,
regulations and policies that govern financial assistance under a North American Wetlands Conservation
Act (NAWCA) grant can be difficult to navigate. It is highly recommended that you contact DBHC with
any questions, especially questions regarding eligible activities. A proposal will be automatically
ineligible if the margins and font style/size are modified from the Proposal Outline Template, or if the
proposal is missing enough sufficient information necessary to consider the proposal complete. We
highly recommended you log into GrantSolutions and/or create your GrantSolutions profile months
in advance to confirm that your organization has access and that roles are correct to prevent a
delay in submitting your application. If technical difficulties occur, contact DBHC to troubleshoot.
To review NAWCA US Eligibility Criteria and Processes, visit: https://www.fws.gov/media/north-
american-wetlands-conservation-act-united-states-small-and-standard-grant-proposal.
Proposal Outline Template and Other Information
Project Narrative is required for all financial assistance. NAWCA does have a project narrative
established but is called the proposal outline.
Project Narrative Standard Elements Proposal Outline
----------------------------------------------->>
• Project Title Project Officer Page
• Entity/key personnel
• Needs Statement Proposal Summary
• Objectives
• Approach/Methods Work Plan
• Timeline
• Expected Results, Benefits, TAQ Tables
Outcomes
• Project Location Proposal Summary, Work Plan, Tract table,
Maps
• Budget Narrative Financial Table
We recommend you prepare the Work Plan, Financial Plan Table, and Tract Table before developing the
rest of the proposal. These will provide a reference to ensure that the proposal data is consistent
throughout all sections. For current Proposal Outline Template and other information visit:
https://www.fws.gov/media/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-us-standard-outline.
Migratory Bird Joint Venture
We highly recommend coordinating with your local Migratory Bird Joint Venture (Joint Venture). Joint
Ventures are located throughout the United States and may be able to assist with partnership
opportunities: https://www.fws.gov/partner/migratory-bird-joint-ventures.
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Joint Ventures can assist with bird number information and/or provide guidance on developing your
technical assistance questions section. Also, Joint Ventures are an advocate for proposals in their Joint
Venture and will provide proposal rankings during the scoring process, so it is key that you include your
Joint Venture in the development your proposal.
APPLYING FOR A NAWCA US STANDARD GRANT
If your organization is registered in GrantSolutions (https://www.grantsolutions.gov/), you must apply for
grant opportunity announcements directly via GrantSolutions. If you encounter issues with submitting an
application in GrantSolutions, contact GrantSolutions help desk to confirm roles. See ‘Steps to Setting Up
an Account within GrantSolutions’ below.
The instructions to apply for an announcement within GrantSolutions are described below:
https://www.grantsolutions.gov/support/public/pdf/QuickSheetDirectedAnnouncement.pdf
For all non-Federal entities: If a proposal is not submitted through GrantSolutions, then the
proposal will be deemed ineligible.
The screenshot below includes the forms that must be included with your submission:
‘Other’ – Location to upload property documents, NICRA, audit reports, and other supporting documents.
‘Program Narrative’ – Full proposal that includes partner letters and maps in pdf form.
Project Abstract Summary – Must be completed to support award language. See Standard Form-424s, SF-
LLL and Project Abstract Summary Instructions section to complete this summary.
SF-424 – Required for all NAWCA non-federal and federal applicants.
SF-424A – Budget information is required on all projects.
SF-LLL – Disclosure of lobbying activities.
SF-424 B and D - Effective October 28, 2022, the Service no longer requires applicants to submit the
"Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B)" form or the "Assurances for Construction
Programs (SF-424D)" form with their applications.
Note: GIS shapefiles must be emailed since GrantSolutions does not have the ability to accept shapefiles.
After your application is submitted, email the application confirmation number (Confirmation
number will start with FWS-MB followed by year and six numbers) and other required
attachments (see Proposal Email Attachments section) to dbhc@fws.gov.
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Federal Applicants: See Standard Form-424s, SF-LLL and Project Abstract Summary Instructions
section for how to download and complete SF-424 forms. Email proposal, SF-424 forms, shapefiles,
and all supporting documents to dbhc@fws.gov.
Note to ALL Applicants: Grantsolutions.gov, Grants.gov and SAM.gov are free websites. Do not pay for
your SAM.gov registration or renewal, and do not provide any information to any scammers who may
contact you.
Steps to register for Unique Entity ID (UEI) number (formerly DUNS)
On April 4, 2022, the DUNS number was replaced by the Unique Entity ID (UEI). You must have an
active System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration to apply through GrantSolutions, to
receive an award and to receive funds. We strongly encourage applicants to initiate this process at least
six weeks before the application deadline. If your organization is registered with SAM.gov but your status
is not listed as “active,” you must update your registration prior to submitting an application. You must
renew and revalidate the SAM.gov registration at least every 12 months and ensure that all information is
current. All active SAM.gov registrants will have their Unique Entity ID (UEI) automatically assigned
and viewable within SAM.gov.
Steps to Set Up Account within GrantSolutions:
1. To register for a user account, visit https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-
user-account/.
2. In “Request a user account”, go to GrantSolutions Self Registration and click on Electronic User
Request Form.
3. To complete your GrantSolutions account setup, someone in your organization needs to be assigned the
role of “Grantee Administrative Official/Grantee Authorized Representative”.
4. Once your organization is set up in GrantSolutions, your organization can apply for directed grant
announcements within GrantSolutions. Below is a link that explains how to apply for a Directed
Announcement:
https://www.grantsolutions.gov/support/public/pdf/QuickSheetDirectedAnnouncement.pdf
Help desk Support
Please send all GrantSolutions related help desk questions/issues to help@grantsolutions.gov. If you do
not receive a response or if the response did not resolve the issue, please ask that the ticket be escalated.
Very important: enter all requested information under GRANTEE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
(PI/PD) and the GRANTEES ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (ADO). Do not forget the username and
the correctly spelled email address. For new applications, submit the form without filling in the requested
“grant number”.
Proposal Deadlines
The U.S. Standard Program operates on two submission cycles. Please note that as of December 12,
2024, these cycles have been swapped. The upcoming deadlines are:
• Cycle 1: July 10, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
• Cycle 2: May 7, 2026 (11:59 PM ET) — Special one-time deadline
We strongly encourage applicants to submit proposals well in advance of these dates to avoid technical
issues or unforeseen delays. Proposals may be submitted at any time prior to the deadlines.
Late Submission Policy:
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• Proposals received after the July 2025 deadline will automatically be considered for the May
2026 cycle.
• Proposals received after the May 2026 deadline will be ineligible unless clearly labeled as an
early FY2027 submission (subject to future guideline modifications).
Integrity of Scientific and Scholarly Activities
In 2011, the Department of Interior (DOI) established a policy to ensure and maintain the integrity of
scientific and scholarly activities used to inform management and public policy decisions: DOI Policy,
305 DM 3, "Integrity of Scientific and Scholarly Activities". The scientific integrity policy applies to the
DOI employees, contractors, grant recipients, and volunteers when they analyze or share scientific
information with the public or use DOI’s information to make policy or regulatory decisions. This policy
applies to all funding applications received by the North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant
programs. Essentially, the use of false data to leverage grant funds is a direct violation of DOI's scientific
integrity policy and requires the refund of any associated federal assistance.
Partner Contribution Statements
We will only accept properly formatted Partner Contribution Statements as verification of partner match.
Submitting partner letters that do not follow the format in the guidelines will adversely affect the timely
review of a proposal and may result in the contribution being considered as non-match. See the US
Eligibility Criteria and Processes document for more information about non-match funds and partners.
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MAJOR CHANGES/UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR US STANDARD GRANT
INSTRUCTIONS
• IMPORTANT: Please do not send locked or encrypted PDFs or in portfolio format.
• FY2026 Old Match requirement: NAWC Council extended old match from two calendar years to
three calendar years based on US Standard cycle swap for FY2026. Note: Old match two-year
requirement will resume after FY2026. For additional match information, review US Grant
Administration Standards (Section D: Financial Administration, Part 4: Matching Funds section).
• Pre-award cost statement is now included on the Project Officer Page and a response is required. Pre-
award costs will not be authorized for activities that are not stated clearly in the pre-award cost
statement in the Proposal. *A table is now provided for you to fill out the pre-award justification
by tract and activity.* See the Project Officer’s Page and Work Plan instructions for additional pre-
award information.
• Indirect Cost Rate tables for each tract and/or grant administration need to be completed below the
financial plan table. See Indirect Cost Rate information for further guidance and table.
• In the Work Plan, land acquisition language questions for building envelopes, activities on easements,
and purpose of the lease were edited/updated. See the updated Work Plan Format section.
• In the Work Plan tract tables, if any activity(ies) include travel costs (meals, lodging, mileage), then
those costs can be lumped together under travel costs.
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PROJECT OFFICER’S PAGE
To download the full Proposal Outline Template, visit:
https://www.fws.gov/media/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-us-standard-outline
Please do not include a cover/transmittal letter at the beginning of the proposal. The Project Officer’s
page must be the first page of the proposal. Do not adjust margins on the Project Officer’s Page. The
information below in italics is intended to assist you as you complete the blank proposal outline. Do NOT
edit or delete required statements/questions when providing responses.
What is the proposal title? Do not include private landowner names. Due to database limitations, it is
critical that the title be limited to 80 characters (including spaces); phased proposals must retain the
original title with only the phase number changing. Enter a short, descriptive, and unique title, such as
“Falcon Bottoms,” “Turtle Bog Marsh,” or “Great Bay.” If the proposal is a phase of an earlier funded
proposal, use the same title as the earlier proposal and include the appropriate Roman numeral to denote
that this is a subsequent proposal, such as “Falcon Bottoms II.”
What is the date you are submitting the proposal?
Project Officer Information:
1. Name: The Project Officer MUST be the primary point of contact for the project and MUST be
affiliated with/employed by the grantee’s organization. List the person who will be managing the
project activities, filing reports, and communicating with DBHC. Please note, this will be the only
person DBHC communicates with regarding the project.
2. Organization: Full legal name of the Applicant Organization. If the organization entered here is not
the grantee organization, please explain. (See most current Eligibility Criteria and Processes)
3. Project Officer’s Work Address: City, State, Zip+4 where available (No P.O. Box Addresses). This
should not be a personal address.
4. Telephone number: List the numbers at which the Project Officer can be reached, including work and
cell numbers.
5. Email address:
6. Additional Contacts: We require a single Project Officer, but please list another contact who may
communicate with us pre- or post- award about the project if the Project Officer is unavailable. The
Project Officer must be fully engaged in the proposal and project process. Provide name(s), email(s),
and phone number(s).
Will any of the NAWCA funds requested as part of this proposal be received or spent by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service or another Federal agency? Yes/No
If yes, which agency(ies) will receive these funds and what is the fund amount:
Agency_______________________ Amount______________
Does this proposal include acquisition activities that will add to the National Wildlife Refuge
System (NWRS)? Yes/No
If yes, please indicate which NWRS program will accept the acquisition(s): National Wildlife Refuge
(NWR) and which one(s), Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) and which one(s), or Small Wetland
Acquisition Program (SWAP).
Will any portion of any tract or activities associated with any tract be used to satisfy wetland or
habitat mitigation requirements under Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Act, Water Resources Development Act, ecological service credits or other
related statutes now or in the future? Yes/No
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If yes, please highlight and provide details in the appropriate financial plan narrative/work plan section.
Have you confirmed that all partners, key personnel, and contractors are eligible to participate in
Federal grants? Yes/No
Project Officer must confirm that parties are eligible to participate in federal grants by checking the
Federal Excluded Parties List at: https://sam.gov/content/exclusions. If an ineligible party participates in
a federally funded project, all or a portion of the federal funding may be terminated.
Briefly describe qualifications and experience of key personnel (1-2 sentences per individual) who
will be providing project implementation assistance (e.g., financial officer, project officer, key field
staff, etc.):
To ensure that the proposal complies with available guidelines and that partners are aware of their
responsibilities, the Project Officer certifies to the following statement: I have read the 2026-1 U.S.
Standard Grant proposal instructions, eligibility information, and applicable U.S. grant administration
policies and informed partners or partners have read the material themselves. To the best of my
knowledge, this proposal is eligible and complies with all NAWCA, North American Wetlands
Conservation Council (Council), and Federal grant guidelines and the information submitted herein is true
and correct. The work in this proposal consists of allowable and eligible work and costs associated with
long-term wetlands and migratory bird habitat conservation. If habitat or migratory bird benefits
described in the proposal are found to be grossly exaggerated and/or intentionally misleading, the
proposal may be declared ineligible, and any resulting awards may be fully or partially terminated.
_________________________
Sign & date
Audit reports. If the applicant organization expended more than $1,000,000 of federal funds during the
last calendar year, please include a copy of your most recent of Single Audit Data Collection Form (SF-
FAC) that was submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. If your organization did not expend more
than $1,000,000 of federal funds last year, please certify that the Single Audit (formerly A-133) was not
required.
Required Overlap/Duplication Statement: Applicants must provide a statement that addresses whether
there is any overlap between the proposed project and any other active or anticipated projects in terms of
activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If any overlap exists, applicants must provide a
description of the overlap in their application. Applicants must also state if the proposal submitted for
consideration under the program is/is not in any way duplicative of any proposal that was/will be
submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source (Federal or non-Federal). If
such a circumstance exists, applicants must detail when the other duplicative proposal(s) were submitted,
to whom (entity name and program), and when funding decisions are expected to be announced. If at any
time a proposal is awarded funds that would be duplicative of the funding requested from the Service,
applicants must notify the Service point of contact for this funding opportunity immediately. This
required answer can be a few short sentences explaining whether there is any overlap between or among
proposed projects. For instance, you will need to include an overlap statement if you submitted a tract(s)
for funding consideration in a NAWCA Small Grants proposal and also submitted the same tract(s) for
consideration under a U.S. Standard Grants proposal (or vice versa). Please do not delete the above
statement from your proposal.
Pre-award Cost Statement and Table: Pre-award costs are defined as costs that were incurred after a
Proposal is received by the FWS Program Office and before a Grant Agreement is issued, and therefore
they are incurred at the applicant’s risk. Please indicate whether or not pre-award costs are requested.
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To qualify for pre-award cost reimbursement, recipients must clearly demonstrate that the pre-award
activities are necessary and reasonable for accomplishing the overall program objectives. Costs must
have otherwise been approved had they occurred within the project period. DBHC will not approve pre-
award costs for work performed that did not have written approval to incur those costs OR requires
compliance documentation.
For pre-award costs, complete the following time that highlights the request for funds to accomplish pre-
award activities. The table should include the following:
• Provide a detailed description of what requested costs will cover for each tract (e.g., permitting,
project design, staff time, etc.).
• Provide an explanation for the need for the pre-award costs.
• The amount of funding requested for pre-award activities.
• Provide the start and completion dates for all pre-award activities.
• Add or delete activity rows as necessary.
Tract ID Pre-award Activity Pre-award Justification Amount of Grant Date(s)
Funding
Do you have any comments about, or suggestions for, the NAWCA program?
You may provide comments with this proposal or send them at any time.
• By mail to: Coordinator, North American Wetlands Conservation Council
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Bird Habitat Conservation
Mail Stop: MB
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041-3803
• Via phone to: 703-358-1748
• Via e-mail(preferred) to: dbhc@fws.gov
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PROPOSAL SUMMARY (2-page limit)
The Proposal Summary is the only narrative material provided to the North American Wetlands
Conservation Council and Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, so it must be descriptive and
succinct. Do not include a detailed description of the work to be done for individual tract(s), as this should
be included within the Work Plan section of the Proposal. Consider developing the Summary after you
have written the rest of the proposal to help ensure that information in the Summary is consistent with the
proposal. The Proposal Summary must follow the format provided in the blank proposal outline exactly,
including margins, spacing, font size, etc. Click here for the Proposal Summary Example.
General Requirements
1. The Proposal Summary will be used as a stand-alone document and will be subject to editing by the
USFWS. Start the Proposal Summary on a new page.
2. Do not number Proposal Summary pages. Start with the Financial Plan Table as page 1, and
sequentially number all remaining pages.
3. The Proposal Summary, which includes tabular and narrative information, may be a maximum of two
pages.
4. All margins must be 1 inch. Failure to adhere to margin requirements will affect eligibility of your
proposal.
5. Format must be a PDF version. IMPORTANT: Do not send locked or encrypted PDFs!
6. Font size: 11 point and Font type: Times New Roman. Failure to adhere to font size requirements will
affect the eligibility of your proposal.
7. The information in the summary table must exactly match the information provided elsewhere in the
proposal.
Specific Requirements (see Proposal Summary Example).
1. Center “NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY” in
all capital letters at the top of the page and center the project title and state with initial capital letters
beneath it. Do not use private landowner names in title. If the proposal is a phase of an earlier funded
proposal, use the title of the earlier proposal with an appropriate Roman numeral denoting the phase
number.
2. All other information is left justified, without indentation, except for financial totals on the right side
of the page, which are right justified.
3. Type the header for each paragraph category in all capital letters (e.g., COUNTY(IES), STATE(S),
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S); JOINT VENTURE(S); BIRD CONSERVATION REGION(S);
GRANT AMOUNT; MATCHING PARTNERS; etc.).
• Note: If the project area includes the entirety of a state and there are to be determined (TBD)
tracts in the proposal, please list the state and indicate “statewide” instead of listing all counties
within that state. If the project area includes the entirety of a state but all tract locations are
known, then provide the list of counties that the tracts are located in.
• Joint Venture(s): Identify the Migratory Bird Joint Venture area(s) by visiting the USFWS JV
Directory website or download the JV GIS shapefile.
• BCR(s): Identify the Bird Conservation Region BCR(s). Visit https://nabci-us.org/resources/bird-
conservation-regions-map/ or download the BCR GIS shapefile.
4. Using the prescribed format shown in the example, provide the requested information for each
category. However, do not include categories shown in the example if no information for that
category exists. For instance, if there is no proposed restoration work, do not include a “Restored”
line in the “ACTIVITIES, COSTS AND ACRES” section.
5. Enter the total grant amount on the right side of the page, right justified, on the same line as the
header “GRANT AMOUNT.” Under “Grant Amount”, type “Allocation:” Enter the allocation
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amount after the Grantee organization name. Enter the total for MATCHING PARTNERS, and the
total for ACTIVITIES, COSTS AND ACRES each on the same line as their respective headers, in
alignment with the total grant amount.
6. MATCHING PARTNERS: Enter the grantee organization and contribution (if applicable)
immediately underneath the category header. List the matching partners and their contributions under
the grantee. Provide the full partner’s name; do not abbreviate. List the individual match contributions
in tabular format (see example). For the grantee or partner associated with a Matching
Contributions Plan (MCP), list the amount associated with the MCP phase as the contribution
amount on a separate line.
7. GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS AND ACRES: Insert the total costs and acreage
associated with the grant and match funds to the right on the same line as the header (right justified).
Under the header, list one or more appropriate activities, costs, and acreages from the following
activity categories: Fee Acquired; Fee Donated; Easement(s) Acquired; Easement(s) Donated;
Lease(s) Acquired; Lease(s) Donated; Restored; Enhanced; Wetland Established; Other; Previously
Approved MCP Funds; Indirect Costs. List the activities in that order, but do not list categories in
which no activity will take place. After each category listed, indicate the amount being expended in
tabular format, and then type a slash (/) and the total acreage involved. If building envelope acres are
involved with any activities, ensure that these acres are not included in the acreage totals for the
proposal.
• Include only those activities, costs, and acres associated with grant or match funds. See the
instructions for the Financial Plan Table below for contributions from non-match funds.
• If acquired acreage also will be restored or enhanced in the current proposal, place parentheses
around the restored or enhanced acreage to show that they have already been accounted for under
the acquired category. These are referred to as non-additive or non-add acres. Non-add acres
should also be indicated if project activities are occurring on a property that has been part of a
previous NAWCA project.
In the following simplified example, 300 new acres are to be acquired in Fee Title using grant and/or
match funds.
• 200 new acres are to be restored using grant and/or match funds; 150 of the 300 acres acquired in
fee in this project are also restored – (150); an additional 200 acres acquired in a previous
NAWCA project will also be restored – (200).
• 100 new acres are to be enhanced using grant and/or match funds; 100 of the 300 acres acquired
in fee are also enhanced – (100); an additional 300 acres acquired in a previous phase will also be
enhanced – (300).
GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $2,050,000/600 (750) acres
Fee Acquired $1,000,000/300 acres
Restored $500,000/200 (350) acres
Enhanced $500,000/100 (400) acres
Other $50,000
8. NON-MATCHING PARTNERS: List all non-matching partners and contributions in the same
format as for matching partners. List contributions only; do not include acres or activities.
9. MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS PLAN: If a partner’s match amount is associated with a MCP
(either a new MCP submitted with the proposal or a follow-on phase for a MCP previously approved
by the Council), list only the match amount that is being applied to the current proposal. MCPs can
only be submitted for excess old match associated with the acquisition of a single tract.
All the acres associated with a new MCP are listed with the appropriate activity. Acreage associated
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with a previously approved/used MCP does not appear in subsequent proposals; list the MCP amount
attributed to the current proposal as “Previously Approved MCP Funds”.
In the following simplified examples, costs and acres are listed along with the correct format for a
new MCP (example 1) and the second phase of a previously approved MCP (example 2):
Example 1
• 400 new acres are to be acquired in Fee Title using grant and/or match funds (total cost =
$2,000,000).
• 100 additional match acquisition acres are the basis for a new MCP (total appraised value =
$3,000,000).
GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,000,000/500 acres
Fee Acquired $3,000,000/500 acres [this includes all of the MCP acres
and $1,000,000 of the value of the
MCP]
Example 2
• In this example, the MCP is the second phase of the previously approved MCP ($2,000,000
remains after the initial phase). No acres are listed because these have been accounted for in the
initial phase. Only the $2,000,000 cost associated with this phase of the MCP is listed.
• 300 new acres are to be acquired in Fee Title using grant and/or match funds ($1,000,000).
GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $3,000,000/300 acres
Fee Acquired $1,000,000/300 acres
Previously Approved MCP Funds $2,000,000
This phase would close out the MCP.
10. PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: Summarize the proposed goals and objectives. Ideas
to include but are not limited to:
• What activities are being proposed?
• Where will the activity (ies) be located (e.g., on a Refuge, private land, near a conservation area)?
• Is a Joint Venture involved and/or benefiting?
11. HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: Summarize the habitat types to benefit by the
proposed activities; provide examples of the species (e.g., Blue-winged Teal, American Bittern, etc.)
benefiting and their uses of the habitats (e.g., breeding, feeding, resting, etc.).
12. PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: Summarize the benefits of the proposal to the public (e.g.,
hiking, hunting, birding, education, water quality, etc.); describe whether any of the grant/match tracts
will allow public access, and if so, what type of access.
13. NEW PARTNERS: Identify partners who have never previously participated in any NAWCA grant.
14. RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NAWCA PROPOSALS: If applicable, summarize
the relationship of the current proposal with previously funded NAWCA proposals in the region and
show how the current proposal adds to progress (if any) towards regional conservation goals for
habitats and/or birds. If this is a phased NAWCA proposal and/or if your organization has received
other NAWCA Standard grants in the same general area, specifically identify the cumulative habitat
achievements of previous phases and how the landscape and the bird populations of that landscape
have changed.
15. THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Summarize any threats to habitats in the proposal
area or other circumstances that make funding during this proposal cycle particularly important.
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FINANCIAL PLAN TABLE
NOTE: Landowner and tract names must be consistent throughout the proposal
Insert the Financial Plan Table as page 1, after the Summary Pages.
1. Complete the Financial Plan Table provided in the Word Proposal Outline or Excel Tables Template
and insert it as page 1 after the Proposal Summary. The Word Proposal Outline contains a blank
Financial Plan Table or you may use the table in the Excel Tables Template workbook. Modify the
number of partner and activity rows as needed. Delete activity rows that do not apply to the proposal.
2. Identify each tract (or logical groupings of tracts) using a consistent method on all maps and
throughout the proposal. Show all costs covered by the grant, each matching partner, and each non-
matching partner for all grant/match tracts. Non-match should not be listed in the table unless it has
been pooled with grant/match dollars to accomplish grant/match acres. Entirely non-match tracts
and activities should not be included in the table.
3. For all grant expenditures, list the partner that will be spending grant funds on the same line item.
4. You may show grant and one partner’s contribution on one line for the same tract if that partner will
be receiving grant funds, but do not combine different partner contributions on the same line. For
example, if there are 10 separate partners contributing to fee acquisition for a particular tract, then
there should be 10 separate partner entries for that tract. Add lines to the table as needed. In the
Financial Plan Table Example, multiple lines were added under Land Costs: Fee Acquired to
demonstrate separate lines for each partner. In the example, lines were added under “Land Costs: Fee
Acquired” because different tracts are affected, and they should not be lumped.
5. Separate match funds into "Old" (spent prior to proposal submission) and "New" (to occur after
proposal is submitted and during the Grant Agreement period).
6. Include indirect costs as one line-item total and in the tract ID column include tract(s) claiming
indirect costs.
7. If you are submitting a new MCP, be sure the Financial Plan Table only includes funds for the current
proposal and not the entire contribution in the MCP. Costs from the first phase of an MCP should
appear with the activity and partner in the appropriate direct cost category. For subsequent phases of
an MCP, enter the MCP match costs in line L. PREVIOUSLY APPROVED MCP, which is above
line M. GRAND TOTAL DIRECT costs, and list the appropriate amount as old match.
Previously Approved MCP example (showing final portion of Financial Plan Table only):
ABBREVIATED OLD NEW TOTAL NON-
ACTIVITIES GRANT $ PARTNER NAME MATCH $ MATCH $ GRANT + MATCH $ TRACT ID MATCH $
L. PREVIOUSLY
APPROVED MCP PARTNER A $3,000,000 $3,000,000
M. GRAND TOTAL DIRECT
(Sum of G and H, I, J, K, L) $1,000,000 $4,000,000 $3,500,000 $8,500,000 $500,000
Indirect Costs PARTNER B $5,000 $5,000 4
N. TOTAL INDIRECT $5,000 $5,000
GRAND TOTAL
(Sum of M and N) $1,000,000 $4,000,000 $3,505,000 $8,505,000 $500,000
8. Show each private landowner by name, contribution amount, and tract if they are contributing to
grant/match acres.
9. For acres being acquired, restored, enhanced, or established by pooling both grant/match funds and
non-match funds, and in which NAWCA will acquire an undivided interest in those acres, list the
total costs in either grant or match in the table, as appropriate. Do not pro-rate acres between grant or
match (See item 2 for clarification on when to include non-match).
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10. All cost categories are shown in the Word and Excel templates. Do not include categories that do not
apply to your proposal (i.e., if there is no enhancement in your proposal, then delete those activity
rows).
11. You may use a landscape orientation, versus portrait, for the printed page if needed.
12. You may abbreviate partner names in the table but be sure to spell them out in the Partner
Information section in the bottom portion of the Financial Plan Table.
13. Below the Financial Plan Table in the Partner Information section, list each sub-grantee who will
receive, because of this proposal, any of the following:
• Federal grant funds or “new” matching funds,
• Property (e.g., land structures, dikes, levees, earthen dams, equipment, supplies) that will be
purchased with Federal grant or matching funds or
• Property committed as “new” match.
• Contractors or vendors who will be paid for goods, construction, planting or services purchased
for the proposal and individuals are NOT considered sub-grantees.
14. Indirect Costs Table(s): Below the Financial Plan Table insert the following table for each tract or
Grant Administration with associated indirect costs. Identify the specific financial plan line items to
which you are applying a NICRA in column two. Do not lump different types of base costs. Each line
entry should identify only one source (either grant or match amount).
Tract # or Grant Administration
Allowable Specific Financial Direct Approved
Partner to Total
Category from Plan Line Items Cost Base Rate (%)*/ I.C. Grant I.C. Match
which I.C. Indirect
I.C Rate to Which Indirect Amount Agreement Amount Amount
Rate Applies Cost
Agreement Cost is Applied Date
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
Matching Contribution Plans (Optional)
If any match was previously approved by the Council via an optional MCP, include a copy of the DBHC
email approving the MCP and provide the following information: tract affected, how much of each
partner’s match has been used in previous proposals, how much is being used in this proposal, and how
much will remain after the current proposal is funded (Click here to see an example of an MCP table).
Conflict of Interest Disclosures
Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, applicants must state in their
application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.
(a) Applicability.
(1) This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps
to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial
assistance agreements.
(2) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by sub
recipients, the conflict-of-interest provisions in 2 CFR 200.318 apply.
(b) Notification.
(1) Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing
any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with 2 CFR
200.112.
(2) Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify,
disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for
notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during
the life of the award, including those that have been reported by sub recipients. OMB Control No.
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1018‐0100 How to Apply for a NAWCA U.S. Standard Grant (updated 31 August 2023).
(c) Restrictions on lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or
cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures
pursuant to 43 CFR part 18 and 31 U.S.C. 1352.
(d) Review procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict-of-interest disclosure
on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement and will
determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for
resolving it.
(e) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be
cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies
described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2
CFR part 180). Contact DBHC for additional information or guidance.
WORK PLAN
The Work Plan is constructed as series of discrete, stand-alone activities (e.g., fee acquisition, easement
donation, restoration, enhancement, etc.) associated with specific tracts. See the Work Plan Example.
The Work Plan should include only grant/match tracts. Eligible non-match dollars pooled with
grant/match dollars to accomplish grant/match acres may be listed in the work plan, but acres and dollars
that are entirely funded by or attributed to non-match should NOT be included in the Work Plan.
To qualify for pre-award cost reimbursement, recipients must demonstrate in the proposal that the pre-
award activities are necessary and reasonable for accomplishing the overall program objectives and would
have been approved had they occurred within the project period. Recipients should include a statement on
whether pre-award costs are requested in the Project Officer’s Section of the proposal. Should a recipient
request pre-award costs, a detailed explanation of why pre-award costs are necessary is required. DBHC
will not approve pre-award costs for work performed that did not have written approval to incur those
costs or requires compliance documentation.
For the first phase of an MCP, list associated activities/costs with the appropriate tract. MCP costs in
subsequent proposals should be shown under “Other Direct Grant/Match Activities”, with the name and
phase of the MCP listed under “Item & Work”.
Work Plan Formatting
1. Use the following format for identifying tracts. Each tract should be numbered sequentially starting
with “1” and given an identifying name (e.g., Tract 1 - Howard Farms, Tract 2 - Brancheau Wetland,
Tract 3 - McIntyre). Describe the work to be done using the format in the example. The tract name
should exactly match that used in other sections throughout the proposal. Include the following
information:
a. Tract name, overall number of acres affected on the tract (for instance, if there are 300 acres
acquired and 100 of those acres will be restored, the overall acreage affected is 300(100); the
restoration acres would be listed as (100)), and a list of state or Federal government agencies (if
any) with a legal interest in the property (such as those with Notices of Funding or Grant
Restrictions on fee deeds or easements).
b. For each tract, list the acreages for each of the activities associated with the tract. Identify non-
add acres (acres already accounted for in a previous activity or NAWCA project: 100 acres
acquired and restored – the 100 restored acres are non-add) in parentheses.
c. Under each tract listed, type the applicable Work Plan activity category titles in all capital letters
and list the total cost and acreage for that activity category within that tract. Identify non-add
acres for a tract in parentheses. For example, “ACQUISITION FINANCIAL PLAN
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JUSTIFICATION - $3,000,000 AND 10,000 acres”. On the next line, separately enter the amount
of grant, match, and non-match funding for that activity category within that tract. All costs
(“Total $” column in each table below) must be described and equal the figures in the activity
category headers. Identify an actual or estimated timeframe for completion of that activity.
d. Describe all grant and match activities that will occur on each tract. If multiple activities take
place on the same tract, describe them separately but identify if acres overlap between activities.
For example, if a proposal includes land acquisition with restoration work done on the same site,
this would be described as two separate activities.
2. For each activity, include a clear description of the work to be done and briefly justify why that
activity is being included as part of this proposal.
a. Acquisition activities: Include summary of the acquisition(s) and the need to protect this tract,
including whether this tract is vulnerable to land conversion or other threats. If there are building
envelopes on the tract, explain how those building envelopes will be removed. If fee acquisition
is also protected by a conservation easement, explain why the tract should be or the need to be,
protected by both methods.
b. Habitat restoration, enhancement, and establishment activities: Identify specific habitat types
and plant communities affected by proposed activities. Summarize what work will be
completed including the key activities. Habitat types should be identified in Joint Venture
implementation plans or similar documents. Refrain from including benefits for birds, history of
area, and number of total bird species since all this information is captured in other areas of the
proposal. If a tract includes invasive species treatments or implementation of any type of fencing
material, include answers to these questions:
• What invasive species are present and how will the invasive species be treated (e.g.,
mechanical or chemical application)? If mechanical, explain what will be done? If chemical
application, what kind of chemical will be used and how many applications will be done? If
other control methods will be used, please describe.
• What is the expected duration of the treatment(s)?
• Who is responsible for maintaining the invasive species control after the treatment and for
how long?
• If working with private landowner(s), is there an agreement involved?
• How will the invasive species treatments affect the acres over time?
• Is the fencing wildlife friendly? If so, how will it improve nearby habitat conditions and not
impede wildlife movement? For more information on wildlife friendly fencing, please refer
to: https://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/conservation/land-owner-wildlife-
resources/mt-fence-guide-second-edition.pdf
• Who is responsible for maintaining the fencing over time?
3. Explain any unusually high costs or large differences between per acre value of match and grant
tracts. Refer to the Eligibility Criteria & Processes document for information on eligible and
ineligible direct and indirect costs. Please explain if cost estimates differ from the fair
market/reasonable value.
4. Itemize costs shown in the Financial Plan Table for each activity and identify the source (grant or the
partner providing the match and non-match dollars). Use only the portions of the table that are
applicable to each activity.
5. For each easement or fee acquisition activity included in the proposal, including old match, whether
purchased or donated, complete the NAWCA Land Acquisition Disclosure section as part of the
Work Plan. If the acquisition activity for that tract does not involve an easement or lease, do not
include those portions of the Disclosure in the Work Plan. Attach copies of all easements being used
as old match to the proposal. If available, provide draft language of easements to be acquired with
grant or match funds during the project period. Grant funds will not be released for easement
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acquisition until the easement language has been reviewed and approved by DBHC.
6. Do not include any activity categories in the Financial Plan Justification that are not applicable to a
tract. For example, if no portion of a tract is being acquired as part of the project, the Work Plan for
that tract would not include an acquisition section. This also applies for non-match. If the non-match
contribution is not pooled with grant/match funds, then do not include it in the proposal.
7. If some tracts are not yet identified, explain why and the method to be used to select tracts during
proposal implementation.
8. You may group large numbers of tracts with similar activities and per unit costs for the purposes of
financial plan justification. Line-item costs must be applicable to most tracts for those tracts to be
grouped in the justification (For instance, 50 grassland easements are held by a single partner and
planned enhancement on 40 of those easements will cost approximately the same per acre on all those
easements). Do not group acquisitions that will be held by different partners.
9. There is no requirement to acquire a real property interest on a restoration, enhancement, or wetland
creation project. However, recipients and subrecipients should have an agreement with the
landowner(s) that is consistent with the project design or designed lifespan of the constructed activity
(e.g., restoration). A properly built project should seek to maximize the projects’ lifespan, while
promoting efficient management and maintenance.
10. Applicants must provide a statement specifying the management period for the designed lifespan or
useful life of all construction (e.g., new water channel, levee, weir, pumps, other types of water
control structure, etc.), as indicated in Technical Assessment Question 5. If the applicant proposes a
management period or useful life of 25 years or less, with a value greater than $100,000, applicants
must reference the method used to determine the useful life.
11. Applicants must identify and fully explain proposal components that were funded by a previous
NAWCA grant (e.g., tracts and work accomplished). Also provide the name of the previous NAWCA
project(s).
12. All dollar figures should add up to those in the Financial Plan Table.
13. Note that all questions are in the future tense, but they also apply to past (match) work and costs.
14. Include any grant/match cost items that cannot be captured under a specific tract in a section entitled
“OTHER DIRECT GRANT/MATCH ACTIVITIES” at the end of the Work Plan. Describe in detail
what these activities are and itemize costs by activity below that heading. Please note, “grant
administration” is not an itemized cost and must not be used to recover any costs that qualify as
indirect costs or costs that are allocable to one or more tracts. Please include a description of the use
of a continuing MCP, if applicable.
15. If any of the activity(ies) include travel costs (meals, lodging, mileage) those costs can be lumped
together under travel costs.
16. Sample answers are provided so applicants can see how information may be presented. Please follow
this format. Use tables, bulleted lists, or short statements instead of full sentences and paragraphs to
provide the information. If used, tables must provide all requested information. Include information
and descriptions that only pertain to the proposed project area(s). Additional information, such as a
very detailed land-use history of the area/landscape, may not benefit the proposal.
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WORK PLAN FORMAT
TRACT #- Name
OVERALL ACRES AFFECTED:
STATE/FEDERAL AGENCIES HOLDING INTERESTS: (List agencies and describe interest; if
none type N/A)
Acreage Summary of Grant/Match Activities on the Tract:
Acquisition Restoration Enhancement Establishment
Describe all grant/match activities occurring on the tract here:
Tract #-Name: Acquisition Financial Plan Justification - $_______ and _____ acres
Grant - $_________ Match - $_________ Non-Match - $_________ Completion:
LAND ACQUISITION DISCLOSURE
Type of acquisition: (fee title, easement, lease, etc.)
Holder of NAWCA conservation interest: (fee title, easement, lease, etc.)
Grantor/Seller of conservation interest: (if Grantor/Seller is conservation organization, explain
below how sale/transfer increases conservation value)
Tenure of conservation interest: (10 years, perpetuity)
All funding sources for acquisition: (include landowner if acquisition involved a donation or
bargain sale)
Does the fee title include building envelope(s)? If so, how many acres? Note: Acres under a
building envelope cannot be claimed with total acres for the fee title within this proposal.
Are mineral rights severed or included? If severed, explain.
Are water rights severed or included? If severed, explain.
EASEMENTS:
Does the easement include or allow for cultivated agriculture? If so, how would the allowed
agricultural activities impact the habitat value of the land? (e.g., short-term vs long-term
transitional agricultural use activities).
Has the easement holder adopted the “Land Trust Standards and Practices” developed by the
Land Trust Alliance? If so, provide the date of that action. If not, describe the standards used to
ensure adequate easement management and monitoring.
List all other allowed activities, allowed structures, building areas, or reserved rights not
described above.
LEASES:
What is the purpose of the lease?
What activities are allowed/prohibited?
How does this contribute to long-term conservation of the property?
Item & Work Units $/unit Total $ Schedule Funding Source
(month, year) (Grant or Partner
name)
LAND COSTS
Subtotal Land Costs $
APPRAISALS and OTHER ACQUISITION COSTS
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Subtotal Appraisals and Other Acquisition Costs $
NON-CONTRACT PERSONNEL and TRAVEL
Subtotal Non-Contract Personnel and Travel $
TOTAL ACQUISITION DIRECT COSTS $
Tract #-Name: Restoration Financial Plan Justification - $_________ and ______ acres
Grant - $________ Match - $________ Non-Match - $________ Completion:
Item & Work Units $/unit Total $ Schedule Funding Source
(month, year) (Grant or Partner
name)
CONTRACTS
Subtotal Contracts $
MATERIALS and EQUIPMENT
Subtotal Materials and Equipment $
NON-CONTRACT PERSONNEL and TRAVEL
Subtotal Non-Contract Personnel $
TOTAL RESTORATION DIRECT COSTS $
Tract #-Name: Enhancement Financial Plan Justification - $_________ and _______ acres
Grant - $________ Match - $________ Non-Match - $________ Completion:
Item & Work Units $/unit Total $ Schedule Funding Source
(month, year) (Grant or Partner
name)
CONTRACTS
Subtotal Contracts $
MATERIALS and EQUIPMENT
Subtotal Materials and Equipment $
NON-CONTRACT PERSONNEL and TRAVEL
Subtotal Non-Contract Personnel $
TOTAL ENHANCEMENT DIRECT COSTS $
Tract #-Name: Establishment Financial Plan Justification – $_______ and ______ acres
Grant - $________ Match - $________ Non-Match - $________ Completion:
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Item & Work Units $/unit Total $ Schedule Funding Source
(month, year) (Grant or Partner
name)
CONTRACTS
Subtotal Contracts $
MATERIALS and EQUIPMENT
Subtotal Materials and Equipment $
NON-CONTRACT PERSONNEL and TRAVEL
Subtotal Non-Contract Personnel $
TOTAL ESTABLISHMENT DIRECT COSTS $
OTHER DIRECT GRANT/MATCH ACTIVITIES FINANCIAL TABLE
JUSTIFICATION – $________
Grant - $________ Match - $________ Non-Match - $_________
Describe in detail other activities associated with implementing the grant that cannot be assigned to
one or more tracts. Include continuing Matching Contribution Plan information (if applicable).
Costs under this section may be disallowed if such costs appear to be unnecessary, unreasonable,
duplicative, or allocable to a particular tract.
Item & Work Units $/unit Total $ Schedule Funding Source
(month, year) (Grant or Partner
name)
TOTAL OTHER ACTIVITIES DIRECT COSTS $
===========================================================================
TRACT TABLE AND FINAL TITLEHOLDER SUMMARY
Ensure that each tract involved in the proposal is consistently identified in each section of the proposal
(Summary, narratives, tables, Technical Assessment Questions, etc.). For any tract(s) that is/are not yet
identified, complete the Tract Table as thoroughly as possible, explain why the tract(s) is/are not yet
identified and describe the methods to be used to select the tract(s). The tract table should only include
direct costs associated with the tract/activity.
Please provide the following information for each tract:
• Tract identification (same as on the Financial Plan Table, Work Plan, Technical Assessment
Questions 4 & 5, and on the maps submitted with the proposal). If a tract has multiple activities
(e.g., Fee Acquired and Restored), then create a separate line for each activity.
• Activity Type: Fee Acquired, Fee Donated, Easement Acquired, Easement Donated, Lease
Acquired, Lease Donated, Restored, Enhanced, Wetlands Established.
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• Wetland and upland acres within each tract. Be sure to also include any non-add acres in
parentheses, if applicable.
• Public Access: Include the total amount of acres that will be open to public access.
• Funding category: List Grant, old match, new match, and/or non-match. Non-match should be
pooled with Grant and/or match funds. This category should only include applicable Direct
Costs.
• Funding source: List NAWCA and/or abbreviated partner names. This category should only
include applicable Direct Costs.
• The county and state where the tract is located.
• A central tract location latitude/longitude point in decimal degrees (i.e., 38.752906,
-77.1084432).
• Title holder (name) after the proposal is completed. For easements, give both the fee and
easement holders.
• Total acres summary line at the bottom of the Tract Table.
Matching Contributions Plan information: Make sure tracts and acres that are part of a new Matching
Contributions Plan are shown here as in the Proposal Summary (i.e., funding is apportioned according to
the Matching Contributions Plan, but all acres are counted in the first proposal).
The tract location (latitude/longitude) information in decimal degrees is mandatory.
Landowner and tract names must be consistent (i.e., have the same name) throughout the proposal.
Below the table, complete the Final Titleholder Summary. Acreage total should match the Summary Page
data.
NOTE: If your proposal is funded, you will be asked for actual accomplishments of your proposal in this
format as part of your final report. This data will be used in Government Performance and Results Act
reporting.
Tract Table Format
Central Tract
County Final
Tract Activity Wetland Upland Public Funding Funding Location in
and Title
ID Type Acres Acres Access Category Source Decimal
State Holder
Degrees
# Open
Tract
Acres
# Open
Tract
Acres
# Open
Tract
Acres
Total # Total # Total #
Total
Wetland Upland Open
Acres
Acres Acres Acres
Funding Categories: (G = Grant, OM = Old Match, NM = New Match, NO = Non-Match)
FINAL TITLEHOLDER SUMMARY:
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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS (14-page limit)
The North American Wetlands Conservation Act specifies criteria to be used to evaluate proposals. The
criteria are captured in the following seven Technical Assessment Questions.
Question 1 - How does the proposal contribute to the conservation of waterfowl habitat?
Question 2 - How does the proposal contribute to the conservation of other wetland-associated migratory
birds?
Question 3 - How does the proposal location relate to the geographic priority wetlands described by the
North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Partners in Flight, the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan,
and/or the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan?
Question 4 - How does the proposal relate to the national status and trends of wetlands types?
Question 5 - How does the proposal contribute to long-term conservation of wetlands and associated
habitats?
Question 6 - How does the proposal contribute to the conservation of habitat for wetland associated
federally listed or proposed endangered species; wetland-dependent Species of Greatest Conservation
Need (SGCN) from the appropriate State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP); and other wetland-associated
fish and wildlife that are specifically involved with the proposal?
Question 7 - How does the proposal satisfy the partnership purpose of the North American Wetlands
Conservation Act?
Technical Assessment Questions format follows. The questions should include:
1. All seven questions must be answered in no more than 14 pages total, including all text and tables
(average of two pages per question). Margins must be 1 inch with Times New Roman size 11 font
throughout (not including tables). To stay within the page limit, avoid adding links to lengthy
documents, such as publications. These additional links will be considered in the 14-page limit length.
2. Answer each question separately. The questions and tables are available in the Word Proposal
Outline. Tables are also available in Excel workbook format. Insert any tables completed in Excel
into the Word Proposal Outline in the appropriate places.
3. Answers should cover benefits derived from completed grant - and match - funded work in the
proposal that occurred within the past two years and will occur during the Assistance Award period.
4. Do not include information/benefits/acres associated with non-match work or tracts except in
Questions 7C and 7D.
5. Be as qualitative and as quantitative as possible.
6. Select the best methods to provide as much information as possible (such as giving species,
abundance and seasonal use information in a table followed by a narrative, where applicable), while
adhering to format and proposal length guidelines. When sufficient data does not exist, use estimates
for determining the number of species benefits or abundance.
7. Do not include benefits to a larger area, such as previous or future phases of the current proposal area.
8. Include all habitat types (not just wetlands).
9. Make sure acreage figures are consistent with those given elsewhere in the proposal.
10. Include only benefits from actions covered by the proposal. For example, if the proposal includes
acquisition of sites that need restoration, but restoration is not part of the proposal, do not include
restored habitat values in answers to the questions. Note that unless restoration is also included in the
proposal, proposals for acquisition of degraded wetlands will be evaluated based on the degraded
condition and subsequent resource benefits.
11. If a new Matching Contributions Plan (MCP) is submitted with the proposal, include that acreage and
those benefits in your answers. However, if the MCP component is a phase of a previously approved
MCP, do NOT include the associated acreage and benefits in your answers.
12. Reviewers assign points based on information in the proposal. In addition, reviewers evaluate the
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questions and the proposal in relation to the group of proposals under review. Scores are available
approximately ten weeks after the proposal due dates.
13. Review the U.S. Grant Administration Standards document to see how Technical Assessment
Question answers will be incorporated into the Assistance Award/Grant Agreement.
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS FORMAT
===========================================================================
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #1
How does the proposal contribute to the conservation of waterfowl habitat? (See TAQ #1 example)
To assist you with developing TAQ 1, contact the Migratory Bird Joint Venture for your project’s area for
guidance on completing this section. Complete the table below using the priority waterfowl species lists
provided in Attachment A, indicating the species that will be affected by grant and match work (do
NOT include non-match). Under “Explanation of Benefits”, succinctly explain how the proposal will
impact waterfowl species. If the proposal is a phase of an ongoing project, address only the current phase
activity/acreage. All narrative information should be within the table below.
For the species listed in the table below (see TAQ #1 example), please do not overestimate how many
individuals/pairs will use the grant and match tracts after the proposal is completed and for what life
cycle stage(s).
Numbers Life Stage (Breeding, Explanation of Benefits
Species
Estimated Migration, Wintering) (Identify individual tracts)
High Priority
Species (under
each category,
add additional
rows for each
applicable
species)
Medium Priority
Species (under
each category,
add additional
rows for each
applicable
species)
Low Priority
Species (choose
up to 5 species in
this category,
add additional
rows for each
applicable
species)
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If tracts are not yet identified, briefly explain what procedure will be used to ensure that high quality
habitat is targeted.
===========================================================================
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #2
How does the proposal contribute to the conservation of other wetland-associated migratory birds?
To assist you with developing TAQ 2, contact the Migratory Bird Joint Venture for your project’s area for
guidance on completing this section: https://fws.gov/partner/migratory-bird-joint-ventures.
Using a table format (see TAQ #2 example), succinctly describe the impact of the grant and match work
on each selected species. Do NOT include benefits from non-match work, and address only non-
waterfowl species. All narrative information should be within the tables below.
• Which species or population will benefit and in which Bird Conservation Region (BCR)?
• For the species in the table format below (see TAQ #2 example), estimate how many
individuals/pairs will use the grant and match tracts after the proposal is completed and for
what life cycle stage(s) (breeding, migration, or wintering).
• Check eBird and talk to your Joint Venture(s) to see what birds occur where and at what
abundance.
• Explain how the abundance numbers were determined.
• Please do not overestimate.
• How will the proposal activities positively affect the species and improve habitat quality?
A. Priority bird species:
Identify up to ten priority bird species from the BCR lists (Attachment B) at the end of these
instructions that best demonstrate the benefits of the proposed activities to non-waterfowl species. Use
habitat and population objectives from the species in the BCR (reference the BCR lists at the end of these
instructions); for more information on BCRs, see https://nabci-us.org/resources/bird-conservation-
regions-map/.
Numbers Life Stage (Breeding, Explanation of Benefits
Species/BCR #
Estimated Migration, Wintering) (Identify individual tracts)
B. Other wetland-associated bird species:
Identify up to ten bird species not included in the priority species lists provided in Part A above that
help demonstrate the benefits of the project activities to non-waterfowl species.
Species Numbers Life Stage (Breeding, Explanation of Benefits
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Estimated Migration, Wintering) (Identify individual tracts)
===========================================================================
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #3
How does the proposal location relate to the geographic wetland priorities described by the North
American Waterfowl Management Plan, Partners in Flight, the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan,
and/or the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, along with regional priorities?
A. National wetland conservation priorities:
Using the table format below, indicate the specific tracts that are in, partially in, or out of the national
priority areas for wetland habitat conservation as outlined in the four major migratory bird conservation
plans (North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Partners in Flight (songbirds), North American
Waterbird Conservation Plan, and the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan). There is no narrative
component.
Exact proposal location will be based on the GIS shapefile information you provide with the maps. Do
NOT include non-match activities.
National Bird Plan Priority Areas In Partially In Out
NAWMP
PIF
Wading Birds
Shorebirds
Below are additional tools for your use:
• National Migratory Bird Priority Plans and US Coastal Zone Interactive Mapper:
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/fc0b95c06eed4f3ba364fa10abb67513
• North American Waterfowl Management Plan: https://nawmp.org/
• Partners in Flight (songbirds): https://partnersinflight.org/what-we-do/science/plans/
• North American Waterbird Conservation Plan: https://www.fws.gov/partner/north-american-
waterbird-conservation-plan
• U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan: https://www.shorebirdplan.org/ or
https://www.shorebirdplan.org/science/assessment-conservation-status-shorebirds/
B. Regional wetland conservation priorities:
In the provided table, briefly describe how the proposed grant and match activities will address the
current regional geographic priorities based on Joint Venture and other partner’s science and planning
information. Do not describe how the proposed activities will address the National plans referenced in
Part A. It is prudent to work closely with Joint Venture staff to ensure that this proposal is based on the
most current science and planning for all wetland associated migratory birds.
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Regional and Other Plans Description
===========================================================================
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #4
How does the proposal relate to the national status and trends of wetlands types?
For more information about wetland functions, maps, the classification system/types/codes used below,
and national and regional status and trends, visit the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) website:
https://www.fws.gov/program/national-wetlands-inventory. Contact Joint Venture Coordinators for state
or regional information. Not all wetland types are listed below, but they are given in the Cowardin report
on the NWI website.
Complete the following table. In Section A, list the match and grant acreage by activity for each wetland
type or group of types.
DO NOT INCLUDE NON-ADD ACRES (NORMALLY INDICATED WITH PARENTHESES)
OR NON-MATCH ACRES IN THIS TABLE.
In Section B, list the acreage by type or group of types for each tract.
If your proposal is funded, you will be required to submit annual reports that compare actual
accomplishments with the acreage figures and habitat types you give here. Additionally, you will be
asked for actual accomplishments of your proposal in this format as part of your final report. This data
will be used to determine the success of your proposal. See: TAQ #4 Example
For both sections, only use those activity rows required with your proposal. Please ensure the
acreage totals provided in TAQ #4 match those totals provided on the summary page.
STATUS, TYPES, AND ACRES OF WETLANDS
Note: Types subsidiary to types listed below have the same status.
NO
ACTIVITY AND DECREASING STABLE INCREASING TREND
TRACTS IN THE DATA UPLANDS TOTAL
PROPOSAL
PEM PFO PSS E2Veg L R M2 PUB E1 E2US PML
SECTION A
Fee
Easement
Lease
ACQUIRED TOTAL
RESTORED
ENHANCED
ESTABLISHED
TYPE TOTALS
STATUS TOTALS
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GRAND TOTALS
SECTION B
Tract ID
Tract ID
Tract ID
E1 = Estuarine Subtidal, E2US = Estuarine Intertidal Unconsolidated Shore (E2US, Estuarine Intertidal
Unconsolidated Shore and E2AB, Estuarine Intertidal Aquatic Bed), E2Veg = Estuarine Intertidal
Vegetated (E2EM, Intertidal Emergent Marsh; E2FO, Estuarine Forested; and E2SS, Estuarine Intertidal
Scrub-Shrub), L = Lacustrine, M2 = Marine Intertidal, PEM = Palustrine Emergent, PFO = Palustrine
Forested, PML = Palustrine Moss-Lichen, PSS = Palustrine Scrub-Shrub, PUB = Palustrine
Unconsolidated Bottom (PUB, Palustrine Unconsolidated Bottom; PAB, Palustrine Aquatic Bed; PRB,
Palustrine Rock Bottom; and PUS, Palustrine Unconsolidated Shore), R = Riverine. Upland category may
include restored cropland.
Provide a brief narrative to describe upland habitats (e.g., cropland, grassland, forest) and the relationship
to wetlands and migratory bird conservation (i.e., reason for including in proposal).
===========================================================================
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #5
How does the proposal contribute to long-term conservation of wetlands and associated uplands?
Complete the following table. In Section A, list the match and grant acreage by activity for each tenure
category.
In Section B, list the acreage by tenure for each tract.
Restoration, enhancement, and establishment activities should not be listed under the perpetuity
tenure category without exceptional and appropriate justification, relative to tenure of agreements.
Restoration, enhancement, or establishment activity occurring on federal lands should not be
considered in perpetuity. The expectation of maintenance does not make a restoration,
enhancement, or establishment perpetual.
If your proposal is funded, you will be required to submit annual reports that compare actual
accomplishments with the acreage figures and habitat types in this proposal. Additionally, you will be
asked to compare proposed versus actual accomplishments in this format as part of your final report. This
data will be used to determine the success of your project. See: TAQ #5 Example
For both sections, only use those activity rows required with your proposal. Please ensure the
acreage totals provided in TAQ #5 match those totals provided on the summary page. Also include
any non-add acres with parentheses in your proposal summary and TAQ #5 table. DO NOT
INCLUDE NON-MATCH ACRES.
ACRES BY LONGEVITY OF BENEFITS
ACTIVITY AND
* Includes water control structures made of material other than wood. TOTAL
TRACTS IN THE
** Includes wood water control structures and pumps. ACRES
PROPOSAL
PERPETUITY 26-99 *10-25 < 10
SECTION A
Fee
Easement
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Lease
TOTAL ACQUIRED
RESTORED
ENHANCED
ESTABLISHED
TOTAL
SECTION B
Tract ID
Tract ID
Tract ID
Tract ID
Provide a brief narrative describing the significance of the proposal regarding:
• How the project area and tracts might be affected by changing environmental conditions within the
next 30-50 years,
• How the proposed activities will address, in a resilient and adaptive manner, any effects caused by
changing environmental conditions.
Questions that might be discussed include:
• What national, state, or regional-level environmental vulnerability/risk assessments have been
conducted for the project area and what did they determine?
• Is the project area known from assessments or research to exhibit environmental-resilient features or
attributes?
• Are populations and the conservation status of priority species from Technical Assessment Questions
#1 and #2 projected to change over the next 30-50 years?
• What environmental-adaptive features or attributes do the project activities include?
• What adaptation framework are you utilizing to address changing environmental conditions?
Changing Environmental Conditions Scoring:
0 – No mention of impacts or approaches to address; mentions impacts but does not tie effects to fish and
wildlife management
1 – Discusses impacts and ties these to fish and wildlife management
2 – Discusses impacts and ties these to fish and wildlife management; Discusses approach to management
(such as through specific adaptation frameworks, science-driven assessments)
3 – Discusses impacts and ties these to fish and wildlife management; Discusses approach to management
(such as through specific adaptation frameworks, science-driven assessments); Demonstrates how
adaptive management or other resilient strategies are integrated into the proposal
===========================================================================
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #6
How does the proposal contribute to the conservation of habitat for wetland associated, Federally
listed or proposed endangered species; wetland-dependent Species of Greatest Conservation Need
(SGCN) from the appropriate State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP); and other wetland-associated
fish and wildlife that are specifically involved with the proposal?
For more information on Federally listed species and critical habitat, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service’s Endangered Species Program website: https://www.fws.gov/program/endangered-species. Click
on Species Information or visit https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/ for comprehensive species-specific information.
Visit the Service’s Endangered Species Program contacts page
https://www.fws.gov/program/endangered-species/contact-us for more information in a regional or state
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context. Under A and B below, list species that will be affected by the grant and match work (do NOT
include non-match tracts) and succinctly provide the additional requested information to explain how
the proposal will affect the species. All narrative information should be within the tables below.
A. Federally Threatened, Endangered, or Proposed candidate species:
• What species will utilize the proposal area?
• Within the explanation of benefits section of the table, information provided for each species should
answer:
How will the proposal improve habitat quality?
o
Importance of each tract or logical groupings of tracts in the proposal to the species.
o
Species Explanation of Benefits
B. Wetland-dependent species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) from the appropriate State
Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP):
List a MAXIMUM OF 10 Species: Do NOT list species listed in A, TAQ #1, or TAQ #2.
The SWAP for each State can be found here: https://www1.usgs.gov/csas/swap/index.html
• What species will utilize the proposal area?
• Within the explanation of benefits section of the table, information provided for each species should
answer:
How will the proposal improve habitat quality?
o
Importance of each tract or logical groupings of tracts in the proposal to the species.
o
Species Explanation of Benefits
===========================================================================
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #7
How does the proposal satisfy the partnership purpose of the North American Wetlands
Conservation Act?
A. Ratio of the Non-Federal Match to the Grant Request:
State the ratio of the non-Federal match to the grant request (e.g., the ratio of a non-Federal match of
$1,500,000 to a $1,000,000 grant request = 1.5:1). A 2:1 match or higher gains maximum points. To
receive credit, signed Partner Contribution Statements from matching partners must be submitted with the
proposal. Match ratio should only be calculated to one significant digit after the decimal point (e.g.,
1.7:1).
B. 10% Matching Partners:
List the matching partners who contribute at least 10% of the grant request (e.g., for a $1,000,000 grant
request, list the matching partners who contribute at least $100,000). To receive credit, signed Partner
Contribution Statements from matching partners must be submitted with the proposal. It is not
acceptable to lump multiple landowners to achieve the 10% match.
C. Partner Categories (includes non-match):
Show the variety of funding partners by listing each partner (irrespective of contribution amount) under
one of the following categories. To receive credit, signed Partner Contribution Statements from matching
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and non-matching partners must be submitted with the proposal.
State agencies:
Non-governmental conservation organizations: (e.g., local wildlife club, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., The
Nature Conservancy)
Local governments, counties or municipalities: (e.g., Conservation District)
Private landowners:
Profit-making corporations: (e.g., Exxon)
Native American governments or associations:
Federal agencies:
Other partner groups: (e.g., private donor, non-conservation NGO, partner that does not fit into any of
the categories above)
For NAWCA purposes, a partner is defined as a group, agency, organization, or individual which
participates in a specific NAWCA project as a match provider.
Non-match partners are eligible for inclusion in this section if the non-match funds are pooled with grant
or match funds to accomplish acreage goals.
A partner letter is required for each partner, including non-match partners.
D. Important Partnership Aspects (new grant recipient, significant new partners, unique partners,
large numbers of partners under any category in C above, non-financial contributions):
Briefly state any particularly significant or unique benefits that are provided by the proposal partnerships.
E. Public Access:
Open to public access means that any member of the public can legally enter NAWCA proposal
tract/tracts subject to only modest restrictions (e.g., daylight hours only, small entry fee, etc.). Under this
definition, proposal tracts may be closed during certain times of the year or certain types of activities may
be limited to facilitate habitat and wildlife management (manage for hunting access, migratory bird
sanctuary or other environmental impacts, etc.). In this section, please explain the nature of the public
access per tract. How much acreage will be open to public access? Explain what public access activities
will occur on what acres. How much acreage will be closed to public access and why?
Public Access Scoring: This definition will be applied to all types of proposal activity including fee
acquisitions, easements, restorations, enhancements, and wetland establishments, regardless of whether
the activity is funded with grant or match funds (including old match).
2, 1, or 0 points will be awarded as follows:
• 2 points – open to public hunting
• 1 point – open to other public access
• 0 points – closed to public access
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SCORING TABLE
CATEGORIES OF QUESTIONS Points = 100
#1. WATERFOWL MAXIMUM = 15
A. High priority species 0-7
B. Other priority species 0-5
C. Other waterfowl 0-3
#2. WETLAND-ASSOCIATED MIGRATORY BIRDS MAXIMUM = 15
A. Priority bird species
B. Other wetland-associated bird species
#3. NORTH AMERICAN GEOGRAPHIC PRIORITY WETLANDS AS RECOGNIZED MAXIMUM = 15
BY MAJOR MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION PLANS
A. National geographic priority wetland areas 0-9
B. Regionally important wetland areas 0-6
#4. WETLANDS STATUS AND TRENDS MAXIMUM = 10
A. Decreasing wetlands types 0-10
B. Stable wetlands types 0-4
C. Increasing wetlands types 0-1
D. No trend data types 0-1
E. Uplands 0-8
#5. LONG-TERM CONSERVATION & CHANGING ENVIRONMENTAL MAXIMUM = 15
CONDITIONS
A. Benefits in perpetuity 0-12
B. Benefits for 26-99 years 0-8
C. Benefits for 10-25 years 0-6
D. Benefits for <10 years 0-4
E. Significance to long-term conservation and changing environmental conditions 0-3
#6. ENDANGERED SPECIES AND OTHER WETLAND-DEPENDENT FISH AND MAXIMUM = 10
WILDLIFE
A. Federal endangered, threatened or proposed species = 1, 2, >2 species 0-3, 0-4, 0-5
B. State Species of Greatest Conservation Need = 0-10 species 0-5
#7. PARTNERSHIPS MAXIMUM = 20
A. Ratio of non-Federal match to grant request =
1:1; >1: ≤1.3; >1.3: ≤1.5; >1.5: ≤1.7; >1.7: ≤2; >2 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
B. Matching partners contributing 10% of the grant request = ≤1, 2, 3, >3 0, 1, 2, 3
C. Partner categories = 1, 2, 3, >3 0, 2, 3, 4
D. Important partnership aspects 0-5
E. Public Access 0-2
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===========================================================================
PARTNER CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS
• Each matching partner (including the grantee and private landowners, if providing funds and/or
donating title to property) and non-matching partner (including Federal partners) listed in the proposal
must complete a Statement.
• If a matching partner wishes to remain anonymous, a Statement should be provided by the applicant
on behalf of the anonymous partner.
• Each statement must be submitted with the proposal before the deadline date.
• The statements must be signed and dated for the contribution to be documented.
• If you want to show support from non-funding sources, do not send statements, but instead include a
statement in the proposal in Technical Assessment Question 7-part D such as "To illustrate the
overwhelming support for this proposal, we have 37 letters on file from landowners and State and
Federal representatives.”
• The grantee’s statement should not be a cover or transmittal sheet for the proposal.
• If the North American Wetlands Conservation Council has approved a prior Matching Contributions
Plan that involves match for the current proposal, include a copy of the original approval letter or
email in this section. Matching contribution plans can only be submitted for excess old match
associated with the acquisition of a single tract.
• Remember that the contribution amount on the statement must be the same as the amount shown in
the proposal for the partner. If the amount differs in any section of the proposal or on the statement,
the lesser of the two will be considered the partner's contribution. If there are many such
inconsistencies in the proposal, it will be returned as ineligible.
• The partner contribution letter template has been updated to include a question that asks if and how
the project will benefit tribal hunting and fishing treaty rights. This change came in response to the
House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Report submitted to the Department of the
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2018, under the
section North American Wetlands Conservation Fund.
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PARTNER CONTRIBUTION LETTER TEMPLATE
NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL
PARTNER CONTRIBUTION STATEMENT
NOTE: The grantee organization that submits the original proposal and accompanying MCP is
responsible for maintaining the MCP records throughout the life of the plan. That grantee
organization must provide a partner letter with each proposal using the MCP match acknowledging the
amount of MCP funds used and the remaining MCP balance. If you also have non-match partners
associated with your project, it is beneficial if a partner letter is submitted for accountability.
What is the title of the proposal?
What is the name of your organization (private landowners/individuals indicate “Private”)?
When will you make the contribution?
What is the value of your contribution and how did you determine the value? Does the contribution
have a non-Federal origin? If this is based on a fund-raising event or other future action, if that
future action fails, will you still provide the contribution amount?
What long-term migratory bird and wetlands conservation work will the contribution cover?
Does the proposal correctly describe your contribution, especially the amount?
If applicable to the proposal, is your organization competent to hold title to, and manage, land
acquired with grant funds and are you willing to apply a Notice of Grant Agreement or other
recordable document to the property?
Please confirm that your contribution has not been used to meet any other federal programs match
or cost share requirements.
Will the project benefit tribal hunting and fishing treaty rights and if so, how?
Do you have any additional comments?
Signature:
Name (printed), Title, and Affiliation:
Date Signed:
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COORDINATION WITH THE MIGRATORY BIRD JOINT VENTURES
Once all proposals have been reviewed for eligibility, DBHC will send the proposals to the applicable
Migratory Bird Joint Venture(s) for review. Each Migratory Bird Joint Venture provides a ranking letter,
in which they rank the proposals within their joint venture region, based on how well the proposal
contributes to that joint venture’s goals and priorities. This ranking letter may be used as part of the
scoring process.
===========================================================================
OPTIONAL MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS PLAN (MATCH PLAN OR MCP)
A Matching Contributions Plan (MCP) is defined as eligible old match (acquisition only) that was
obtained within the past two years and is more than what will be used for the current proposal. The
purpose of an MCP is to maintain the eligibility of this old match beyond two years for the current
proposal and future proposal phases. MCPs may be utilized for U.S. Standard projects only and are valid
for five years from the date of Council approval. Other sections of these instructions contain information
on how to apply the MCP dollars, acres, and natural resource benefits in future proposals. Matching
contribution plans can only be submitted for excess old match associated with the acquisition of a single
tract. See the US Eligibility Criteria and Processes document for more information about MCPs.
• What is the Match Plan Amount and Purpose? State the amount of match that must remain
eligible for future proposals (use this same amount in the lower right-hand cell of the example below)
and briefly describe the conservation goals to be achieved by future proposals supported by this
match.
• What is the Match Plan Intent? Describe how/why you obtained the additional match, including the
sources (partners) and the relationship of these partners to the proposal.
• What is the Match Plan Need? Describe why you need this match to complete future phases of the
proposal and why obtaining new match for these proposals is not feasible.
• Is there a Match Plan Chart? Provide a chart showing Match Plan partner contributions used in the
current proposal and future proposals. (See the example.)
• Where is the location of the MCP acquisition tract? Describe in detail the location of the tract
(city, county, state, and latitude/longitude).
See: Optional Matching Contributions Plan Example
===========================================================================
STANDARD FORM-424s, SF-LLL AND PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY INSTRUCTIONS
Both non-Federal and Federal applicants are required to submit a completed Application for Federal
Assistance SF-424 form along with their proposal application. For non-Federal applicants, SF-424 forms
are to be completed in https://www.grantsolutions.gov/ when you apply for a directed announcement. For
Federal applicants, all SF-424 forms can be downloaded here https://grants.gov/forms/forms-
repository/sf-424-family.
For all projects it is mandatory to complete SF-424A. Effective October 28, 2022, the Service no
longer requires applicants to submit the "Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B)" form or
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the "Assurances for Construction Programs (SF-424D).
SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Form, is required only if the applicant has lobbying activities
to disclose.
The address on the SF-424 (#8d) must match the address associated with the Unique Entity ID
number (#8c)! The following instructions for completing the SF-424 to accompany a NAWCA proposal
supersedes those on the back of the SF-424.
CELL NUMBER and TITLE INSTRUCTIONS
1. Type of Submission Check “Application”
2. Type of Application Check “New”
3. Date Received Enter date completing SF-424
4. Applicant Identifier Leave blank
5. a. Employer Identification Leave blank
5. b. Federal Award Identifier Leave blank
6. Date Received by State Leave blank
7. State Application Identifier Leave blank
8. Applicant Information (a-f) Complete all required information in sections a-f
9. Type of Applicant Complete for your organization
10. Name of Federal Agency Enter “DOI-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service”
11. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Enter “15.623” and “North American Wetlands Conservation
Number and Title Fund”
12. Funding Opportunity Number/Title: Enter “F26AS00004 ” and “NAWCA 2026-1 US Standard
Grants”
13. Competition Identification Number/Title: Will automatically fill in from #12
14. Areas Affected by Project Enter only information for "Counties and States" that the
tract(s) are included in; if tract(s) are unknown, then list all
counties within the project area or indicate ‘statewide’ if
applicable
15. Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project Enter title of proposal
16. Congressional Districts of Applicant/Project Enter information for a and b.
17. Proposed Project Start and End Dates Enter proposed project start and end dates.
18. Estimated Funding Do not include non-match $. In “a”, include only NAWCA
grant $. In “b-e”, include only matching partner $. For “e-
Other”, include private organizations, etc. Leave “f-Program
Income” blank
19. Is Application Subject to Review by State EO
Required to answer but only applicable to states
12372 Process?
20. Is Applicant Delinquent on any Federal
Required to answer
Debt?
21. Authorized Representative SIGNATURE AND DATE REQUIRED by the authorized
representative of the applicant organization. We will not accept
a typed signature.
Abstract Summary
FYI: On January 1, 2022, DOI implemented the project abstract summary in GrantSolutions. The Project
Abstract is a concise summary of a grant project. The summary describes, using plain language, the
mission and goals of the project, the population(s) it will serve, and what impact it may have on the
community.
Information for the project abstract summary can be taken from the project narrative. Include/avoid the
following:
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• Avoid acronyms or Federal or agency-specific terminology;
• Include a description of the Award purpose;
• Include activities to be performed;
• Include deliverables and expected outcomes;
• Include intended beneficiary(ies); and
• Include subrecipient activities if known or specified at the time of award
Project Abstract Summary character limitation is 1 page or less (no more than ~4000 characters). Use of
12 pt. font and Times New Roman is recommended.
===========================================================================
MAPS OF PROJECT AREA AND TRACT(S)
Include maps as the last attachment on your proposal narrative. Overall project area and individual known
tract maps are required. Maps are critical sections of the proposal. Well-constructed and informative maps
can have a significant impact on understanding the scope and significance your proposal has to wetland
conservation. This understanding will be reflected in the scoring process.
For the project area, provide at least one map: it should include the location of all grant and match tracts
within the project area boundary and should convey an understanding of all conservation activities in the
project area boundary including federal, state, and NGO conservation lands.
The project area is a larger, defined area that encompasses the project's tract(s). A project area can best be
described as follows:
• area that is part of a wetlands conservation plan;
• areas in the same wetlands system (e.g., watershed or river basin);
• areas that are managed to meet the same wetlands objectives;
• areas that are in close proximity;
• areas that provide direct benefits to each other; or
• defined administrative boundaries such as township, city, or county(ies).
Please keep in mind that if your project is funded and a tract needs to be substituted, then the substitution
tract(s) must be located within the defined project area boundary.
Three examples of project area maps are provided below. These maps represent large-, intermediate-, and
small-scale project areas. Your project area maps should include:
• Proposal title;
• Location of the ENTIRE proposal area (all grant, match, and project area) within State(s) and
counties;
• Identification and location of all fee-title, easement, and lease tracts (or acquisition priority areas, if
tracts have not been identified);
• Identification and location of all restoration, enhancement, and establishment tracts;
• A legend;
• Map scale;
• A north directional arrow;
• Location of natural features (rivers, lakes) to show how the proposal fits into the natural landscape;
• Location of previous NAWCA projects and future proposal sites; and
• If applicable and possible, where the proposal is in relation to a larger wetlands conservation project
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(show larger project boundary and boundary of current proposal).
• If applicable, for projects with continuing MCPs, show the location of the previously approved MCP
tract. At minimum, the previously approved MCP tract must be within the current proposal’s project
area boundary.
Three examples of tract maps are also provided. If multiple activities are occurring on the same tract
(such as fee acquisition and restoration), then display those activities on one tract map. Your tract map(s)
should include:
• Proposal title;
• Tract Name/ID used throughout the proposal;
• Satellite aerial imagery for the basemap;
• Identification of the parcel boundary for acquisition activities;
• Identification of any building envelopes (fee-title only);
• Identification and location of major water control structure(s) and other major
restoration/enhancement/establishment features;
• For tracts that have not been identified use the project area boundary or priority area boundary;
• Location and identification of previously approved NAWCA project activity;
• A legend;
• Map scale; and
• A north directional arrow.
A tract map for an MCP tract is only required for the initial phase.
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PROJECT AREA MAP EXAMPLES
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TRACT MAP EXAMPLES
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===========================================================================
GIS SHAPEFILE INSTRUCTIONS
Please provide a single GIS shapefile that was used to create the maps. The shapefile submitted should
use a GCS_WGS_1984 projection and the attribute table should contain a name for each polygon which
corresponds to a tract listed in the proposal tract table.
• Only one GIS shapefile should be submitted for each proposal. The shapefile must be a polygon(s),
not points or lines.
• Submit the shapefile as a .zip file. The submitted shapefile should have these file extensions, at
minimum: .shp, .dbf, .shx, .prj, .xml. Any other extensions that are submitted are extra, but do not
delete these.
• The shapefile must contain multiple polygons representing the overall project area and location of
each of the tracts involved in the project.
The attribute table should very closely resemble the tract table, with a few exceptions. The shapefile
should contain the Project Name, Total Acreage (you do not need to break out the wetland/upland acres),
and Project Area entry. Tract Name is optional if you have instead been using Tract ID throughout the
proposal. The other fields are mandatory and should follow these field property suggestions:
• FID – automatically assigned
• Shape – Polygon. If your shapefile is in Polygon ZM format, please convert it to a standard Polygon.
• PROJ_NAME – Text; Length: default
• TRACT_ID – Text; Length: default. Tract ID should match the ID used throughout the proposal and
Tract Table. You may leave this field entry blank for the Project Area.
• ACTTYPE – Text; Length: default. List the abbreviated activity per tract using this key: FA = Fee
Acquired, FD = Fee Donated, EA = Easement Acquired, ED = Easement Donated, LA = Lease
Acquired, LD = Lease Donated, RS = Restored, EN = Enhanced, WE = Wetland Established. You
may leave this field entry blank for the Project Area.
• TRACT_NAME – Optional. Text; Length: default. You may leave this field entry blank for the
Project Area.
• ACREAGE – Double; Default Precision and Scale. Total acreage of wetland and upland components.
You may leave this field entry blank for the Project Area.
• FUNDING – Text; Length: default. Funding category (Grant, Old Match, New Match, and Non-
Match). You may leave this field entry blank for the Project Area.
• COUNTY – Text; Length: default. You may leave this field entry blank for the Project Area.
• STATE –Text; Length: default. Two letter state abbreviation. You may leave this field entry blank for
the Project Area.
• LATITUDE – Double; Default Precision and Scale
• LONGITUDE – Double; Default Precision and Scale
• HOLDER – Text; Length: default Final Title Holder. You may leave this field entry blank for the
Project Area.
Any additional attribute fields submitted will be considered extra information.
For tracts that will be determined at a time after the project is funded, please still list the tract in the
attribute field. Assign the tract with the same geographical boundary as the Project Area.
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PROPOSAL EMAIL ATTACHMENTS
All of the below attachments (if applicable) should be emailed to dbhc@fws.gov
1. Copies of deeds, easements, leases in place when the proposal was submitted.
2. Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA): If you are requesting grant funds for indirect
costs or using indirect costs as match, attach a copy of your current approved negotiated indirect
cost rate agreement (and any other former approved negotiated indirect cost rate agreement used to
determine match costs in this proposal) signed by your agency.
Copy of the Indirect Cost Rate Agreement + Response below:
Applicant Indirect Cost Statement Requirement
The Service requires all applicants except individuals to submit the applicable statement from the
following list in their applications to the Service. The only exception are individuals applying for and
receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization they may operate, as they are not
eligible to charge indirect costs to their award from the Service.
All Other Organizations
All other organizations must include the applicable statement from this list and any related documentation
in their application. Please note, an organization with a current negotiated (including provisional) rate
may not elect to charge the 15% de minimis rate of Modified Total Direct Costs during the period covered
by their current negotiated rate.
• We are an organization with a current negotiated indirect cost rate. In the event we receive an award,
we will charge indirect costs per our current negotiated rate agreement. Attached is a copy of our
current rate agreement.
• We are an organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate that has expired. Attached is copy of our
most recently negotiated rate agreement. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate
proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date. We understand we
must provide the Service a copy of our approved rate agreement before charging indirect costs to the
Federal award.
• We are an organization that has never negotiated an indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our
indirect cost rate is [insert rate], which is charged against [insert a complete description of the direct
cost base used to distribute indirect costs to the award]. If we receive an award, we will submit an
indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date. We
understand we must provide the Service a copy of our approved rate agreement before charging
indirect costs to the Federal award.
• We are an organization that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate. In the
event an award is made, we elect to charge the 15% de minimis rate of Modified Total Direct Costs as
defined in 2 CFR 200.414. We understand we must use this methodology consistently for all Federal
awards until such time as we negotiate a different rate with our cognizant agency. We understand that
we must notify the Service in writing if during the award period we establish a rate that changes the
methodology used to charge indirect costs to the award. We understand that additional Federal funds
may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs and that such changes are
subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.
• We are an organization submitting a [insert either “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
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Program” or “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”] project proposal, which has an indirect
cost rate cap of [insert rate; CRU is currently 15%; CESU is currently 17.5%]. In the event we receive
an award, we understand that if we have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate we must
charge the program’s capped indirect cost rate to the same base identified in our approved indirect
cost rate agreement, per 2 CFR §1402.414. If we do not have current negotiated (including
provisional) rate, we understand we must charge the capped indirect cost rate against Modified Total
Direct Costs (MTDC) as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.
• We are an organization that will charge all costs directly.
3. Statement regarding applicability of and compliance with SF-FAC (formerly OMB Circular A-
133) Single Audit Reporting (see Project Officer page). EXCEPTION: If SF-FAC applies to you,
send the most recent audit as a separate attachment when submitting proposal.
4. A .zip file of the GIS Shapefile (project area and tract(s) polygons are required).
===========================================================================
PROPOSAL EXAMPLES BY SECTION
1. Summary Page
2. Financial Plan Table
3. Work Plan
4. Tract Table
5. TAQ #1
6. TAQ #2
7. TAQ#3
8. TAQ #4
9. TAQ #5
10. Optional Matching Contribution Plan
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PROPOSAL SUMMARY EXAMPLE
NOTE: This example is adapted from a previous submission.
NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY
Des Moines River Valley Wetlands, Iowa
COUNTIES, STATE, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: Davis, Des Moines, Henry, Jasper, Jefferson,
Keokuk, Lee, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe, Polk, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren, and Washington;
Iowa; Congressional Districts 2, 3, and 4.
JOINT VENTURE: Upper Mississippi/Great Lakes
BIRD CONSERVATION REGION: 22-Eastern Tallgrass Prairie
GRANT AMOUNT $1,000,000
Allocation: Iowa Department of Natural Resources $1,000,000
MATCHING PARTNERS $3,549,100
Grantee: Iowa Department of Natural Resources $2,015,000
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation $620,650
Lee County Conservation Board $789,650
Hardwood Timberland Unlimited $73,800
Pheasants Forever, Warren County Chapter $20,000
Pheasants Forever, Iowa Capital Chapter $10,000
Pheasants Forever, Lee County Chapter $10,000
Three Rivers Conservation Foundation $10,000
If there is an MCP, under Matching Partners indicate what partner is contributing to the matching
contribution plan.
If Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is providing MCP, list MCP at the end of their title. If a partner is
contributing MCP as well as additional match, then include the partner’s name twice.
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation MCP $2,500,000
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation $50,000
GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $4,549,100/3,327 acres
Fee Acquired $3,924,100/2,438 acres
Enhanced $622,000/889 acres
Indirect Costs $3,000
NON-MATCHING PARTNERS
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service $50,000
PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this project is to acquire 826 acres and
restore 2,000 acres of wetland and associated upland habitats along the main-stem tributaries of the
Mississippi River which traverse central and southern Iowa. This is phase two of four. The Phase I project
(Iowa River Corridor) focused on the central and lower Iowa River. This proposal offers an equally
impressive number and quality of wetland conservation projects along the Skunk and Des Moines Rivers.
Through an extensive planning process, we will focus protection and restoration activities on two of the
largest wetland habitat complexes in the state of Iowa: Pool 19 on the Mississippi River and Red Rock
Reservoir on the Des Moines River. Both areas are known for the large number of waterfowl and diverse
assemblages of shorebirds, herons, rails, and other waterbirds they host during both spring and fall
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migration.
HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING: The proposal area is an important part of a major
migration corridor for waterfowl, including Lesser Scaup, and other wetland birds moving north from the
Central Mississippi River to the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) and other breeding grounds to the North
and West. The area includes important mid-latitude migration habitats on the Central Mississippi River
and provides similar floodplain habitats along the central and lower Des Moines and Skunk Rivers to
expand on a series of large habitat complexes that serve as important migration stopover sites. The added
semi-permanent wetlands and seasonally flooded mud flats and moist soil management areas will increase
the number of migratory birds using these areas during spring and fall migrations. The area also supports
breeding populations of a wide variety of migratory bird species. This proposal conserves a diverse set of
palustrine herbaceous and forested wetlands along with some of the best remaining mature bottomland
forest and adds to some large blocks of tallgrass prairie. These habitats are additions to the large wetland
complexes, and will improve the water quality, aquatic vegetation, and invertebrate communities in these
important migration habitats.
PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS: The proposal tracts provide excellent access to both structured
and unstructured opportunities to experience, appreciate, and learn about Iowa’s native floodplain wetland
habitats and the benefits of reconnecting the river to its floodplain. This proposal will provide significant
improvements in flood control and water quality through wetland and grassland habitat restoration which
include conversion of row crop agriculture within and adjacent to the floodplain of the Des Moines and
Skunk Rivers. Every tract included in this project will be open to public access, however, some
consumptive and passive use restrictions may apply. Public fishing, swimming, hiking, bird watching,
natural resource interpretation, scientific education and research and scenic enjoyment will be allowed.
NEW PARTNERS: This project marks a new partnership with the Lee and Warren County Conservation
Boards. The significant work of these two county conservation organizations and the local citizens,
businesses, and conservation groups with which they work was the impetus for initiating this proposal.
RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NAWCA PROPOSALS: This project complements four
other completed and ongoing NAWCA proposals that have focused on creating large functional wetland
complexes within central Iowa.
THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Major threats to Iowa’s wetlands today include non-
point source pollution, silt accumulation, increased surface flows and drainage inputs, exploding rough
fish populations and a general lack of infrastructure needed to adequately maintain and manage these
sites. As the health and biological integrity of these wetlands continues to deteriorate, future restoration
and enhancement efforts will become increasingly more difficult and expensive. A significant match
contribution (Iowa DNR - $2,015,000) will be lost if this proposal is not funded this year.
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FINANCIAL PLAN TABLE EXAMPLE
PROPOSAL FINANCIAL TABLE
MATCHING PARTNERS
ABBREVIATED NON-
PARTNER OLD NEW TOTAL MATCH TRACT MATCH
ACTIVITIES GRANT $ NAME MATCH $ MATCH $ + GRANT $ ID $
Land Costs: Fee Acquired $180,000 IDNR $180,000 1
LCCB $580,000 $580,000 1
$45,000 IDNR $45,000 2
INHF $620,650 $620,650 2
LCCB $154,350 $154,350 2
HTU $73,800 $73,800 3
IDNR $475,000 $475,000 4
PF-L $10,000 $10,000 5
TRCF $10,000 $10,000 5
IDNR $63,000 $63,000 6
PF-W $20,000 $20,000 7
PF-IC $10,000 $10,000 7
IDNR $1,027,000 $1,027,000 8
$475,000 IDNR $125,000 $600,000 11
Appraisals & Other Acquisition Costs LCCB $25,000 $25,000 1
LCCB $30,300 $30,300 2
A. TOTAL FEE ACQUIRED $700,000 $1,575,800 $1,648,300 $3,924,100
G. TOTAL ACQUIRED
(Sum of A, B, C, D, E, F) $700,000 $1,575,800 $1,648,300 $3,924,100
Contracts $100,000 IDNR $150,000 $250,000 9
$80,000 IDNR $162,000 $242,000 10
Materials & Equipment $55,000 IDNR $55,000 9
USFWS 9 $25,000
$25,000 IDNR $10,000 $35,000 10
USFWS 10 $25,000
Non-Contract Personnel & Travel $20,000 IDNR $20,000 9
$20,000 IDNR $20,000 10
I. TOTAL ENHANCED $300,000 $0 $322,000 $622,000 $50,000
L. PREVIOUSLY APPROVED $ $
MCP
M. GRAND TOTAL DIRECT
(Sum of G and H, I, J, K, L) $1,000,000 $1,575,800 $1,970,300 $4,546,100 $50,000
N. TOTAL INDIRECT $0 IDNR $0 $3,000 $3,000 9,10 $0
GRAND TOTAL
(Sum of M and N) $1,000,000 $1,575,800 $1,973,300 $4,549,100 $50,000
MATCHING PARTNERS
ABBREVIATED TOTAL MATCH
PARTNER OLD NEW + TRACT NON-
PARTNER INFORMATION GRANT $ NAME MATCH $ MATCH $ GRANT $ ID MATCH $
Iowa Department of Natural 1,2,4,6,
Resources $1,000,000 IDNR $1,502,000 $513,000 $3,015,000 8,9,10
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation INHF $620,650 $620,650 2
Lee County Conservation Board LCCB $789,650 $789,650 1,2
Hardwood Timberland
Unlimited HTU $73,800 $73,800 3
Pheasants Forever, Warren
County Chapter PF-W $20,000 $20,000 7
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[Document continues — 16 more pages]

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2025 US Standard Proposal Outline Template for 2026-2.docx

NOTE: Page numbering is automatically set to start with the Financial Table as Page 1.

Do NOT submit a separate cover/transmittal letter with the proposal. After you have read the additional instructions (in italicized blue), please delete them from your proposal.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL

PROJECT OFFICER’S PAGE

Project Officer’s Page is required to have a 1-inch margin with Times New Roman size 11 font.

What is the proposal title? Do not include private landowner names. Limit to 80 characters (including spaces).

What is the date you are submitting the proposal?

Project Officer Information:

Name: The Project Officer MUST be the primary point of contact for the project and must be affiliated with/employed by the grantee’s organization. List the person who will be managing the project activities, filing reports, and communicating with DBHC.

Organization: Full, legal name of the Applicant Organization. If the organization entered here is not the grantee organization, please explain. (See 2025 Eligibility Criteria and Processes)

• Project Officer’s Work Address: (No P.O. Box Addresses): City, State, Zip+4 where available. This should not be a personal address.

• Telephone number: List the numbers at which the Project Officer can be reached, including work and cell numbers.

• Email address:

• Additional Contacts: We require a single Project Officer, but please list another contact who may communicate with us pre- or post- award about the project if the Project Officer is unavailable. The Project Officer must be fully engaged in the proposal and project process. Provide name(s), email(s), and phone number(s).

Will any of the NAWCA funds requested as part of this proposal be received or spent by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or another Federal agency? Yes/No

If yes, which agency (ies) will receive these funds and what is the fund amount:

Agency_______________________ Amount______________

Does this proposal include acquisition activities that will add to the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS)? Yes/No

If yes, please indicate which NWRS program the acquisition(s) will be added to: National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and which one(s), Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) and which one(s), or Small Wetland Acquisition Program (SWAP).

Will any portion of any tract or activities associated with any tract be used to satisfy wetland or habitat mitigation requirements under Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Water Resources Development Act, ecological service credits or other related statutes now or in the future? Yes/No

If yes, please highlight and provide details in the appropriate financial plan narrative/work plan section.

Have you confirmed that all partners, key personnel, and contractors are eligible to participate in Federal grants? Yes/No

Briefly describe qualifications and experience of key personnel (1-2 sentences per individual) who

will be providing project implementation assistance (e.g., financial officer, project officer, key field

staff, etc.):

To ensure that the proposal complies with available guidelines and that partners are aware of their responsibilities, the Project Officer certifies to the following statement: I have read the 2026-2 U.S. Standard Grant proposal instructions, eligibility information, and applicable U.S. grant administration policies and informed partners or partners have read the material themselves. To the best of my knowledge, this proposal is eligible and complies with all NAWCA, North American Wetlands Conservation Council, and Federal grant guidelines and the information submitted herein is true and correct. The work in this proposal consists of allowable and eligible work and costs associated with long-term wetlands and migratory bird habitat conservation.

_________________________

Sign & date

Audit reports. If the applicant organization expended more than $1,000,000 of federal funds during the last calendar year, please include a copy of your most recent of SF-FAC that was submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. If your organization did not expend more than $1,000,000 of federal funds last year, please certify that the Single Audit (formerly A-133) was not required. Please provide a response.

Required Overlap/Duplication Statement: Applicants must provide a statement that address whether there is any overlap between the proposed project and any other active anticipated projects in terms of activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If any overlap exists, applicants must provide a description of the overlap in their application. Applicants must also state if the proposal submitted for consideration under the program is/is not in any way duplicative of any proposal that was/will be submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source (Federal or non-Federal). If such a circumstance exists, applicants must detail when the other duplicative proposal(s) were submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when funding decisions are expected to be announced. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be duplicative of the funding requested from the Service, applicants must notify the Service point of contact for this funding opportunity immediately. Do not remove above statement. Please provide a response for both overlap and duplication.

Pre-award Cost Statement and Table: Pre-award costs are defined as costs that were incurred after a Proposal is received by the FWS Program Office and before a Grant Agreement is issued, and therefore they are incurred at the applicant’s risk. Please indicate whether or not pre-award costs are requested. To qualify for pre-award cost reimbursement, recipients must clearly demonstrate that the pre-award activities are necessary and reasonable for accomplishing the overall program objectives. Costs must have otherwise been approved had they occurred within the project period. DBHC will not approve pre-award costs for work performed that did not have written approval to incur those costs OR requires compliance documentation.

For pre-award costs, complete the following time that highlights the request for funds to accomplish pre-award activities. The table should include the following:

Provide a detailed description of what requested costs will cover for each tract (e.g., permitting, project design, staff time, etc.).

Provide an explanation for the need for the pre-award costs.

The amount of funding requested for pre-award activities.

Provide the start and completion dates for all pre-award activities.

Add or delete activity rows as necessary.

Please provide a response.

Do you have any comments about, or suggestions for, the NAWCA program?

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL SUMMARY

Proposal Title, State

Proposal Summary is required to have a 1-inch margin with Times New Roman size 11 font. Two-page limit.

COUNTY(IES), STATE(S), CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): In alphabetical order

JOINT VENTURE(S):

BIRD CONSERVATION REGION(S):

GRANT AMOUNT $Total Request

Specify organization and/or Federal Entity receiving grant funds

Allocation: $

MATCHING PARTNERS $Total Match

List all matching partners, beginning with the grantee organization (if applicable). Note: Private landowner(s) partner contribution letter(s) need to be separate and not lumped to achieve the 10% match.

Grantee/Partner: $

$

$

$

GRANT AND MATCH - ACTIVITIES, COSTS, AND ACRES $Total Cost/Total acres

Remove activity types not associated with the proposal

Fee Acquired $/acres

Fee Donated $/acres

Easements Acquired $/acres

Easements Donated $/acres

Leases Acquired $/acres

Leases Donated $/acres

Restored $/acres

Enhanced $/acres

Wetlands Established $/acres

Other $

Previously Approved MCP Funds $

Indirect Costs $

NON-MATCHING PARTNERS (remove if not applicable) $Total Non-match

List all non-match partners and contributions in the same format as the matching partners

Grantee/Partner: $

PROPOSAL PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION:

HABITAT TYPES AND WILDLIFE BENEFITTING:

PUBLIC BENEFITS/PUBLIC ACCESS:

NEW PARTNERS:

RELATIONSHIP TO PREVIOUSLY FUNDED NAWCA PROPOSALS:

THREATS AND SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Include Financial Table here. NOTE: A Word table is given below. If you prefer to use an Excel table, one is available on the NAWCA website. In either case, delete these instructions and delete activity rows that do not pertain to your proposal.

PROPOSAL FINANCIAL TABLE

Explain any abbreviations in the Financial Plan Table here. Indirect costs can be lumped in the above financial table. Insert the following table for each tract or Grant Administration with associated indirect costs.

Tract # or Grant Administration

If any match was previously approved by the Council via an Optional Matching Contributions Plan, did you include a copy of the letter or email approving the Matching Contributions Plan and give the following information: tracts affected, how much of each partner’s match has been used in previous proposals, how much is being used in this proposal, and how much will remain after the current proposal is funded?

WORK PLAN

Work Plan is required to be in Times New Roman size 11 font. Before completing this section, refer to the Work Plan section instructions of the US Standard Instructions for pre-award cost reimbursements.

TRACT #- Name

OVERALL ACRES AFFECTED:

STATE/FEDERAL AGENCIES HOLDING INTERESTS:

Acreage Summary of Grant/Match Activities on the Tract:

Describe all grant/match activities occurring on the tract here:

Tract #-Name: Acquisition Financial Plan Justification - $_______ and _____ acres

Grant - $_________ Match - $_________ Non-Match - $_________ Completion:

LAND ACQUISITION DISCLOSURE

Type of acquisition: (fee title, easement, lease, etc.)

Holder of NAWCA conservation interest: (fee title, easement, lease, etc.)

Grantor/Seller of conservation interest: (if Grantor/Seller is conservation organization, explain

below how sale/transfer increases conservation value)

Tenure of conservation interest: (10 years, perpetuity)

All funding sources for acquisition: (include landowner if acquisition involved a donation or

bargain sale)

Does the fee title include building envelope(s)? If so, how many acres? Note: Acres under a building envelope cannot be claimed with total acres for the fee title within this proposal.

Are mineral rights severed or included? If severed, explain.

Are water rights severed or included? If severed, explain.

EASEMENTS:

Does the easement include or allow for cultivated agriculture? If so, how would the allowed agricultural activities impact the habitat value of the land? (e.g., short-term vs long-term transitional agricultural use activities).

Has the easement holder adopted the “Land Trust Standards and Practices” developed by the Land Trust Alliance? If so, provide the date of that action. If not, describe the standards used to ensure adequate easement management and monitoring.

List all other allowed activities, allowed structures, building areas, or reserved rights not described above.

LEASES:

What is the purpose of the lease?

What activities are allowed/prohibited?

How does this contribute to long-term conservation of the property?

Tract #-Name: Restoration Financial Plan Justification - $_________ and ______ acres

Grant - $________ Match - $________ Non-Match - $________ Completion:

Tract #-Name: Enhancement Financial Plan Justification - $_________ and _______ acres

Grant - $________ Match - $________ Non-Match - $________ Completion:

Tract #-Name: Establishment Financial Plan Justification – $_______ and ______ acres

Grant - $________ Match - $________ Non-Match - $________ Completion:

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OTHER DIRECT GRANT/MATCH ACTIVITIES FINANCIAL TABLE

JUSTIFICATION – $________

Grant - $________ Match - $________ Non-Match - $_________

Describe in detail other activities associated with implementing the grant that cannot be assigned to one or more tracts. Include continuing Matching Contribution Plan information (if applicable). Costs under this section may be disallowed if such costs appear to be unnecessary, unreasonable, duplicative, or allocable to a particular tract.

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Tract Table: Funding Categories: (G = Grant, OM = Old Match, NM = New Match, NO = Non-Match)

FINAL TITLEHOLDER SUMMARY:

Technical Assessment Question Section has a 14-page limit, including all text and tables. Margins must be 1 inch with Times New Roman Size 11 font throughout (not including tables). To stay within the page limit, avoid adding links to lengthy documents, such as publications. Additional links will be considered in the 14-page maximum length.

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #1

How does the proposal contribute to the conservation of waterfowl habitat?

See Attachment A in the instructions for the list of priority waterfowl. All narrative information should be within the table below.

If tracts are not yet identified, briefly explain below what procedure will be used to ensure that high quality habitat is targeted.

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #2

How does the proposal contribute to the conservation of other wetland-associated migratory birds?

All narrative information should be within the tables below.

A. Priority bird species: Identify up to 10 species. See Attachment B in the instructions for the list of priority non-waterfowl species by BCR.

B. Other wetland-associated bird species: Identify up to 10 non-waterfowl species not in part A or TAQ 6-part B.

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #3

How does the proposal location relate to the geographic wetland priorities described by the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Partners In Flight, the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, and/or the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, along with regional priorities?

National wetland conservation priorities:

Regional wetland conservation priorities: All narrative information should be within the table below.

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #4

How does the proposal relate to the national status and trends of wetlands types?

Remove activity types not associated with the proposal. Do not include non-additive acres in this table. Wetland code definitions can be found in the proposal instructions.

Provide a brief narrative to describe upland habitats (e.g., cropland, grassland, forest) and the relationship to wetlands and migratory bird conservation (i.e., reason for including in proposal):

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #5

How does the proposal contribute to long-term conservation of wetlands and associated uplands?

Remove activity types not associated with the proposal. Non-additive acres can be included in this table.

Provide a brief narrative describing the significance of the proposal to:

How the project area and tracts might be affected by changing environmental conditions within the next 30-50 years,

How the activities proposed will address, in a resilient and adaptive manner, any effects caused by changing environmental conditions.

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #6

How does the proposal contribute to the conservation of habitat for wetland associated, Federally listed or proposed endangered species; wetland dependent Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) from the appropriate State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP); and other wetland-associated fish and wildlife that are specifically involved with the proposal?

All narrative information should be within the tables below.

A. Federally Threatened, Endangered, or Proposed candidate species:

B. Wetland-dependent species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) from the appropriate State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP): Identify up to 10 species not in part A, TAQ 1, or TAQ 2.

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TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT QUESTION #7

How does the proposal satisfy the partnership purpose of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act?

A. Ratio of the Non-Federal Match to the Grant Request: Calculated to two significant digits after the decimal point (e.g., 1.70:1). Do NOT round up.

B. 10% Matching Partners: Private landowner(s) partner contribution letter(s) need to be separate and not lumped to achieve the 10% match.

C. Partner Categories (funding partners only, includes non-match)

State agency(ies):

Non-governmental conservation organization(s):

Local government(s), county(ies) or municipality(ies):

Private landowner(s):

Profit-making corporation(s):

Native American government(s) or association(s):

Federal agency(ies):

Other partner group(s):

D. Important Partnership Aspects (new grant recipient, significant new partners, unique partners, large numbers of partners under any category in C above, non-financial contributions):

E. Public Access:

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ATTACHMENTS

Partner Contribution Letter Template. Note: Begin each partner letter on a new page. Private landowner(s) partner contribution letter(s) need to be separate and not lumped to achieve the 10% match.

NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT PROPOSAL

PARTNER CONTRIBUTION STATEMENT

What is the title of the proposal that you are contributing to?

What is the name of your organization (private landowners/individuals indicate “Private”)?

When will you make the contribution?

What is the value of your contribution and how did you determine the value? Does the contribution have a non-Federal origin? If this is based on a fund-raising event or other future action, if that future action fails, will you still provide the contribution amount?

What long-term migratory bird and wetlands conservation work will the contribution cover?

Does the proposal correctly describe your contribution, especially the amount?

If applicable to the proposal, is your organization competent to hold title to, and manage, land acquired with grant funds and are you willing to apply a Notice of Grant Agreement or other recordable document to the property?

Please confirm that your contribution has not been used to meet any other federal programs match or cost share requirements.

Will the project benefit tribal hunting and fishing treaty rights and if so, how?

Do you have any additional comments?

Signature:

Name (printed), Title, and Affiliation:

Date Signed:

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OPTIONAL MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS PLAN

What is the Match Plan Amount and Purpose?

What is the Match Plan Intent?

What is the Match Plan Need?

Is there a Match Plan Chart?

Where is the location of the MCP acquisition tract?

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MAPS OF PROJECT AREA AND TRACT(S)

Provide at least 1 map of the project area and all of the individual tract map(s). See Proposal Instructions for more details.

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PROPOSAL EMAIL ATTACHMENTS

Have you sent the following to dbhc@fws.gov?

Copies of Easements, Leases, and Deeds

Applicant Indirect Cost Rate Statement choose the most appropriate statement below

We are an organization with a current negotiated indirect cost rate. In the event we receive an award, we will charge indirect costs per our current negotiated rate agreement. Attached is a copy of our current rate agreement.

We are an organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate that has expired. Attached is copy of our most recently negotiated rate agreement. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date. We understand we must provide the Service a copy of our approved rate agreement before charging indirect costs to the Federal award.

We are an organization that has never negotiated an indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate], which is charged against [insert a complete description of the direct cost base used to distribute indirect costs to the award]. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date. We understand we must provide the Service a copy of our approved rate agreement before charging indirect costs to the Federal award.

We are an organization that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate. In the event an award is made, we elect to charge the 15% de minimis rate of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.414. We understand we must use this methodology consistently for all Federal awards until such time as we negotiate a different rate with our cognizant agency. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if during the award period we establish a rate that changes the methodology used to charge indirect costs to the award. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

We are an organization submitting a [insert either “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program” or “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”] project proposal, which has an indirect cost rate cap of [insert rate; CRU is currently 15%; CESU is currently 17.5%]. In the event we receive an award, we understand that if we have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate we must charge the program’s capped indirect cost rate to the same base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement, per 2 CFR §1402.414. If we do not have current negotiated (including provisional) rate, we understand we must charge the capped indirect cost rate against Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.

We are an organization that will charge all costs directly.

SF-FAC Single Audit Reporting Statement, if applicable

GIS Shapefile of Project Area and Tract(s) as a .zip file