FY2026 ABPP - Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant

P26AS00019_ABPP BLAG NOFO rev v2_25-0902.pdf

National Park Service
Notice of Funding Opportunity
FY2026 ABPP - Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant
Funding Opportunity Number
P26AS00019
9/3/2026
Signature Date

---

Table of Contents
BASIC INFORMATION .................................................................................................................2
ELIGIBILITY ..................................................................................................................................3
Cost Sharing Requirement ...........................................................................................................4
GET READY TO APPLY ...............................................................................................................4
Required System Registrations ....................................................................................................4
PROGRAM OVERVIEW ...............................................................................................................5
Program Goals ..............................................................................................................................5
Program Description ....................................................................................................................5
Legislative Authority ...................................................................................................................5
Type of Award .............................................................................................................................5
PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION ................................................................................................5
Application Content and Format ..................................................................................................5
Application Documents ................................................................................................................6
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES ..............................................................11
Address to Request Application Package ..................................................................................11
Submission Dates and Times .....................................................................................................11
Submission Instructions .............................................................................................................11
APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ................................................................................12
Eligibility Review ......................................................................................................................12
Merit Review ..............................................................................................................................13
Criterion 1 - Historical Significance and Integrity (Maximum Points: 2) .....................................13
Criterion 2 - Resource Analysis and Proposed Activities (Maximum Points: 2) ..........................14
Criterion 3 - Statement of Threat, Preservation Strategy and Future Sustainability (Maximum
Points: 2) ........................................................................................................................................15
Criterion 4 - Qualification, Experience and Capacity of Applicant and Partners (Maximum
Points: 2) ........................................................................................................................................16
Review and Selection Process ....................................................................................................16
Risk Review ...............................................................................................................................19
AWARD NOTICES ......................................................................................................................19
POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION ................................................19
Administration and National Policy Requirements ...................................................................19
Reporting ....................................................................................................................................21
Page 1 of 25

---

BASIC INFORMATION
Announcement Type: Initial
Funding Opportunity Number: P26AS00019
Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.928
Estimated Total Program Funding: $17,400,000
Expected Number of Awards: 24
Award Ceiling: $0
Award Floor: $0
There are no maximum or minimum award amounts. Prior awards typically have ranged from
$30,000 to $2,000,000, while higher amounts have been awarded. The amount of funding
available per award for this NOFO will be determined as part of the application review process
based on applications received and funding made available through appropriations.
Cost Sharing Required?
Yes
Closing Date Explanation
This Notice of Funding Opportunity will remain open until September 30, 2026, or until it is
succeeded by another issuance. Electronically submitted applications and associated required
documents will be accepted throughout the calendar year, but must be submitted no later than
11:59 PM, ET, on September 30, 2026.
U.S. states and local governments may be required under Executive Order 12372,
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs to submit their application to their State Single
Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. For more information, see the Intergovernmental Review
SPOC List.
OMB Control Number:
Have Questions?
All questions should be emailed to ABPP_BLAG@nps.gov.
Executive Summary
Historic battlefields and associated sites of armed conflict are powerful reminders of the shared
heritage of all Americans. In an ongoing effort to extend the conservation of natural and cultural
resources beyond our park boundaries, the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection
Program (NPS ABPP) promotes the preservation and interpretation of these important places.
NPS ABPP supports community-driven stewardship of historic resources through four grant
opportunities: Preservation Planning, Battlefield Restoration, Battlefield Interpretation, and
Battlefield Land Acquisition.
NPS ABPP administers Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants (BLAG) to assist State and local
governments, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations with the preservation of eligible Revolutionary
Page 2 of 25

---

War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefield lands through acquisition of fee-simple or less-than-
fee (easement) interests. Funding for the BLAG program is made available from the Land and
Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and is awarded competitively. Applications are accepted and
evaluated on a rolling basis throughout the year. Each grant requires a dollar-for-dollar non-
Federal match. Grants are available to acquire interests in eligible Civil War battlefields listed in
the Civil War sites Advisory Commission's (CWSAC) Report on the Nation's Civil War
Battlefields (1993) and in the principal battlefields of the Revolutionary War and War of 1812
identified in NPS ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary
War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007) (Survey Reports).
As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026,
NPS ABPP encourages projects that promote and expand preservation as well as enhance our
understanding of the origins of the United States. NPS ABPP BLAG funds may not be used to
acquire land or interests in land within the legislative boundary of a unit of the National Park
System. Grant recipients are required to provide for public access and enjoyment of lands or
interests in lands acquired with NPS ABPP funds in a manner consistent with the preservation
goals of the program. Land acquired with these funds will be subject to the LWCF non-
conversion requirements. Grant recipients and their nonprofit partners who acquire an interest in
eligible lands must convey a perpetual preservation easement on the land to the appropriate State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or to another organization acceptable to the National Park
Service and SHPO.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible Applicants
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
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
Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Additional Information on Eligibility
Eligible Sites: Eligible battlefields: (1) have been assigned a battlefield or “survey” code in the
Survey Reports; (2) are located on American soil, or within the boundaries of the United States;
and (3) located outside the exterior boundaries of a unit of the National Park System. Eligible
acquisitions should lie at least 50% within the battlefield boundaries of sites identified in the
Survey Reports. Battlefield boundary maps are available free of charge through the NPS ABPP
website at the NPS DataStore: (https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Collection/Profile/7874). If the
property to be acquired overlaps the battlefield boundary, a majority (more than 50%) of the
property must be within the boundary of an eligible battlefield for the application to be eligible
for funding.
Boundaries for most eligible battlefields are defined by NPS spatial data accompanying the
Survey Reports. Applications for eligible sites without survey-defined boundaries, including sites
Page 3 of 25

---

identified as “Needing Further Study” in NPS ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic
Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007), must
select defensible boundaries for the site according to guidelines provided in National Register
Bulletin No. 40: Guidelines for Identifying, Evaluating and Registering America’s Historic
Battlefields and/or National Register Bulletin No. 21: Defining Boundaries for National Register
Properties.
There are no limits to the number of applications an applicant may submit.
Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with
applications for new Federal awards
Cost Sharing Requirement
Cost Sharing Required?
Yes
In accordance with 54 U.S.C. § 308103(d), non-Federal cost share in the amount of 50%, or a
ratio of 1:1, is required. The non-Federal entity must contribute at least 50% of the total project
cost, meaning one dollar for every Federal dollar requested from non-Federal sources as
evidenced by a letter of commitment, addressed to the applicant, from the funding source(s) or
awarding entity. Eligible non-Federal sources of contributions must be allowable under 2 C.F.R.
§ 200.306 and may include: cash and/or in-kind contributions. Non-Federal entity cost share
contributions shall be annotated within the SF-424A submitted by the applicant. (see
Submission Requirements and Deadlines and Detailed Budget Narrative)
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.
Page 4 of 25

---

This program may allow an applicant to apply while their SAM.gov registration is in progress,
with prior approval. For more information, refer to the point of contact identified in the Basic
Information section above.
Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.
GRANTS.GOV
This program accepts applications through Grants.gov so once you receive your UEI return to
Grants.gov to register with Grants.gov. Please allow 30 days to register and set up a Workspace
in Grants.gov. See Submission Instructions section below for additional details.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Program Goals
• To increase protected acreage and engage a growing community of preservation partners.
Program Description
The NPS ABPP Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant program supports agency for conservation of
open land and access to historically significant green space, particularly in metropolitan areas.
Our goal is to increase protected acreage and engage a broader community of preservation
partners.
Applicants 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
American Battlefield Protection Program - Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants (54 U.S.C.
308103)
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act, as amended (P.L. 88-578, codified at 54
U.S.C. 2003 et. seq.)
Type of Award
Projects will be funded through G (Grant).
PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION
Application Content and Format
Pre-Application Requirements
Prior to submitting an application, 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 submitting an application in response
to this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all
current and applicable executive and secretary orders, including the President’s EO on Ending
Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the EO and SO on
Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.
Page 5 of 25

---

Pre-Application Consultation: Prospective applicants and preservation partners are strongly
encouraged to contact the NPS ABPP office to discuss the proposed acquisition and preservation
strategy as early as possible and prior to completing the application. Contact information can be
found in the Have Questions Section.
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 for construction
SF-424C: Budget Information – 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)
Project Narrative
The Project Narrative must identify the property to be acquired with the following information:
• Name and address of property (“Tract”) and eligible battlefield where the Tract is
located, including survey code(s) assigned in the “Survey Reports.”
• Applicants must also state the Preservation Priority assigned to the battlefield in the
Survey Reports and should provide the National Register Information System (NRIS)
Page 6 of 25

---

database number for any properties, including National Historic Landmarks, listed in the
National Register of Historic Places.
The Project Narrative should specifically address each of the review criteria and questions (see
Application Review Information):
• Historical Significance and Integrity
• Resource Analysis and Proposed Activities
• Statement of Threat, Preservation Strategy and Future Sustainability
• Qualification, Experience and Capacity of Applicant and partners
The Project Narrative document should be a maximum of 5 pages long with font at a minimum
size of 11, and 1-inch margins. (The SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-LLL (if applicable), as well
as required maps, photos, and resumes are not counted as part of the 5-page limit).
Applications to acquire lands associated with eligible sites without survey-defined boundaries
must submit documentation described in the Prepare Your Application Section. The Project
Narrative may reference required documentation substantiating boundaries that is provided as a
separate attachment to the application.
Additional information that is pertinent to the proposal should be included as attachments. Please
note that reviews are based on documentation rather than links to external websites. For lengthy
documents, please provide relevant excerpts rather than full documents.
SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance
Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal
Assistance. Individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit
organization you may own or operate in your name), must complete the SF-424, Application for
Federal Assistance-Individual form. All other applicants must complete the standard SF-424,
Application for Federal Assistance. The required application forms are available with this
announcement on Grants.gov. The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance must be complete,
signed, and dated. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information. Please
note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box
on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box
and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget
Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).
Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form and Budget Narrative.
For non-construction programs or projects, applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A,
“Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs” form. Federal award recipients and
subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in 2 CFR 200.
Applicants must provide an estimated cumulative budget for the total project in the proposal. The
estimated budget must align with the proposed scope of work presented in the Project Narrative.
Unit cost estimates shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be
provided by contractors or sub-recipients. A detailed Budget Narrative must also be submitted
with the application.
Any applicant organization that has not completed the financial assistance certifications and
representations within their SAM.gov registration must submit the appropriate signed and dated
Page 7 of 25

---

Assurances form. All the required application forms are available with this announcement on
Grants.gov.
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).
Detailed Budget Narrative
The project budget shall include detailed information on all cost categories and must clearly
identify all estimated project costs. Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items including the
cost of work to be provided by contractors. In addition, applicants shall include a narrative
description of the items included in the project budget, including the value of in-kind
contributions of goods and services provided to complete the project when cost share is
identified to be included (reference the Eligibility Section, under Cost Sharing). Cost categories
can include, but are not limited to, those costs items included on the SF424A or SF424C.
In addition to the SF-424A, applicants shall include a detailed Budget Narrative description of
the items included on the SF-424A, including the value of in-kind contributions of goods and
services provided to complete the project in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.306(b) (See the
Eligibility section, Cost Sharing within this announcement).
The Budget Narrative must include income and expense lines, and present cost centers to
distinguish expenses allocated to Federal and non-Federal sources. Expense categories can
include, but are not limited to: Purchase Price, Appraisal, Appraisal Review, Environmental
Assessment, expenses relating to Section 106 review and consultation, Property Surveying, Title
Search and Insurance, Recording Fees, Settlement and Legal Fees. For acquisitions that include
any contracted lease-back arrangements, such arrangements are considered Program Income
under 2 CFR §200.1 during the grant period of performance and must be accounted for as such in
the Budget Narrative.
Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:
Page 8 of 25

---

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.
• Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected
date of the funding decision.
Other Required Information
Project Abstract Summary
Please complete and submit with your application package the Project Abstract Summary form
with the following information:
• Funding Opportunity Number;
• Goals and Objectives of your proposed project;
• Summary of Project Activities;
• Performance Goals including milestones and expected outcomes;
• Who will benefit from your project.
This information will be transmitted to USASpending.gov and be viewable by the public.
Applicants must also submit in electronic format:
o Applicant Cover Letter - A succinct description of the property to be acquired and
summary of the overall preservation strategy and the disposition of the property at
completion of the project, including identification of the easement holder,
acknowledgment of Land and Water Conservation Fund Act requirements (see
Administration and National Policy Requirements section), and the Applicant’s
affirmative commitment to serve as grant recipient (Recipient) and, if there is a
Subrecipient, as a pass-through entity for Federal funding consistent with 2 CFR
§200.331.
o Schedule for Completion - A statement detailing estimated dates for major milestones in
the acquisition project, including acquisition/purchase of the property interest, any
planned transfer of the property, recording of deed and/or easement, as well as any
proposed ground-disturbing activities or other activities that have the potential to affect
historic properties or resources.
Page 9 of 25

---

o Section 106 Draft Documentation – Draft documentation inviting the appropriate State
Historic Preservation Office(s) (SHPOs) and list of other by-right and interested parties to
consult on the proposed acquisition (undertaking), in conformance with responsibilities
delegated to the Applicant by the NPS ABPP Programmatic Agreement. This
documentation should include a narrative description of the undertaking (including any
activities with the potential to affect historic properties or resources that are proposed as
part of the acquisition and preservation strategy); a narrative definition of the Area of
Potential Effect (APE) for the undertaking; and, a description of historic resources within
the APE and the research efforts undertaken to identify these resources by the Applicant
and/or nonprofit partner (as described in 36 CFR 800, “Protection of Historic Properties,
the Section 106 implementing regulations);
o Easement Holder Letter - A letter or statement of commitment addressed to NPS ABPP
from an authorized representative of the SHPO that will hold and enforce a perpetual
preservation easement on the property under terms acceptable to NPS ABPP. If the
SHPO declines to hold an easement on the property, include the SHPO’s declination
letter or statement and a letter from the nonprofit organization proposed as easement
holder. The letter of commitment from the nonprofit organization proposed as the
easement holder should acknowledge the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act Section
non-conversion requirement (54 USC 200305(f)(3)) and should describe the
qualifications of the proposed easement holder by: (1) acknowledging the state enabling
legislation authorizing the creation of conservation and preservation easements and
allows non-profits to hold easements, and showing their ability to hold easements through
their charter or by-laws; (2) demonstrating that historic preservation, land conservation,
or cultural landscape preservation is part of their mission through submission of the
organization’s charter, mission statement, policies, or by-laws, as attachments; (3)
demonstrating that the organization has the capacity to enforce and defend the easement
in perpetuity through financial resources or legal insurance; and (4) demonstrating that
the organization has the expertise to carry out land management, stewardship, and
conservation and preservation activities consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s
Standards. (See “Nonprofit Easement Holder Qualifications,” posted in ABPP Easement
Attachment, for documentation required to demonstrate organizational capacity and
expertise.) Grantors of easements to nonprofit organizations should review “Required
Language for Easements with Nonprofit Grantees & Nonprofit or Private Grantors,”
posted in ABPP Easement Attachment, for mandatory clauses to be included in
easements granted to nonprofit organizations by nonprofit or private property owners.
o Preservation Letter of Agreement (only for projects in which a State governmental
agency will acquire and manage the property) – A statement from the Applicant of their
intention to record a Preservation Letter of Agreement, in lieu of an easement, with the
deed of sale and requiring the following stipulations (when permitted by State law):
perpetual duration of acquisition; allowance for public access; commitment to maintain
the historic features and landscape of the property; restrictions on development to
activities needed for interpretation and visitor access; SHPO review and approval of pre-
development plans (including survey, evaluation and documentation of historic resources
and design/construction documents); acknowledgment of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act Section non-conversion requirement (54 USC 200305(f)(3)).
Page 10 of 25

---

o Willing Seller documentation – A copy of a letter stating willingness to sell or contract to
purchase signed and dated by the seller. This documentation should also include the
seller’s commitment to refrain from activities with the potential to affect historic
properties.
o Cost Share Documentation – A letter from the awarding entity demonstrating the
commitment of funds to be included as part of the required non-Federal share. Must
include a statement assuring that no pass-through Federal funds are included in the
commitment to the applicant.
o Battlefield/parcel map – Map depicting the property to be acquired with reference to the
core area and battlefield boundaries of the eligible battlefield(s) as defined by spatial data
accompanying Survey Reports; boundaries of nearby properties listed in the National
Register of Historic Places; boundaries of nearby units of the National Park System; and
existing buildings, structures, and significant landscape features within the project area.
o Photos – Three to four photos of the property (or interest) to be acquired; photos should
be in high-def JPEG format and georeferenced, including one aerial image via Google
Earth, and must include permission to use, a narrative caption and credits for potential
use in NPS ABPP announcements and social media.
o Associated GIS shapefiles, or geodatabases, including metadata compliant with NPS
Spatial Data Transfer Standards and FGDC. GIS files should be submitted via email to
the ABPP BLAG program and not included with the grants.gov application.
o National Register or National Historic Landmarks documentation (recommended) –
Copies of documentation for any property within the project area listed in the National
Register of Historic Places, if applicable, are recommended but not required.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES
Address to Request Application Package
All application information and documentation can be found on Grants.gov under opportunity
number P26AS00019. The Application Package contains the mandatory forms that must be
submitted (see the "Package" tab). Applicants must also submit any applicable supporting
documents using the additional Attachments forms. Applicants may request paper copies of
application materials by contacting: Nancy Marksbury via email at ABPP_BLAG@nps.gov.
Submission Dates and Times
Closing Date for Applications: 09/30/2026
Closing Date Explanation
This Notice of Funding Opportunity will remain open until September 30, 2026, or until it is
succeeded by another issuance. Electronically submitted applications and associated required
documents will be accepted throughout the calendar year, but must be submitted no later than
11:59 PM, ET, on September 30, 2026.
Submission Instructions
Apply Through Grants.gov
To apply through Grants.gov, please follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide for
Applicants. Before applying, ensure that at least one person at your organization is registered and
Page 11 of 25

---

has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Only the AOR can submit the
application. If you need more users, they must create their own Grants.gov account. Follow these
steps below to apply:
• Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it
through your organization for review before submitting.
• Complete a Workspace: Invite participants to the workspace so you can collaborate on
the application. Required applications forms are included in the Grants.gov Funding
Opportunity Package and can be completed in the Workspace, unless noted otherwise in
the Required Forms table above. Check for errors before submission.
• Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking
the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab
• Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a
Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the
application.
The system generates a date and time stamp and sends it to the applicant’s AOR via email as
proof of submission. Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not
encrypt, zip, or password-protect any files. Only registered individuals in SAM as both a user
and an AOR can submit applications. Please allow 30 days to register in Grants.gov.
Application System Technical Support: For Grants.gov technical registration and submission,
downloading forms, and application packages, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-
518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov.
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.
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.
If selected for award, NPS reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information for
any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to:
(a) Other budget information
(b) Financial capability
(c) Evaluation of risk
(d) Name and phone number of the Designated Responsible Employee for complying with
national policies prohibiting discrimination (See 43 C.F.R. § 17)
Page 12 of 25

---

If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in
writing.
c. Policy Factors
The following program policy factors may also be considered in making the selection:
• Availability of funds
• Review of Applicant Risk (financial and based on past performance)
• Requirements outlined in program specific authorities: Grants are available for the fee
simple acquisition of land, or for the acquisition of permanent, protective interests in land
(easements), at Civil War Battlefields listed in the Civil War sites Advisory Commission's
(CWSAC) Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields (1993) and at Revolutionary War
and War of 1812 battlefields and associated sites identified as principal sites in the
National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program’s (NPS ABPP) Report to
Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the
United States (2007). Funds may not be used to acquire land or interests in land within
the legislative boundary of a unit of the National Park System. Recipients or
subrecipients should provide for the appropriate public access (entry or viewable from
public right-of-way) to and enjoyment of any lands or interests in lands acquired with
assistance from this program, subject to necessary and reasonable measures on the part of
the beneficiary to protect the historic features of the battlefield from damage or loss.
Land acquired with these funds must be preserved in perpetuity. In any case where a local
government or a private, nonprofit organization acquires land or an interest in land with
assistance from this program, it must convey an acceptable perpetual protective easement
on the land to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or other organization
acceptable to the National Park Service and SHPO.
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
Criterion 1 - Historical Significance and Integrity (Maximum
Points: 2)
Page 13 of 25

---

Applications should:
Describe the Historical Significance and Integrity of the property to be acquired (“the Tract”) in
a narrative statement addressing the following factors and considerations about the battlefield
(“eligible site”):
• Cite the Priority ranking(s) of the eligible site as defined in the Survey Reports.
• If the eligible site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places (including National
Historic Landmarks), describe the significance and integrity of the battlefield lands as
stated in relevant documentation including significance criteria. (The property may be
listed individually or as part of a larger district and may hold significance and retain
integrity in areas and periods of significance related to events before or after the battle
events).
• If the eligible site is associated with any other NPS designations or certifications (e.g.,
National Trails System, National Heritage Areas, and other commemorative programs).
Describe the Historical Significance and Integrity of the Tract by addressing the following
factors:
• Describe the location and acreage of the Tract in relation to the boundaries of an eligible
site(s) identified in the Survey Reports (e.g., inside/outside battlefield boundary, within
core area, acreage in each area. Describe how the Tract contributes to the significance
and integrity of the entire eligible site. Please identify historic resources/character-
defining features located on the Tract, if known, and any evaluations or determinations
of eligibility completed by state or local preservation officials. Please reference maps
included in the application package.
• Describe the use of the property since the Survey Reports were completed. How has the
eligible site and, specifically, the Tract been altered since the Survey Reports were
completed?
• Describe the current use of the Tract and any buildings and structures, including roads
and any extant monuments, on the property. Please reference photographs included in
the application package.
Criterion 2 - Resource Analysis and Proposed Activities (Maximum
Points: 2)
Applications should demonstrate how preservation of the eligible property will be accomplished
within its geographic and thematic contexts and how proposed activities will affect historic
resources. Resource Analysis and Proposed Activities should be addressed through the
following considerations and by referring to the required map:
• Describe any known cultural or archeological resources on the property. Please reference
any completed survey and evaluation documentation (including National Register of
Historic Places and National Historic Landmark documentation) and/or describe how the
project will identify and assess effects on all historic resources on the property.
• Describe the proposed short-term and long-term preservation outcomes, including any
proposed activities, treatments, or uses that have the potential to affect historic resources,
including activities proposed after acquisition of the property that may be considered
Page 14 of 25

---

foreseeable effects. Please reference the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties and Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural
Landscapes.
• Describe any encumbrances on the property (e.g. existing easements, utility easements,
right-of-way easements, mineral rights, timbering rights). Describe how the
encumbrances will impact preservation outcomes.
• Describe immediate and long-term stewardship strategies, including maintenance,
monitoring, and any plans for outreach or interpretation. (Who is responsible? What?
When?)
• Describe the Tract’s natural environment and stewardship strategies for the natural
resources within the cultural landscape (e.g., farmland, erodible soil, pasture, wetlands,
ponds, hammocks, bogs, forest).
Regarding the Tract to be acquired and placed under easement, please address the following:
• Describe any issues that need to be resolved before an enforceable easement can be
drafted as well as any conditions that need to be written into the easement.
Criterion 3 - Statement of Threat, Preservation Strategy and Future
Sustainability (Maximum Points: 2)
Applications should demonstrate that the proposed activities are clearly defined, including
timelines, and describe how the project responds to both threats and stewardship opportunities.
The project narrative and supporting documentation should demonstrate that the preservation
goals are achievable, that the project is sustainable, and that the preservation strategy is most
appropriate to achieve the identified preservation outcomes. Statement of Threat,
Preservation Strategy and Future Sustainability should be addressed through the following
considerations:
Statement of Threat
• What is the nature, extent, and level of severity of the threat(s) to the battlefield as a
whole and to the specific tract/property to be acquired/placed under easement?
• Describe why acquisition of the property at this time is the most appropriate preservation
strategy for the battlefield and, if applicable, other alternatives considered.
Preservation Strategy
• Eligible tracts must be outside the legislative boundaries of any associated National Park
Service units. What is the closest National Park unit, and where is the Tract proposed for
acquisition in relation to the unit (i.e., how far away is it from the unit, is it adjacent to
the unit boundary)?
• Describe any abutting, adjacent, or nearby conserved land or conservation efforts
including prior BLAG acquisitions.
• Is this a new preservation effort or connected to a larger, ongoing preservation effort?
• Describe how this project contributes to local and/or regional preservation strategies
(e.g., for battlefield, for campaign, etc.)
Page 15 of 25

---

• Describe how the project will meet the goals of the ABPP (e.g., preservation in
perpetuity, 6(f)(3) requirements, preservation tool, etc.)
• Describe any preservation alternatives to fee simple acquisition or easement purchase
that were considered and explain why acquisition / easement is the most appropriate
strategy.
Future Sustainability
The application narrative should also address additional preservation interests and community
values supported through the proposed acquisition:
• Describe how the acquisition of this Tract will advance local interest in the preservation
of the battlefield. Please describe why this place is important to the local community or
to other stakeholders.
• Describe accomplished and planned outreach and consultation activities, including
involvement of SHPO(s), local authorities, public stakeholders, and tribes in project
planning and identification of goals/preservation outcomes.
• Will any historical community or perspective benefit from the preservation of this
property?
Criterion 4 - Qualification, Experience and Capacity of Applicant
and Partners (Maximum Points: 2)
Applications should demonstrate how parties participating in the project will contribute to the
proposed conservation effort. Qualification, Experience, and Capacity should be addressed
through the following considerations and supported by the required Application Cover letter and
Easement Holder letter and other attachments, as needed:
• Describe the Applicant’s experience with similar projects, and, if applicable, describe the
outcomes of past projects and/or completed BLAG acquisitions.
• List and describe all preservation partners who will contribute to completion of this
project, noting any past experience in battlefield preservation/acquisition or cultural
resource management. Please note any staff who meet the Secretary of the Interior's
Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards.
• Describe the proposed landowner’s ability and plan to maintain the property in
compliance with the terms of the easement.
• Describe the easement holder’s experience stewarding properties that are cultural
landscapes (e.g., battlefields), experience managing properties that contain cultural
resources, and/or experience holding easements on properties that were acquired with a
BLAG. If applicable, please note any relevant certifications (e.g., certified land trust) and
identify staff who meet the Secretary of the Interior's Historic Preservation Professional
Qualification Standards.
Review and Selection Process
This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:
• figures are correct
Page 16 of 25

---

• 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.
NPS personnel will review all proposals. All proposals for funding will be considered using the
criteria outlined above. A summary of the review panel comments may be provided to the
applicant if requested.
Initial Review
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 EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and
Preferencing as well as the EO and SO 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 non-responsive and eliminated from
further review.
Comprehensive Merit Review
All applications that satisfactorily pass the initial review will go through a merit review process.
The merit review panel will conduct the review based on the criteria outlined below in Merit
Review. Each criterion will be reviewed and assigned a rating of “Exceeds”, “Meets”, or “Does
not meet” based on whether it exceeds, meets, or does not meet the criteria.
Policy Factors
The following program policy factors may also be considered in making the selection:
• Availability of funds
• Review of Applicant Risk (financial and based on past performance)
• Requirements outlined in program specific authorities: Grants are available for the fee
simple acquisition of land, or for the acquisition of permanent, protective interests in land
(easements), at Civil War Battlefields listed in the Civil War sites Advisory Commission's
(CWSAC) Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields (1993) and at Revolutionary War
and War of 1812 battlefields and associated sites identified as principal sites in the
National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program’s (NPS ABPP) Report to
Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the
United States (2007). Funds may not be used to acquire land or interests in land within
the legislative boundary of a unit of the National Park System. Recipients or
subrecipients should provide for the appropriate public access (entry or viewable from
public right-of-way) to and enjoyment of any lands or interests in lands acquired with
Page 17 of 25

---

assistance from this program, subject to necessary and reasonable measures on the part of
the beneficiary to protect the historic features of the battlefield from damage or loss.
Land acquired with these funds must be preserved in perpetuity. In any case where a local
government or a private, nonprofit organization acquires land or an interest in land with
assistance from this program, it must convey an acceptable perpetual protective easement
on the land to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or other organization
acceptable to the National Park Service and SHPO.
Selection
Based upon their review, the merit reviewers will categorize each proposal into one of three
categories:
• Category 1: Proposal meets or exceeds the program interests of the NPS with a strong
confidence that the objectives of the agreement will be met based on the demonstrated
qualifications, experience and capabilities of the applicant.
• Category 2: Proposal meets some of the program interests of the NPS, or there is a
marginal confidence that the objectives of the agreement will be met based on the
demonstrated qualifications, experience and capabilities of the applicant.
• Category 3: Proposal either does not meet the program interests of the NPS, or there is
low confidence of meeting the objectives of the agreement based on the demonstrated
qualifications, experience and capabilities of the applicant
Category 1 proposals are anticipated to be funded if funding is available. Category 2 may be
funded after Category 1 proposals, if funding is available, but additional clarifications may be
requested prior to funding. Category 3 proposals will not be funded.
Budget Review
The proposed budget will be reviewed to ensure all costs are necessary, reasonable, allowable,
and allocable for the activities to be conducted. Costs will also be reviewed to determine cost
realism and feasibility relative to the objectives contained within the project narrative.
Deficiencies, as well as suggested adjustments, may be noted for discussion purposes if an
applicant is selected for award. Although the budget evaluation does not affect the
comprehensive merit review criteria noted above, the budget information may be considered as a
deciding factor for selection if the budget does not support the technical aspects of the proposal,
or if adequate funds are not available to support the proposed effort.
Discussions and Award
The Government may enter into discussions with a selected applicant for any reason deemed
necessary, including, but not limited to: (1) only a portion of the application is selected for
award; (2) the Government needs additional information to determine that the applicant is
capable of complying with the requirements of DOI Financial Assistance Regulations, and/or (3)
additional specific terms and conditions are required. Failure to satisfactorily resolve the issues
identified by the Government may preclude award to the applicant.
Page 18 of 25

---

Risk Review
Prior to making an award, the program assesses the risk posed by the applicant per 2 CFR
200.206. If an award will be made, the program may apply special conditions corresponding to
the risk assessed. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the
program reviews eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant’s SAM.gov
records per 2 CFR 200.206(a). The program also assesses financial management capabilities,
project delivery experience, staffing resources, past performance, administration and reporting
compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential challenges.
In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.205, applications selected for funding will be subject to a pre-
award risk assessment which may include a review of information contained within the
applicant’s proposal, past audits, Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information
System (FAPIIS), and/or past performance on previous Federal financial assistance awards.
Negative information that leads to an applicant being designated as “Medium Risk” or “High
Risk” may result in specific conditions, as identified in 2 C.F.R. § 200.207, being incorporated
into the final award.
AWARD NOTICES
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: 04/01/2026
Anticipated Project End Date: 03/31/2029
Proposals will be evaluated on a rolling basis as applications are received. Awards are made
throughout the year.
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.
Data Availability
Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.315:
(a) All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports,
conclusions, valuation products or other scientific assessments in any medium or form, including
textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual, resulting from a financial
assistance agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being
available in a manner that is sufficient for independent verification.
(b) The Federal Government has the right to:
(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data, methodology, factual inputs, models,
Page 19 of 25

---

analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, produced
under a Federal award; and
(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data, methodology,
factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific
assessments, for Federal purposes, including to allow for meaningful third-party evaluation.
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
The American Battlefield Protection Act (ABPA) of 1996, as amended (54 USC 308101),
authorizes this grant program. The ABPA allows Land and Water Conservation Fund monies to
be used to provide the Federal share of the cost of acquiring interests in eligible battlefield land.
The ABPA requires that any interest in land acquired under this program shall be subject to
section 200305(f)(3) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (54 USC
308103(e)). See Post Award Requirements of this notice for details on requirements.
Successful applicants will be required to convey a perpetual protective covenant or easement on
the property consistent with the protections required through the grant agreement. See Post
Award Requirements of this notice for details on easement requirements. Additional resource
documents are available as an attachment to this notice.
Financial Assistance Interior Regulations—Appraisal Requirements
All Federally assisted land acquisitions are subject to the requirements of the Financial
Assistance Interior Regulations (FAIR) 2 CFR 1402.329(b)(1) including the submission of both
an appraisal and written appraisal review that meet the Yellow Book standards and qualifications
of the Department of the Interior Appraisal Valuation Services Office (DOI AVSO). See Related
Documents for details on appraisal requirements.
National Historic Preservation Act—Section 106 Compliance
Projects funded under this program constitute “undertakings” as defined by Section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (54 U.S.C. 306108). See Related Documents for
details on requirements under the NPS ABPP Programmatic Agreement as amended.
Geospatial Data
If you receive financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), recipient must
follow these rules for geospatial data:
Follow Federal Standards: All geospatial data you collect or create must meet the standards set
by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) or the Department of the Interior. This is
required by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which is part of Public Law 115-254, specifically
in Subtitle F (Geospatial Data), sections 751-759C (codified at 43 U.S.C. §§ 2801–2811).
Include Metadata: Your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files must include complete
metadata. Metadata is information that describes the data, such as where it came from, how
accurate it is, and how it should be used. This is to ensure that anyone using the data understands
its context and quality.
Check for Existing Data: Before you start collecting new geospatial data, you need to check
GeoPlatform.gov. This is to see if there is already existing geospatial data from federal, state,
local, or private sources that can meet your needs and is available for free. If such data is
available, you should use it instead of gathering new data.
Page 20 of 25

---

These rules help ensure that geospatial data is reliable, high-quality, and that resources are used
efficiently.
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),
• 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) requires certain
recipients to report information on executive compensation through SAM.gov and
information on all sub-awards, subcontracts, and consortiums over $30,000 to the
FFATA Subaward Reporting System (FSRS).
Conflict of Interest Disclosures
Recipients must notify the program immediately in writing of any conflict of interest that arise
during the life of their Federal award, including those reported to them by any subrecipient under
the award. Recipients must notify the program in writing if any employees, including
subrecipient and contractor personnel, are related to, married to, or have a close personal
relationship with any Federal employee in the Federal funding program or who otherwise may
have been involved in the review and selection of the award. The term employee means any
individual engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the Federal award.
Other Mandatory Disclosures
The Non-Federal entity or applicant for a Federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in
writing to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of Federal criminal
law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. Non-
Federal entities that receive a Federal award including the terms and conditions outlined in 2
CFR 200, Appendix XII-- Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance
Matters are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM.
Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR
200.339 Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment.
Page 21 of 25

---

Reporting Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance
If the total value of your currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement
contracts from all Federal awarding agencies exceeds $10,000,000 for any period of time during
the period of performance of this Federal award, then you as the recipient during that period of
time must maintain the currency of information reported to the System for Award Management
(SAM) that is made available in the designated integrity and performance system (currently the
Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)) about civil, criminal,
or administrative proceedings in accordance with Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.
Other Information
Payments
Domestic recipients are required to register in and receive payment through the U.S. Treasury’s
Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP), unless approved for a waiver by the
Service program. Foreign recipients receiving funds to a final destination bank outside the U.S.
are required to receive payment through the U.S. Treasury’s International Treasury Services
(ITS) System. Foreign recipients receiving funds to a final destination bank in the U.S. are
required to enter and maintain current banking details in their SAM.gov entity profile and
receive payment through the Automated Clearing House network by electronic funds transfer
(EFT). The Bureau will include recipient-specific instructions on how to request payment,
including identification of any additional information required and where to submit payment
requests, as applicable, in all Notices of Award.
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Requirements – The American Battlefield
Protection Act (ABPA) of 1996, as amended (54 USC 308101), authorizes this grant program.
The ABPA allows Land and Water Conservation Fund monies to be used to provide the Federal
share of the cost of acquiring interests in eligible battlefield land. The ABPA requires that any
interest in land acquired under this program shall be subject to section 200305(f)(3) of the Land
and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (54 USC 308103(e)). Section 200305(f)(3) requires
that any land acquired with these funds must be preserved and not converted to other uses
without the express written consent of the Secretary of the Interior.
All recipients must agree to record with or in the deed and record in the easement (as applicable)
the following:
• That the property was acquired with assistance from Federal Land and Water
Conservation Act finds pursuant to the American Battlefield Protection Act (16 USC
469.k.).
• That the property is subject to provisions of Section 200305(f)(3) of the Land and Water
Conservation Act.
• That the property, therefore, may never be converted to other than preservation uses
without the written approval of the Secretary of the Interior.
• That in the event of a breach of the requirements of Section 200305(f)(3) (unauthorized
conversion), the only remedy is immediate compliance with Section 6(f)(3); and
• That grant funds cannot be repaid to the NPS to nullify the requirements of Section
200305(f)(3).
Because the non-conversion clause governs the use of the land but is not necessarily sufficient to
protect the historic features of the battlefield, the NPS also requires additional legal assurances
Page 22 of 25

---

that the battlefield land will be preserved appropriately. In cases where a State government
agency will acquire and manage the property, the State may enter into a letter of agreement with
the NPS. The letter must assert that the State will hold the property forever, allow for public
access, maintain and protect the historic features and landscape, restrict development to that
needed for interpretation and visitor access, and pursue site development only after appropriate
environmental and cultural studies are completed to inform the best possibilities for low impact
design and construction. If the agency is other than the State Historic Preservation Office, the
letter must also state that pre-development site planning (such as surveys to identify significant
landscape and historic features, and archeological investigations) and final construction designs
are subject to approval by the State Historic Preservation Officer. The letter must also
acknowledge the LWCF non-conversion restrictions on the property. This letter will be recorded
with the deed for the property and will run with the land in perpetuity. In all other cases,
recipients or sub-recipients must encumber the title to the acquired battlefield property with a
preservation easement, in favor of and enforceable in court by the State Historic Preservation
Officer or, if the SHPO declines to hold the easement, by another government agency acceptable
to the NPS, in perpetuity. Easements must acknowledge Section 6(f)(3) restrictions and must be
sent to the NPS for review and acceptance prior to their execution and recordation. See the
ABPP Easement Attachment (in Related Documents) for recommendations and
requirements for preservation easements: “BLAG Easement Requirements,” for a list of
required and recommended easement provisions; “Required Language for Easements with
Nonprofit Grantees & Nonprofit or Private Grantors,” for mandatory clauses to be
included in easements granted to nonprofit organizations by nonprofit or private property
owners; and “Nonprofit Easement Holder Qualifications” for required qualifications of
nonprofit entities proposed as easement holders.
The fundamental purpose of the Land and Water Conservation Fund is to help acquire and/or
develop public outdoor recreation areas. Accordingly, recipients should provide for public access
to lands or interests in lands acquired with assistance from this program, subject to necessary and
reasonable measures on the part of the Recipient to protect the historic features of the battlefield
from damage or loss. Where the Recipient will place an easement on the property, the Recipient
must include language in the easement that indicates the type and degree of public access to be
made available to the property. At a minimum, lands purchased with LWCF funds must be
visible from public rights-of-way.
Appraisal and Appraisal Review Requirements – The award agreement will stipulate that,
prior to draw down of grant funds, the NPS must receive a signed SF-429 Cover Sheet and SF-
429B reflecting the property appraisal that supports the proposed acquisition cost. A digital copy
of the appraisal and appraisal review must be submitted to the NPS prior to accessing award
funds. The appraisal and appraisal review should be completed within one year of signing the
contract to acquire the property.
Unless a waiver valuation applies in accordance with 49 CFR 24.102(c), land or interests in land
that will be acquired under the award must be appraised in accordance with the Uniform
Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions, 6th Edition, dated December 6, 2016
(UASFLA or the ‘‘Yellow Book’’) by a real property appraiser licensed or certified by the state
or states in which the property is located. The appraisal report shall be reviewed by a qualified
review appraiser that meets qualifications established by the DOI Appraisal and Valuation
Services Office (AVSO), which is responsible for appraisal and valuation services and policy
Page 23 of 25

---

across the Department. Bureaus and offices shall ensure that funds are not disbursed for
purchases of land or interests in land without an appraisal accompanied by a written appraisal
review report that complies with standards approved by AVSO. Where appraisals are required to
support federally assisted land acquisitions, AVSO has oversight responsibilities for these
appraisals, including those purchased through financial assistance actions in the various grant
programs within the Department. AVSO will coordinate with grant programs to conduct periodic
internal control review of appraisal and appraisal review reports prepared in conjunction with
grant applications for land acquisition.
The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of the Yellow Book
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may obtain a print copy or
interactive electronic version from The Appraisal Foundation at
https://www.appraisalfoundation.org or a read-only version from the U.S. Department of Justice
at https://www.justice.gov/file/408306/download. You may inspect a copy at the Appraisal and
Valuation Services Office within the Department of the Interior located at 1840 C St. NW,
Washington, DC 20240 or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to
www.archives.gov/federalregister/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
National Historic Preservation Act - Section 106 Consultation Requirements – The NPS
encourages Applicants to design projects to avoid Adverse Effects on historic properties and
adhere to the appropriate Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines. The Applicant
may be reimbursed for up to 50% of costs associated with identification and evaluation of
historic properties, including but not limited to any completed cultural resource surveys or
inventories associated with land or conservation easement acquisitions. These costs must be
included in the application budget information. The Applicant will be responsible for costs
associated with resolving any adverse effects.
Upon receipt of a complete application, the NPS will fulfill its responsibilities under Section 106
of the National Historic Preservation Act to review proposed activities for their potential effects
on historic properties. After NPS completes merit review of the proposal and, consistent with the
terms of the NPS ABPP Programmatic Agreement, as amended, the NPS will authorize the
BLAG applicant, and in the case of a proposal with a pass-through entity, the subapplicant, or
their designee, to initiate consultation with the appropriate SHPO and other by-right consulting
parties. NPS will initiate consultations with Federally Recognized Tribes with an identified Area
of Interest in the proposed project area.
No activity with the potential to affect historic properties, other than the acquisition of battlefield
land, may occur on the property before the Section 106 process is complete. In accordance with
Section 110(k) of the NHPA (54 U.S.C. § 306113) NPS will not provide assistance to an
applicant who, with intent to avoid the requirements of Section 106, has intentionally adversely
affected a historic property (e.g. demolition or removal of all or part of the property or
conducting significant ground disturbing activity) to which the grant would relate, or having
legal power to prevent it, has allowed the significant adverse effect to occur, unless NPS, after
consultation with the ACHP, determines that circumstances justify granting the assistance
despite the adverse effect created or permitted by the applicant.
Page 24 of 25

---

NPS will propose a finding of no adverse effect only after reviewing the draft easement for
sufficient restrictions to protect the identified historic properties in perpetuity and, thus, conclude
the Section 106 consultation.
Page 25 of 25

---

ABPP BLAG Appraisal Resource FINAL_24-0812.pdf

American Battlefield Protection Program
Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant
Appraisal and Appraisal Review Resource
The following information is provided by the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection
Program (ABPP) as a resource for applicants and recipients of Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants. Other
than cited policy, this information does not represent policy or guidance of the agency or bureau.
Requiring an appraisal and appraisal review for Federal interest in a real estate acquisition can be cited
to the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR) found at 2 CFR part 1402.
Timing
• In cooperation with Department of the Interior Appraisal Valuation Services Office (AVSO), the
Program has established a standard practice that the appraisal and appraisal review should be
conducted within one year (12 months) of the closing date for the real estate transaction.
Variation from this standard practice should be explained and justified in a cover letter or email
with the transmission of the appraisal and appraisal review.
• No Federal funds can be drawn from an award prior to the submission of the appraisal and
appraisal review, along with a SF-429B, to ABPP. This is consistent with the FAIR and expressed in
a Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant agreement. (2 CFR 1402.329(b)(1))
Contracts and Requirements
• Contracts for appraisals and appraisal reviews funded under Federal award are subject to
Uniform Guidance regulations including competition and procurement. (2 CFR 200.319 and 2
CFR 200.320)
• The AVSO Department Manual requires fee appraisers for Federal financial assistance programs
must hold a valid license as a Certified General Appraiser for the jurisdiction in which the subject
property is located. (602 DM 1.6(B)).
• The FAIR requires all appraisals and appraisal reviews be conducted in accordance with the
Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (UASFLA or Yellow Book). (2 CFR
1402.329(b)(1))
• All Yellow Book standards (UASFLA) apply to Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant appraisals and
appraisal reviews. In cooperation with AVSO, the Program draws attention of recipients and their
appraisers to the following specific standards:
• Identification of the “appraisal problem” and the use of Federal funds in the acquisition
noted in the statement of work for the appraisal (1.2 and 2.3.1.8)
• Meet with landowner or landowner representative (2.3.1.4)
• Address the Before and After Rule for partial acquisitions (1.2.7.3.4)
• Sales History (1.5.2.2 and 2.3.2.3.5)
• Larger Parcel (1.4.6 and 2.3.3.1.2)
• Highest and Best Use (1.4.5 and 2.3.3.1)
NPS ABPP 07/19/2024

---

Nonprofit Easement Holder Qualifications_23-0906.pdf

NPS American Battlefield Protection Program | Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant
Nonprofit Easement Holder Qualifications
NPS will consider nonprofit organizations with valid active 501(c)(3) status to hold easements on
properties acquired with financial assistance under the Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant program.
Nonprofit organizations proposed as easement holders must demonstrate:
That the organization acknowledges the state enabling legislation authorizing the creation of
conservation and preservation easements and allowing nonprofits to hold easements, and show
their ability to hold easements through their charter or by-laws;
That historic preservation, land conservation, or cultural landscape preservation is part of their
mission through submission of the organization’s charter, mission statement, policies, or by-laws;
That the organization has the capacity to enforce and defend the easement in perpetuity through a
demonstration of financial resources or legal insurance; and
That the organization has the expertise to carry out land management, stewardship, and
conservation and preservation activities consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.
Documentation of such capacity and expertise should include: (1) the names and professional
credentials of paid or volunteer staff or contract workers who meet the Secretary of the Interior’s
Qualification Standards; (2) examples of training seminars or conferences attended by staff or
contractors; or (3) samples of forms, templates, and files prepared and maintained for properties
managed or stewarded by the organization.
Last Updated: 9/6/2023
NPS ABPP – Nonprofit Easement Holder Qualifications

---

Nonprofit Easement Holder Required Language_23-0906.pdf

NPS American Battlefield Protection Program | Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant
Required Language for Easements with
Nonprofit Grantees & Nonprofit or Private Grantors
Purpose and Disclaimer:
The National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program (NPS ABPP) requires the
inclusion of the below easement terms for lands protected with federal financial assistance under
the Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant program, for project structures when a nonprofit is the
easement holder, or “Grantee”, and a nonprofit or private entity/individual is the landowner, or
“Grantor”. The exact language of these mandatory terms must be included and may not be
altered without the NPS ABPP’s prior approval.
In addition to this language, easements for project structures with a nonprofit or private Grantor
and a nonprofit Grantee must also include the required terms found in the NPS ABPP “Standard
Easement Requirement Checklist” document, per statutory and grant agreement requirements.
For examples of these terms, please reference the NPS ABPP “Easement Template” document.
Note: This project structure should only be taken when a SHPO, state agency, or local
government cannot or will not acquire and retain a fee-simple or less-than-fee interest in the
Property. NPS ABPP will determine when a proposed project structure involving private or
nonprofit Grantors granting easements to nonprofit Grantees satisfies statutory and program
requirements. NPS ABPP will also determine if the proposed nonprofit easement holder meets
the required qualifications as described in the NPS ABPP “Nonprofit Easement Holder
Qualifications” document.
______________________________________
R-2 Grantee is a qualified non-profit 501(c)(3) organization authorized under the [State
Conservation Easement Enabling Legislation] to receive properties and easements in gross or
other interests in properties for the purpose of, among other things, the protection of the
Conservation and Preservation Values, and has the resources to monitor and enforce the
restrictions in this Easement.
R-4 The State of [State Name] has a public interest in ensuring that the Property be protected for
battlefield preservation purposes in perpetuity. Additionally, the [State Name] State Historic
Preservation Office’s (the “SHPO”) involvement and oversight of activities proposed at or
conducted on the site is critical to protecting and preserving the interest of the State of [State
Name].
R-8 Grantor acquired the [Property or Easement], in part, with grant funds awarded through the
Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program, 54 U.S.C. §308103.
Page 1 of 5
Last Updated: 9/6/2023
NPS ABPP – Required Language for Easements with Nonprofit Grantees & Nonprofit or Private Grantors

---

R-9 Under the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program and Section 6(f)(3) of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act, lands and interests in land acquired with Land and Water Conservation
Fund assistance from the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program (the
“NPS ABPP”) can be converted to a use other than battlefield preservation and protection only
upon the written permission of the Secretary of the Interior (the “Secretary”), acting through
NPS ABPP, and only upon the substitution of other land of equal market value and usefulness
for battlefield preservation and protection.
BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORT: The Baseline Documentation Report, (the
“BDR”) contains, among other items, (i) a written report describing the Property (including all
Existing Resources), and (ii) aerial, topographic, and photo-point maps, a site plan, and
photographs. Grantor hereby acknowledges that it has received a copy and accepts the findings
of the BDR. The BDR is hereby incorporated by reference into this Easement and may be used in
determining compliance with and enforcing the terms of this Easement.
[Please note that the BDR is a requirement of all project structures, but is included here
specifically so that this exact language is included when a nonprofit is the Grantee, and a
nonprofit or private entity/individual Grantor.]
PRESERVATION PLAN: A Preservation Plan for the Property shall be prepared and adhered to
within [#] months of the date of this Easement, and must be reviewed and approved in writing by
the SHPO. The Preservation Plan will provide a comprehensive management strategy for the
Property in order to protect the Conservation and Preservation Values defined herein and in the
accompanying BDR. The Preservation Plan will establish goals, objectives, and timelines for
maintenance and preservation treatment activities, including but not limited to rehabilitation,
restoration, demolition, removal, and reconstruction activities for features that may be in poor
condition. The Preservation Plan must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and
Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation. In addition, the Preservation Plan will be
consistent with the [State document] [if applicable]. Deviations from the Preservation Plan shall
be allowed only with the prior written permission of the SHPO.
[OR in cases where the SHPO requests concurrent review and approval of draft easement
and Preservation Plan]
The Preservation Plan recorded with this Deed has been reviewed and approved in writing by the
SHPO on [Date] and adheres to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for
Archeology and Historic Preservation. The Preservation Plan provides a comprehensive
management strategy for the Property in order to protect the Conservation and Preservation
Values defined herein and in the accompanying BDR. The Preservation Plan establishes goals,
objectives, and timelines for maintenance and preservation treatment activities, including but not
limited to rehabilitation, restoration, demolition, removal, and reconstruction activities for
features that may be in poor condition. In addition, the Preservation Plan will be consistent with
[State document] [if applicable]. Deviations from the Preservation Plan shall be allowed only
with the prior written permission of the SHPO.
Page 2 of 5
Last Updated: 9/6/2023
NPS ABPP – Required Language for Easements with Nonprofit Grantees & Nonprofit or Private Grantors

---

GENERAL AND RESIDENTIAL ACTIVITIES: There shall be no residential, commercial,
or industrial uses or activities on the Property, except for the activities permitted herein and in
conformance with the Preservation Plan. Permitted activities shall be limited to those related to
the preservation, maintenance, exhibition, and interpretation of the Property that do not
compromise the Property’s Conservation and Preservation Values, and those in the
accompanying BDR. The Grantor may reserve the right to reside on the Property, to house a
caretaker, or to lease the Property to tenant(s), provided that the proposed residential activities
sustain the Conservation and Preservation Values identified herein and are in conformance with
the approved Preservation Plan.
[if applicable] Existing Agriculture. Agricultural, timber harvesting, or horticulture at a
greater scale and intensity than existing resources may only be permitted if specified in
the Preservation Plan approved by the SHPO.
GROUND DISTURBING ACTIVITIES: There shall be no Ground Disturbing Activities,
without prior written approval of the Grantee and the SHPO. Ground Disturbing Activities
include but are not limited to any and all grading, topographic changes, blasting, and earth
removal, other than routine ground keeping and planting.
PERMITTED NEW IMPROVEMENTS: No new building, structure or amenity shall be built
or maintained on the Property after the Effective Date, other than those identified in the approved
Preservation Plan. The location, size, and design of any new structure or amenity must be in
accordance with the Preservation Plan, and receive the prior written approval of the Grantee and
the SHPO.
WORK ON EXISTING RESOURCES AND DEMOLITION: Any work involving the
construction, alteration, rehabilitation, restoration, renovation, replacement, extension,
demolition, or removal, in whole or part, of Existing Resources as documented in the Baseline
Documentation Report must be in accordance with the Preservation Plan, and receive the prior
written approval of the Grantee and the SHPO. Any demolition of Existing Resources must be in
accordance with a Demolition Plan that is approved by the SHPO. Prior to the demolition of any
building or structure on the Property, the Grantor will consult with Grantee and the SHPO to
evaluate its eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places (36 C.F.R. 60.4).
TREES AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT: Trees and vegetation on the Property shall
be managed in accordance with established arboreal and horticultural practices and in a manner
that will prevent damage to Existing Resources and Permitted New Improvements consistent
with the Conservation and Preservation Values, and the Preservation Plan. The following
activities are permitted without the prior written approval of Grantee: (a) non-commercial, de
minimis harvest of trees for trail clearing, firewood, or Grantor’s personal use; (b) removal of
individual dead, diseased, or dying trees or invasive species; and (c) removal of trees that pose an
imminent hazard (i) to human health or safety or (ii) to buildings, structures, facilities, amenities,
livestock, or other domesticated animals maintained on the Property.
UTILITIES: The Grantor shall not place upon the Property any electrical, telephone, water or
sewer or other utilities or utility easements without the prior written consent of the Grantee and
Page 3 of 5
Last Updated: 9/6/2023
NPS ABPP – Required Language for Easements with Nonprofit Grantees & Nonprofit or Private Grantors

---

the SHPO. Utilities or utility easements that do not serve the Property, including utilities from an
adjacent or separate property that pass through the Property, are strictly prohibited. If the Grantor
receives notification from any utility company, governmental agency, or other entity of proposed
utilities or utility easements to be placed upon the Property it shall notify the Grantee and the
SHPO as soon as practicable to do so.
RIGHT TO CONDUCT ARCHEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND INVESTIGATION: For the
purposes of this Easement, all pedestrian, shovel testing and test unit excavation, and remote
sensing survey techniques to identify, protect, preserve, and document all archeologically
significant deposits, sites, features, and artifacts in areas of proposed Ground Disturbing
Activities are defined as “Archeological Survey and Investigation”. Archeological Survey and
Investigation on the Property are permitted, provided, that (i) archeologically significant
deposits, sites, features, or artifacts present on the Property shall not be intentionally disturbed,
demolished or excavated or otherwise defaced or altered except by or under the supervision of a
professionally qualified archeologist meeting or exceeding the Secretary's Standards, with
training or experience that is acceptable to the Grantee and the SHPO; (ii) a scope of work shall
be completed and approved by the Grantee and the SHPO prior to any said survey or
excavations; (iii) during any such survey or excavations the Grantor shall allow in attendance on
the Property at all times a designee of the Grantee; (iv) any such research or excavation shall be
done only during daylight hours; and (v) the topography and all visible surface features of the
Property disturbed by any such research or excavation shall be restored to its prior condition and
appearance once such research or excavation is complete. Any such field investigations,
explorations, or recovery operations conducted pursuant to such approval shall be carried out in
consultation with the Grantee and the SHPO and in accordance with the Secretary's Standards
and in a manner to ensure that the appropriate amount of historic, scientific, archeological, and
educational information be recovered and preserved in addition to the physical recovery of
objects.
TREATMENT OF ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES: The Grantor shall take all
reasonable precautions to ensure that all archeological resources, features, deposits, and artifacts,
whether known or unknown from the Effective Date of this Easement, are protected from
vandalism, erosion, mutilation, or destruction from any cause. Grantor shall notify the Grantee
and the SHPO of any known instances of vandalism or theft of archeological resources on the
property as soon as is practicable to do so, but no later than 30 days after the event.
TREATMENT OF ARTIFACTS: Artifacts, both prehistoric and historic, recovered from
Archeological Survey and Investigation of the Property shall remain the personal property of the
Grantor, unless otherwise provided by law. The Grantor is permitted to sell or donate
archeological collections recovered from the Property to licensed archeological repositories or
accredited collections management organizations. If the Grantor chooses to transfer ownership of
artifacts to a repository, the Grantor must provide written notice of the donation or sale to the
Grantee and the SHPO. This notice must provide the name of the facility, its qualifications, the
location where the artifacts will be stored, treated, or managed, and confirmation that the
organization adheres to all appropriate state guidelines on archeological artifact treatment and the
Secretary’s Standards.
Page 4 of 5
Last Updated: 9/6/2023
NPS ABPP – Required Language for Easements with Nonprofit Grantees & Nonprofit or Private Grantors

---

TREATMENT OF HUMAN REMAINS: The Grantor is responsible for the protection of all
human remains discovered on the Property from vandalism, mutilation, and destruction by any
cause. If human remains are discovered on the Property during approved Archeological Survey
and Investigation or during any other Ground Disturbing Activity, then Grantor shall
immediately cease all activities at the specific location(s) where human remains and/or
inadvertent discoveries have been found and notify the Grantee, the SHPO, and the [Federally
Recognized Indian Tribe, if applicable] within [#] of hours. The Grantor shall comply with all
laws and guidelines applicable to the discovery and treatment of human remains, including
without limitation, notifying local law enforcement and obtaining any necessary permits or
authorizations for treatment of human remains. Grantor shall be responsible for all costs and
expenses associated with the treatment and/or removal of human remains discovered on the
Property.
Page 5 of 5
Last Updated: 9/6/2023
NPS ABPP – Required Language for Easements with Nonprofit Grantees & Nonprofit or Private Grantors