[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 103 (Tuesday, May 31, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-13027]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: May 31, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Revised Policy and Procedures for Selecting and Funding Federal
Aid in Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Projects
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Federal Aid is
announcing a final revised policy and procedures for funding Federal
Aid administrative projects. Revisions to the policy were announced in
the Federal Register, July 8, 1993, (58 FR 36694) and the policy was
implemented as a pilot with the understanding that it would be
finalized at a later date. Comments were invited on the revised policy.
None were received from individuals or organizations outside of the
Fish and Wildlife Service (Service).
This final revised policy is based on comments received from the
Service's regional offices in response to the July 8 announcement. It
includes information on the amount of funding that will be made
available, as well as, the focus areas that will be used to review and
select projects that will be awarded in fiscal year 1995. The Service
is seeking proposals under this final revised policy for sport fish and
wildlife restoration projects. The requirements for submitting
proposals and selecting projects are provided in this notice.
DATES: Applications/proposals must be received by July 1, 1994.
ADDRESSES: Proposals must be submitted to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Chief, Division of Federal Aid, MS 140 ArlSq, 1849 C Street
NW., Washington, DC 20240.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Columbus Brown, Chief, Division of Federal Aid, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service; (703) 358-2156.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A revised policy was issued under a Federal
Register Notice on July 8, 1993. The policy was revised in response to
criticisms that it did not include a systematic procedure for notifying
potential applicants of the availability of Federal Aid Administrative
funds; that it was not being applied consistently and that it promoted
unrealistic expectations among applicants. Significant revisions to the
policy included requiring annual announcements of the availability of
funds through Notices in the Federal Register; establishing and using
focus areas as part of the selection criteria and announcing the focus
areas in the Federal Register. Focus areas will be used to further
promote and encourage efforts that address priority needs of the Fish
and Wildlife Service and the States. The revised policy was also
intended to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Division of
Federal Aid's Washington and Regional Offices and it established
uniform requirements for all applicants.
Based on comments from the Service's regional offices, in response
to the July 8 Federal Register Notice, section J, paragraphs 1, 3, 4
and 5 and section L, paragraph 4 have been revised. The Service's
Regional Offices provide comments about their role in reviewing and
ranking proposals. Under the previous revised procedures, the Regions
were not involved in the eligibility determinations, instead, they
reviewed and ranked eligible projects and submitted their rankings
along with any comments and recommendations to the Washington Office.
The Regions commented that the best utilization of their expertise
would be during the review for eligibility and preparation of the award
agreements, after project selection. In response to those comments, the
policy was revised to include representatives from the Regional Offices
as joint participants with the Washington Office in the eligibility
review, including participation in the meeting during which the Chair,
Grants-In-Aid Committee (GIAC) sits as an observer. Additionally,
representatives from the Regional Offices will assist the Washington
Office in refining the project proposals and finalizing the grant
agreements.
Another revision to the policy includes placing a cap on the annual
amount of administrative funds awarded for any single project. This
requirement has been added to section E--Eligibility Requirements.
While this change was not made as a result of any comment, the
limitation is being established in response to growing concerns within
the Fish and Wildlife Service about escalating project costs.
Dated: April 19, 1994.
Mollie H. Beattie,
Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
Policy and Procedures for Administrative Projects Funded by the Federal
Aid in Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs
A. Purpose
This statement establishes policies and procedures for selecting
and funding Federal Aid administrative projects. Administrative
projects are activities that assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service) in administering Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs
and facilitate the efforts of the States in implementing these
programs.
B. Background
The mission of the Federal Aid Program is to strengthen the ability
of State and Territorial fish and wildlife agencies to meet effectively
the consumptive and non-consumptive needs of the public for fish and
wildlife resources. The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act and
the Wildlife Restoration Act authorize the Secretary of the Interior to
cooperate with the States and to use administrative funds for carrying
out this mission.
Federal Aid Administrative Funds are those funds deducted from
amounts available under the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act
and the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. The statutory
provisions related to administrative deductions are as follows:
Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration (SFR)--Federal Aid
Administrative Funds for sport fish restoration may not exceed 6
percent of the deposits in the Sport Fish Restoration Account of the
Aquatic Resources Trust Fund. These funds may be used for
administrative projects for the ``conduct of necessary investigations,
administration, and the execution of this Act and for the aiding in the
formulation, adoption, or administration of any compact between two or
more States for the conservation and management of migratory fishes in
marine or fresh waters.'' (section 4 of the Act is amended by Pub. L.
98-369, 16 U.S.C. 777c)
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (WR)--Federal Aid
Administrative Funds for wildlife restoration may not exceed 8 percent
of the excise tax receipts deposited in the Federal Aid in Wildlife
Restoration Fund. These funds may be used for the ``administration and
execution of this Act and the Migratory Bird Conservation Act.''
(section 4 of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 669c)
After making administrative deductions as specified above, the
remainder of the administrative funds will be apportioned to the States
in accordance with the formulas contained in the Acts. The Service will
strive to minimize administrative deductions in order to maximize
apportionments to the States.
C. Availability of Funds
In fiscal year 1995, the amount of administrative funds estimated
to be made available for administrative projects includes approximately
$1,400,000 for sport fish restoration, and $1,100,000 for wildlife
restoration.
D. Interstate Compacts
Interstate Compacts may also submit proposals for Federal Aid
Administrative Funds. Proposed projects must have discrete objectives
and will be subject to all of the requirements below.
E. Eligibility Requirements
The Division of Federal Aid, Washington Office, along with
assistance from the Regional Offices, will review each proposal and
determine if proposed projects are eligible for funding. To be eligible
for funding, projects must meet the following:
1. Projects must provide direct benefits to one-half or more of the
States at the national or broad geographic level to meet the needs of
the WR and/or SFR Programs.
2. Projects must have specific beginning and ending dates. The
maximum duration for any special project is three (3) years.
3. Project costs for any single year may not exceed $200,000.
4. Projects must meet the documentation requirements stated in
section G.
5. Projects must meet the minimum threshold of the selection
criteria stated in section I.
6. Projects must meet funding and award requirements contained in
section L.
7. Projects determined ineligible or that the Service elects not to
fund may not be reconsidered during the same year in which the proposal
was submitted.
F. Application Process
1. All proposals including funding requests for administrative
projects must be submitted to the Chief, Division of Federal Aid,
Washington Office. Proposals originating within the Service must be
approved by the appropriate Regional Director or Assistant Director.
2. Each year, a Notice will be published in the Federal Register
announcing the deadline for submitting proposals. The Notice will also
announce total Federal Aid funds available for wildlife and sport fish
restoration projects. A table with the approximate dates for each step
of the process is provided in Appendix A.
G. Submission Requirements
Each proposal submitted for Federal Aid Administrative Funds must
contain the following:
1. Title.
2. Background and Purpose.--Include a comprehensive statement that
describes the significance of the problem and addresses the need or
problem to be resolved, as well as a brief history of previous work and
a statement on State support of the project.
3. Scope of Work.--Include a description of work/objectives by year
if more than 1 year. State the time required to complete the project
and provide milestone to measure accomplishment of the objectives.
4. Expected results or benefits related to the States' fish and
wildlife programs--In addition to stating how the results will be
useful, provisions must be made for making the product or results
available and usable to those affected by the problem or need. Benefits
must be expressed in quantifiable terms, i.e., angler days, harvest per
unit effort, improvements to State administration, dollars saved, etc.
5. Resumes--Includes resumes and names of key individuals who will
be involved in the project, stating their particular qualifications for
undertaking the project.
6. Project Costs--Submit cost estimates showing total project costs
as well as the Federal and non-Federal shares. Multi-year project
proposals must include a summary budget showing funds required for each
year and an itemized budget for the first 12-month period. Estimates of
direct costs must be provided for each year for each of the subsequent
years. In addition, costs must be provided for:
a. Personnel.
(1) Include salaries of employees (by position title), amount of
the salaries attributable to the project and identify the percent of
each person's time spent on the project.
(2) Identify fringe benefits (amount only)--This entry should be
the proportionate cost of fringe benefits paid for time spent on the
project. For example, if an employee spends 20 percent of his/her time
on the project, 20 percent of his/her fringe benefits are charged to
the project.
b. Consultant--Identify specific tasks and work to be performed by
consultants, including the basis for the fee paid, e.g., hourly rate.
c. Contracts--Identify all work to be performed by contract. If a
commitment is made with a particular vendor, prior to applying for
funding, explain how the vendor was selected, type of contract,
deliverables expected, time frame, cost, and basis for the cost. All
contracts must meet the standards established in Office of Management
and Budget Circulars. Grants that are subcontracted are subject to
review for compliance with government procedures.
d. Travel and Per Diem--Identify number of trips to be taken,
purpose, and number of people to travel. Itemize estimated costs and
include transportation, per diem, and miscellaneous expenses. Travel
expenses shall be in accordance with rates specified by Federal travel
regulations. Registration fees should also be included.
e. Equipment--Identify equipment or items to be purchased or rented
that are necessary to support the project.
f. Supplies--Identify specific supplies necessary for the
accomplishment of the project. Consumable office supplies may be
included under Indirect Costs unless purchased in large quantity.
g. Indirect Costs--Identify those indirect costs where are based on
approved indirect cost rates with the Federal Government. Estimates may
be included pending approval of a negotiated Federal indirect cost
rate.
h. Other Costs--Identify any other costs not identified above that
are attributable to the project.
7. Proposals requiring multi-year funding must include goals for
each year of funding.
Appendix B contains a sample proposal along with explanations.
These rules do not contain information collection requirements
which require approval by the Office of Management and Budget under 44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq. The information collection requirements for this
grant program are those necessary to comply with 43 CFR Part 12, which
include (a) project narrative; and (b) compliance with Federal laws,
regulations, and policies. Recordkeeping includes the tracking of costs
and accomplishments (43 CFR 12.60), monitoring progress (43 CFR 12.80),
and evaluating accomplishments (43 CFR 12.81). Reporting requirements
include those required by 43 CFR 12.82. No additional information
collection will be contained in this rule.
H. Focus Areas
Focus areas are those specific areas in which the Service and/or
the States are seeking information and assistance in administering or
implementing the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration programs. Focus
areas will be determined each year by the Service, based on
recommendations from the Grants-In-Aid Committee (GIAC) in accordance
with the by-laws of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife
Agencies (IAFWA). Each year, the GIAC will be asked to submit
recommendations for focus areas after its September meeting. Each year
a Federal Register Notice will announce the Focus Areas, along with the
amount of funds available for administrative projects.
Focus areas that will be used to evaluate proposed projects for
funding in fiscal year 1995 are provided below:
Education--Includes training and/or instructing publics and/or
resource managers to enhance their knowledge base.
Projects that provide a better understanding of our
constituents and their needs and that provide innovative approaches to
reaching new hunters, anglers and boaters, including projects with
emphasis on minorities and women.
Projects that promote natural resource aquatic and
environmental education of students in kindergarten through grade 12;
including projects with new approaches to teaching hunting and fishing
ethics.
Outreach--Includes reaching out to publics with the expectation of
expanding opportunities.
Projects that include analysis of and that focus on the
values (economic and social) of fish and wildlife programs, enabling
greater public understanding of program benefits.
Management--Includes handling, directing and managing fish and
wildlife populations. The management focus links directly to resources
and hands-on responsibilities of fish and wildlife agencies.
Projects that employ new technologies and evaluation in
the restoration, creation, enhancement and/or protection of fish and
wildlife and their habitats.
Projects that provide for advancement of collection and
management of resource and harvest data on a regional or national
basis.
Projects that demonstrate restoration of fish and wildlife
habitats.
Administration--Includes service, supervision and management
responsibilities. The administrative focus links directly to supporting
fish and wildlife agencies' affairs.
Projects that identify strategies for future management of
fish and wildlife resources based upon changing social, economic and
political realities.
Projects that identify strategies concerning the future
management of fish and wildlife resource agencies based upon changing
social, economic and political realities.
I. Selection Criteria
Each eligible proposal will be reviewed and evaluated for the
following:
1. Focus Areas--Priorities and areas of need announced in the
Federal Register.
2. Scope--The problem or need addressed in the proposal is of
direct concern to one-half or more of the States. The scope of proposed
marine resources projects must also address a need that is of direct
concern to a majority of States on a specific coast.
3. Significance--The problem or need addressed is deserving of the
level of attention proposed and the proposed project is of substantial
character and design to address the problem.
4. Feasibility--The proposed objectives can be attained in the
amount of time and with the personnel and resources requested. Projects
must demonstrate tangible, identifiable benefits/results.
5. Cost-effectiveness--The expected output relative to the total
cost of the project is clearly favorable.
J. Proposal Review and Selection Process
1. Each proposal will be reviewed for eligibility as defined in
section E. The review will be conducted by the Washington office with
assistance from Regional Office staff. The final determination for
eligibility will be made at a meeting that includes staff from
Washington and the Regional Offices, with the Chair of the GIAC as an
observer.
2. All applicants will be notified that their proposal has been
determined eligible or ineligible.
3. Copies of eligible proposals will be forwarded to Service
Offices and the Chair, GIAC, along with lists of on-going grants and
ineligible proposals. The Chair, GIAC, will forward copies to the
voting members of the GIAC.
4. Service Offices may provide comments on the eligible proposals.
Voting members of the GIAC will review and rate each eligible proposal
high, medium or low.
5. All ratings from GIAC voting members and comments from Service
Offices will be returned to the Division of Federal Aid in Washington.
6. The Division of Federal Aid will summarize the ratings and
comments.
7. A summary of the comments and ratings will be provided to the
Chair, GIAC, for review at the GIAC September meeting. Copies of the
summary will also be provided to the Regional Offices.
8. During the September meeting of the IAFWA, the GIAC will
evaluate and rank eligible proposals based on the needs of the States.
The GIAC will forward its rankings and recommendations to the Service
in accordance with IAFWA procedures.
9. The Division of Federal Aid will summarize and consolidate the
all rankings, ratings and comments and develop recommendations for
project selections and awards. The recommendations may include a part
of any proposal or project for funding.
10. The Federal Aid Division's recommendations will be forwarded to
the Director of the Service. The Director will review the
recommendations and make the final decision on project selections and
funding.
11. The Service will notify each eligible applicant in writing of
the final disposition of their proposal.
12. The Director will notify the Regional Directors and the Chair,
GIAC, of the projects selected for funding.
K. Lobbying Restrictions
During the review of proposals, grant applicants may not engage in
any activities that might be considered as attempts to influence
reviewers or approving officials. If the activities are determined to
be lobbying, the proposal will be disqualified for Federal Aid
Administrative Funds.
L. Awards and Funding
1. Projects that are selected and that require more than 1 year of
funding will receive subsequent (2nd and/or 3rd) year funding based on
project accomplishments and satisfactory progress reports.
2. Funds awarded for administrative projects may not be used in
lieu of regular WR/SFR apportioned funds to support individual State
projects or for operational activities beyond development and
implementation.
3. Funds awarded to Fish and Wildlife Service offices may not be
used to replace operational funding. Salaries may be paid if related to
an approved project.
4. The Service's Division of Contracting and General Services will
prepare and sign the formal award agreement. The Federal Aid Washington
Office, along with assistance from the Regional Offices, may provide
technical assistance to the Division of Contracting and General
Services in finalizing the award agreements. The formal award agreement
will be forwarded to the awardee for signature and must be signed by
the Service and an authorized awardee official before it becomes a
valid agreement. This process may require up to 60 days to complete.
The Service is not responsible for costs incurred prior to the
effective date of a signed agreement; therefore, the starting date for
all projects should be planned accordingly.
5. Non-profit awardees must maintain a financial management system
in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-110.
State and local governments must maintain a financial management system
in accordance with OMB Circular A-102 and 43 CFR part 12.
M. Project Administration
Projects awarded funding will be assigned to a Project Officer.
Project Officers are those persons representing the Contracting Officer
on technical matters relating to the responsibilities of the grantee.
They provide assistance that includes:
1. Assisting Service contracting officials in completing the award
agreement;
2. Serving as the Service's point of contact after the award
agreement is signed;
3. Receiving and approving bills; and
4. Monitoring project performance and assuring that the awardee
adheres to the award agreement.
Appendix A.--Summary of Events
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Target date Event
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April 1 (subject to change Washington Office issues Federal Register
in future). Notice announcing availability of Federal
Aid Funds and focus areas for grant
applications.
June 1 (subject to change in Washington Office receives proposals.
future).
June 30..................... Washington Office with assistance from the
regions determines eligibility (Chair of
the Grants-In-Aid Committee (GIAC)
participates as an observer).
July 15..................... Washington Office forwards copies of
eligible proposals to Regional Offices,
other Service offices, e.g. Migratory
Bird Office and Chair, GIAC, (Chair of
GIAC will distribute proposals to voting
members of the GIAC, includes Summary
list of on-going grants and list of
ineligible proposals).
July 15..................... Washington Office sends letters to all
applicants informing them that their
proposal is eligible or ineligible.
August 15................... Voting members of the GIAC forward
comments and ratings to Chief, FA
(Ratings of High, Medium or Low).
September 1................. Chief, FA, summarizes comments and ratings
and forwards to Chair, GIAC, for review
at the September meeting.
September 15................ GIAC reviews and ranks proposals and
forwards rankings and recommendations to
Washington, along with recommendations
for Focus Areas for the following year.
October 31.................. Washington Office with assistance from
regions, summarizes all ratings, rankings
and recommendations; Final
recommendations are forwarded to the
Director.
November 15................. Director selects projects for funding.
November 30................. Washington Office notifies applicants and
Chair, GIAC, of the final disposition of
proposals.
January-February............ Contracting and General Services awards
grants.
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Appendix B--Sample Proposal for the Use of Federal Aid Administrative
Funds
Submitted by Gwyllt Institute
I. Title
Economic Profiles, Data Analysis, and Survey Design for Sport
Fishing.
II. Background and Purpose
In the Fall of 1987, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)
released the data tapes of the 1983 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting
and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. In its current form the data tapes
are not easy for the States to use.
The Gwyllt Institute (Institute) proposes to produce State-specific
reports on the retail sales, jobs, wages and salaries, years of
employment, output, and tax receipts generated by sport fishing in each
State.
III. Scope of Work
The Institute will provide each State with a specially designed
software package for State-specific economic impact analysis. The
differences between the results of the National Survey and State data
collection efforts pertaining to the economic impact of sport fishing
will be analyzed by the Institute. The results of this analysis will be
used to make recommendations for the design of the 1990 Survey, as well
as a standardized format for economic questions on State surveys.
A. Description of Work/Objectives
1. The Grantee shall provide to each of the 50 States, Lotus 1-2-3
(or facsimile) spreadsheets that contain trade margins, location
quotients, economic multipliers, and tax rates specific to each of the
States. The Grantee shall provide a manual to accompany the
spreadsheets that will contain detailed instructions on how to use and
modify the spreadsheets to derive the economic impacts of sport
fishing, hunting, and wildlife-associated recreation.
2. The Grantee shall download all data from the National Survey
from the data tapes to State-specific diskettes. The fishing, hunting
and wildlife-associated data shall be on separate diskettes. The
diskettes must be accompanied by a software package that allows users
to download the data from the diskettes to a Lotus 1-2-3 (or facsimile)
spreadsheet.
3. The Grantee shall inform State Directors that workshops will be
held by the Institute in each of the Regions of the Service to train
State agency and Service personnel on how to use the spreadsheets to
analyze the economic impact of fishing or other natural resource uses,
using State data or Service data. These sessions will be held in
conjunction with the Regional Federal Aid meetings or the Regional
meetings of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife
Agencies. These sessions will be at no cost to the government.
4. The Grantee shall assist States by compiling and analyzing
State-specific studies and work with States toward assembling data into
a format useful for economic impact analysis.
5. The Grantee shall develop recommendations for modifications, if
needed, to the design of the 1990 Survey and work with the Responsive
Management Project on their economic modules.
6. The following milestones are applicable to paragraphs 1 through
5 above.
a. On a monthly basis, the Grantee shall submit written progress
reports to the Service Project Officer. Each report shall contain a
summary of the Grantee's efforts and activities for the reporting
period, including problems encountered and efforts undertaken for their
resolution.
b. Within 4 months after the effective date of this Agreement, the
Grantee shall distribute to each of the 50 States the following items:
(1) Data diskettes
(2) Software to access data diskettes
(3) Manual for diskettes and software
c. Within 6 months after the effective date of this Agreement, the
Grantee shall distribute to each of the 50 States the following items:
(1) Economic Impact Spreadsheets
(2) Manual for Economic Impact spreadsheets, and
(3) Existing State data and studies
d. During months 5 through 12, the Grantee shall participate in the
planned training sessions. (See section A.3. Description of Work/
Objectives.)
e. Within 8 months after the effective date of this Agreement, the
Grantee shall prepare the Senate data in the Impact format.
f. Within 10 months after the effective date of this Agreement, the
Grantee shall distribute copies of the Economic Impact Manual and
comments. one copy shall be submitted to the Service Project Officer.
g. Within 11 months after the effective date of this Agreement, the
Grantee shall submit to the Service Project Office an original and one
copy of recommendations for the 1990 Survey.
IV. Expected Results of Benefits
In 1985, 46.4 million anglers spent 976.6 million days and $28.1
billion pursing their sport. It is anticipated that providing economic
profiles for each State will allow State commissioners of fish and game
agencies to argue effectively for the necessary dollars to manage the
fishery resources from their respective State legislature. We
conservatively estimate that an additional 5 percent of shared
resources will be reallocated to recreational anglers.
V. Resumes
VI. Project Cost
A. Personnel:
Project Manager/Senior Economist (2
Months)............................ =$8,000
Resource economist (12 months)...... =$35,000
Secretary (6 months)................ =$10,000
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Subtotal........................ $53,000
Fringe [email protected] 20%--total......... $63,000 $63,000
===============================
B. Consultant:
Computer Programmer (1 month)....... $5,000 $5,000
===============================
C. Travel and Per Diem (To consult with
Federal Aid--Seattle, WA, to
Washington, DC:
Size of staff--1
Duration (days)--3
Air Fare............................ =$385
Per Diem............................ =$240
Rental Car.......................... =$75
-------------------------------
Total........................... $700 $700
===============================
D. Equipment:
Diskette Storage Cabinet............ =$1,300
Mainframe Computer Time (100 hrs. @
$50)............................... =$5,000
-------------------------------
Total........................... $6,300 $6,300
===============================
E. Supplies:
Diskettes (3,500 @ $1.00)........... =$3,500
Printing (50 manuals @ $20)......... =$1,000
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Sub-Total....................... $4,500 $4,500
-------------------------------
$79,500
F. Indirect Costs @ 12% (rate as
established by previous Federal audit). =$9,540 $9,540
-------------------------------
Grand Total..................... $89,040 $89,040
Note: Cost of training sessions is being funded by other that
Federal Government sources.
[FR Doc. 94-13027 Filed 5-27-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M
