2016 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Transcription

1 2016 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Full Proposal Due Date: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 by 11:59 PM Eastern Time OVERVIEW The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals to restore the water quality and habitats of the Delaware River watershed. In 2016, the Delaware River Restoration Fund (DRRF) will award matching grants of $50,000 to $500,000 each to improve waters that contribute to the overall health of the Delaware River. Approximately $2 million - $2.5 million in grant funding is available. Major funding for the DRRF is provided by the William Penn Foundation and the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the US Department of Agriculture. Grants will be awarded in three categories: Targeted Watershed Implementation Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations and local governments to implement on-the-ground restoration to improve water quality and habitat within one or more of five Delaware River Watershed Initiative (DRWI) sub-watershed Clusters, including: the Kirkwood-Cohansey Cluster, New Jersey Highlands Cluster, Middle Schuylkill Cluster, Brandywine-Christina Cluster, and Suburban Philadelphia Cluster. Projects should be located within or benefit Cluster focal areas as identified in the Cluster Plans. One or more of three priority strategies must be addressed: Conservation on Working Lands Farms and Forests; Restoring Streams, Floodplains and Wetlands; and Green Infrastructure in Urban/Suburban Landscapes. NEW! Cluster Cornerstone Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations, local governments and educational institutions to implement large-scale, strategic project(s) in Cluster focal areas that will serve as cornerstones as the DRRF nears the end of its first three-year phase. These projects will include several partners with clear roles, address multiple restoration priorities through a detailed work plan, and leverage Cluster resources (including monitoring) to serve as a model in advancing goals set forth in Cluster plans. Delaware Watershed and Bay Innovation Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations, local governments and educational institutions to address cross cutting issues that are barriers to, or represent unique opportunities for, accelerating water quality improvements in the Delaware River watershed.

2 GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS DRRF projects must be implemented entirely within the Delaware River watershed, which includes portions of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Organizations located outside the watershed may apply if their project will be conducted entirely within the watershed. To be eligible for Targeted Implementation Grant funding, projects should be located within or substantially affect the focal areas of one of the five Clusters listed above and shown on the map. View map here. PROGRAM PRIORITIES A. Targeted Watershed Implementation Grants. Priority for Targeted Implementation Grants will be given to projects that address at least one of the following strategies in one or more of the focal areas identified in the Cluster plans. To obtain one or more of the Cluster plans, please contact the program manager listed in this RFP. 1. Conservation on Working Lands Farms and Forests. Deliver outreach and technical assistance to engage private landowners in restoration and conservation on their lands using a deliberate and well-articulated implementation strategy and work plan. Programs may target working farms and forests, providing technical assistance to producers, forest managers, and other private landowners to improve the health of local waters. The most competitive projects will prioritize a whole-farm approach and demonstrate strong collaboration with relevant federal, state, and regional agencies, as well as private conservation organizations. Projects should also extensively leverage Federal Farm Bill resources and other state and federal programs for best management practice (BMP) implementation, explicitly address technical assistance needs, and ensure the landowners are invested in the success of the project. Specific approaches include: Reducing pollutants entering headwater streams (including bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, thermal, and other pollutants) by increasing landowner adoption of conservation and nutrient management plans, implementation of practices such as livestock exclusion fencing and stream crossings, forested riparian buffers, wetland restoration, barnyard management and manure storage, no-till planting, cover crops, pasture management, filter strips, contour farming, installing accumulated flow spreaders and other practices that reduce soil erosion and/or compaction and support soil health. Geographic Focus: Brandywine-Christina Cluster, esp., Honey Brook headwaters and Sharitz Run; Middle Schuylkill Cluster, esp. Maiden Creek; Kirkwood-Cohansey Cluster, esp. Salem River and Core Pine Barrens; and the New Jersey Highlands Cluster, esp. Upper Paulins Kill. Securing landowner support and commitment to permanent, forested riparian buffers, and increasing local government commitment to land use policies and regulations that codify riparian buffers. Geographic Focus: Brandywine-Christina Cluster, esp. White Clay Creek; Kirkwood-Cohansey Cluster; and the New Jersey Highlands Cluster. Establishing whole farm environmental performance programs working with landowners to address all aspects of nutrient, bacterial, and sediment losses from the barnyard, field, pasture, and areas of conveyances including hydric soils, groundwater, wetlands, floodplains, and streams. Geographic Focus: Middle Page 2 of 10

3 Schuylkill Cluster, esp. Maiden Creek and Tulpehocken Creek; and the Brandywine- Christina Cluster. Building networks for farmer outreach that encourage farm and community-level communication of conservation practices, programs and benefits. The networks should also increase recruitment for participation in cost share and other local, state and federal conservation programs. Geographic Focus: Middle Schuylkill Cluster. Increasing farmer participation in Farm Bill programs to conserve water, enhance soil health, increase on-farm infiltration of surface water to the aquifer, increase riparian buffers and protect wetlands. Geographic Focus: Kirkwood-Cohansey Cluster, esp. Salem River. 2. Restoring Streams, Floodplains and Wetlands. Reduce stream bank erosion and scouring, improve floodplain storage/infiltration and filtering capacity, and restore hydrology and stream function to provide clean water and fish habitat. This work will include restoration and enhancement of stream banks, forested riparian buffers, and wetlands. Priority will be given to restoration on public lands or lands that are otherwise permanently or semi-permanently protected. Specific approaches include: Restoring and enhancing existing stream buffers that will significantly improve their function in protecting in-stream water quality, reduce non-point source pollution introduction to the system, and increase public engagement in the practice. Geographic Focus: Kirkwood-Cohansey Cluster, esp. Salem River. Restoring in-stream and river habitat in historic trout, mussel, migratory fish areas where BMPs have been implemented and conditions for successful reintroduction of species of interest are possible. Geographic Focus: Brandywine-Christina Cluster, esp. Sharitz Run and Buck Run; Kirkwood-Cohansey Cluster, esp. Salem River and Cohansey-Maurice Rivers. Restoring the capacity of rural/urban/suburban streams to mitigate the impact of land disturbances (including impervious areas) and improve floodwater retention by maximizing infiltration, addressing underlying hydrological challenges, increasing connectivity of streams with floodplains, enhancing riparian buffers, and restoring eroding stream banks. Geographic Focus: Brandywine-Christina Cluster, esp. Plum Run and Black Run; Kirkwood-Cohansey Cluster, esp. Core Pine Barrens; New Jersey Highlands Cluster, esp. Upper Paulins Kill, Lower Musconetcong River; and the Suburban Philadelphia Cluster. 3. Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Urban/Suburban Landscapes. Build local government capacity for green infrastructure and accelerate adoption of green infrastructure practices on private lands. Increasing water conservation and on-site infiltration in order to reduce stormwater runoff, decrease aquifer withdrawals and improve critical recharge. Projects may target improved domestic, agricultural, and commercial water management, implementation of upland (non-riparian area) measures for decreasing nonpoint source runoff, technically-appropriate retrofits to stormwater basins (including engineered/scaled graduated outlet structures and increased native re-vegetation in infiltration areas). Geographic Focus: Kirkwood-Cohansey Cluster and Suburban Philadelphia Cluster. Page 3 of 10

4 Reducing seepage from private septic systems with emphasis in areas with a high concentration of septics or those especially vulnerable to seepage. This work should be performed in collaboration with local municipalities. Geographic Focus: Kirkwood- Cohansey Cluster, esp. Town of Hammonton; New Jersey Highlands Cluster, esp. Lower Musconetcong River. Restoring and enhancing existing stream buffers to protect in-stream quality, reduce non-point source pollution, and increase public engagement in the practice. Geographic Focus: Kirkwood- Cohansey Cluster, esp. Town of Hammonton; and Suburban Philadelphia Cluster. What is Green Stormwater Infrastructure? Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is an approach to wet weather management that is costeffective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. GSI management approaches and technologies infiltrate, evapotranspire, capture and reuse stormwater to maintain or restore natural hydrologies. The preservation and restoration of natural landscape features (such as forests, floodplains and wetlands) are critical components of green infrastructure for stormwater management. By protecting these ecologically sensitive areas, communities can improve water quality while providing wildlife habitat and opportunities for outdoor recreation. On a smaller scale, GSI practices include rain gardens, porous pavement, green roofs, infiltration planters, trees and tree boxes, and rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing and landscape irrigation. B. NEW! Cluster Cornerstone Grants. Cluster Cornerstone Grants will be awarded to projects that exhibit exceptional strategic planning and partner engagement to deliver one large project or a suite of projects within the focal areas of the five restoration Clusters. These projects will serve as models that collaboratively advance Cluster efforts to achieve goals set forth in Cluster plans. Specifically, these projects will: 1. Establish a project leadership team and coordinate well-defined roles and activities of numerous Cluster participants and other partners necessary for effective project delivery; consider including new and non-traditional partners to broaden impact 2. Present a clear work plan (to prioritize restoration needs and the most important practices to improve water quality) with an achievable timeline that includes milestones and outcomes by which progress will be measured 3. Address multiple DRRF Program Priorities as described above for Targeted Implementation Grants and/or Innovation Grants 4. Give careful consideration to watershed context, complement other existing or planned Cluster projects, and implement pollution source reduction strategies (upstream and upland) prior to restoration and other end of pipe solutions 5. Integrate data collection, employ adaptive management and incorporate informationsharing mechanisms within the Cluster and externally; have a plan for using information for education, outreach and technical assistance purposes. 6. Prioritize and fully incorporate monitoring (existing or planned) through coordination with the Academy of Natural Sciences and citizen monitoring efforts within the Cluster 7. Consult with NFWF and the Circuit Riders in the development of the project proposals (contact the program manager for additional details); ensure TA is available to partners Page 4 of 10

5 8. Frame outcomes with the expectation that methods and lessons will serve as examples of strategic restoration and can be exported to other focal areas and DRWI Clusters. Successful Cluster Cornerstone Grants will serve as models and provide case studies as the DRWI moves into its next phase. C. Delaware Watershed and Bay Innovation Grants. Innovation Grants will be awarded to projects that address cross cutting issues that are barriers to, or represent unique opportunities for, accelerating water quality improvement in the Delaware River Watershed. Grants may support innovative methods and new technologies to drive down costs, expand the effectiveness of restoration practices and accelerate conservation. Projects should seek to build proof of concept and are encouraged to include assessment and evaluation to draw meaningful conclusions about program effectiveness and to include written case studies documenting the results that will enhance transferability. Priority will be given to projects that address the following issues: 1. Habitat restoration activities in the Delaware Bay and Bayshore that collaboratively address threats to shorebirds (esp. Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Sanderling), and native fish and shellfish populations (esp. river herring). Priority will be given to projects that also benefit water quality and improve coastal habitat resilience. 2. Improving delivery of Farm Bill programs via new incentives for landowner participation, building local and regional capacity for conservation planning and design, and/or maximizing BMP performance. Projects should aim to leverage Farm Bill funding to accelerate implementation of BMPs and other conservation strategies, and to encourage landowners to adopt BMPs that exceed minimum requirements and standards. 3. Demonstrating intergovernmental collaboration among local governments and partners to realize efficiencies in achieving water quality goals. Projects may include shared staffing and collaboration on program delivery, as well as joint restoration strategies to implement larger-scale restoration that benefits multiple downstream jurisdictions. 4. Building the capacity of local governments and community organizations to integrate green solutions into capital programs for parks, schools, transportation and community redevelopment. Projects should demonstrate how local governments can integrate green infrastructure restoration, protection and maintenance into existing budgets and programs across multiple departments (e.g., public works, parks and recreation, emergency management, education, transportation). 5. Increasing adoption of green infrastructure practices on residential and commercial properties in targeted communities. Projects should strategically target audiences that move beyond the early adopters. 6. Improving fish passage and habitat connectivity in streams. Projects should demonstrate how they not only improve access to upstream waters and improve instream habitat, but also how they will result in improvements to water quality. PROJECT METRICS To better gauge progress on individual grants and to ensure greater consistency of project data provided by multiple grants, the DRRF has a list of metrics in Easygrants for grantees to choose from for reporting. We ask that applicants select only the most relevant metrics from this list for their project (all possible program Page 5 of 10

6 metrics are shown in the table below). If you do not believe an applicable metric has been provided, please contact the program manager listed in this RFP to discuss acceptable alternatives. Project Activity Recommended Metric Additional Guidance Outreach for restoration practices and BMPs resulting in increased awareness Outreach for restoration practices and BMPs resulting in community behavior change Engaging volunteers to help with restoration project implementation and community outreach Installing fence to exclude livestock from stream and buffer access Delivery of restoration activities and BMPs on a number of acres to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff Delivery of restoration activities and BMPs to reduce nitrogen entering watersheds Implementation of restoration activities and BMPs to reduce phosphorus entering watersheds Implementation of restoration activities and BMPs to reduce sediment transport Implementation of urban/suburban restoration projects and green infrastructure stormwater practices on a number of acres to reduce runoff Implementing restoration activities and green infrastructure BMPs to reduce the volume of urban and suburban stormwater Capacity, Outreach, Incentives- Outreach/Education/ Technical Assistance - # people reached Capacity, Outreach, Incentives- Outreach/ Education/ Technical Assistance - # people with changed behavior Capacity, Outreach, Incentives - Volunteer participation - # volunteers participating implementation for livestock fencing - Miles of fencing installed implementation for nutrient or sediment reduction - Acres with BMPs implementation for nutrient or sediment reduction - Lbs nitrogen avoided (annually) implementation for nutrient or sediment reduction - Lbs phosphorous avoided (annually) implementation for nutrient or sediment reduction - Lbs sediment avoided (annually) implementation for stormwater runoff - Acres with BMPs implementation for stormwater runoff - Volume stormwater prevented Enter number of people reached; indicate audience (farmers, landowners, municipalities, etc) in the Enter the number of people reached; characterize the audience (farmers, landowners, municipalities) in the Enter the number of volunteers Enter number of miles; indicate buffer width in the Enter number of acres; indicate the type of BMP(s) in Enter the amount of nitrogen prevented from entering system annually Enter the amount of phosphorous prevented from entering system annually Enter the amount of sediment prevented from entering system annually Enter number of acres treated with stormwater BMP(s); indicate the type of BMP(s) (e.g., rain gardens, constructed wetlands, green roofs, rain barrels, etc.) in Enter the volume (in gallons) of stormwater prevented from entering the system; indicate type of BMP(s) in the Page 6 of 10

7 Improving aquatic habitat connectivity for improved fish passage Improved aquatic connectivity via dam removal, bridge and culvert removal, and/or installation of fish passage structures Implementation of restoration activities to improve instream habitat and stream function Restoration of upland habitat, including headwater forests, to improve watershed health Restoration of riparian areas to improve water quality and habitat function Restoration and enhancement of wetlands to improve water quality and habitat Implementation of BMPs and restoration activities to improve septic systems for improved water quality Implementing land use planning, municipal outreach and subsequent actions for improved water quality and habitat Habitat Restoration - Fish passage improvements - # fish crossing barriers Habitat Restoration - Fish passage improvements - Miles of stream opened Habitat Restoration - Instream restoration - Miles restored Habitat Restoration - Land restoration - Acres restored Habitat Restoration - Riparian restoration - Miles restored Habitat Restoration - Wetland restoration - Acres restored Other Outcomes - Septic Upgrades- # Septic system upgrades Planning, Research, Monitoring - Land Use Planning - # land use actions Enter the number of fish that are crossing barriers as a result of the project Enter the number of miles of stream opened to improve aquatic habitat connectivity Enter the number of miles restored; briefly indicate the type of restoration in the Enter acres of upland habitat improved; briefly indicate the type of restoration in the Enter miles of riparian areas restored; indicate the type of buffer and width in the Enter the number of acres restored or enhanced Enter the number of septic system upgrades Enter number of land use actions; indicate type of actions in the NOTES section ELIGIBILITY Eligible and Ineligible Entities Eligible applicants include: non-profit 501(c) organizations, local governments, municipal governments, Indian tribes, and educational institutions. Priority for Targeted Watershed Implementation Grants will be given to DRWI Cluster participants and their partners. Ineligible applicants include: unincorporated individuals, businesses, U.S. Federal government agencies, and state government agencies. Ineligible Uses of Grant Funds NFWF funds and matching contributions may not be used to support political advocacy, fundraising, lobbying, litigation, terrorist activities or Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations. NFWF funds may not be used to support ongoing efforts to comply with legal requirements, including permit conditions, mitigation and settlement agreements. However, grant funds may be used to support projects that enhance or improve upon existing baseline compliance efforts. Page 7 of 10

8 FUNDING AVAILABILITY AND MATCH Award Range: The DRRF will award $2 million to $2.5 million in grants in Targeted Watershed Implementation Grants will range from $50,000 to $250,000 each; Innovation Grants will be awarded in the range of $50,000 to $100,000; Cluster Cornerstone Grants may qualify for up to $500,000. Generally grants of less than $100,000 will be awarded for restoration at a single site and/or involving a limited number of partners. Any proposals requesting $100,000 to $500,000 should represent broad-based partnerships engaged in implementing comprehensive watershed restoration approaches that may include multiple sites and multiple strategies. Match Requirements: For Targeted Implementation Grants and Cluster Cornerstone Grants, a minimum matching contribution valued at 25% of total project costs (i.e., 1/3 of the grant request) is required; however grants in the higher end of the range (especially Cluster Cornerstone Grants) are strongly encouraged to approach or exceed 50% match to ensure competitiveness. For Innovation Grants, applicants are encouraged to have matching contributions valued at 50% of total project costs (1:1 ratio). Grant Period: Projects must be ready to begin implementation within six months of the grant award, and completed within two years of grant award. As an exception, only Cluster Cornerstone Grants may request a longer timeline to implement all projects and achieve desired outcomes. EVALUATION CRITERIA All proposals will be screened for relevance, accuracy, completeness and compliance with NFWF and funding source policies. Proposals will then be evaluated based on the extent to which they meet the following criteria: Program Goals and Priorities Project contributes to the DRRF s overall water quality, habitat and species conservation goals and has specific, quantifiable performance metrics (e.g. acres of wetlands enhanced, miles of riparian forest buffer restored, feet/miles of livestock exclusion fencing installed, gallons of stormwater avoided, etc.) to evaluate project success. Project addresses one or more of the program priorities outlined in this RFP. Technical Merit Project is technically sound and feasible, and the proposal sets forth a clear, logical and achievable work plan and timeline. Project engages appropriate technical experts throughout project planning, design, and implementation to ensure all activities are both technically sound and feasible. Project proactively addresses local technical assistance capacity including challenges, needs, and limitations and provides tangible ways to enhance delivery. Budget Costs are allowable, reasonable and budgeted in accordance with NFWF s Detailed Budget Instructions cost categories. Federally-funded projects must be in compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance as applicable. Partnership An appropriate partnership exists to implement the project and the project is supported by a strong local partnership that leverages additional funds and will sustain it after the life of the grant. Proposals with large grant requests should include a more robust partnership. Transferability Project has potential and plan to transfer lessons learned to other communities and Clusters or to be integrated into government programs and policies. Page 8 of 10

9 Cluster Plan and Context For Targeted Implementation Grant and Cluster Cornerstone Grant proposals, the project advances the relevant Cluster Plan, is presented as part of the broader Cluster and/or watershed context, and is an important element of a thoughtful shared Cluster strategy. Monitoring Project includes a plan for monitoring progress during and after the proposed project period to track project success and adaptively address new challenges and opportunities as they arise. Targeted Implementation Grant and Cluster Cornerstone Grant proposals must describe how the project will integrate with ongoing or planned Cluster monitoring efforts, either by the grantee or by partners. Letters of Support Proposal includes letters of support from project partners, stakeholders and/or technical assistance providers; letters should describe any match or contribution offered to the project. Cluster Cornerstone Grant proposals should include letters of support that confirm partner roles and contributions. OTHER a. General: Applicants will be required to indicate the status of all permits required to comply with federal, state or local requirements. b. Federal Funding Requirements: Projects selected to receive Federal funding may be subject to requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Historic Preservation Act. Documentation of compliance with these regulations must be approved prior to initiating activities that disturb or alter habitat or other features of the project site(s). Applicants should budget time and resources to obtain the needed approvals. Federally-funded projects must operate in compliance with the OMB Uniform Guidance as applicable to the applicant. c. Permits: Successful applicants will be required to provide sufficient documentation that the project expects to receive or has received all necessary permits and clearances to comply with any Federal, state or local requirements. Where projects involve work in the waters of the United States, NFWF strongly encourages applicants to conduct a permit pre-application meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers prior to submitting their proposal. In some cases, if a permit pre-application meeting has not been completed, NFWF may require successful applicants to complete such a meeting prior to grant award d. Technical Assistance: Projects must be technically sound and feasible and carried out by qualified individuals and organizations. Applicants are encouraged to provide documentation of technical assistance either received or committed to by appropriate state and federal agencies, academics and consultants. TIMELINE Dates of activities are subject to change. Please check the DRRF Program page of the NFWF website for the most current dates and information. Applicant Webinar February 2, 2016, 1:00pm Eastern Time Full Proposal Due Date March 29, 2016, 11:59pm Eastern Time Review Period March May 2016 Awards Announced Late June 2016 Page 9 of 10

10 HOW TO APPLY All application materials must be submitted online through National Fish and Wildlife Foundation s Easygrants system. 1. Go to easygrants.nfwf.org to register in our Easygrants online system. New users to the system will be prompted to register before starting the application (if you already are a registered user, use your existing login). Enter your applicant information. 2. Once on your homepage, click the Apply for Funding button and select this RFP s Funding Opportunity from the list of options. 3. Follow the instructions in Easygrants to complete your application. Once as application has been started, it may be saved and returned to at a later time for completion and submission. APPLICATION ASSISTANCE A PDF version of this RFP can be downloaded from the Delaware River Program page on our website. A Tip Sheet is available for quick reference while you are working through your application. This document can also be downloaded from the website. Additional information to support the application process can be accessed on the NFWF website s Applicant Information page. For more information or questions about this RFP, please contact: Rachel Dawson Senior Manager, Delaware River (202) rachel.dawson@nfwf.org Mike Lagua Coordinator, Delaware River (202) michael.lagua@nfwf.org For issues or assistance with our online Easygrants system, please contact: Easygrants Helpdesk Easygrants@nfwf.org Voic Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday. Include: your name, proposal ID #, address, phone number, program to which you are applying, and a description of the issue. Page 10 of 10