[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 240 (Wednesday, December 13, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77898-77905]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-31509]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Information Collection Submitted to the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) for Approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: New information collection approval--the federal aid grant 
application booklet.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) submitted the 
collection of information requirement described below to the Office of

[[Page 77899]]

Management and Budget (OMB) for approval under the provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). You may obtain copies of the collection 
requirement and related forms and explanatory material by contacting 
the Service's Information Collection Clearance Officer at the phone 
number listed below. The Service is soliciting comment and suggestions 
on the requirement as described below.

DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received on or 
before January 12, 2001. OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove 
information collections but may respond after 30 days. Therefore, to 
ensure maximum consideration, OMB should receive public comments by the 
above referenced date.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties should send comments and suggestions on 
the requirement to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Office of Management and Budget, Attn: Interior Desk Officer (1018-
XXXX), New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, 
DC 20503 and they should send a copy of the comments to: Rebecca A. 
Mullin, Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 222, Arlington, VA 
22203, (703) 358-2278 or Rebecca__Mullin@fws.gov E-mail.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jack Hicks, (703) 358-1851, fax (703) 
358-1837, or Jack@Hicks fws.gov E-mail.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:   
    Title of Forms: Federal Aid Grant Application Booklet.
    OMB Approval Number: OMB has not issued an approval number, the 
Service has applied for and will obtain approval prior to any 
information collection request described in this notice.
    The Service has submitted to OMB a request to approve the 
information collection described in this notice for the Federal Aid 
Program. The Service is requesting a three year term of approval for 
this information collection. A previous 60 day notice was published on 
September 5, 2000 (FR Vol. 65, No. 172, 53737) requesting comment. That 
period expired on November 6, 2000.
    Comments received included the following:
    Comment 1. Limiting outreach and communications to activities for 
RBFF seems overly restrictive.
    Response--We have redrafted that portion limiting outreach and 
communications to only RBFF, Federal Aid grant programs authorize 
outreach and communication activities by grantees.
    Comment 2. The hourly burden for completing an Amendment to Grant 
Agreement is overstated, it should be two hours.
    Response--We spoke with several Federal Aid managers who agreed 
with this comment so we changed the burden and lowered the total burden 
to reflect that change.
    Comment 3. House Bill 3671 eliminated any outreach and 
communication activities.
    Response--Changes required by The Fish and Wildlife Programs 
Improvement and National Wildlife Refuges System Centennial Act of 2000 
have been incorporated in this notice and in the Federal Aid Grant 
Application Booklet.
    Comment 4. Add ``and related components such as habitat, harvest, 
or use.'' to end of sentence on Surveys and Inventories to clarify.
    Response--We added it.
    Comment 5. Correct or clarify definition of RBFF outreach at the 
end of section 3.
    Response--Changed to ``Supports improved communication with 
anglers, boaters, and the general public.''
    Comment 6. Wrong use of Grant Amendment form on page 13.
    Response--Changed to ``An Amendment to Grant Agreement (3-1591) is 
only required when changes in grant costs, period, or scope of work 
must be made.''
    Comment 7. In-Kind match and volunteer services area is confusing.
    Response--Changed to ``In-kind match is an agency noncash 
contribution such as volunteer services, land, equipment, supplies * * 
* etc.''
    Comment 7. Add ``X'' to land acquisition and operations and 
maintenance on the matrix for Section 7 work.
    Response--Added the X's to the matrix.
    Comment 8. Key personnel section under research grants is hard to 
understand.
    Response--Re-drafted in plain language.
    Comment 9. Suggested some wording changes to our program 
descriptions and eligible activities.
    Response--Redrafted these portions of the booklet to accommodate 
plain language.
    This notice provides another 30 day period in which to comment on 
the information collection described.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control number for this 
information collection has not been issued yet.
    Description and Use: The Service administers several grant programs 
authorized by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, the Federal 
Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, the Anadromous Fish Conservation 
Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Vessel Act, the Sportfishing 
and Boating Safety Act, the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and 
Restoration Act, and others. The Service uses the information collected 
to make grant awards to States and others within these grant programs. 
This includes determining if the proposed work and cost is reasonable, 
the cost sharing is consistent with the applicable program statutes, 
and other vital information collected through proposals submitted by 
grant applicants. The State or other grantee uses the booklet as a 
guide for writing complete proposals including; work proposed, 
providing specific budget information, identifying proposed cost 
sharing, addressing any compliance issues, and identifying partners if 
any. The information collected through this document also satisfy 
special requirements for various approvals for National Environment 
Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other Acts 
pertaining to grants management in the Federal government. Grant 
applicants provide the information requested in the Federal Aid Grant 
Application booklet in order to receive benefits in the form of grants 
for purposes outlined in the applicable law. The Service uses the 
Federal Aid Grant Application Booklet to request complete information 
needed to determine the eligibility, cost, scope, and appropriateness 
of the grant applied for. This information collection is intended to 
apply to both single grants and grants issued under the planning 
options outlined in the applicable Acts. This booklet is designed to 
cause the minimum impact in the form of hourly burden on grant 
applicants and still get all the required information.
    Supplemental Information: The service has submitted the following 
information collection requirements to OMB for review and approval 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments 
are invited on (1) whether the collection of information is necessary 
for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy 
of the agency's estimates of burden of the collection of information; 
(3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and, (4) ways to minimize the burden of

[[Page 77900]]

collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Frequency: Generally annually.
    Description of Respondents: State Government, territorial (the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American 
Samoa), local governments, and others receiving grant funds.
    Completion Time and Annual Response and Burden Estimate:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Annual
                                        Completion   response    Annual
              Form name                  time per       in       burden
                                       application  narrative   [hours]
                                          [hours]     format
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grant application booklet............          80       3,500    280,000
Amendment to grant agreement.........           2       1,750      3,500
                                                   ---------------------
      Totals.........................                   5,250    283,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Federal Aid Grant Application Booklet

OMB Control Number 1018-XXXX
Expires xx/xx/xxxx

Part 1--(Cover)

Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Federal Aid
Grant Programs

    Authorized under the following Acts:

Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777-7771)
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669-669i)
Partnerships for Wildlife Act (16 U.S.C. 3741)
Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 
3954)
Endangered Species Act, Sec 6 (h) (16 U.S.C. 1361)
Clean Vessel Act of 1992 (16 U.S.C. 777)

    Covering the following types of projects and grants:

Sport Fish Restoration Projects
Wildlife Restoration Projects
Coastal Wetland Restoration
Clean Vessel Pumpout Projects
Boating Infrastructure
Partnerships for Wildlife
Endangered Species, Sec 6 (h)
Land Acquisition
Coordination
Strategic Planning
Comprehensive Management
Surveys and Inventories
Training and Education
Facilities Development
Construction
Operations and Maintenance
Development
Research
Single and Multi-Project
Habitat and Population Management
Hunter and Aquatic Education
Outreach and Communications

Part 2--(inside front cover)

Draft Information Collection Statement

    Information Collection Statement: In accordance with the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501) please note the following 
information. This information collection is authorized by the 
Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777-7771), 
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669-669i), 
Partnerships for Wildlife Act (16 U.S.C. 3741), and the Coastal 
Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 3954). 
This information collection covers the following types of grant 
programs: Sport Fish Restoration, Wildlife Restoration, Coastal 
Wetland Restoration, Clean Vessel, Boating Infrastructure, 
Partnerships for Wildlife and Endangered Species [See 6(h)]. We are 
collecting this information relevant to the eligibility, 
substantially, relative value, and budget information from 
applicants in order to make awards of grants under these programs. 
We are collecting financial and performance information to track 
cost and accomplishments of these grant programs. Completion of 
these application and reporting requirements will involve a 
paperwork burden of approximately 80 hours per grant proposal and 
two hours per grant amendment, this does not include any burden 
hours previously approved by OMB for standard or Fish and Wildlife 
Service forms. Your response to this information collection is 
voluntary, but necessary to receive benefits in the form of a Grant, 
and does not carry any premise of confidentiality. An agency may not 
conduct or sponsor; and a person is not required to respond to, a 
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB 
control number. This information collection has been approved by OMB 
and assigned control number 1018-XXXX. The public is invited to 
submit comments on the accuracy of the estimated average burden 
hours for application preparation, and to suggest ways in which the 
burden may be reduced. Comments may be submitted to: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, Mail Stop 222 ARLSQ, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, Washington, DC 20240.

Part 3

    Who is eligible to participate in these grant programs and for 
what purpose? We work with several programs, they are listed below, 
along with their individual purpose and eligible recipients.
    Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Programs: Any State fish and 
wildlife agency of the 50 States and the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands, Guam, the United States Virgin Island, and the 
American Samoa. The purpose of the Wildlife Restoration grants must 
be for restoration, conservation, management, and enhancement of 
wild birds and wild mammals, and providing for public use and 
benefit from these resources. Eligible activities include: educating 
responsible hunters, shooters and archers in skills, knowledge, and 
attitudes regarding the safety in firearms, public target ranges 
development, operations and maintenance either archery of firearm.
    The Sport Fish Restoration Program: Any State fish and wildlife 
agency of the 50 States and the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, and 
American Samoa. Grants must be for the restoration, conservation, 
management, and enhancement of sport fish, and provision for public 
use of and benefits from these resources, such as boating access. 
Sport fish, by definition, are limited to aquatic, gill breathing, 
vertebrate animals bearing paired fins, and having material value 
for sport or recreation. Also eligible are grants which address the 
enhancement of the public's understanding of water resources and 
aquatic life forms, and the development of responsible attitudes and 
ethics towards the aquatic environment.
    Coastal Wetland Restoration projects: Any State agency 
designated by the Governor of a coastal State to participate on 
behalf of the State is eligible. A coastal State is any State 
bordering on the Atlantic, the Pacific, or the Arctic Ocean, the 
Gulf of Mexico, Long Island Sound, or one or more of the Great 
Lakes. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin 
Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the 
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and American Samoa are also 
eligible. Coastal wetlands conservation grants must be for the long-
term conservation of lands and waters, hydrology, water quality and 
fish and wildlife that depend upon these lands and waters. For the 
Coastal Wetlands Conservation Program, grant work must be in the 
first tier of counties along the coast of any State except 
Louisiana.
    Clean Vessel projects: Any State fish and wildlife agency of the 
fifty States and the Districts of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, 
the United States Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Grants must be 
for the surveying and

[[Page 77901]]

planning for installing pumpout/dump stations, and to fund the 
construction and renovation or maintenance of pumpout/dump stations 
to be used by recreational vessels, for the purpose of preventing 
recreational boat sewage from entering U.S. waters. Educational 
activities are also eligible for funding.
    Boating Infrastructure: Any State fish and wildlife agency of 
the 50 States as designated by the State government and the District 
of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the United States Virgin 
Islands, and American Samoa. The purpose of the Boating 
Infrastructure Grant Program is to provide funds to States for the 
development and maintenance of facilities for transient 
nontrailerable recreational vessels.
    Partnerships for Wildlife: Any State fish and wildlife agency of 
the 50 States and the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, 
the United States Virgin Islands, and American Samoa in partnership 
with third parties. The purpose of these projects must be to: 
Inventory fish and wildlife species; determine and monitor the size, 
range, and distribution of populations of fish and wildlife species, 
identify the extent, condition, and location of the significant 
habitats of fish and wildlife species; identify the significant 
problems that may adversely affect fish and wildlife species and 
their significant habitats; take actions to conserve fish and 
wildlife species and their habitats; or take action which the 
principal purpose is to provide opportunities for the public to use 
and enjoy fish and wildlife through nonconsumptive activities. This 
program applies to any wild members of the animal kingdom that are 
in an unconfined state, except animals that are: (1) taken for 
recreation, fur, or food; (2) Federally listed as endangered or 
threatened species under the Endangered Species Act; or (3) marine 
mammals defined by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
    Endangered Species Section 6 Grants: Any State agency that has a 
cooperative agreement with the Secretary of the Interior, as well as 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands; Guam; the United States Virgin Islands; and 
American Samoa. The purpose of the Endangered Species Section 6 
Grants program is to provide Federal financial assistance to any 
State, through its appropriate agency, which has entered into a 
cooperative agreement to assist in the development of programs for 
the conservation of endangered and threatened species. Currently, 
all 50 States, DC and some insular territories have such an 
agreement. Eligible activities include all types of projects 
(including land acquisition) with the potential of restoring a 
threatened or endangered species, monitoring or a candidate species 
or monitoring of a recovered species.

Grant Programs

Wildlife Restoration Act

    <bullet> Restore and manage wild birds and wild mammals
    <bullet> Provide for public use of and access to wild birds and 
wild mammals
    <bullet> Provide hunter education
    <bullet> Funded by hunters and recreational shooters

Sport Fish Restoration Act

    <bullet> Restore and manage sport fish
    <bullet> Provide for public use of and access to sport fish
    <bullet> Provide aquatic education
    <bullet> Funded by anglers and recreational boaters

Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act

    <bullet> Acquire coastal wetlands
    <bullet> Restore or enhance coastal wetlands' ecosystems
    <bullet> Provide long-term conservation of coastal lands and 
waters
    <bullet> Funded by Sport Fish Restoration account

Endangered Species Act

    <bullet> Acquisition, enhancement and protection of habitat
    <bullet> Recovery and conservation of species
    <bullet> Surveys and research
    <bullet> Funded under Section 6 of the Act through Congressional 
appropriation

Partnerships for Wildlife Act

    <bullet> Inventory and conserve nongame species
    <bullet> Provide watchable wildlife recreational and educational 
opportunities
    <bullet> Identify and manage species and their habitats
    <bullet> Funded by Congressional appropriations and State and 
private partners

Clean Vessel Act

    <bullet> Survey needs and make plans
    <bullet> Construct and maintain pumpouts and dump stations
    <bullet> Educate boaters on use of facilities and impacts of 
overboard discharge
    <bullet> Funded by Sport Fish Restoration account

Grant Types Eligible for Funding

    <bullet> Coordination--supports administrative activities of 
Federal Aid Program
    <bullet> Strategic Plans and Comprehensive Management Systems 
(CMS)

--permits implementation of grant funding under either of two 
funding options:

    (1) strategic plan for sport fish and/or wildlife resource 
management or
    (2) CMS for all or part of a State agency's resource management

--allows for funding a grant to develop either of the two funding 
options above
    <bullet> Land Acquisition--The acquisition of real property for

--protecting or maintaining habitat conditions for fish or wildlife 
species;
--developing or improving habitat conditions to enhance carrying 
capacity;
--providing public access for the use of fish and wildlife 
resources; and
--constructing buildings or other structures needed by the State to 
meet program needs.

    <bullet> Motorboat Access Facilities--Activities necessary for 
the purpose of accommodating sport anglers using motor boats 
propelled by internal combustion engines including:
--acquisition, development, renovation and improvement projects;
--multipurpose projects designed to provide benefits for sport 
anglers using motor boats and other compatible recreation to the 
extent of the prorated share of the facility cost attributable to 
each purpose;
--undertakings to compensate for or mitigate recreational or 
resource losses caused by the boating access improvement, and that 
are necessary to secure permits or approval of the boating facility;
--research, surveys, planning, appraisals, permits, public 
involvement or other preliminary requirements to evaluate, design, 
program, or schedule future boating access improvements are 
allowable as an on-going development or access planning project;
--operation and maintenance of facilities acquired or constructed 
with Federal Aid funds or by other funds is eligible when such 
facilities are necessary for carrying out an approved Federal Aid 
project; or
--channel improvements, vegetation clearance, navigation aids and 
other modifications to expedite boating to open water from launching 
facilities.
    <bullet> Clean Vessel Act Facilities--Activities necessary for 
activities addressing the need for facilities enabling recreational 
boaters to dispose of boater sewage in an environmentally sound 
manner, including:
--identification of recreational boater sewage disposal needs and 
plans for addressing identified needs;
--construction, renovation and maintenance of pumpout facilities, 
and;
--education plans to increase boater awareness of related 
opportunities and environmental impacts.
    <bullet> Operations and Maintenance--Activities necessary for 
the functioning of a facility to produce desired results, and for 
the upkeep of a facility to allow the facility to function including 
routine recurring custodial maintenance such as housekeeping and 
minor repairs as well as the supplies, materials, and tools 
necessary to carry out the work.
    <bullet> Development Grants for:
--Population Management--supports restoration and management of 
sport fish and wildlife populations through stocking or transplant 
efforts
--Habitat Management--supports creation and improvement of habitat 
for sport fish and wildlife populations
--Facilities Construction--supports activities providing public 
access to or enhancing public use of wildlife or sport fish 
resources; and supports development of facilities for educational or 
administrative purposes that further federal aid objectives
    <bullet> Research--Activities necessary for:
--providing solutions to problems involving fish or wildlife 
resources; or
--determining factors affecting the demands or needs for fish and 
wildlife resources.
    <bullet> Surveys and Inventories--Activities necessary for:
--determining the abundance, characteristics, or condition of fish 
or wildlife populations;
--determining the status or condition of habitats;

[[Page 77902]]

--determining current use or demands for fish or wildlife resources 
and information about the resource users; or
--monitoring environmental conditions relating to wildlife and sport 
fish.
    <bullet> Hunter and Aquatic Education
--educates hunters to be responsible
--provides education or training on fishing skills and aquatic 
resources
--supports construction of education facilities
--supports construction of shooting ranges
    <bullet> Technical Guidance--Activities necessary for
--improving environmental conditions affecting fish or wildlife 
resources;
--protecting and/or creating fish or wildlife habitat; or
--managing fish and wildlife populations, areas, and habitats for 
increased production or for public benefits from fish or wildlife 
resources.
    <bullet> Outreach and Communications (Recreational Boating and 
Fishing Foundation RBFF)--improve communications with anglers, 
boaters, and the general public regarding angling and boating 
opportunities, to reduce barriers to participation in these 
activities, to advance adoption of sound fishing and boating 
practices, to promote conservation and the responsible use of the 
Nation's aquatic resources, and to further safety in fishing and 
boating.
    <bullet> Outreach--State efforts to increase public awareness 
and understanding of Federal Aid Programs, accomplishments, and the 
user-pay/user-benefit approach. The Service encourages outreach 
activities that provide opportunities for public use, understanding, 
and awareness of fish and wildlife restoration.

Part 4

A. Instructions

    (1) Agencies shall use the following standard application forms 
when applying for Federal Aid Grants. These forms, in PDF fillable/
printable format, can be found at the Federal Aid Training Program 
webpage at http://www.nctc.fws.gov/fedaid/toolkit/toolkit.pdf. At 
your request, the Regional Office will mail a diskette or CD with 
fillable forms in PDF format for your use on any personal computer 
and printer.

Application

SF-424 Face Sheet, and as appropriate:
SF-424A Budget Information (Non-Construction)
SF-424B Standard Assurances (Non-Construction)
SF-424C Budget Information (Construction)
SF-424D Standard Assurances (Construction)

Financial

SF-269 Financial Status Report
SF-270 Request for Reimbursement

Lobbying

SF-LLL Disclosure for Lobbying Activities

Other Assurances

DI-2010 Department of Interior Assurances form
National Environmental Policy Act Compliance (NEPA)
Endangered Species Act Section 7 Compliance (ESA)
National Historic Preservation Act Compliance (NHPA)
Suspension and Debarment Certification
Drug Free Environment Certification
E.O. 11988, Floodplain Management
E.O. 11990, Protection of Wetlands
E.O. 12898, Federal Actions to Protect Environmental Justice in 
Minority Populations and Low Income Population (Environmental 
Justice)
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the following U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service forms as applicable:
3-1552 Grant Agreement (OMB Approval 1018-0049)
3-1591 Amendment to Grant Agreement (OMB Approval 1018-0049)
    Complete the SF-424 face sheet and the appropriate parts A or C 
and SF-424B assurances for nonconstruction projects or SF-424D 
assurances for construction projects.
    A Grant Agreement (3-1552) form is required for all grants. 
Complete and have it signed by an Agency Official authorized to do 
so and include it with all grant proposal submissions. An Amendment 
to Grant Agreement (3-1591) is only required when changes in grant 
cost, period, or scope of work must be made.
    In-kind match is an agency noncash contribution such as 
volunteer services, land, equipment, supplies * * * etc. There are 
specific requirements to document the value of this on the SF-424, 
in budget/cost info, and in performance reports. See 43 CFR 12.64 
for specific guidance on in-kind match, especially how to calculate 
the value of volunteer services used as in-kind. There are also 
specific requirements in 43 CFR 12.64 for time accounting and 
documentation of volunteer time.

Part 5

    A preapplication shall be used for all construction, land 
acquisition and land development projects or programs when the need 
for Federal funding exceeds $100,000, unless the Federal agency 
determines that a preapplication is not needed. A preapplication is 
used to:
    (a) Establish communication between the agency and the 
applicant,
    (b) Determine the applicant's eligibility,
    (c) Determine how well the project can compete with similar 
projects from others, and
    (d) Discourage any proposals that have little or no change for 
Federal funding before applicants incur significant costs in 
preparing detailed applications.

Budgets

    Applicants shall use the appropriate Budget Information and 
Standard Assurances on the SF-424 for either construction or non-
construction projects. They shall use the construction version when 
the major purpose of the project or program is construction, land 
acquisition or land development.
    Budgets shall provide an estimated total by project objective 
and should match the objectives described in the proposal (see 
instructions for proposals below). Budget estimates are entered on 
the Grant Agreement 3-1552 or the Amendment to Grant Agreement 3-
1591, the obligating documents.
    Attach a schedule listing projects and dollar amounts within a 
grant. The total from the schedule should match the total on the 
Grant Agreement or Amendment to Grant Agreement.
    Example:

(Name of Grant) Grant XX  FY-XX
Grant Number XX
Start Date__________
End Date__________

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Estimated
                          Project                                cost
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A O&M (WR).................................................      600,000
B Habitat Improvement (SFR)................................      250,000
C Construction (BA)........................................       20,000
                                                            ------------
      Total................................................   <SUP>1</SUP> 870,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<SUP>1</SUP> This total goes to Grant Agreement or Amendment.
 
 WR = Regular Wildlife Restoration.
SFR = Regular Sport Fish Restoration.
BA = SFR, Boating Access.

Grant Proposals

    Applicants should include a program narrative statement for each 
separate project under a grant proposal which is based on the 
following instructions:
    (a) Objectives and need for assistance. Pinpoint any relevant 
physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, or other 
problems requiring a solution. Demonstrate the need for the 
assistance and state the principal and any subordinate objectives of 
the project. Supporting documentation or other testimonies from 
concerned interests other than the applicant may be used. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included, 
footnoted, or referenced.
    (b) Results or benefits expected. Identify costs and benefits to 
be derived. For example, show how the facility will be used. For 
land acquisition or development projects, explain how the project 
will benefit the public. For all projects list benefits and to whom 
or what resource, and quantify them in a standard measure such as 
dollars, acres, miles * * * etc.
    (c) Approach. Outline a plan of action pertaining to the scope 
and detail how the proposed work will be accomplished for each 
assistance program. Cite factors which might accelerate or 
decelerate the work and reasons for taking this approach as opposed 
to others. Describe any unusual features of the project, such as 
design or technological innovations, reductions in cost or time, or 
extraordinary social and community involvements. Provide for each 
assistance program quantitative projections of the accomplishments 
to be achieved and target dates for completion, if possible. When 
accomplishments cannot be quantified, list the activities in 
chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and 
target expected completion dates. Identify the kinds of data to be 
collected and maintained, and discuss the criteria to be used to 
evaluate the results and success of the project. Explain the 
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified 
and discussed are

[[Page 77903]]

being met and if the results and benefits identified are being 
achieved. List each organization, cooperator, consultant, or other 
key individuals who will work on the project along with a short 
description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
    (d) Geographic location. Give a precise location of project and 
area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic 
aids may be attached. Add latitude and longitude where possible, 
this is required for all site specific development, such as boating 
access, construction, or land acquisition projects.
    (e) If applicable, provide the following information.
    (1) For research and demonstration assistance requests list the 
name, training and background for key personnel engaged in the 
project.
    (2) Describe the relationship between this project and other 
work planned, anticipated, or underway under Federal assistance.
    (3) Explain the reason for all requests for supplemental 
assistance and justify the need for additional funding. Discuss 
accomplishments to date and list in chronological order a schedule 
of accomplishments, progress or milestones anticipated with the new 
funding request. If there have been significant changes in the 
project objectives, location, approach or time delays, explain and 
justify.
    (4) For other requests for changes, or amendments, explain the 
reason for the change(s). If the scope of objectives have changed or 
an extension of time is necessary, explain the circumstances and 
justify. If the total budget has been exceeded or if the individual 
budget items have changes more than the prescribed limits, explain 
and justify the change and its effect on the project.
    (f) For the following types of programs, the Regional Office may 
request the following additional information:
    Additionally for:
    1. Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration: For Hunter Education 
grants, If the work includes the construction of training facilities 
such as ranges, provide a description of each facility by type, 
capacity, and cost.
    2. Boating Infrastructure Projects: How does this project 
benefit the public and how is that benefit measured, the BIG 
programs requires that applicants submit a Schedule of Fees, 
providing the fees for public use of facilities constructed with BIG 
funds; proposals will need to respond to the ranking criteria in 
Sec. 50 CFR 86.60.
    3. Partnerships for Wildlife Projects: Describe the partnership 
involved in this project and what their relative contribution to the 
partnership is;
    4. All lands acquisition projects, regardless of program must 
include:
    In ``Approach,'' describe the present ownership and habitat type 
of the real property to be acquired, and how the area will be 
managed. Include a listing of the lands, estimated costs, and the 
legal rights to be acquired (i.e. fee title, easements, or other 
long-term acquisition.) Also provide:

--a legal description of the real property to be acquired;
--an Appraisal prepared by a State-certified appraiser;
--a Review Appraisal prepared by a State-certified appraiser;
--a Purchase Option or Agreement; and
--a Statement of Just Compensation.

    5. Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act: Prerequisites for 
participation in grants under Sec. 6 are that the State establishes 
and maintains an adequate and active program for conservation of 
endangered and threatened species [50 CFR 81.2], and has entered 
into a Cooperative Agreement with the Secretary of the Interior [50 
CFR 81.3] which must be renewed annually. Federal payments shall not 
exceed 75 percent of the program costs, except when two or more 
states having a common interest in one or more endangered or 
threatened species and may enter jointly into an agreement with the 
Secretary, and thereby increase the Federal share to 90% [50 CFR 
81.8].
    6. Surveys and Inventory: Address each of the following factors.
    a. Adequacy: Are the data answering the decision-makers' 
questions? The review should evaluate whether the data acquired from 
the survey are actually meeting the stated purpose. Analysis of 
trend data will identify whether data being collected are sufficient 
in answering the agency's management questions or whether data gaps 
exist. Timeliness of data collection, analysis and availability is 
important.
    b. Necessity: Are the data used by decision makers? In 
determining the necessity of a particular survey, consideration 
should be given to what data are actually being collected and their 
use in management decisions. Survey utility should be considered in 
the context of the agency's data needs, given necessary 
prioritization and allocation of staff and monetary resources.
    c. Reliability: Are the decision makers confident in the data? 
Survey design should be based on sound science and key results 
should be statistically reliable. A review of the literature will 
show whether the methodology is still current or if there are other 
state-of-the-art techniques that might prove more suitable. Validity 
of the survey approach and whether assumptions are met should be 
considered as well as whether sample sizes are sufficient to achieve 
desired levels of precision.
    d. Efficiency: Are the data being collected in a cost efficient 
manner? Data collection is costly, both in staff time and dollars 
expended. The cost of data collection and analysis should be 
assessed relative to applicability and use of the data by decision 
makers.
    7. Habitat Management--In ``Approach,'' include the number of 
acres/hectares to be created or improved and the methods or 
techniques to be employed. If the work proposed involves the 
construction, enlargement, or rehabilitation of dams subject to 
Federal design requirements, provide evidence that an engineer 
qualified in the design and construction of dams has reviewed the 
design and specifications. For construction costing more than 
$100,000, include written assurance that a qualified engineer will 
approve plans and specifications, approve the feasibility 
determination, and supervise the construction.
    8. Facilities Construction--In ``Approach'' provide a 
description of the capacity, type of construction, etc. If 
specifically requested, include plans and specifications. If 
applicable, describe third party arrangements for operation and/or 
maintenance of the facility, including how revenue from any user 
fees will be handled. For construction costing more than $100,000, 
include written assurance that a qualified engineer will approve 
engineering plans and specifications, approve the feasibility 
determination, and supervise the construction.
    9. Research--In ``Need,'' include a brief discussion of the 
literature review relative to the problem. In ``Approach,'' describe 
how the research will be carried out, including the method(s) to be 
employed and the schedule to be followed. If the work (or major 
portion of the work) will be performed under an agreement with a 
third party, such as a university, identify the performer. Also 
include the name of the principal investigator.
    10. All projects must meet all applicable NEPA, Endangered 
Species Act (Section 7), and National Historic Preservation Act 
requirements. Information will be collected as mandated under those 
Acts to satisfy compliance requirements. (This burden is included in 
the 80 hour estimate per application.)

Sportfish and Wildlife Grant--Compliance Issue Matrix

    The X's indicate compliance issues that may need to be 
considered when planning a specific type of grant.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                E.O.      E.O.                                   Exotic             Invassive  Environmental   Coastal   Costal
              Compliance issue--                  NEPA      NHPA       ESA      11990     11988     FPPA       ADA       COE     animals     AWA     species      justice       zone    barriers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coordination..................................        X   ........  ........  ........  ........  ........        X   ........  ........  ........  .........  .............  ........  ........
Strategic plans and comprehensive management          X         X         X         X         X         X         X         X         X         X          X            X           X         X
 systems......................................
Land acquisition..............................        X         X         X         X         X         X         X         X   ........  ........         X            X           X         X

[[Page 77904]]

 
Operation and maintenance.....................        X         X         X         X         X         X         X         X   ........  ........         X            X           X   ........
Fish and wildlife population management.......        X   ........        X   ........  ........  ........  ........  ........        X         X          X            X     ........  ........
Habitat management............................        X         X         X         X         X         X         X         X         X   ........         X            X     ........        X
Facilities construction.......................        X         X         X         X         X         X         X         X   ........  ........  .........           X           X         X
Research......................................        X   ........        X   ........  ........  ........  ........  ........        X         X   .........           X     ........  ........
Surveys and inventories.......................        X   ........        X   ........  ........  ........  ........  ........  ........        X   .........           X     ........  ........
Hunter and aquatic education..................        X         X         X   ........  ........  ........        X   ........  ........  ........  .........           X     ........  ........
Technical guidance............................        X   ........  ........  ........  ........  ........  ........  ........  ........  ........  .........           X     ........  ........
Motorboat access facilities...................        X         X         X         X         X         X         X         X   ........  ........  .........           X           X         X
Clean Vessel Act facilities...................        X         X         X         X         X         X         X         X   ........  ........  .........           X           X         X
Boating infrastructure........................        X         X         X         X         X         X         X         X   ........  ........  .........           X           X         X
Outreach and communication....................        X   ........  ........  ........  ........  ........        X   ........  ........  ........  .........           X     ........  ........
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part 6--Financial and Accomplishment and Financial Reporting

Accomplishment and Performance

    Accomplishment and Performance reports shall compare the 
proposed work, approved as part of the Grant Agreement, with the 
actual work accomplished, any deviation, including, but not limited 
to, cost, time, quality, or quantity shall be reported.

Financial Reports

    Grantees shall use the SF-269 series documents provided by our 
Regional Offices, on our website, diskette or CD.

Payment

    How do grantees get paid? Payments are made only to grantee 
officials authorized to enter into grant agreements and request 
funds. Payments to grantees are made for the Federal share of 
allowable costs incurred by the grantee in accomplishing approved 
grants. All payments are subject to final determination of 
allowability based on audit. a. Requests for payments by check are 
submitted on Standard Form SF-270, Request for Reimbursement. 
Grantees must submit a SF-270 and supporting documentation to the 
FWS Project Leader, who will review, approve, and forward to USFWS 
Finance for processing the payment.

    Note: Grantees will be told at the time the grant is issued if 
they are a regular or special grantee. b. For regular grants, 
payments within 24 hours by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) from the 
grantor are accomplished by completing a SF-1199A Direct Deposit 
Sign Up Form and forwarding it6 to Health and Human Services 
(address at FWS Regional Offices) for authorization in the payment 
management system SMARTLINK. Request for payment are submitted by 
grantee to SMARTLINK, payment is monitored/authorized by the FWS 
Regional Office.

    c. For special grants, payments within 24 hours by Electronic 
Fund Transfer (EFT) from the grantor are accomplished by completing 
a SF-1199A Director Deposit Sign Up Form and forwarding it to Health 
and Human Services (address at FWS Regional Offices) for 
authorization in the payment management system SMARTLINK Funds are 
then requested by submitting through FAX or E-mail an invoice/
request for review and approval by the FWS project leader. After 
approval is received, the grantee may request funds electronically 
through SMARTLINK.

PART 7

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), Division of 
Federal Aid awards grants to successful applicants from States and 
certain other entities to benefit fish and wildlife resources. 
Applications may be mailed to the following addresses for review by 
the Regional Office serving your need.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Region 1--AS-CA-GU-HI-ID-NV-OR- U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Comm: (503) 231-
 MP-WA.                          Service, 911 NE 11th    6996; FAX: (503-
                                 Avenue, Portland, OR     231-6128.
                                 97232-4181.
Region 2--AZ-NM-OK-TX.........  U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Comm: (505) 248-
                                 Service, P.O. Box       7450; FAX:
                                 1306, Albuquerque, NM   (505) 248-7471.
                                 87103-1306 or 625
                                 Silver SW., Suite
                                 325, Albuquerque, NM
                                 87102.
Region 3--IA-IL-MI-MN-MO-OH-WI  U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Comm: (612) 713-
                                 Service, 1 Federal      5130; FAX:
                                 Drive, Ft. Snelling,    (612) 713-5290.
                                 MN 55111-4056.
Region 4--AL-AR-FL-GA-KY-LA-MS- U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Comm: (404) 679-
 NC-PR-SC-TN-VI.                 Service, 1875 Century   4159; FAX:
                                 Blvd., Suite 324,       (404) 679-4160.
                                 Atlanta, GA 30345.
Region 5--CT-DC-DE-MA-MD-ME-NH- U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Comm: (413) 253-
 NJ-NY-RI-VA-VT-WV-PA.           Service, 300 Westgate   8508; FAX:
                                 Center Drive, Hadley,   (413) 253-8487.
                                 MA 01035-9589.
Region 6--CO-KS-MT-ND-NE-SD-UT- U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Comm: (303) 236-
 WY.                             Service, P.O. Box       7392; FAX:
                                 25486, Denver Federal   (303) 236-8192.
                                 Center, Denver, CO
                                 80225 or Lake Plaza
                                 North Blvd., 134
                                 Union Blvd., 4th
                                 Floor, Lakewood, CO
                                 80228.
Region 7--AK..................  U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Comm: (907) 786-
                                 Service, 1011 East      3435; FAX:
                                 Tudor Road,             (907) 786-3575.
                                 Anchorage, AK 99503.
Washington, DC, National        U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Comm: (703) 358-
 issues and program              Service, 4401 N.        2156; FAX:
 coordination.                   Fairfax Drive, Suite    (703) 358-1837.
                                 140, Arlington, VA
                                 22203.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. 3501) and the Privacy Act of 1974 (U.S.C. 552), please be 
advised that:
    The gathering of information from applicants to gain benefits is 
authorized under the Federal Aid in Sport Fish

[[Page 77905]]

Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777-777k) and the Federal Aid in Wildlife 
Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669-669i). Information from this form 
will be used to formalize and execute Grant Agreements and Amendment 
to Grant Agreements issued under these and other Acts. Your 
participation in completing this information collection is required 
to obtain benefits. Once submitted this data becomes public 
information and is not protected under the Privacy Act. The public 
reporting burden for this information is estimated at 80 hours per 
grant and two hours per amendment to a grant, including time for 
gathering information, completing narratives, reviewing and 
obtaining signature. Direct comments to the Service Infiroamtion 
collection Clearance Officer, 1018-XXXX, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, MS 222-ARLSQ; 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240.
    An agency may not conduct and a person is not required to 
complete a collection of information unless a currently valid OMB 
control number is displayed.
    Version 8/2000.

    Dated: November 17, 2000.
Rebecca A. Mullin,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Information Collection Clearance 
Officer.
[FR Doc. 00-31509 Filed 12-12-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M