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CHAPTER 4-200

THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR AN AML GRANT

4-200-00 What does this chapter do?

4-200-10 How does the AML grant work?

4-200-20 How do you send us your application for an AML grant?

4-200-30 When should you apply?

4-200-40 What should you include in your application?

4-200-00 What does this chapter do?

This chapter explains how you, a state or tribe with an approved Abandoned Mine Land (AML) 

program that has not certified, can apply to us, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and 

Enforcement (OSMRE), for an AML grant. This chapter does not apply to states or tribes which 

have certified that they have addressed all known coal problems (see Chapter 4-300). This 

chapter also explains how your AML grant works.

4-200-10 How does the AML grant work?

A. You may submit a single grant application each year for all AML activities. This 

combined annual grant is sometimes called “simplified” because it consolidates AML 

functions which we used to award as separate grants into a single grant award. 

B. The AML budget or cost categories which are combined into this single grant are called 

subaccounts. AML subaccounts are costs which you must track separately, such as 

administrative costs and project costs for non-emergency coal reclamation. See Chapter 

4-500 for a full listing of available AML subaccounts. 

C. The performance periods for all subaccounts included in an agreement normally start on 

the beginning date of the agreement. However, we may later add a new subaccount 

which starts on the date of the grant amendment which added it. For example, 

immediately after the annual fund distribution you may apply for an amendment to add 

current AMD set-aside funds to the previous year’s AML grant in order to deposit the 

set-aside funds sooner and earn additional interest. 

D. The grant performance period is determined by the subaccount with the longest 

designated period in the AML grant. The grant performance period is normally three 

years. However, within the grant performance period, you can only obligate funds for 

each subaccount within its specified performance period. The subaccount performance 

periods end on different dates.

1. All administrative cost subaccounts last for one year.

2. All project cost subaccounts except emergency project costs last for three years.
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3. Emergency project cost subaccounts last for one year.

4. AMD set-aside subaccounts last until you deposit the funds into your trust 

account.

5. Subsidence insurance subaccounts last for eight years. 

E. When a subaccount ends before the end of the grant performance period, we normally 

close the subaccount. If there are any unexpended funds, we deobligate them or transfer 

them to a different subaccount or grant as you request. 

F. We track grant property through the administrative cost subaccount. When we close the 

administrative subaccount, we will note your transfer of AML property into the 

administrative cost subaccount of the subsequent AML grant or your disposition of the 

property.

4-200-20 How do you send us your application for an AML grant?

A. You must submit a complete grant application to us by one of the following methods. 

1. You may enter your application in an OSMRE-approved electronic grants portal 

such as Grants.gov. 

2. You may send us a complete application on paper with an original signature. You 

may have the application delivered to us by regular mail or any other method. 

3. You may send us an application package by e-mail. The application forms must 

include the name and title of the authorized official who signed them and the date 

they were signed. You must keep the original signed application in your files.

B. We will notify you that we have received your application within three days of the date 

we receive it.

4-200-30 When should you apply?

A. You may apply at any time for a grant of any or all of the AML funds that are available to 

you.

B. You should send us your application at least 60 days before the date you want your grant 

performance period to begin.

4-200-40 What should you include in your application?

A. We do not require detailed information on individual AML construction projects in the 

AML grant application. 
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B. Your application must include the following items: 

1. Signed or approved Application for Federal Assistance, Standard Form (SF) 424.

2. Budget information. You may use the optional OSMRE 49 form, or provide the

information in an alternate format of your choice.

3. Break out the funding you are requesting by subaccount. Please refer to Chapter 

4-500 for a full listing of available AML subaccounts.

4. The program narrative statement should include the following information. 

a. Regulations at 2 CFR Part 200 require that the program narrative 

address the following criteria. However, information on specific 

reclamation projects is not required: 

Objectives and Need for Assistance. Based on your approved AML 

state program, describe any relevant abandoned mine land problems 

(physical, economic, social, financial, or institutional) requiring a 

solution. Indicate the need for the assistance and state the primary 

and secondary objectives of the grant. 

Results and Benefits Expected. Identify results and benefits to be 

derived from the reclamation program. For example, describe how 

the reclamation program will protect public health and safety, and 

improve the environment. 

Approach. Outline a plan of action for the scope of the grant and 

describe how the proposed work will be accomplished. Cite factors 

(such as weather, eligibility issues, etc.) which might help or delay the 

work. Explain your reasons for taking this approach as opposed to 

others. Describe any unusual features of this grant, such as design or 

technological innovations, and reductions in cost or time. Identify the 

kinds of data to be collected and maintained. Discuss the criteria and 

methodology to be used to evaluate the results and success of the 

reclamation program. 

Geographic Location. No information required.

b. You must include the following additional information in your 

application: 

Personnel. List the number and type of full-time equivalent positions 

supported by this grant.
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Fringe Benefits. Show the basis and estimated total amount of fringe 

benefits.

Travel. Show how the travel expenses were calculated. Estimate the 

number of trips, their purpose, and average costs. 

Equipment. List each item of equipment requested and explain why 

it is needed for the program. Estimate the total cost of equipment to 

be purchased, leased or rented. 

Supplies. Estimate the total cost for supplies and describe any major 

or unusual items. 

Contractual. List proposed contracts with their purpose and estimated 

cost.

Other. List costs by type and explain how you estimated them. 

Indirect Costs. Show how you calculated estimated indirect costs 

based on the indirect cost rate and base approved by your cognizant 

Federal agency.

5. Signed or approved Assurances for Construction Projects form SF 424D.

6. If applicable, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form SF LLL.