Klamath River Coho Enhancement Fund 2020 Request for Pre-Proposals and Full Proposals

A Conservation Partnership for Enhancing the Survival and Recovery of Klamath River Coho Salmon

Pre-Proposal Due Date: June 8, 2020, 2:00 PM Pacific time
Full Proposal Due Date: August 26, 2020, 2:00 PM Pacific time
 

1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has a conservation program partnership with PacifiCorp, known as the Klamath River Coho Enhancement Fund (Fund), in order to implement conservation objectives contained in PacifiCorp’s Klamath Hydroelectric Project Interim Operations Habitat Conservation Plan for Coho Salmon (Plan). The Plan received final approval by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in February 2012. The conservation projects selected for implementation under the Fund are designed to enhance the survival and recovery of the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast (SONCC) Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), a species listed as threatened pursuant to the both the state and federal Endangered Species Acts.  

PacifiCorp collaborated with the NMFS to create the basis for what have become the Plan’s goals, objectives, and targets. The Plan contains details on the types of projects that are to be selected for Fund support to achieve the Plan’s goals, objectives, and targets. The Plan can be viewed at https://www.pacificorp.com/energy/hydro/klamath-river.html. The Fund is directed at projects that will restore, enhance, and improve habitat, flows, and fish passage for SONCC Coho Salmon in the Klamath River and its tributaries downstream of Iron Gate Dam. 

NFWF, as the administrator of the Fund, will accept Pre-Proposals for projects through June 8, 2020. All proposed projects must meet the specific criteria outlined below. Pre-Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated as described below (Section 4). Successful applicants will be asked to submit a full proposal for review. Grant awards will be made by NFWF to successful applicants for projects that meet the selection criteria and are supported by NMFS, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and PacifiCorp. Thereafter, NFWF will contract with grantees who will implement the projects with funds provided from the Fund. 

The requirements for responding to this Request for Proposals (RFP) are described in the sections below. The process for responding to this RFP will be conducted using the NFWF Easygrants online application system as described in the Application Procedure and Timeline section at the end of this RFP.
 

2. PROGRAM FUNDING PRIORITIES

Funds will be used to implement projects that enhance the survival and recovery of SONCC Coho Salmon. Proposed projects should be located in the Klamath River or its tributaries downstream of Iron Gate Dam, within the habitat range of SONCC Coho Salmon. In order to be eligible for funding, projects must have a direct benefit to SONCC Coho Salmon and address Plan goals. Plan goals are described in Chapter VI (Conservation Program) of the Plan and are summarized - here for convenience (Table 1). The highest priority will be given to projects that meet one or more of the Plan goals, objectives, and targets (Table 1); however, other proposed projects in the lower and mid-Klamath River are also welcome but would not receive first priority for consideration. 
 

TABLE 1: Coho Enhancement Fund First Priority Project Types and Associated Plan Goals, Objectives, and Targets
Project Type Goal Objective Target
Access improvement and barrier removal projects    A. Fish Passage   A1. Maintain and improve access to existing habitat in Upper Klamath tributaries between April and November of each year.
I   A. Fish Passage A2. Remove existing fish passage barriers to create permanent access to spawning and rearing habitat in the Upper Klamath tributaries.*
Mainstem habitat enhancement and protection projects    VI   G. Refugia G1. Improve habitat cover and complexity (to about 30 to 50 percent of the total existing cover) or maintain habitat cover and complexity (if already suitable) at coldwater refugia sites along the mainstem Klamath River. 
VI  G. Refugia   G2. Increase the extent and/or duration (by about 30 to 50 percent of the total existing extent and/or duration) of coldwater refugia sites along the mainstem Klamath River.
   VI    H. Mainstem Rearing Habitat Enhancement   H1. Enhance rearing habitat in key rearing sites of the mainstem Klamath River corridor.
Tributary habitat enhancement and protection projects VII J. Connectivity  J1. Restore connectivity in stream reaches of juvenile rearing habitat in tributaries of the Upper Klamath, Scott River, and Shasta River.
VII K. Tributary Rearing Habitat Enhancement K1. Enhance rearing habitat in tributaries of the Upper Klamath, Scott River, and Shasta River.
VII K. Tributary Rearing Habitat Enhancement  K2. Protect important summer rearing habitat along tributaries of the Upper Klamath, Scott River, and Shasta River.
Water transaction funding VII  J.Connectivity  J2. Fund a water transaction program to provide flow augmentation in reaches used for Coho Salmon spawning and juvenile rearing in tributaries of the Upper Klamath, Scott River, and Shasta River.

*Upper Klamath tributaries described in Objective A – Fish Passage consist of tributaries in the following HUC 8 watersheds: 18010206 (Upper Klamath), 18010207 (Shasta), and 18010208 (Scott). The following tributaries are specifically called out in the HCP related to Objective A – Fish Passage: Beaver Creek, Bogus Creek, Canyon Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Grider Creek, Horse Creek, Humbug Creek, McKinney Creek, Negro Creek, O’Neil Creek, Portuguese Creek, Seiad Creek, Tom Martin Creek, Walker Creek, and Willow Creek. 


The projects that will be given the highest priority are more fully described below:

Access improvement and barrier removal projects (per Goal I of the Plan). These include projects to: (1) remove existing fish passage barriers to create permanent access to spawning and rearing habitat in the Upper Klamath tributaries; and (2) maintain and improve access to existing habitat in Upper Klamath tributaries between April and November of each year. Projects undertaken to remove existing fish passage barriers would include barrier removals caused by road crossings (e.g., culverts), diversion barriers, or other permanent or seasonal barriers that impede fish passage. Projects undertaken to maintain and improve access would include maintenance or modifications to tributary mouths to ensure access, including removal of swimmer dams, gradient barriers, log jams, and other types of impediments.

Mainstem habitat enhancement and protection projects (per Goal VI of the Plan). These include projects to: (1) improve habitat cover and complexity or maintain habitat cover and complexity (if already suitable) at coldwater refugia sites along the mainstem Klamath River; (2) increase the extent and/or duration of coldwater refugia sites along the mainstem Klamath River; and (3) enhance rearing habitat in key rearing sites of the mainstem Klamath River corridor. Projects to improve or maintain cover and the complexity of cover in refugia will include riparian planting, and placements of boulders, large wood, and brush bundles. Projects to increase the extent and/or duration of refugia sites will include improving movement and connection of flow from tributaries that feed refugia, and adding natural structures or deepening refugia sites to increase the duration and extent of the coldwater plume. Projects to enhance mainstem river corridor rearing sites will include channel re-alignment, alcove or pond deepening, riparian planting, and placements of boulders, large wood, and brush bundles.

Tributary habitat enhancement and protection projects (per Goal VII of the Plan). These include projects to: (1) restore connectivity1 in stream reaches of juvenile rearing habitat in tributaries of the Upper Klamath, Scott River, and Shasta River; (2) enhance rearing habitat in tributaries of the Upper Klamath, Scott River, and Shasta River; and (3) protect important summer rearing habitat along tributaries of the Upper Klamath, Scott River, and Shasta River. Connectivity-related projects would include in-channel enhancements and improvements to eliminate flow and thermal barriers (e.g., removal or functional upgrades of diversion structures or screens, channel modifications or impediment removal to improve flow and access). Projects to enhance rearing habitat in tributaries will include channel reconstruction, floodplain connection, off-channel habitat creation and connection to increase available habitats provided by tributary channels, side channels, alcoves, and ponds. Projects to protect summer rearing habitat will include fencing, riparian leasing, and conservation easements or acquisitions to protect riparian areas and streambanks along reaches that provide important summer rearing habitat in tributaries of the Upper Klamath, Scott River, and Shasta River. 

Water transaction funding (per Goal VII of the Plan).  This includes funding of water transactions to provide flow augmentation in reaches used for Coho Salmon spawning and juvenile rearing in tributaries of the Upper Klamath, Scott River, and Shasta River. For example, funds would be available for temporary leases of water from those with active water rights to keep water instream. The water enhancement program will also provide prioritization and pricing for water transactions in the Scott, Shasta, and Upper Klamath watersheds. Projects should help prevent seasonal and temporary flow-related fish passage barriers and improve water quality in key rearing and spawning areas.

Multi-year projects are eligible and encouraged to apply to this program in phases, although this Fund is not an applicable funding source for start-up or research projects that will not result in direct SONCC benefits to salmon upon project completion or shortly thereafter. Fund recipients will be required to demonstrate the ability to fulfill Fund contractual requirements (as described in Section 3.D of this RFP) and to acquire applicable landowner permissions and regulatory permits or approvals as required for proposed projects.


3. PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

A.   Funding Policies

  • Grant awards will range in size from $10,000 to $250,000 per project, although more funding could be allocated for projects with large benefits for SONCC Coho Salmon or that are multi-year projects that implement annual restoration and/or conservation actions.  
  • Grants for single projects are typically awarded for projects that can be completed within 3 years. Some larger-scale projects may warrant consecutive multi-year funding requests. These requests will be considered on a year-by-year basis and must describe what will be accomplished during each project phase to qualify for consideration.  
  • Grants may also be awarded for projects that require annual action such that they provide the greatest benefit if they are performed year after year. These types of projects can receive a renewable grant for up to 5 years without formally re-applying through the NFWF Easygrants online application system. Such multi-year renewable grant projects will be required to detail the funding requested for each year of the project and explicitly document in their proposal (as further detailed below) the actions that will be implemented during each year of the project as well as the anticipated results from those actions. Applicants desiring to be considered for a renewable grant must be explicit about this in their proposal, and annual funding will be provided as long as the project continues to be implemented successfully. 
  • NFWF will not provide reimbursement for any project expenditures prior to the grant award project period and will not be liable for such expenditures. However, to help the applicant comply with match requirements, successful grant applicants will be authorized to capture match specifically related to the project proposal for a period that is no longer than 1 year prior to the date of submission of the project proposal application to NFWF.
  • NFWF does not fund political advocacy or litigation of any kind.


B.   Matching Funds

Projects that demonstrate strong partnerships and that have matching funds from various partners/donors to support a significant portion of cost of the project being submitted, are strongly encouraged. Although matching funds are optional, projects with matching funds will be given higher priority consideration. Eligible match can include federal or non-federal cash or in-kind contributions (including volunteer labor). Donated contractor services can be valued at current market rates. Matching funds do not need to be fully secured prior to submitting a grant proposal, but should have a demonstrable likelihood of being secured during the project period to assure the project can be completed as proposed.   


C.   Application Information

Applicants are requested to fill out a short Pre-Proposal that summarizes the goals and objectives of their project. A detailed budget as discussed in Section 3.C.III must also be submitted using the provided template. Based on the initial information that will be submitted as requested in the Pre-Proposal application, applicants may be invited to submit a full proposal to demonstrate how the project will benefit Klamath River Coho Salmon populations. Once accepted, please review the following guidelines (Item II below) for preparing a full proposal.


I.   Pre-Proposal Narrative

Applicants are requested to complete a short Pre-Proposal narrative that summarizes the goals and objectives of the proposed project, along with a detailed budget to be submitted using the provided template. Applicants are referred to Section IV for details on the budget requirements for the Pre-Proposal process. Based on the initial information that will be submitted in the Pre-Proposal application, applicants may be invited to submit a full proposal to further demonstrate how the proposed project will benefit Klamath River Coho Salmon populations. If accepted, applicants will need to review the following guidelines for preparing a full proposal. 

II.   Full Proposal Narrative 

Proposals must be submitted through NFWF’s Easygrants online application system described in the Application Procedure and Timeline section at the end of this RFP (Section 5). Proposals must address the criteria and questions as outlined below. Applicants are encouraged to provide additional information and explanations that would lend further support for potential selection of their proposals. If there are any questions or need for additional clarification, please contact Anne Butterfield (see contact information below):  

Plan Goal: Specify the Plan goal, target, and objective (included in Table 1 and described above) that the project is meeting or will meet when implemented. All proposed projects must meet at least one Plan goal. 

Project Objectives: What is/are the purpose(s) and objectives of the project? What are the expected short-term benefits to SONCC Coho Salmon and long-term measurable outcomes? If this project is a continuation or expansion of an existing project, describe the status and results/outcomes achieved to date. 

Scope of Work: The scope of work needs to include the following:  

  1. Describe the length of term of the project.  If the proposed activity is a multiple year action or can be renewed each year, describe in proposal. Provide key target implementation dates of the projects major milestones.
  2. Elaborate on the primary activities that will be conducted through the proposed grant.  Explain how these activities address the goals, objectives, and target(s) described above. 
  3. Describe the planning, design/engineering, and permitting necessary prior to beginning the project construction and how the project team will complete those necessary steps and obtain all relevant permits.  Also describe the permitting status (Secured, Applied for, Did not apply, or N/A) for each permit or authorization and provide anticipates dates of permit approval as appropriate.
  4. If private landowner cooperation is necessary, please describe what is needed and the status of that cooperation. Documentation of formal agreements may be required with these landowners in order for a project to receive funding. 
  5. Describe the reporting or documentation to be prepared as part of the project.   


Methodology: Describe the means and methods by which the scope of work will be accomplished. Discuss how this project will succeed in and of itself in restoring, protecting, or enhancing the species population(s).  How will direct Coho Salmon benefits be measured?  

Research/Management Implications: Describe how the project results will be used to help protect, enhance, or restore habitat and increase Coho Salmon populations. If the project is part of a larger program, please describe the larger program and how this component is integrated.

Dissemination/Community Involvement: Describe in detail your strategy for communicating project results. Describe the educational values and stewardship benefits of the project, if any.

Project Participants: What organizations, entities, or contractors comprise the project team? What is the expertise and prior experience of the project team in accomplishing similar projects? The names of the project manager, key cooperators and/or those providing technical guidance, along with their qualifications for involvement in the project, must be stated.

Partnerships: Briefly list the proposed partners and the roles that they will play in accomplishing the scope of work. If the project is a cooperative effort with other organizations, define the degree of funding participation in the overall project, what the level of responsibility will be for this Fund’s component, and whether/how the other components may impact successful completion of this Fund’s portion of the comprehensive effort.

III.   Full Proposal Project Monitoring

Projects are required to complete adequate pre- and post-project monitoring in order to determine the effectiveness of funded projects in meeting Plan goals and objectives. Grant recipients will be required to prepare and submit standardized Monitoring Report forms on an annual basis (when the project is in progress) and in final form (at project completion). Monitoring Report forms have been developed for each of the four project types described above (and listed in Table 1) and can be found at www.nfwf.org/klamathriver in the Application Information section. These forms incorporate monitoring guidelines and metrics to support the effectiveness monitoring as summarized in the Plan for applicable goals and objectives. The Monitoring Report forms should be carefully reviewed so that the applicant understands the types of monitoring information that will be required for the type of project they are proposing. The costs associated with collecting the monitoring information necessary to complete the Monitoring Report forms should be included in the overall project budget.

Project proponents are also encouraged, but not required, to incorporate applicable monitoring elements that may demonstrate and account for the proposed project’s effect on improving water quality conditions. Such improvements may include reductions in stream temperature (i.e., through riparian shading, increases or maintenance of flow, tailwater reduction or reuse), improvements in dissolved oxygen, or reductions in nutrient or sediment delivery to a waterbody. Specific monitoring needs or metrics related to these elements are not currently contained in the Monitoring Report forms. However, project proponents are encouraged to include recommendations and effort directed at incorporating monitoring approaches or metrics that account for project water quality effects.

IV.   Proposed Project Budget 

There are two budget formats associated with this RFP: an MS Excel-based budget template upload and an Easygrants tab. The Pre-Proposal application requires a completed Excel budget template upload but does NOT require budget information in Easygrants. The full-proposal application requires a completed Excel budget template upload (revised if necessary from the pre-proposal submittal) AND a budget to be submitted through the Easygrants budget tab. The instructions below apply to both the template upload and the Easygrants budget tab. Detailed instructions on how to use the budget template upload are included in that file.

Costs must be allowable, reasonable, and budgeted in accordance with NFWF’s Detailed Budget Instructions cost categories. The project budget needs to be as accurate as possible to the true scope of work. This will require getting accurate estimates as to project costs including the true cost of implementing the proposed monitoring plan. Specific tasks necessary to complete the project need to be identified in the Excel budget template upload (common tasks are already populated in the Excel budget template upload).  

As part of the application, project costs will need to be broken down according to the following general budget categories:

  • Personnel –Total fees should be broken down according to the amount of time spent on the project (e.g., hourly, weekly, or monthly rates). Salaries for non-federal government personnel are allowed if they are directed specifically to the proposed project. Funding for salaries for federal government agency personnel is not allowed but can be included as match funds. Other costs such as seasonal assistants, travel time, etc., are eligible. Project work by consultants or other personnel hired specifically for the project should be included in Contractual Services as described below. 
     
  • Travel – Specify the purpose or destination for the travel item, unit type, and the quantity of units requested. Do not lump trips together into one amount, rather, itemize by travel category listed.
     
  • Equipment – Equipment is defined as items with a useful life of more than 1 year, a per-unit cost of $5,000 or more, and that are necessary to complete the project. These items must be identified; however, capital equipment expenditures are highly discouraged and will be thoroughly reviewed for potential alternatives during the competitive review process. Rental of such items should be considered instead. Any equipment less than $5,000 will be considered supplies and shall be identified in the “Materials and Supplies” category as described below. Supporting documentation for desired equipment purchases should be included (i.e., estimate, website, etc.).
     
  • Contractual Services – Contractual services are any agreement issued to a third party to assist with the completion of the project. All work to be completed by the contractor and their rates must be identified. 
     
  • Materials and Supplies – Tangible property are items not meeting the criteria of Equipment. Routine materials or supplies for your organization’s operational needs (e.g., rent, phones, etc.) should not be included here, only those specific to the project. Examples of materials and supplies include waders, hand tools, flagging, signage, large wood (even though it may cost more than $5,000), rocks, concrete, monitoring equipment, etc. 
     
  • Other Direct Costs – Applicants must detail other specific costs associated with the project that do not appropriately fit within any other budget category, such as project-specific printing costs, as Other Direct Costs. 
     
  • Indirect Costs – Indirect costs are allowable. However, Applicants should note that proposals with budgets including low indirect rates and/or low allocations for indirect costs will be more competitive than proposals with high indirect rates and/or high allocations for indirect costs. 

When the budget process is complete, please verify that the totals reflect your understanding of the proposed work, match dollars (if any) are correctly included, and the requested total in the Easygrants budget tab matches the requested total in the Excel budget template upload.

V.   Full Proposal Project Schedule 

As part of the application, a project schedule must be provided. The project schedule should be detailed and must describe major project milestones and the planned project completion date. Unless the applicant is applying for a renewable grant, the completion date for the project (or stage of the project) should occur within 3 years from the project initiation date. 


D.   Recipient Contractual Requirements

If selected, applicants will be required to enter into a funding agreement contract with NFWF, which will require recipients to complete periodic reporting, invoice conforming to a prescribed format, and provide certificates of insurance identifying NFWF and PacifiCorp as additional insured. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the minimum insurance and publicity clauses below prior to submitting a proposal; inability to meet these requirements can prevent or delay contracting and release of funds to successful applicants. 

Each recipient will be required to obtain the following levels of insurance coverage (per Contract item 14) prior to NFWF executing a funding agreement contract: 

Without limiting any liabilities or any other obligations of Contractor, Contractor shall, prior to commencing Services, secure and continuously carry with insurers having an A.M. Best Insurance Reports rating of A or better the following insurance coverage: 

(1)    Workman’s Compensation:  Statutory

(2)    Employers' Liability:  If the funding recipient employs persons to perform tasks which are considered “employees,” Employers Liability Insurance with a minimum single limit of $1,000,000 each accident, $1,000,000 disease each employee, and $1,000,000 disease policy limit is required. 

(3)    Commercial General Liability:  The most recently approved ISO policy, or its equivalent, written on an Occurrence Basis, with limits not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence/$3,000,000 general aggregate (on a per location and/or per job basis), Bodily Injury, and Property Damage, including the following coverages: 

   a.     Premises and Operations Coverage 
   b.     Independent Contractor’s Coverage 
   c.     Contractual Liability 
   d.     Products and Completed Operations Coverage 
   e.     Coverage for explosion, collapse, and underground property damage 
   f.      Broad Form Property Damage Liability 
   g.     Personal Injury Liability, with the contractual exclusion removed 
   h.     Sudden and Accidental Pollution Liability.

(4)   Business Automobile Liability: The most recently approved ISO policy, or its equivalent, with a minimum single limit of $1,000,000 for bodily injury and property damage including Sudden and Accidental Pollution Liability as appropriate, with respect to Contractor’s vehicles whether owned, hired or non-owned, assigned to or used in the performance of the Services. 

(5)   Professional Liability: The intent of this policy is to provide coverage for claims arising out of the performance of Services under the Contract and caused by any error, omission, breach or negligent act for which the Contractor is held liable.  Professional Liability coverage is required if the Contractor or employees of the Contractor, or sub-consultants perform services which require certification, licenses, or membership. Insurance covering damages arising out of negligent acts, errors, or omissions committed by Contractors in the performance of this Contract, with a liability limit of not less than $1,000,000 each claim. Contractor shall maintain this policy for a minimum of 2 years after completion of the Services or shall arrange for a 2 year extended discovery (tail) provision if the policy is not renewed.

Except for Worker’s Compensation insurance, the policies required herein shall include provisions or endorsements naming NFWF and PacifiCorp, and their respective officers, directors, agents, and employees as additional insured’s. Commercial General Liability coverage written on a "claims-made" basis, if any, shall be specifically identified on the certificate.  Commercial General Liability insurance coverage provided on a "claims-made" basis shall be maintained by Contractor for a minimum period of 2 years after the completion of this Contract and for such other length of time necessary to cover liabilities arising out of the Services.

Publicity and Permissions (Contract Item 15). The Contractor agrees to give appropriate credit to PacifiCorp and NFWF for their financial support, or other support, in any and all press releases, publications, annual reports, video credits, dedications, and other public communications arising from or in connection with the Services or this Contract, and to include PacifiCorp’s name or logo in any of the aforementioned materials.  The Contractor hereby grants PacifiCorp and NFWF the right and authority to publicize their financial support, or other support, for this Contract and the Services in press releases, publications and other public communications. 

The Contractor consents to PacifiCorp’s and NFWF’s use of any image, description, likeliness or recording of Contractor relating to work performed with funding provided under this Contract, or projects completed by Contractor with funding under this Contract, regardless of form or content.  Such consent shall be unlimited in duration, and shall survive termination or expiration of any Contract with Contractor.
 

4. PROJECT GUIDELINES AND EVALUATION

Pre-Proposals and Full Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by a Proposal Review Committee made up of representatives from PacifiCorp, NMFS, CDFW, and NFWF. Grant awards will be made by NFWF to successful applicants. Organizations are allowed to submit multiple different proposals for funding consideration. 

Grant applications are evaluated according to their ability to meet the evaluation criteria, the adequacy and clarity of application information, and at a minimum, each proposal must address the required information outlined in Section C of the Proposal Guidelines.  Applicants should review the Plan for greater detail on the Project Guidelines because this RFP is derived from it. Applications that do not fulfill the Section 3.C requirements will not be considered for funding by the Proposal Review Committee. 

Proposed projects will be evaluated on the following:

Benefit to Species. The proposal addresses a recovery or restoration need for Coho Salmon that has been identified in the Plan and will help remediate the effects on Coho Salmon or their habitat. The proposal is compliant with the RFP and associated documentation (i.e., Plan requirements). The proposal should include: clear presentation of project goals and objectives, a discussion of the project’s alignment with the funding source guidelines; demonstrable scientific soundness; demonstration of ability to have direct, near-term, reasonably certain benefits to SONCC Coho Salmon; and an effective and reasonable work plan.

Technical Merit. Objectives, approach, and scope of work are clear and technically sound; the project is both feasible and appropriate for the site and can be completed on schedule given reasonably foreseeable constraints (e.g., weather conditions, planting seasons, and operational conditions). The proposal is sufficient for reviewers to fully understand and evaluate the technical merits of the project (e.g., detailed project plans, designs with specific sites, and activities identified). The proposal should also include a description of how reporting of the project milestones will occur during the project until its completion.

Cost Effectiveness. The budget is detailed and the project is cost effective. Total cost is reasonable based on costs of similar project types and commensurate with projected benefits to Coho Salmon. The budget description should include a financial justification that demonstrates the expenditure of funds based on the expected conservation return of the project. The budget includes a line item specific to NEPA costs, and those costs are reasonable and appropriate. 

Community and Partner Involvement. There is demonstrated local area stakeholder support for the project (e.g., number, diversity of partners, matching funds, contact information/letters demonstrating involvement and/or support). 

Organization Qualifications. The project manager, principal investigator(s), and other key personnel have experience and expertise required for the project, and individual roles and responsibilities are well defined and appropriate. The proposal demonstrates relevant field experience, completed projects, published reports, or other materials. When necessary, licensed professionals are identified for design, construction, or oversight of on-the-ground activities.

Additional Project Scope and Funding. Ability to demonstrate additional project scope and benefit/value by assistance from other funding sources, such as matches from Federal, foundation, or private sources

Private Landowner Partnership, if applicable. Description of required partnerships with private landowners (if applicable), and provide documentation that the landowners are willing to provide access and agree to the work done on their property.
 

5. TIMELINE

Dates of activities are subject to change. 

  • Pre-Proposal Due Date                         June 8, 2020, 2:00 pm Pacific
  • Invitations for Full Proposals Sent        July 29 2020
  • Full Proposal Due Date                         August 26, 2020, 2:00 pm Pacific
  • Review Period                                       September-October 2020
  • Awards Announced                               December 2020


6. HOW TO APPLY

All Pre-Proposal applications must be received by June 8, 2020 at 2:00 pm Pacific time. Please note that extensions will not be granted. Applicants will be notified of the status of their Pre-Proposals by July 29, 2020. If invited to submit a full proposal, the due date will be August 26, 2020 at 2:00 pm Pacific time. Applicants will be notified of the status of their full proposals in December 2020. NFWF reserves the right to award or not award a grant to any applicant, and NFWF may withdraw this RFP at any time without notice. Once submitted, application materials become the sole property of Reclamation, PacifiCorp, and NFWF and will not be returned. During the proposal review process, the review committee may request applicants revise their proposals or provide additional details on a specific topic. Applicants who do not respond to these requests and do not complete requested revisions may be removed from further consideration for funding. 
 

7. APPLICATION ASSISTANCE 

A PDF version of this RFP can be downloaded here.

For more information or questions about this RFP, please contact the appropriate NFWF staff as follows: 

Anne Butterfield
Senior Manager, Impact-Directed Environmental Accounts
Telephone: 415-243-3106
E-mail: Anne.Butterfield@nfwf.org

For issues or assistance with the online Easygrants system, please contact:
Easygrants Helpdesk
Email:  Easygrants@nfwf.org
Voicemail:  202-595-2497
Hours:  9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday. 
Include:  your name, proposal ID #, e-mail address, phone number, program you are applying to, and a description of the issue.

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1The Plan defines connectivity as the ability of Coho Salmon to access and move within reaches based on maintaining interconnection of suitable flow and habitat conditions through such reaches.