These projects focus on restoration of natural resources and/or the establishment or expansion of wildlife habitats with durable, lasting results; and/or wildlife-oriented recreational and education programs. In fiscal year 2003, more than 1,400 partners provided approximately $10.5 million in dollars and in- kind matches. This effort indicates the importance of these conservation efforts by leveraging approximately $1.60 for every $1 in Federal funding for National Wildlife Reserve System projects.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funds may be used for approved Challenge Cost Share projects.

It is the policy of the Service to encourage the use of Challenge Cost Share agreements to complete projects on and off Service lands.

The program requires that the Service expend no more than 50% of the cost to complete project and that a minimum of the other 50% of the funds be of nonfederal origin.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants may be an individual/family, minority group, specialized group, small business, profit organization, private nonprofit/organization, quasi-public nonprofit institution/organization, native American, Federal, Interstate, Intrastate, State, Local, Sponsored organization, public nonprofit institution/organization, other public institution/organization, U.S.

territory, or any organization with interests which support the mission of the Service.

This program requires the cooperator(s) to provide a minimum of 50 percent of cost share from non-Federal sources.

Beneficiary Eligibility

An individual/family, profit organization, other private institution/organization, public nonprofit institution/organization, an officer, employee, agent, department or instrumentality of the Federal Government, of any State, municipality, or political subdivision of a State, or any other entity subject to the jurisdiction of the United States with interests which support the mission of the Service.

Credentials/Documentation

None.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

None.

This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.

12372.

Application Procedures

Interested party contacts the local National Wildlife Refuge, Partners for Wildlife or other Fish and Wildlife Service Office to design a project that will support the mission of the Service. Proposals, including Standard Form 424 "Application for Federal Assistance," are submitted to the cooperating Service office that forwards them to their servicing Regional Office.

Award Procedures

The Regional Challenge Cost Share Coordinator assembles a committee of Fish and Wildlife Service employees from a variety of disciplines to review, rank and select the proposals for funding.

Deadlines

Application submittal dates are announced on a yearly basis, by Region. Contact the appropriate Regional Office for application deadlines.

Authorization

Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004, Title I, Public Law 108-108.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Decisions on funding of project proposals are usually made no later than 180 days after the receipt of the project proposals. If funding is approved, a Challenge Cost Share Agreement (CCSA) is written between the Service and a cooperator(s) in which there is an equal partnership between the Federal government and the cooperator(s) that produces or provides a tangible product which mutually benefits Service objectives and the public. The Regional Contracting and General Services offices will review all CCSA's for contractual sufficiency. The agreements will be signed by the cooperator(s) and the Regional Director.

Appeals

Not applicable.

Renewals

None. However, at the discretion of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a Challenge Cost Share Agreement may be modified.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

As required in Public Law 108-108, proposals must have a minimum of a 1:1 match of nonfederal funds or in-kind services.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Challenge Cost Share Agreements are written for funds that should be spent within 1 year; upon approval, agreements may be extended beyond the 1 year for reasonable cause.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

The Challenge Cost Share Management Information System is used to monitor project accomplishment.

Each Region certifies that all CCS projects funded for each fiscal year were completed and provides a summary report noting project accomplishment.

Audits

None.

Records

None.

Financial Information

Account Identification

14-1611-0-1-303.

Obigations

FY 07 $12,000,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not available.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Cost share range per project is from $300 to $25,000. The average cost per project is $7,800.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

None.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

See Catalog Appendix IV for addresses.

Headquarters Office

Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. Contact: Assistant Director, National Wildlife Refuge System, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 670, Arlington, VA 22203. Telephone (703) 358-1744; Fax: (703) 358-2248.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Proposals are evaluated on the lasting affect on conservation, enhancement and protection. They will also be evaluated on scope of effect, number of partners involved, importance of resource values, feasibility, and cost effectiveness.