Supporting Statement A for 
Paperwork Reduction Act Submission

Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements
50 CFR 80, 81, 84, 85, and 86
OMB Control Number 1018-0109

Terms of Clearance.  None.

1.	Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.  

The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR), Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), administers financial assistance programs identified below, in whole or in part.  We award most financial assistance as grants, but cooperative agreements are possible if the Federal Government will be substantially involved in carrying out the project.  

CFDA 	Program	Authority	Implementing Regulations	
15.616	Clean Vessel Act 	33 U.S.C. 1322, 16 U.S.C. 777c. 	50 CFR 85	
15.614	Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act 	16 U.S.C. 3951 et seq.
	50 CFR 84	
15.615	Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund	16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., with special reference to section 1535.  	50 CFR 81	
15.626	Enhanced Hunter Education and Safety 
 	16 U.S.C. 669 et seq. with special reference to 669h–1.	50 CFR 80	
15.664	Fish and Wildlife Coordination and Assistance Programs	16 U.S.C. 661.
16 U.S.C. 742a.
16 U.S.C. 2901-2911.	 None	
15.667	Highlands Conservation	Highlands Conservation Act (November 30, 2004), Public Law 108–421. 	None	
15.633	Landowner Incentive Program	Annual Appropriations Acts for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies for fiscal years 2003–07. 16 U.S.C. 460l–4—460l–11.	None	
15.628	Multistate Conservation Grants
 	16 U.S.C. 669–669c, 669h–2.
16 U.S.C. 777–777c, 777m.	None	
15.653	National Outreach and Communications	23 U.S.C. 101.
16 U.S.C. 777g(d). 
	  None	
15.650	Research Grants
(Generic)	16 U.S.C. 661. 
16 U.S.C. 742f (a)(4).	 None	
15.649	Service Training and Technical Assistance (Generic Training)	16 U.S.C. 661. 
16 U.S.C. 742f (a)(4).	None	
15.605	Sport Fish Restoration	16 U.S.C. 777 et seq. except 777e–1 and  
g–1.	50 CFR 80	
15.622	Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act (Boating Infrastructure Grants) 	16 U.S.C. 777c, g, and g–1.	50 CFR 86	
15.634	State Wildlife Grants
 	Annual Appropriations Acts for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies for fiscal years 2001–12.  
16 U.S.C. 460l–4—460l–11, fiscal years 2002 through 2007.	None	
15.638
archived	Tribal Landowner Incentive Program	Same as the Landowner Incentive Program at CFDA number 15.633. 	None	
15.639	Tribal Wildlife Grants	Same as the State Wildlife Grants Program at CFDA number 15.634. 	None	
15.625
archived	Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program
 	16 U.S.C. 669 et seq. with special reference to sections 669–669c.	None	
15.611	Wildlife Restoration	16 U.S.C. 669 et seq.
	50 CFR 80	

Authorities and implementing regulations establish the purposes of the grant programs and the types of projects to be funded.  Some list eligibility criteria as well as activities ineligible for funding.  The authorities and implementing regulations for the competitive programs establish preferences or ranking factors for the selection of projects to be funded.  These legal requirements make it essential for an awarding agency to have certain information so that it funds only eligible projects, and, in the case of competitive programs, to select those projects that will result in the greatest return on the Federal investment.

OMB Circular A-102 (Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments) states that Federal agencies awarding grants or cooperative agreements should generally request applicants to submit a program narrative statement.  

2 CFR 220, 225, 230 and Federal Acquisition Regulation 48 CFR 31.2; 
43 CFR 12 (Administrative and Audit Requirements and Cost Principles for Assistance Programs) requires grantees to:

•	Request prior approval for budget, project, and program changes or amendments.
•	Submit performance reports.

Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669e(a)) and Dingell Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777e(a)).  These Acts apply to the Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration Programs and their subprograms.  The Acts require States, Commonwealths, and territories to submit programs or projects to the Secretary of the Interior in either of the following ways:

•	Comprehensive fish and wildlife resource management plan.
•	Full and detailed statement of any wildlife or fish restoration project.

2.	Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used.  

The majority of respondents are States and tribal governments; nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education make up less than 5 percent of the respondents.  We collect the following information from applicants and grantees:

Applications.  We use the information provided in applications to:  (1) determine eligibility under the authorizing legislation and applicable program regulations; (2) determine allowability of major cost items under the Cost Principles at 2 CFR 220, 225 and 230;  (3) select those projects that will provide the highest return on the Federal investment; and (4) assist in compliance with laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.  In addition to the appropriate Standard Forms 424 (Application for Federal Assistance), applications may include:

•	Summary and project narratives to include objectives and need for assistance, approach, timelines, and geographic location.
•	For research and demonstration assistance requests, a biographical sketch of the program director with the following information: name, address, telephone number, background, and other qualifying experience for the project. Also, the name, training, and background for other key personnel engaged in the project. 
•	For land acquisition assistance requests, maps and images showing location; copies of any options, purchase agreements, mineral assessment reports, and draft conservation easements; information needed for legal compliance; and copies of documents that demonstrate the grantee complied with 49 CFR 24, 43 CFR 12, program regulations, and the Cost Principles.
•	Budget narrative.
•	Other information as appropriate based on guidance in OMB Circular A-102.
•	Address ranking factors as required by competitive grant programs.

Amendments.  Most grantees must explain and justify requests for amendments to terms of the grant.  We use this information to determine the eligibility and allowability of activities and to comply with the requirements of 43 CFR 12.70; 43 CFR 12.925. 

Performance Reports.  All grantees must submit performance reports.  We use this information to ensure that the grantee is accomplishing the work on schedule and to identify any problems that the grantee may be experiencing in accomplishing that work.  Most grantees 
submit annual reports; however, one grant program requires quarterly reports.  Reports may include:   
•	A comparison of actual accomplishments with the goals and objectives established for the period, the findings of the investigator, or both. 
•	Reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate.
•	Other pertinent information including, when appropriate, (i) analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs and (ii) for land acquisition projects, a copy of the deed or other conveyance document and a copy of the Notice of Federal Participation.

3.	Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology; e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection.  Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden [and specifically how this collection meets GPEA requirements.].

The public may find and apply for grants at Grants.gov.  Applicants have a choice (unless one method is required by program) of submitting their applications electronically through Grants.gov or by e-mail.  They may also submit applications by fax or mail.  However, we encourage electronic submission.  Grantees may submit amendments and performance reports by e-mail, fax, or mail (unless one method is required by program).   Almost all performance reports are sent electronically.

4.  Describe efforts to identify duplication.  

This information is not collected elsewhere within or outside the Service.

5.	If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe the methods used to minimize burden.

We do not believe the amount of information requested will have a significant impact on small entities.  We request only the minimum information necessary to meet requirements of the authorizing statutes and Federal regulations, and to allow us to make a funding decision for competitive grants.  

6.	Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection were not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

Collection of proposals in order to competitively award grants and cooperative agreements is necessary to comply with the Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreement Act, the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act, and Part 505 of the Departmental Manual. Successful applicants must submit reports in compliance with Federal regulations. Failure to require reports would violate the reporting requirements of the Uniform Administrative Requirements as incorporated in 43 CFR Part 12. Information collection through regular reporting is essential to ensure that Government funds are properly expended.

7.	Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:
	*	requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;
	*	requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;
	*	requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;
	*	requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than three years;
	*	in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;
	*	requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;
	*	that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or
	*	requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

We collect information consistent with OMB guidelines except in those unusual circumstances permitted by the Department of the Interior’s regulations at 43 CFR 12.52(b)(3), which applies to “high-risk grantees”; 43 CFR 12.914(a), which applies to special award conditions; 43 CFR 12.82 (b) and 43 CFR 12.953 which applies to litigation, audits, real property and equipment records, and indirect cost rate proposals/plans.   

8.	Provide the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB.  Summarize public comments received in response to that notice (or in response to a PRA statement) and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments.  

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.  

On January 24, 2012 we published in the Federal Register, (77 FR 3489) a notice of our intent to request that OMB renew this information collection.  We solicited comments for 60 days, ending on March 26, 2012.  We received one comment.  The commenter objected to the funding of these grants, but did not address the information collection requirements.  We did not make any changes to our requirements.

In addition, we contacted employees of State fish and wildlife agencies to obtain their comments on the information collection requirements.  All respondents agreed with our burden estimates and supported the grant programs.  Based on comments from this outreach and our experience, we have not revised our burden estimates for applications and performance reports.

Barry Sumners 
Chief of Planning and Federal Aid
TN Wildlife Resources Agency
Telephone:  615-781-6600
E-mail: Barry.Sumners@TN.gov	Carl Magnusson
Federal Aid Coordinator
Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
Telephone:  785-296-2281
E-Mail:  Carl.Magnusson@KSoutdoors.com	
Paul Vehlow
Federal Aid Coordinator
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Telephone:  217-785-5922
E-Mail:  Paul.Vehlow@Illinois.gov	Kris McCarthy
Federal Aid Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game
Telephone:  508-389-6341
E-Mail:  Kris.McCarthy@state.ma.us	

9.	Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

We do not provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of grantees.

10.	Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

We do not provide any assurance of confidentiality to respondents.

11.	Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private.  

We do not ask questions of a sensitive nature.

12.	Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information.  

ACTIVITY	ANNUAL NO. OF RESPONDENTS	TOTAL ANNUAL RESPONSES 	COMPLETION TIME PER RESPONSE	TOTAL ANNUAL BURDEN HRS	TOTAL DOLLAR VALUE OF BURDEN HRS	
Applications	200	2,500	40 hours	100,000	$  3,600,000	
Amendments	150	1,500	  2 hours	    3,000	       108,000	
Reports	200	3,500	  6 hours	  21,000	       756,000	
Totals	550	7,500		124,000	$  4,464,000	

The total annual dollar value of the burden hours is approximately $4,464,000 based on an
hourly wage of $36 per hour (rounded) including benefits.  To obtain the rate for State/local/tribal government employees, we used data from May 2011 National Industry-Specific Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates NAICS 999200 - State Government – all occupations mean income (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_999200.htm).  To account for benefits, we multiplied the hourly rate ($24.21) by 1.5, in accordance with USDL 12-0450 entitled “Employer Costs for Employee Compensation – December 2011“ (http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecec.pdf) released on March 14, 2012. For this collection, we have assumed that the rate for the private sector is identical to the rate for State/local/tribal (less than 5 percent of the respondents will be from the private sector).  

13.	Provide an estimate of the total annual [nonhour] cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information.  

There are no nonhour burden costs associated with this information collection.

14.	Provide estimates of annualized costs to the Federal Government.  

We estimate the total cost to the Federal Government for processing and reviewing applications, amendments, and reports as a result of this collection of information is $1,250,500.  This estimate includes FWS salary and benefits ($1,250,500).  

Salary Costs:  $1,250,500 (20,500 hours X $61 (weighted average $/hr).  This figure excludes salary costs associated with the performance tracking system.  
•	For applications, we estimate Federal staff will spend 5,000 hours (2 hours per application) to:  (1) develop and post application instructions; (2) review applications; (3) perform data entry; and (4) maintain files.
•	For amendments, we estimate a total of 1,500 hours (1 hour per amendment) for staff to:  (1) review the amendment; (2) perform data entry; and (3) maintain files.
•	For reports, we estimate a total of 14,000 hours (4 hours per report) for staff to:  (1) review the reports; (2) perform data entry; and (3) maintain files. 

POSITION	GRADE/STEP	HOURLY RATE	HOURLY RATE INCL BENEFITS	PERCENTAGE OF TIME SPENT	WEIGHTED AVEREAGE ($/HR)	
Clerical, unskilled	GS-7/step 1	$ 20.22	$ 30.33	10%	$   3	
Skilled, craft and technical	GS-13/step 1	$ 42.66	$ 63.99	85%	$ 54	
Management/
professional	GS-15/step 1	$ 59.30	$ 88.95	5%	$   4	
Total Weighted Average ($/HR)					$ 61	
 While staffs in eight Regional Offices and the Washington Office perform  the work, we used the Office of Personnel Management Salary Table 2012-DCB as the basis for an average salary rate.
2 Hourly rate multiplied by 1.5 to account for benefits in accordance with USDL 12-0450 entitled “Employer Costs for Employee Compensation – December 2011(http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecec.pdf) released on March 14, 2012.
3 Values are rounded.

15.	Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments in hour or cost burden.

We did not make any program changes or adjustments.

16.	For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication.  

Fish and Wildlife Service personnel write summaries of the project narratives and publish them on the Internet to provide the general public with descriptive information about grant awards.  Fish and Wildlife Service grant managers gather accomplishment details from performance reports, aggregate details by activity category, and publish them on the Internet for public viewing.  We compile and publish data continually as a normal part of business. 

17.	If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

We will display the OMB control number and expiration date on appropriate materials.

18.  Explain each exception to the certification statement. 

There are no exceptions to the certification statement.