50 C.F.R. §§ 86.52–86.60

Construct new boating infrastructure in an area that lacks it, but where eligible vessels now travel or would travel if the project were completed;

Create accessibility for eligible vessels by reducing wave action, increasing depth, or making other physical improvements;

Expand an existing marina or mooring site that is unable to accommodate current or projected demand by eligible vessels; or

We consider these factors in evaluating a proposed project under the criterion at § 86.51(a)(2) on whether benefits to eligible users justify the cost:

You must support the benefits available to eligible users by clearly describing them in the project statement and explaining how they relate to Need at § 86.43(a).

We will consider the cost relevant to all benefits to eligible users that are adequately supported in the application. We may consider the availability of preexisting structures and amenities, but only in the context of the need identified at § 86.43(a).

The degree of access that the BIG-funded facility will give;

The activity, event, or landmark that makes the BIG-funded facility a destination, how well known the attraction is, how long it is available, and how likely it is to attract boaters to the facility; and

The availability of services and safety near the BIG-funded facility, how easily boaters can access them, and how well they serve the needs of eligible users.

The following may qualify as partners for purposes of the ranking criteria:

The partner must commit to a financial contribution or an in-kind contribution, or to take a voluntary action during the period of performance.

In-kind contributions or actions must be necessary and contribute directly and substantively to the completion of the project. You must explain in the grant application how they are necessary and contribute to completing the project.

A governmental entity may be a partner unless its contribution to completing the project is a mandatory duty of the agency, such as reviewing a permit application. A voluntary action by a government agency or employee is a partnership.

When we evaluate a project under the criterion for match at § 86.51(b)(1), we consider how much cash the applicant and partners commit above the required minimum match of 25 percent of project costs.

The contribution may be from a State, a single source, or any combination of sources.

We will award points as follows:

We must waive the first $200,000 in match for the entities described at § 86.32(a). We will determine the required match by subtracting the waived amount from the required 25 percent match and award points using the table at paragraph (c) of this section.

We consider these factors for partner contributions in evaluating a proposed project under the criterion at § 86.51(b)(2):

We may consider the combined contributions of several partners, according to the factors at paragraph (a) of this section.

To receive consideration for this criterion, you must show in your application how a partner, or group of partners, significantly supports the project by addressing the factors in paragraph (a) of this section.

You may describe partner contributions in the project statement.

In evaluating a proposed project under the criterion at § 85.51(c)(1), we consider whether the project will increase the availability of the BIG-funded facility for eligible users or improve eligible boater access to the facility by:

We will not award points for following access standards set by law.

We will consider if you choose to complete the project using an optional or advanced technology or technique that will improve access, or if you go beyond the minimum requirements.

To receive consideration for this criterion, you must describe in the grant application the current standard and how you will exceed the standard.

In evaluating a proposed project under the criterion at § 86.51(c)(2), we consider if the project will include physical components, technology, or techniques that are:

Examples of the type of innovations we will consider are components, technology, or techniques that:

In evaluating a project under the criterion at § 86.51(c)(3), we consider if the application documents that the facility where the BIG-funded project is located has received official recognition for its voluntary commitment to environmental compliance, sustainability, and stewardship by exceeding regulatory requirements.

The official recognition must be part of a voluntary, established program administered by a Federal or State agency, local governmental agency, Sea Grant or equivalent entity, or a State or Regional marina organization.

The established program must require the facility to use management and operational techniques and practices that will ensure it continues to meet the high standards of the program and must contain a component that requires periodic review.

The facility must have met the criteria required by the established program and received official recognition by the due date of the application.