BIG Program

How Projects Are Scored

In order to score the maximum points possible, the project proposal should include information describing how the project meets the following criteria. Don't assume that this information will be apparent to the grant evaluators. Provide descriptions that sell your project. See the following Rating Scores for actual point values.

• Use of innovative techniques to increase the availability of tie-up facilities for transient vessels 26' or more in length (can include education/information). Innovative aspect(s) of project elicits a "gee-whiz" response.
• The applicant is able to provide a minimum 25% match. Additional points are awarded at increments of 26%, 36%, and 50%. A clear statement describing the source of the matching funds is required.
• Cost effectiveness. Proposal are cost effective when the tie-up facility or access site's features add a high value relative to the proposed expenditure. An example would be a project within an existing harbor that adds high value and opportunity to existing features (restrooms, utilities, etc.). A project that requires installing all of the above would add less value for the cost.
• Project provides a significant link to prominent destination waypoints such as those near metropolitan population centers, cultural or natural areas, or that provide safe harbors from storms.
• Project provides access to recreation, historic, cultural, natural, or scenic opportunities of local, regional, and/or national significance. Points are given for each category, local, regional, and national.
• Project provides significant economic impact to a community. For example, if the project were built, how many boaters would be attracted to the area? How much would they spend in the community? How does that contribute to the economic value of the community?
• Project includes public/private or public/public partnerships. The USFWS or the Division of Watercraft may not be used as partners in this scoring criterion. Additional points are given for up to three or more partnerships. To be considered a partner, the partner must supply something of reasonable and tangible value to the project.
• The project will be operated and maintained at a high standard for transient boating users.
• Project includes documented multi-state efforts that result in coordinating location of tie up facilities.

Prequalification Questions

If all of the following prequalification questions are answered affirmatively, the grant will be scored.

• Will the proposed facilities accommodate transient boats 26ft and longer?
• Are facilities on navigable waters?
• Are facilities open to the public?
• Is the boating access water at least 6 feet deep?
• Do the proposed improvements have a life expectancy of 20 years or more?
• Are security, safety and service available at the proposed facility?
• Is a public pump out available on site or within 2 miles?
  Location of pump out: ___________________________
• Does the proposal contain a minimum of 25% matching funding?

Rating Scores