1 2013 foa-11.14 - final.pdf

FOA R13AF20004

Bay-Delta Restoration Program: CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants i

Funding Opportunity Announcement Number: R13AF20004

Bay-Delta Restoration Program:

CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants

Fiscal Year 2013

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region November 2012 http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ ii

BAY-DELTA RESTORATION PROGRAM: CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grant Program

Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Mid Pacific Region 2800 Cottage Way Sacramento, CA 95825

OVERVIEW

Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Sacramento, California

Funding Opportunity Title: Bay-Delta Restoration Program: CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants, California Bay-Delta Constituents

Announcement Type: Initial announcement

Funding Opportunity Number: R13AF20004

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.533

Application Due Date: Applications due on or before January 9, 2013 by 12:00 p.m. PST

Eligible Applicants: As described in Section III.A

Cost Share: Non-Federal Sources: 50% or more of project costs.

Federal Funding Amount: Maximum of 50% of project costs, not to exceed $500,000.00

Estimated number of agreements to be awarded:

Multiple

Total amount of funding available for award:

Estimated: $2,000,000.00. The amount of funding available for this FOA is dependent on regional spending priorities and may decrease at any time.

This FOA may be canceled if sufficient funding is not available.

iii

PROPOSAL CHECKLIST

The following table contains a summary of the information that you are REQUIRED to submit with your application.

Submit an original and disk of documents below

What to Submit

Required Content

REQUIRED FORM OR FORMAT

Proposal Package

See Sec.

IV.C

See below and Section IV.K

Cover Page See Sec.

IV.C.2.1

Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Standard Form (SF) 424*, Application for Federal Assistance.

Assurances See Sec.

IV.C.2.2

Office of Management and Budget (OMB), SF 424B* or SF 424D*, as applicable.

Title Page See Sec.

IV.C.2.3

See format in Section IV.K

Table of Contents

See Sec.

IV.C.2.4

See format in Section IV.K

Executive Summary

See Sec.

IV.C.2.5

See format in Section IV.K

General Project Information

See Sec.

IV.C.2.5.1

See format in Section IV.K

Technical Proposal

See Sec.

IV.C.2.6

See format in Section IV.K

Background Data

See Sec.

IV.C.2.6.1

See format in Section IV.K

Consistency with State or Local Water Plan

See Sec.

IV.C.2.6.2

See format in Section IV.K

Project Description

See Sec.

IV.C.2.6.3

See format at Section IV.K

Demonstrated Results

See Sec.

IV.C.2.6.4

See format at Section IV.K

Performance Measures and Project Monitoring

See Sec.

IV.C.2.6.5

See format in Section IV.K

Need for Project and Community Involvement

See Sec.

IV.C.2.6.6

See format at Section IV.K

Environmental Regulatory Compliance

See Sec.

IV.C.2.6.7

See format in Section IV.K

Project Benefit Tables and Worksheet

See Sec.

IV.D

See format in Section IV.K available at www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/

Funding Plan Instructions

See Sec.

IV.E

See format in Section IV.K

Budget Proposal

See Sec.

IV.F.1

See below and Section IV.K

Budget Narrative with Supporting Documentation

See Sec.

IV.F.2

See format in Section IV.K http://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/ iv

Budget Form SF 424A or

SF424C

See Sec.

IV.G

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) SF 424A* Budget Information (Non-Construction Programs) or SF 424C*

(Construction Programs), as applicable.

*Forms may be downloaded from www.grants.gov under the Funding Opportunity Announcement

R13AF20004

http://www.grants.gov/ v

REQUEST FOR FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Table of Contents

SECTION I – General Information

I.A.1. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 1

I.A.2. PROGRAM OBJECTIVE 1

I.A.3. OBJECTIVE OF REQUEST FOR FUNDING OPPORTUNITY 1

I.B.1. ELIGIBLE PROJECTS 2

I.B.2. TYPES OF PROJECTS 2

I.C. PROGRAM AUTHORITY 2

SECTION II -- AWARD INFORMATION

II.A. TOTAL PROJECT FUNDING 3

II.B. PROJECT FUNDING LIMITATIONS 3

II.C. RECLAMATION RESPONSIBILITIES 3

II.D. AWARD DATE 3

SECTION III – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

III.A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS 4

III.B. COST SHARE GUIDELINES 4

III.C. LENGTH OF PROJECT 4

III.D. OTHER REQUIREMENTS 5

III.D.1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, TECHNICAL AND BUDGET PROPOSALS 5

III.D.2. FUNDING PLAN 5

III.D.3. PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND PROJECT MONITORING 5

III.D.4. OTHER REGULATIONS 5

SECTION IV – APPLICATION AND PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

IV.A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE 6

IV.B. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF PROJECT PROPOSAL 6

IV.C. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT 6

IV.D. PROJECT BENEFIT TABLES AND WORKSHEET 11

IV.E. FUNDING PLAN INSTRUCTIONS 11

IV.F. BUDGET PROPOSAL AND NARRATIVE 11

IV.G. BUDGET FORM 14

IV.H. DATE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS 14

IV.I. PROPOSAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS 14

IV.J. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST 14

IV.K. FORMATS 15

SECTION V -- APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

V.A. EVALUATION CRITERIA 24

V.B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS 26

SECTION VI -- AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

VI.A. AWARD NOTICES 29

VI.B. AWARD DOCUMENT 29

VI.C. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND DISTRIBUTION 29

SECTION VII -- AGENCY CONTACTS

SECTION VIII -- OTHER INFORMATION

SECTION I – General Information

I.A.1. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

Reclamation is a participating agency in the Bay-Delta Restoration Program. The CALFED Bay-Delta Program Final Programmatic EIS/EIR was released July 21, 2000, and the Record of Decision (ROD) was published August 28, 2000. As described in these documents, the Bay-Delta Restoration Program includes strategies to address ecosystem health, water supply reliability and water quality. Water use efficiency is a critical element in the successful implementation of the Bay-Delta Restoration Program.

Reclamation is posting a Funding Opportunity Application (FOA) for cost share funding for water use efficiency and conservation activities. To be eligible for financial assistance, a proposed activity must have a defined relationship to the California Bay-Delta.

The President’s FY 2013 budget request included $2 million proposed for Bay-Delta Restoration Water Use Efficiency Grants. The amount of funding available for award for this FOA will be determined once final FY 2013 appropriations are made and regional spending priorities are determined. This FOA may be canceled at anytime if sufficient funding is not available. Reclamation may fund up to 50% of approved projects, not exceeding $500,000.

I.A.2. PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

The objective of the CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants is to promote the goals/objectives and missions of Bay-Delta Restoration Program. These goals (objectives) include but are not limited to:

Goal 1: Reduce existing irrecoverable losses, increasing the overall volume of available water;

Goal 2: Achieve multiple state-wide benefits;

Goal 3: Preserve local flexibility; and Goal 4: Build on existing water use efficiency programs.

Please visit www.calwater.ca.gov/content/Documents/ROD.pdf and refer to pages 59-64 for a complete description of Bay-Delta Restoration Program goals and objectives.

I.A.3. OBJECTIVE OF REQUEST FOR FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

This FOA invites recipients to leverage their money and resources, by cost sharing with Reclamation on projects emphasizing water use efficiency and conservation activities that result in benefits for the California Bay-Delta. For FY 2013, if the applicant has already committed to accomplish the project as part of another agreement, then the project will not be eligible for funding under this FOA. Projects will be selected through a competitive process that will focus on achieving the outcomes identified in this

FOA.

This FOA does not support research to reduce the cost of desalination through membrane process research and development studies, thermal process research and development studies, and non-traditional/alternative desalination process research and studies; and water recycling and reuse studies. For more information regarding these programs within Reclamation, visit the Water Treatment and Engineering and Research Group website at www.usbr.gov/pmts/water/desalination/index.html.

New funding opportunities under these programs will be announced at www.grants.gov.

http://www.calwater.ca.gov/content/Documents/ROD.pdf http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/water/desalination/index.html

I.B.1. ELIGIBLE PROJECTS

The Bay-Delta Restoration Program: CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants (Program) will fund feasible urban and agricultural projects that improve ecosystem health, water supply reliability or water quality of the California Bay-Delta through water use efficiency and conservation.

Grants or agreements for improvement projects to conserve irrigation water will not be provided unless the eligible applicant agrees not (1) to use any associated water savings to increase the total irrigated acreage of the eligible applicant; or (2) to otherwise increase the consumptive use of water in the operation of the eligible applicant.

Priority will be given to projects that can be completed within 24 months.

I.B.2. TYPES OF PROJECTS

Proposals may include any type of implementation, demonstration, or pilot water use efficiency or conservation projects that have benefits to the California Bay-Delta. Projects that only consist of research or feasibility studies, planning or education will not be funded.

Examples of previously funded projects and a successful project application can be found at www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/about.html.

I.C. PROGRAM AUTHORITY

Water Supply, Reliability, and Environmental Improvement Act, Title I – California Water Security and Environmental Enhancement, Public Law 108-361 and Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a).

http://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/about.html

SECTION II -- AWARD INFORMATION

II.A. TOTAL PROJECT FUNDING

The President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 budget request included $2 million for Bay-Delta Restoration Water Use Efficiency (BDRWUE) Programs. BDRWUE Programs include the CALFED Water Use Efficiency (CALFED WUE) Grants and the Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency Grants. A portion of this request is intended for the CALFED WUE Grants, which are the subject of this FOA.

The amount of funding available to fund projects through this FOA will be determined once Congress approves final FY 2013 appropriations and funding priorities are determined.

II.B. PROJECT FUNDING LIMITATIONS

To facilitate the broad and effective use of limited Federal funds, Reclamation’s share of any one proposed financial assistance agreement shall not exceed 50% of the total project costs, and shall not exceed $500,000.

II.C. RECLAMATION RESPONSIBILITIES

If substantial involvement between Reclamation and the recipient is anticipated during the performance of this project the anticipated instrument will be a cooperative agreement. In support of this agreement, Reclamation will provide the following:

Reclamation shall collaborate and participate with the recipient in the management of the project and closely oversee the recipient's activities to ensure that the program objectives are being achieved.

This oversight shall include review, input, and approval at key interim stages of the project as identified in the recipient’s proposal.

If substantial involvement is not anticipated on the part of Reclamation, the financial assistance instrument will be a grant.

Reclamation retains the right to make awards using either grant or cooperative agreement instruments.

The proposal must demonstrate public benefit for financial assistance agreements.

II.D. AWARD DATE

It is anticipated that potential award recipients will be contacted on or before March 1, 2013.

Assistance agreements will be awarded to applicants that successfully pass all pre-award reviews and clearances. An anticipated project start date will be on or before October 1, 2013.

SECTION III – ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

III.A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants include any State, Indian tribe, irrigation or water district or other organization with water or power delivery authority. Agencies that wish to collaborate on a project may elect to use a contractor-subcontractor relationship. Contracts will be executed with one eligible applicant only. The application must indicate who will sign the contract and the nature of the agreement between the other participants. The applicant must have a defined relationship to the California Bay-Delta.

Urban water districts seeking funding must have an updated water management plan as required by California law. All water districts, including agricultural water districts that are not required by Reclamation or California to have a water management plan, will be evaluated in part on whether they (and co- or sub-applicants) maintain current water management plans and updates with Reclamation, California Department of Water Resources, California Urban Water Conservation Council or Agricultural Water Management Council, as appropriate. See Evaluation Criteria, Section V.A.

Eligible applicants must submit separate applications for distinct projects. For example, an eligible applicant may apply for a rebate project and a water measurement project separately as long as neither project is dependent on the other for completion. Each individual application must meet all criteria specified within this announcement and will be evaluated on its own merit.

III.B. COST SHARE GUIDELINES

Cost sharing may be made through any combination of cash or in-kind contributions from the applicant or third party partners. However, all cost share contributions must meet the criteria established in the OMB administrative and cost principles circulars applicable to the applicant. Cost share contributions MUST be secured at the time of application submittal and included as letters of commitment (See Section IV.K.1.8.B Funding Plan).

In-kind contributions constitute the value of non-cash contributions that benefit a Federally-assisted project. These contributions may be in the form of real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable property, and the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project or program. The cost or value of in-kind contributions that have been or will be relied on to satisfy a cost sharing or matching requirement for another Federal financial assistance agreement, a Federal procurement contract, or any other award of Federal funds, may not be relied on to satisfy the cost share requirement.

Indirect costs that will be incurred during the development or construction of a project which will not be recovered may be included as part of your cost-share. Indirect costs are those: (a) incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one cost objective, and (b) not readily assignable to any one cost objective. For further information on indirect costs, refer to the OMB cost principles circular applicable to your organization as listed in the Standard Terms and Conditions hyperlink found in Section VIII of this document.

At a minimum, applicants must cost share 50% of the total project costs. For FY 2013, if the applicant has already committed to accomplish the project as part of another agreement, then the project will not be eligible for funding under this FOA.

III.C. LENGTH OF PROJECT

Priority will be given to projects that can be completed within 24 months from the project start date, anticipating that the project start date will be prior to but no later than, October 1, 2013. However, Reclamation will consider longer projects if it can be demonstrated that there will be measurable accomplishments each year.

III.D. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

III.D.1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, TECHNICAL AND BUDGET PROPOSALS

The applicant must submit technical and budget proposals in accordance with the requirements stated in Section IV of this document.

III.D.2. FUNDING PLAN

The applicant’s proposal shall include a funding plan that describes how the non-Reclamation share of the costs will be obtained. If funding will be provided by other than the applicant, the names of these additional sources must be provided. For FY 2013, if the applicant has already committed to accomplish the project as part of another agreement, then the project will not be eligible for funding under this FOA. See Section IV.E for information on submission of the Funding Plan.

III.D.3. PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND PROJECT MONITORING

Reclamation is required to report on potential water management benefits resulting from its financial assistance. Each application should identify as many benefits as possible. (See Section IV.C.2.6.5 and 2.6.6).

For the FY 2013 FOA, Reclamation is requiring applicants to quantify actual project benefits (also known as a “performance measure”), i.e. water saved, or better managed. Applicants are required to identify a performance measure for their project and explain how the measure will be applied and monitored. If an applicant receives an award, the financial assistance agreement will include a provision describing the performance measure and monitoring for the project, which is mutually agreeable to the recipient and Reclamation. Visit www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/grants/index.html to view a complete document on suggested performance measures and monitoring.

III.D.4. OTHER REGULATIONS

Applicants shall adhere to Federal, California, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as applicable, and shall obtain all required approvals and permits. Applicants shall also coordinate and obtain approvals from site owners and operators. See Section IV.C.2.6.7 for additional information regarding environmental and regulatory compliance.

http://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/grants/index.html

SECTION IV – APPLICATION AND PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

IV.A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

This document contains all information, forms, and electronic addresses to obtain required forms or information required for the submission of a proposal.

If you are unable to access this information electronically and need assistance, please contact:

Leanne Henderson Grants Management Specialist E-mail: lhenderson@usbr.gov

IV.B. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF PROJECT PROPOSAL

Each applicant shall submit a proposal in accordance with the instructions contained in this section.

Each proposal shall consist of the following elements: (1) Executive Summary; (2) Technical Proposal; (3) Project Benefits Worksheet; (4) Funding Plan; (5) Budget Table and (6) Budget Narrative with Supporting Documentation. Detailed instructions for each of these elements are set forth immediately below. The format for the complete proposal is included in Section IV.K of this document.

Applications must be submitted as a complete package. Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package for consideration and will result in the application being rejected or not funded. Mailing materials, package, or packing envelopes of the proposal must reference the FOA number R13AF20004. This requirement will include overnight mail labels. FAX copies and electronic mail of proposal documents will not be accepted. Electronic filings of applications are acceptable via grants.gov. If submitting your application in this format, please allow at least two (2) working days for processing.

Do not include a cover letter or company literature/brochure with your proposal. All pertinent information must be included in your Executive Summary, Technical Proposal, Project Benefit and Cost Summary Worksheet, Funding Plan, Budget Tables, and Budget Proposals in accordance with the formats below.

Applicants shall submit an original and an electronic copy on disk of all proposal documents.

IV.C. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT

IV.C.1 Proposal Format and Length

Proposals shall be limited to twenty (20) 8-1/2 inch X 11 inch pages, excluding any forms required in these instructions, single-spaced. The font used shall be at least 12 points in size and shall be easily readable. Proposals will be prescreened for compliance to the 20-page limit. The cover sheet (Standard Form 424), Assurances (Standard Form 424B or D, as applicable), Budget (Standard Form 424A or C), required budget tables, blank pages, title pages, maps, blueprints, Appendix, and table of content pages, will not be counted in the 20-page limit. All pages shall be consecutively numbered, including pages with tables and exhibits. See the Proposal Format in Section IV.K of this document.

IV.C.2. Proposal Content

IV.C.2.1. Cover Page

The cover page shall consist of a completed SF 424 - Application for Federal Assistance. This form must be signed by a person legally authorized to commit your organization to performance of the project. Inclusion of a properly signed SF 424 in your proposal is a mandatory requirement.

Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in the elimination of your proposal from further consideration. This form is available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/grants/index.html or may be downloaded from the Funding Opportunity in Grants.gov under Full Announcement.

IV.C.2.2. Assurances

Include with your proposal a completed and signed SF 424B – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs or an SF 424D – Assurances – Construction Programs. This form must be signed by a person legally authorized to commit your organization to performance of the project. Inclusion of a properly signed SF 424B or SF 424D in your proposal is a mandatory requirement. Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in the elimination of your proposal from further consideration. These forms are available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/grants/index.html or may be downloaded from the Funding Opportunity in Grants.gov under Full Announcement.

IV.C.2.3. Title Page

Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, email address, telephone and facsimile numbers of the project manager.

IV.C.2.4. Table of Contents

List all major sections of the proposal in the Table of Contents.

IV.C.2.5. Executive Summary

The content of the executive summary is described below. See Section IV.K.1.5 of this document.

IV.C.2.5.1. General Project Information

Include the project name, applicants name and address, contact information and a summary of funding request. A one-paragraph project overview shall be included in this section. In addition, this section shall address the project’s contribution to Bay-Delta Restoration Program goals and summarize reports or studies that have been done to determine the project’s feasibility

IV.C.2.6. Technical Proposal

The content of the technical proposal is described below. Reclamation highly recommends the applicant’s proposal follow the order of the requested elements. This will ensure the review team’s ability to find and fairly evaluate each recipient’s response to each element.

See Section IV.K.1.6 of this document.

IV.C.2.6.1. Background Data

Include location (state, county, and direction from nearest town) and other appropriate information, including the applicant's average annual water supply (in acre feet), major crops, total acres served, miles of canals, miles of laterals, existing irrigation improvements (type, miles, acres), canal and lateral seepage losses and on-farm efficiency. Describe the applicant’s relationship to the California Bay- Delta and quantify the average amount of the applicant’s water supply received from the Delta over the last five years. Describe any other relevant information.

IV.C.2.6.2. Consistency with California or Local Water Plan

Applicants are required to ensure that the proposed project is consistent with any existing local (i.e.

county, municipal or regional) water plan. Projects will be evaluated in part on whether applicants (and co- or sub-applicants) maintain current water management plans and updates with Reclamation, California Department of Water Resources, California Urban Water Conservation Council or Agricultural Water Management Council, as appropriate. See Evaluation Criteria, Section V.A. Urban Only: Applicants must have an updated water management plan as required by California law.

IV.C.2.6.3. Project Description

Describe in detail the work to be carried out. Break the proposed work, including reporting, into major objectives. Discuss the approach to accomplish the proposed work by objective. This discussion shall be in sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of each objective and the proposal. An estimated schedule demonstrating the stages and duration of the construction of the project shall be included covering all objectives. Engineering plans, designs and analyses should be included, if available. These plans should be in the Appendix of the proposal.

IV.C.2.6.4. Demonstrated Results

Describe water use efficiency or conservation measures to be taken pursuant to the proposed action and explain in detail how the efficiency or conservation measures will benefit the California Bay-Delta, addressing direct, indirect or other benefits. Include quantified yearly benefits and the expected life of the project. Please provide sufficient detail supporting the stated estimate, including any calculations in support of the estimate.

In addition, all applicants should be sure to address the following:

1. What are the applicant’s average annual acre-feet of water supply?

2. Where is that water currently going (i.e., back to the stream, spilled at the end of the ditch, seeping into the ground, etc)?

3. Where will the conserved water go?

If applicable, the applicant should describe how the proposal will improve its operational efficiency.

Include engineering plans and/or designs that demonstrate how the proposal would improve operational efficiency or achieve water savings.

When economic values cannot be assigned to expected project benefits, expected project benefits should be quantified in physical terms. One needs to consider California Bay-Delta Benefits versus local benefits. For example, estimates of increases in stream flow volume due to the project at a time of year when those flows would be important to fish habitat enhancement should be provided. Any expected project accomplishments that cannot be assigned a numerical value, either in dollars or in specific physical quantities, should be described as completely as possible.

Provide a description of how proposed benefits will help achieve specific Bay-Delta Restoration Program objectives for ecosystem restoration, water supply reliability, and water quality that apply to the project area. For more information, please go to the CALFED Agricultural Water Use Efficiency website at: www.calwater.ca.gov/content/Documents/library/WUE/qo_detail.pdf.

Additional benefits may accrue to the intended project beneficiaries including purchasers of marketed supplies developed by the project, or they may also accrue to third parties including direct and indirect environmental benefits. This can include an evaluation of economic justification beyond that directly http://www.calwater.ca.gov/content/Documents/library/WUE/qo_detail.pdf associated with the parties participating in the proposed project, either as the project builder or as a purchaser of any developed supply.

Report any expected project accomplishments that would accrue to parties not directly participating in the proposed project as beneficiaries but which may be affected by hydrologic changes related to project implementation (e.g., stream flow, water quality) anywhere in the system.

Explain through a narrative description, and quantify whenever possible, how the proposed project will result in other project benefits.

IV.C.2.6.5. Performance Measures and Project Monitoring

Include a Performance Assessment Plan and a list of project-specific performance measures that will be used to assess project success in the relation to the goals and objectives. If the project goal is to achieve Targeted Benefits, describe what portion of the Targeted Benefits will be achieved by the project. For area specific Targeted Benefits, visit http://www.agwatercouncil.org/Targeted- Benefits/Targeted-Benefits/menu-id-45.html. Describe the monitoring and assessment procedures that will be used to measure performance and document water savings, other benefits, to mark progress, and to determine the success of the project to achieve its goals. Include information about how the data and other information will be handled, stored, and made accessible. Provide a list of expected products/outcomes such as reports and other documentation, presentations, advances in technology, and information transfers via workshops, seminars, education programs, etc. Visit http://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/grants/index.html, for suggested performance measures techniques.

IV.C.2.6.6. Need for Project and Community Involvement

Include an explanation of the need for the project. “Need” means the urgency of need for the project, and the negative consequences if not implemented. Need is determined by the general condition of the water system, current and future water supply and demand, dependency on the water supply, water quality conditions, availability of substitute supplies, and any negative impacts of current surface water or groundwater management.

Provide a description of the expected impacts within the agency’s service area if the proposed project is not constructed. Potential impacts could include employment, business and industry, emergency supplies, water quality, agency loss or gain of revenue, public safety, and the environment.

Prior to submitting an application, applicants are encouraged to coordinate with local governments and other local entities such as community based organizations and watershed groups. Applications shall describe a plan for public outreach to the groups or individuals that may be affected by the project.

Identify which local groups or other interested organizations are aware of the project and their level of support. Identify any potential third party impacts. Estimate the number of people or organizations that are expected to receive training, employment, or other social or economic benefits from the project.

Include in the description how other local agencies, whose jurisdiction or water service area is adjacent to the project location, may be involved in the project.

Describe any opposition to the proposed project. Identify any parties in opposition and briefly discuss the situation.

IV.C.2.6.7. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

All awarded agreements will require compliance with all applicable California, Federal, and local environmental, cultural, and paleontological resource protection laws and regulations. These may include, but are not limited to, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including the Council on Environmental Quality and Department of the Interior regulations implementing NEPA, the Clean http://www.agwatercouncil.org/Targeted-Benefits/Targeted-Benefits/menu-id-45.html http://www.agwatercouncil.org/Targeted-Benefits/Targeted-Benefits/menu-id-45.html

Water Act, the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), which requires consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and could require consultation with potentially affected Tribes.

Reclamation is the lead Federal agency for NEPA compliance. As the lead agency, Reclamation is solely responsible for determining the appropriate level of NEPA compliance, which could be a categorical exclusions checklist, environmental assessment, or environmental impact statement.

However, a project sponsor (or their contractor) can provide much of the necessary information and data analyses.

Under no circumstances may a successful applicant begin any ground disturbing activities (including grading, clearing, and other preliminary activities) on a project before environmental compliance is complete. This pertains to all components of the proposed project, including those that are part of the applicant’s non-federal cost share. An applicant that proceeds before environmental compliance is complete will forfeit Reclamation funding. Please keep in mind that NEPA compliance may take up to 6 months or more, depending on the project type, location and affected environmental and cultural resources.

In order to allow Reclamation to assess the probable environmental impacts and associated costs for each proposal, all applicants must respond to the following list of questions focusing on the requirements of NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

Please answer the following questions to the best of your knowledge. If any question is not applicable to your project, please explain why. If you have any questions, please contact your local Reclamation office.

1. Will your project impact the surrounding environment (i.e. soil [dust], air, water [quality and quantity], animal habitat, etc.)? If so, please explain the impacts and any steps that could be taken to minimize the impacts.

2. Are you aware of any endangered or threatened species in the project area?

3. Are there wetlands inside the project boundaries? If so, please estimate how many acres of wetlands there are, and describe any impact your project will have on the wetlands.

4. When was your irrigation system constructed?

5. If your project will affect individual features of an irrigation system (e.g., headgates, canals or flumes), state when those features were constructed and describe the nature and timing of any extensive alterations or modifications to those features.

6. Are any buildings, structures, or features in your irrigation district listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places? “Historic properties” are defined as cultural resources (historic or prehistoric districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects) that are eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (National Register). Historic properties can include water delivery infrastructure that is over 50 years old..

7. Are there any known archeological sites in the proposed project area? Applicants will need to contract with a private cultural resources management (CRM) professional (http://www.chrisinfo.org/) or make arrangements through Reclamation’s grant administrator for Reclamation’s Cultural Resources personnel to determine what, if any, previous cultural resources surveys have been conducted in the project area.

In addition, applicants must obtain all required approvals and permits, and shall coordinate and obtain any approvals required from site owners and operators. Applicants should state in their proposals whether any permits or approvals are required, and explain the applicant’s plan for obtaining such permits or approvals.

Environmental and regulatory compliance costs are addressed in Section IV.F.2.7.

http://www.chrisinfo.org/

IV.D. PROJECT BENEFIT TABLES AND WORKSHEET

Applicants are required to complete tables 1 through 5. These tables are available at www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/ or may be downloaded from the Funding Opportunity in Grants.gov under Full Announcement. Exclusion of these tables will result in Reclamation rejecting the proposal.

Table 1: Budget. Enter project costs by year. Complete the shaded cells including the objective and sub-objectives titles. Contingency is for construction costs only.

Table 2: Annual Operations and Maintenance Costs. Complete the shaded cells, including the applicant’s annual administration, operations, maintenance and other annual costs.

Table 3: This table automatically totals annual project costs from Table 1 and annual O & M costs from Table 2.

Table 4: Project Annual and Total Local Monetary Benefits. Complete the applicable shaded cells.

Applicants need to provide the local monetary benefits of the project, including annual project benefit, the unit of measurement, and the duration of the benefit.

Table 5: Projects Costs, Monetary Benefits, and Cost Effectiveness. This table automatically summarizes information from the previous tables and calculates the cost benefit ratio. It will also determine if the project is locally cost effective or not.

The applicant’s proposal shall include a quantifiable estimate of water management benefits for agricultural or urban measures. This worksheet is intended to be used with data entered in the Budget Tables 1 through 5,.See Project Benefits Worksheet, Section IV.K.1.7. This worksheet can also be found at www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/.

IV.E. FUNDING PLAN INSTRUCTIONS

The applicant’s proposal shall include a funding plan that describes how the non-Reclamation share of the project costs will be obtained. Reclamation will use this information in making a determination of financial capability. See Budget Plan Format, Section IV.K.1.8.

IV.F. BUDGET PROPOSAL AND NARRATIVE

IV.F.1. Budget Proposal

General Requirements

Include a project budget that estimates all costs (not just costs to be borne by Reclamation). Include the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services and sources of funds provided to complete the project. The proposal must clearly delineate between Reclamation and applicant contributions. If the applicant has already committed to accomplish the project as part of another agreement, then the project will not be eligible for funding under this FOA. Exclusion of a budget proposal, a budget narrative, or thorough supporting documentation will result in Reclamation rejecting the proposal.

Budget Proposal Format

The project budget shall include detailed information on the categories listed below and must clearly identify all project costs and the funding source(s) (i.e., Reclamation or other funding sources). Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors.

Lump sum costs are not acceptable. Additionally, applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the project budget. It is strongly advised that applicants use the budget format available for download under this announcement at www.grants.gov.

IV.F.2. Budget Narrative

The budget narrative is a discussion of, and explanation for, items included in the budget proposal.

The budget narrative shall provide a detailed description of how the proposed costs were derived. The narrative should also reference the appropriate required supporting documentation for each of the below categories.

Submission of the following information is mandatory:

IV.F.2.1. Salaries and Wages

Indicate program manager and other key personnel by name and title. Other personnel may be indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries and wages, estimated hours or percent of time, and rate of compensation proposed. All labor estimates, including any proposed subcontractors, shall be allocated to specific objectives as outlined in the Recipient's proposal. Labor rates and proposed hours shall be displayed for each objective.

Clearly identify any proposed salary increases and the effective date.

Generally, salaries of administrative and/or clerical personnel should be included as a portion of your indirect costs. If these salaries can be adequately documented as direct costs, they may be included in this section; however, an explanation should be included in your budget narrative.

Provide supporting documentation for labor costs. This documentation can be payroll records, pay stubs, or some other means to substantiate the labor rates proposed for salaried and temporary personnel.

IV.F.2.2. Fringe Benefits

Indicate rates/amounts, what costs are included in this category and the basis of the rate computations. Indicate whether these rates are used for proposal purposes only or whether they are fixed or provisional rates for billing purposes. Federally-approved rate agreements are acceptable for compliance with this item. Be consistent with rate/amount language. Use either actual dollar amounts or percentages, but do not use both.

Provide supporting documentation for the fringe and overhead rates proposed.

IV.F.2.3. Travel

Include purpose of trip, destination, number traveling, length of stay and all travel costs including airfare, per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation, i.e.: $0.55 per mile.

Explain the basis for these costs and provide supporting documentation.

IV.F.2.4. Equipment

Itemize costs of all equipment having a value of over $500 and include information as to the need for this equipment. Specify whether purchased, owned, or rented/leased.

These rates should be either ownership developed rates, or rental/lease rates. If ownership rates are not available, then the recipient should use Corps of Engineer recommended rates. If the rates are rental or lease, provide the basis for these costs and supporting documentation.

IV.F.2.5. Supplies

Itemize supplies by major category, quantity, and purpose, such as whether the items are needed for office use, research, or construction.

Explain the basis for these costs and provide supporting documentation.

IV.F.2.6. Contractual/Construction

Identify all work that will be accomplished by subrecipients, consultants, or contractors, including a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for the objective. If a subrecipient, consultant, or contractor is proposed and approved at time of award, no other approvals will be required. Any changes or additions will require a request for approval.

Provide supporting documentation and basis for the budgeted contractual costs. Examples:

labor rate and position title; type of equipment – lease or rental rate, etc.; what type of supplies;

indirect cost rate with copy of negotiated agreement; etc.

IV.F.2.7. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs

Reference cost incurred by Reclamation and/or the applicant in complying with environmental regulations applicable to this Program, which include NEPA, ESA, NHPA and the Clean Water Act, and other regulations depending on the project, including costs associated with any required permits or approvals.

The amount of the line item should be based on the actual expected environmental compliance costs for the project. However, the minimum amount budgeted for environmental compliance should be equal to at least 3 percent of the total project costs. If the amount budgeted is less than 3 percent of the total project costs, you must include a compelling explanation of why less than 3 percent was budgeted.

How environmental compliance activities will be performed (e.g., by Reclamation, the applicant, or a consultant) and how the environmental compliance funds will be spent, will be determined pursuant to subsequent agreement between Reclamation and the applicant. If any portion of the funds budgeted for environmental compliance is not required for compliance activities, such funds may be reallocated to the project if appropriate.

IV.F.2.8. Other

Any other expenses, such as those for reporting, not included in the above categories shall be listed in this category, along with a description of the item and what it will be used for.

No profit or fee will be allowed.

Note: Contingency costs are unallowable unless it can be demonstrated that these costs will be incurred. Per applicable regulations, contingencies are expressly unallowable except under certain conditions.

2 CFR 230(A-122), 2 CFR 225(A-87) and 2 CFR 220 (A-21) Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations all read as follows:

Contingency provisions. Contributions to a contingency reserve or any similar provision made for events the occurrence of which cannot be foretold with certainty as to time, intensity, or with an assurance of their happening, are unallowable.

IV.F.2.9. Indirect Cost

Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable OMB circular cost principles for the recipient's organization.

It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

If the recipient has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and general and administrative costs, each rate shall be shown. The applicant should propose rates for evaluation purposes which will be used as fixed or ceiling rates in any resulting award.

Provide a copy of federally approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. You may be required to provide a federally approved indirect cost rate. If you do not have a federally approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, or if unapproved rates are used, explain why, and include the computational basis for the indirect expense pool and corresponding allocation base for each rate.

Information on “Preparing and Submitting Indirect Cost Proposals” is available from the Department of the Interior, National Business Center, Indirect Cost Section, at http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/Indirect_Cost_Services/index.cfm.

IV.G. BUDGET FORM

In addition to the above-described budget information and worksheets, the applicant must complete SF 424A, Budget Information – Nonconstruction Programs, or an SF 424C, Budget Information, Construction Programs. These forms are available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare or may be downloaded from the Funding Opportunity in Grants.gov under “Full Announcement”.

IV.H. DATE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

Proposals will be accepted until 12:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, on January 9, 2013. Proposals received after this date and time will not be considered for award.

IV.I. PROPOSAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

Proposals shall be submitted either in hard copy or through www.grants.gov (electronic filings of applications are acceptable via www.grants.gov). Please do not send both a hard copy and submit an application through grants.gov. If submitting your application through www.grants.gov, please allow at least two (2) working days for processing. Electronic mail and facsimile transmissions of proposals will NOT be accepted.

Please send hard copies to the following mailing address:

Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region Attn: Leanne Henderson, MP-3829 2800 Cottage Way, Room E-1815 Sacramento, CA 95825-1898

IV.J. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

A Proposal Submission Checklist has been included on page iii of this FOA. The Checklist contains a summary of the information you are required to submit with your application.

http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/Indirect_Cost_Services/index.cfm http://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare

IV.K. FORMATS

This section of this document contains the formats for your Proposal, Project Benefit and Cost Summary Worksheet, Budget Worksheets, and Budget Narrative.

IV.K.1 Proposal Format

This section contains the forms and formats for your proposal that will meet the proposal submission requirements stated in this Request for Funding Opportunity.

Reclamation highly recommends the applicant’s proposal follow the order of the requested elements.

This will ensure the review team’s ability to find and fairly evaluate each applicant’s response to each element.

IV.K.1.1. Cover Page -- SF-424 Application for Financial Assistance

IV.K.1.2. SF-424B, Assurances – Non-construction Programs, or SF-424D, Assurances –

Construction Programs form

IV.K.1.3. Title Page

IV.K.1.4. Table of Contents

IV.K.1.5. Executive Summary

IV.K.1.6. Technical Proposal

IV.K.1.7. Project Benefits Worksheet

IV.K.1.8. Funding Plan

IV.K.1.9. Project Benefits Tables

IV.K.1.10. Budget Proposal and Budget Narrative with Supporting Documentation

IV.K.1.11. Budget Form – SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-construction Programs, or SF 424C, Budget Information - Construction Programs

IV.K.1.1

COVER PAGE (See Section IV.C.2.1)

This is a standard form (SF-424) required for use as a cover sheet for submission of pre-applications and applications and related information under discretionary programs. This fully completed form must be signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project. This form is available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/ or may be downloaded from the Funding Opportunity in Grants.gov under “Full Announcement”. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

IV.K.1.2

ASSURANCES FORM (See Section IV.C.2.2)

Include an SF 424B, Assurances – Non-construction Programs, or SF 424D, Assurances – Construction Programs form. Forms are available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/ or may be downloaded from the Funding Opportunity in Grants.gov under “Full Announcement”.IV.K.1.3

IV.K.1.3

TITLE PAGE (See Section IV.C.2.3)

BAY-DELTA RESTORATION PROGRAM: WATER USE EFFICIENCY GRANTS

PROJECT NAME

PROJECT LOCATION

Applicant Name

Applicant Address

Date

IV.K.1.4

TABLE OF CONTENTS (See Section IV.C.2.4)

Cover Page

Assurances Form

Title Page

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Technical Proposal

Project Benefit Worksheet

Funding Plan

Project Benefits Tables

Budget Proposal and Budget Narrative with Supporting Documentation

Budget Form

IV.K.1.5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Part I -- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (See Section IV.C.2.5)

A. General Project Information

A.1 Date:

Applicant Name:

City, County, State:

A.2 Project Name:

A.3 2013 Funding Request Summary [Use * to denote an in-kind contribution] For FY 2013, if the applicant has already committed to accomplish the project as part of another agreement, then the project will not be eligible for funding under this FOA.

FUNDING SOURCE

FUNDING

AMOUNT

Non-Federal Entities:

Non-Federal Subtotal:

Reclamation Funding:

(not to exceed $500,000)

TOTAL PROJECT FUNDING:

A.4 One paragraph project summary.

A.5 This project is consistent with Bay-Delta Restoration Program Goal #_______. Identify how this project contributes to accomplishment of this goal. (See Section I.A.2, page 5)

A.6 Summarize reports and studies prepared for the proposed water use efficiency project or explain what has been done to determine the project’s feasibility.

A.7 Contact for Further Information:

Name:

Title:

Telephone:

E-mail:

IV.K.1.6

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

Part II -- TECHNICAL PROPOSAL (See Section IV.C.2.6)

A Background Data Include the following information about the applicant.