2017-LCC-FOA-rev041117.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Policy and Administration Denver, Colorado March 2017

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-17-F024 Revised April 11, 2017

WaterSMART- Applied Science Grants for the Desert and Southern Rockies Landscape Conservation Cooperatives for Fiscal Year 2017

Mission Statements

The U.S. Department of the Interior protects America’s natural resources and heritage, honors our cultures and tribal communities, and supplies the energy to power our future.

The mission of the Bureau of 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.

Synopsis i

Synopsis

Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Policy and Administration

Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART: Applied Science Grants for the Desert and Southern Rockies Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs) Fiscal Year 2017

Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-DO-17-F024

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.557

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. D.4)

Application due date:

May 16, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)

Eligible Applicants:

(See FOA Sec. C.1)

States, tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, universities, nonprofit research institutions, organizations with water or power delivery authority, or nonprofit organizations

Recipient Cost Share:

(See FOA Sec. C.2)

50 percent or more of total project costs.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

Up to $100,000 for a project that can be completed within 2 years.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

Approximately 6-10 agreements

Estimated Amount of Funding Available for Award:

(See FOA Sec B.1)

Approximately $800,000 in Federal funds will be available for applied science projects under this FOA. The final amount of funding available for award will be determined once final FY 2017 appropriations have been made.

Application Checklist iii

Application Checklist

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

√ What to submit Required content When to submit

Mandatory Federal Forms:

Application for Federal Financial Assistance

Budget Information

Assurances

See Sec. D.2.2.1.

SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf- 424-family.html

Submit materials with your application prior to May 16, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.

Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2.

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3.

Technical proposal: See Sec. D.2.2.4.

Executive summary Background data Project description

Evaluation criteria See Sec. E.1.

Required permits or approvals See Sec. D.2.2.5.

Project Budget: See Sec. D.2.2.6.

Funding plan and letters of commitment

Budget proposal Budget narrative Existing Analysis

Contributing to the Project (if applicable)

See Sec. D.2.2.7.

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.8.

Official Resolution See Sec. D.2.2.9. Document should be submitted with your application; however, please refer to the applicable section of the FOA for extended submission date.

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3. Should be completed by application deadline; however, please refer to the applicable section of the FOA for extended completion date http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Acronyms and Abbreviations v

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act CWMP Cooperative Watershed Management Program DUNS Data Universal Number System ESA Endangered Species Act FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FOIA Freedom of Information Act FY fiscal year Interior U.S. Department of the Interior LCC Landscape Conservation Cooperative MDT Mountain Daylight Time NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration P.L. Public Law Project Applied science project within the Desert and Southern

Rockies LCCs related to drought resiliency, watershed management, and availability of water resources data

Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation SAM System of Award Management SWE snow water equivalent U.S.C. United States Code USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow

Contents vii

Contents

Page Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement A.3. Statutory Authority A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding B.2. Project Funding Limitations B.3. Assistance Instrument

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements C.3. Eligible Projects C.4. Project Requirements

Section D. Application and Submission Information D.1. Address to Request Application Package D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management D.4. Submission Date and Time D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Funding Restrictions: Pre-award Costs D.7. Automated Standard Application for Payments Registration

Section E. Application Review Information E.1. Evaluation Criteria E.2. Review and Selection Process E.4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date

Section F. Federal Award Administration Information F.1. Federal Award Notices F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements F.3. Reporting Requirements and Distribution F.4. Releasing Applications

Section G. Agency Contacts G.1. Reclamation Financial Assistance Management Contact G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Interior) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program establishes a framework to provide Federal leadership and assistance to support the sustainable use of water resources, and coordinating the water conservation activities of various Interior bureaus and offices. Through the program, Interior is working to achieve a sustainable water strategy to meet the Nation’s water needs. For further information on the WaterSMART Program, please see www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART.

As part of WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is participating in the Desert and Southern Rockies Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCC) to support the development of science and tools necessary to address landscape-scale conservation issues affecting water, fish and wildlife, cultural resources, and land managers. Resource managers concerned with conservation of natural and cultural resources face management challenges that are too complex for any one entity to address alone. Some of these issues include:

water scarcity, habitat loss and fragmentation, impacts to cultural resources, species conservation and recovery, invasive species, and a range of other complex issues. These issues are amplified by the frequent drought conditions that characterize the western United States.

The LCCs represent a broader vision of conservation that includes working with partners across landscapes to develop the science capacity necessary to successfully address these 21st century conservation challenges. LCCs are true cooperatives formed and directed by land, water, wildlife, and cultural resources managers and interested public and private organizations. LCC partners work across resource areas, mission areas and political boundaries to identify the conservation priorities they have in common, develop strategies that are spatially specific to their landscapes, and provide the science and support tools that communities and decision makers in the public and private sectors need for their conservation work on the ground.

Each LCC functions within a specific landscape, but is also part of a national network of LCCs. The Desert LCC encompasses portions of five states:

California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as a substantial portion of Northern Mexico. The Southern Rockies LCC includes portions of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

Through this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), Reclamation is providing funding for applied science projects within the Desert and http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/

Southern Rockies LCCs in fiscal year (FY) 2017. This FOA provides funding for applied science projects, including research to identify how drought impacts natural or cultural resources; projects to develop information and tools that inform watershed management; and projects to improve access and use of water resources data by resource managers within the boundaries of the Desert and Southern Rockies LCCs.

A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement

The objective of this FOA is to invite eligible applicants (see Section C.1 Eligible Applicants) to leverage non-Federal monies and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on applied science projects within the Desert and Southern Rockies LCCs related to drought resiliency, watershed management, and availability of water resources data (Project), as described in more detail in Section C.3.1. Eligible Projects. Projects must be designed to result in applied science tools or information useful in the management of natural and cultural resources within the Desert and Southern Rockies LCCs.

A.3. Statutory Authority This FOA is issued under the authority of the Reclamation Act of 1902, June 17, Sec.1 and Sec.2, and the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law 111-11, Section 9509, Research Agreement Authority.

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities Reclamation provides funding for projects to improve water management through several, separate, WaterSMART funding opportunities:

Through WaterSMART Grants, Reclamation provides three funding opportunities. Water and Energy Efficiency Grants focus on projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and projects that that increase renewable energy use and improve energy efficiency. The Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects (No. BOR-DO-17-F011) provides funding for small-scale water management projects (up to $75,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Finally, Water Marketing Strategy Grants (BOR-DO-17-F014) provide meaningful support for entities exploring actions that can be taken to develop or facilitate water marketing.

In addition, through the Drought Response Program, Reclamation provides funding to help build resilience to drought. Through Drought Contingency Planning, Reclamation supports the development of drought contingency plans with participation from a diverse set of stakeholders and consideration of climate

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description change. Reclamation also supports building long-term resilience to drought by funding Drought Resiliency Projects supported by an existing drought contingency plan.

Through the Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP), Reclamation provides funding to watershed groups to encourage diverse stakeholders to form local solutions to address their watershed management needs. Through Phase I of the CWMP, Reclamation provides funding for the establishment or further development of watershed groups and through Phase II to implement watershed management and/or restoration projects.

For information on the timing for other FOAs, please visit the WaterSMART Program website: www.usbr.gov/watersmart/index.html.

http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/index.html

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Project Funding Under the President’s FY 2017 budget for the Basin Study Program, Reclamation will make approximately $800,000 available for Projects under this FOA. The amount of funding available for awards depends on final FY 2017 appropriations.

This FOA may be canceled if FY 2017 appropriations are insufficient to support new awards. The total amount of funding for awards under this FOA will also depend on the demand for funding under this and other elements of the Basin Study Program.

Applications submitted under this FOA may also be considered if additional funding becomes available in FY 2017 or thereafter. Please refer to Reclamation’s WaterSMART website (www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART) for updated funding information.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) for any Project shall not exceed 50 percent of the total costs. A maximum of $100,000 in Federal funding may be allocated for each Project awarded funding under this FOA. Generally, the non-Federal share of costs must be expended at the same or greater rate as the Federal share of costs.

B.3. Assistance Instrument Awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements, as applicable to the selected Project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the completion of the Project. Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

• Participating and collaborating jointly with the recipient in carrying out the scope of work

• Directing or redirecting work because of interrelationships with other projects

At the request of the recipient, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award. If you would like to receive Reclamation technical assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget. To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact your local Reclamation office, listed at www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html.

http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/ http://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants Applicants eligible to receive an award under this FOA, include:

• States, local government entities, and territories identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, as amended and supplemented—specifically Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands

• Irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery in the Western United States or territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, as amended and supplemented— specifically Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands

• Tribal governments and organizations located in the Western United States

• Universities located in the United States

• Nonprofit research institutions located in the United States

• Nonprofit organizations located in the United States

• Federally-funded research and development centers

Those not eligible include, but are not limited to, the following entities:

• Individuals

• Commercial/Industrial organizations

• Private entities

• 501(c)(4) Nonprofit organizations located in the United States

C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 50 percent or more of the total project costs (Project Costs). Cost sharing may be made through cash or in-kind contributions or donations from the applicant or third-party partners. Cost share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or state grants) should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award. Please see Section D.2.2.10. Official Resolution and D.2.2.7. Project Budget, Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost sharing requirements.

C.2.1. Cost Share Regulations

All cost share contributions must meet the applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, available at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, www.ecfr.gov.

C.2.2. In-Kind Contributions and Donations

In-kind contributions constitute the value of noncash contributions and donations that benefit a federally assisted project. These contributions may be in the form of real property, equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically attributable to the proposed Project. The cost or value of in-kind contributions and donations 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 for an award under this FOA. The exception to this requirement is where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for such program can be applied to matching or cost sharing requirements of other Federal programs, such as awards to tribal organizations under P.L. 93-638, as amended. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 for regulations regarding the valuation of in-kind donations and contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

C.3. Eligible Projects

C.3.1. Eligible Projects

Projects eligible for funding under this FOA are based on priorities identified by the Desert and Southern Rockies LCCs that are shared by Reclamation. The Task Areas identified below describe the project types that will be eligible for funding under this FOA. Applicants may submit multiple project proposals.

Proposed projects must focus on the geographic boundaries of the Desert and/or the Southern Rockies LCCs; use the best available science to develop knowledge, information, and tools; and lead to the enhanced management of natural and cultural resources that affect or are affected by water resources management within the Desert and Southern Rockies LCCs. Proposed projects cannot include activities to be performed outside the United States.

For more information about the Desert (https://desertlcc.org/) and Southern Rockies LCCs (https://southernrockieslcc.org). Please see also see Reclamation’s Web site about LCCs at http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/lcc/index.html.

http://www.ecfr.gov/ https://desertlcc.org/ https://southernrockieslcc.org/ http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/lcc/index.html

Geographic extent of the Desert LCC.

Geographic extent of the Southern Rockies LCC.

Tasks A-C, below, describe project categories eligible for funding under this FOA. Applications may include any one, or a combination, of the types of projects described in Tasks A-C. In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple projects (for example, a Task A Project and a Task C Project) and the projects are interrelated or closely related, they should be combined in one application. One phase of a larger Project may be eligible for funding under this program, so long as the phase proposed for funding will generate benefits independent of completing additional phases.

Other projects that are similar to those tasks listed below may be submitted for consideration and will be allowed to the extent that they are consistent with program authorization and goals.

C.3.1.1 Task A — Applied Research to Inform Resource Decision-Making Related to Drought Resiliency

Projects in this Task Area should help resource managers identify how drought may impact natural and cultural resources and support decision-making that leads to increased resilience to drought. Projects should include research to fill data gaps or the analysis of data; and the results should support informed decisions regarding water resources management, cultural resources, and the resilience of riparian and aquatic ecosystems to drought, including species of concern to state agencies and tribes. Project results should help resource managers prepare for and respond to droughts.

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Assessing the impacts of specific drought characteristics (e.g., drought duration, severity, seasonal characteristics, and/or changes in temperatures and snowpack) to natural and/or cultural resources (such as state species of concern, traditional food sources, springs, etc.) to inform the selection of response and mitigation actions.

• Working with tribes to identify and quantify drought impacts, including environmental flows needed to support cultural resources unique to Indian tribes in the Desert and Southern Rockies LCC region.

• Developing thresholds or triggers for aquatic and riparian ecosystems, along with key species and/or activities (such as recreation), in relation to the timing and availability of flows, water quality, and temperature to inform the selection of management actions that can incorporate improved outcomes for natural and/or cultural resources.

• Developing water management practices that could be used by resource managers to address water supply needs, meet thresholds or triggers for species, and address water quality issues during times of drought.

• Determining what drought information and tools are needed for resource managers and how this information can be incorporated when management decisions are made.

• Determining how droughts and floods (and other related landscape-scale ecosystem drivers) impact water quality and sediment loading in rivers, streams and reservoirs and how this impacts management decisions.

C.3.1.2. Task B — Synthesize Information and Develop Related Decision-Support Tools to Inform Watershed Management Decisions

Projects in Task Area B should synthesize and assess information related to adaptive management strategies, including lessons learned and monitoring practices, to inform watershed management. Syntheses should support decision-making by resource managers and include the development of decision-support tools to build the resiliency of watersheds and ecosystems and the sustainability of water resources.

Projects must include 1) the synthesis of information and 2) development of decision-support tool(s), as follows:

1) Information Synthesis: Develop a synthesis of data, spatial information, adaptive management strategies, methodologies, lessons learned and/or monitoring practices to help resource managers address any of the following objectives for rivers, streams, springs, riparian and aquatic ecosystems and reservoirs (this is not an exclusive list, similar objectives may be considered):

• Prioritize areas for conservation and/or restoration

• Control invasive species

• Improve economic opportunities (e.g., recreation such as fishing, bird watching or boating, reducing water treatment costs)

• Increase resilience to drought

• Improve native fish habitat

• Improve water quality and reduce sediment loading

• Restore or conserve resources of cultural significance to tribes

(e.g., culturally significant plants or crops, springs, or other resources of cultural significance)

• Design efficient and ecologically beneficial flow releases for riparian vegetation, native fish, and sediment transport

• Increase resilience to catastrophic fire events

2) Decision Support Tool: Based on the synthesis described above, develop at least one related decision-support tool to help resource managers identify adaptation strategies and select conservation practices to increase watershed resilience. This could include the development of spatially-enabled decision support tools to identify, locate, and prioritize conservation efforts.

C.3.1.3. Task C — Develop Tools and Information to Improve Use of Water Resources Data to Inform Management Decisions

Projects in Task Area C should develop or build on a decision support tool that improves access to water resources data. Projects should support decision-making by resource managers to build the resiliency of watersheds and ecosystems and the sustainability of water resources.

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Enhance the Desert LCC environmental flows database by developing additional decision support tools that help resource managers balance competing water needs.

• Develop a water resources “dashboard” for the LCCs that provides a one-stop location for comprehensive resource management information.

This may include the development of individual applications for understanding the status and trends of water resources, such as: real-time and historic reservoir/lake storage, real-time and historic streamflows, real-time estimates and historic snowpack and Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), and current and historic groundwater levels.

• Develop an environmental flows database for the Southern Rockies LCC, similar to, or building on, the Desert LCC environmental database (https://desertlcc.org/project/desert-lcc-environmental-flows-database).

• Develop training and/or technical guidance for resource managers to use the Springs Stewardship Institute database to prioritize spring habitats for restoration or monitoring activities. The Springs Stewardship Institute database can be found at http://springstewardshipinstitute.org/.

C.3.2. Ineligible Projects

Projects not eligible for funding under this FOA include, but are not limited to:

• Lab-scale research, pilot, or demonstration research focused on developing and commercializing new advanced water treatment technology development, such as studies currently proposed or funded under Reclamation’s Desalination and Water Purification Research Program, are not eligible under this FOA

• Water reclamation and reuse research studies designed to help states, tribes, and local communities establish or expand water reuse markets, improve existing water reuse facilities, and/or streamline the implementation of new facilities https://desertlcc.org/project/desert-lcc-environmental-flows-database http://springstewardshipinstitute.org/

• Proposals for planning or feasibility studies

• Proposals for research related to water purchases and marketing

For more information regarding these types of ineligible projects please contact the Program Coordinator as listed in Section G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact.

C.3.3. Length of Projects

Projects funded under this FOA should be completed within two years of award.

C.4. Project Requirements Project results are to be disseminated to the Desert and Southern Rockies LCCs through presentations, webinars, journal articles, or other means. If spatially explicit data or tools are being developed, the data products must be available in industry standard formats that are compatible with Geographic Information System platforms.

Section D. Application and Submission Information

Section D. Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package This document contains all information, forms, and electronic addresses required to obtain the information required for submission of an application.

If you are unable to access this information electronically, you can request paper copies of any of the documents referenced in this FOA by contacting:

By mail: Bureau of Reclamation

Financial Assistance Operations Attn: Mr. Matt Reichert Mail Code: 84-27852 P.O. Box 25007 Denver, CO 80225

By e-mail: mreichert@usbr.gov

By telephone: 303-445-3865

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission All applications must conform to the requirements set forth below.

D.2.1. Application Format and Length

The total application package shall be no more than 40 consecutively numbered pages. If an application exceeds 40 pages, only the first 40 pages will be evaluated. The font shall be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ by 11 inches, including charts, maps, and drawings. Oversized pages will not be accepted. The technical proposal and evaluation criteria section shall be limited to a maximum of 20 pages. The SF-424 forms, official resolution, letters of support for the Project, will not be considered in the total page count.

Applications will be prescreened for compliance to the page number limitations.

D.2.2. Application Content

The application must include the following elements to be considered complete:

• Mandatory Federal Forms o SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance mailto:mreichert@usbr.gov o SF-424A Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs o SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs

These forms may be obtained at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

• Title page

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to 20 pages) o Executive summary o Backgound data o Project description o Evaluation criteria

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance, if applicant is undertaking activities involving measurement, monitoring or field work

• Required permits or approvals

• Project budget o Funding plan and letters of commitment o Budget proposal o Budget narrative

• Copies of or links to any existing work described in response to the Project implementation evaluation criterion (if applicable) (will not count toward the page limitation)

• Letters of support for the proposed Project (will not count toward the page limitation)

• Official resolution (will not count toward the page limitation)

D.2.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms

The application must include the following standard Federal forms:

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

A fully completed SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project must be submitted with the application. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-424 Budget Form

A fully completed SF-424A Budget Information Non-Construction Programs must be submitted with the application.

SF-424 Assurances

A SF-424B Assurances Non-Construction Programs, signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project must be included. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424B may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

D.2.2.2. Title Page

Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the Project (i.e., the applied science projects). Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, e-mail address, and telephone of the project manager.

D.2.2.3. Table of Contents

List all major sections of the proposal in the table of contents.

D.2.2.4. Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria

The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (20 pages maximum) includes:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Background data

(3) Project description

(4) Evaluation criteria

Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

• The date, applicant name, city, county, and state

• A one paragraph summary of the proposal that specifies the work proposed, including how project funds will be used to accomplish specific project activities and briefly identifies how the proposed project contributes to accomplishing the goals of this FOA (see Section C.3.1.

Eligible Projects)

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the Project

• Whether or not a Reclamation project, facility, or activity is located within the geographic area to be addressed in the Project

Background Data

If relevant, provide a map of the proposed project area showing the geographic location (include the state, county). For example, if proposing a synthesis, indicate the geography from which information will be synthesized.

Identify any past working relationships with Reclamation. This should include the date(s), description of the relationship(s) with Reclamation, and a description of the projects(s).

Project Description

The Project description should describe the work in detail including the specific activities to be accomplished. This description shall have sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal and should clearly indicate the Task Areas addressed (i.e., Task Areas A - C). The technical project description should also, briefly:

(a) Explain how the project will enhance the management of natural and cultural resources within the Desert and/or Southern Rockies LCC.

Identify whether the Project will benefit resource managers within the Desert LCC, the Southern Rockies LCC, or both LCCs

(b) Provide a specific discussion of any anticipated problems or major difficulties in performing or accomplishing the work

(c) Describe any prior studies or research efforts that relate to the project or that will inform the project. Identify the relationship between the proposed project and known, existing datasets (e.g. existing springs)

Evaluation Criteria

(See Section E.1. Evaluation Criteria for additional details, including a detailed description of each criterion and subcriterion and points associated with each.)

The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each criterion and subcriterion in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your proposal.

It is suggested that applicants copy and paste the evaluation criteria and subcriteria in Section E.1. Evaluation Criteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

All Projects that include measurement, monitoring, or field work and that are being considered for award funding will require compliance with NEPA before any ground-disturbing activity may begin. If your project includes any of these activities, please see Section F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements of this FOA regarding related information to be included in your proposal.

D.2.2.5. Required Permits or Approvals

Applicants must state in the application whether any permits or approvals are required for the Project and describe the approach for obtaining such permits or approvals.

D.2.2.6. Project Budget

The project budget includes:

(1) Funding plan and letters of commitment

(2) Budget proposal

(3) Budget narrative

Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment

Describe how the non-Federal share of Project costs will be obtained.

Reclamation will use this information in making a determination of financial capability.

Project funding provided by a source other than the applicant shall be supported with letters of commitment from these additional sources. Letters of commitment shall identify the following elements:

• The amount of funding commitment

• The date the funds will be available to the applicant

• Any time constraints on the availability of funds

• Any other contingencies associated with the funding commitment

Commitment letters from third party funding sources should be submitted with your application. If commitment letters are not available at the time of the application submission, please provide a timeline for submission of all commitment letters. Cost share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or state grants), should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award.

Reclamation will not make funds available for an award under this FOA until the recipient has secured non-Federal cost share. Reclamation will execute a financial assistance agreement once non-Federal funding has been secured or Reclamation determines that there is sufficient evidence and likelihood that non-Federal funds will be available to the applicant subsequent to executing the agreement.

The funding plan must include all Project costs, as follows:

• How you will make your contribution to the cost share requirement, such as monetary and/or in-kind contributions and source funds contributed by the applicant (e.g., reserve account, tax revenue, and/or assessments).

• Describe any in-kind costs incurred before the anticipated Project start date that you seek to include as costs. For each cost, identify:

o The Project expenditure and amount o Whether the expenditure is or will be in the form of in-kind services or donations o The date of cost incurrence o How the expenditure benefits the Project

• Provide the identity and amount of funding to be provided by funding partners, as well as the required letters of commitment.

• Describe any funding requested or received from other Federal partners for the proposed project. Note: other sources of Federal funding may not be counted towards the cost share unless otherwise allowed by statute.

• Describe any pending funding requests that have not yet been approved, and explain how the Project will be affected if such funding is denied.

Please include the following chart (Table 1) to summarize all funding sources.

Denote in-kind contributions with an asterisk (*).

Table 1.—Summary of Non-Federal and Federal Funding Sources

FUNDING SOURCES AMOUNT

Non Federal Entities

1.

2.

3.

Non-Federal Subtotal

Other Federal Entities

1.

2.

3.

Other Federal Subtotal

REQUESTED RECLAMATION FUNDING

Budget Proposal

The budget proposal should include detailed information on the categories listed below and must clearly identify all Project costs, including those that are being contributed as non-Federal cost share. Unit costs must be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors. The budget proposal should also include any in-kind contributions of goods and services that will be provided to complete the Project. It is strongly advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown below on Table 2 or a similar format that provides this information. If selected for award, successful applicants must submit detailed supporting documentation for all budgeted costs.

Table 2.—Sample Budget Proposal Format

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION COMPUTATION Quantity Type

TOTAL

COST $/Unit Quantity

Salaries and Wages Employee 1 $ Employee 2 $ Employee 3 $ Fringe Benefits Full-Time Employees $ Part-Time Employees $ Travel Trip 1 $ Trip 2 $ Equipment Item A $ Item B $ Item C $

Supplies and Materials Item A $ Item B $

Contractual/Construction

Contractor A $ Contractor B $ Other Other $

TOTAL DIRECT COSTS $

Indirect Costs Type of rate percentage $base $

TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS $

Budget Narrative

Submission of a budget narrative is mandatory. An award will not be made to any applicant who fails to fully disclose this information. The budget narrative provides a discussion of, or explanation for, all items included in the budget proposal. Include the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services that will be provided to complete the Project. The types of information to describe in the narrative include, but are not limited to, those listed in the following subsections. Costs, including the valuation of in-kind contributions and donations, must comply with the applicable cost principles contained in 2 CFR §200, Subpart E available at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (www.ecfr.gov).

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. The labor rates should identify the direct labor rate separate from the fringe rate or fringe cost for each category. All labor estimates shall be allocated to specific tasks as outlined in the Project description. Labor rates and proposed hours shall be displayed for each task.

Include estimated hours for compliance with reporting requirements. Please see Section F.3. Reporting Requirements and Distribution for information on types and frequency of reports required.

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

Within the budget narrative, please provide a certification that the labor rates included in the budget proposal represent the actual labor rates of the identified personnel. If the proposal is selected for award and the awarding Grants Officer determines that the provided rates fall within Bureau of Labor Statistic averages for personnel with similar job descriptions, no further documentation for this item of cost shall be requested during budget negotiations.

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 application purposes only or whether they are fixed or provisional rates for billing purposes.

Federally approved rate agreements are acceptable for compliance with this item.

Travel

Include purpose of trip, destination, number of persons traveling, length of stay, and all travel costs including airfare (basis for rate used), per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation.

Equipment

If equipment will be purchased, itemize all equipment valued at or greater than $5,000. For each item, identify why it is needed for the completion of the project and how the equipment was priced. Note: if the value is less than $5,000, the item should be included under materials and supplies.

If equipment is being rented, specify the number of hours and the hourly rate.

Local rental rates are only accepted for equipment actually being rented or leased for the project.

Materials and Supplies

Itemize supplies by major category, unit price, quantity, and purpose, such as whether the items are needed for office use, research, or construction. Identify how these costs were estimated (e.g., quotes, past experience, engineering estimates, or other methodology).

Contractual

Identify all work that will be accomplished by sub-recipients, consultants, or contractors, including a breakdown of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each task.

Identify how the budgeted costs for sub-recipients, consultants, or contractors were determined to be fair and reasonable. Note: If a sub-recipient, consultant, or contractor is proposed and approved at the time of award, no other approvals will be required. Any changes or additions will require a request for approval.

Other Expenses

Any other expenses not included in the above categories shall be listed in this category, along with a description of the item and why it is necessary. No profit or fee will be allowed.

Indirect Costs

Applicants with a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement may include indirect costs as part of the project budget. Show the agreed upon rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

If the applicant has never received a Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, the budget may include a de minimis rate of up to 10 percent of modified total direct costs. For further information on modified total direct costs, refer to 2 CFR §200.68 available at www.ecfr.gov.

Total Costs

Indicate total amount of project costs, including the Federal and non-Federal cost share amounts.

D.2.2.7. Existing Analysis Contributing to the Project (if applicable)

If there is data, previous research, or other work relevant to one or more of the required elements of Project, please include a link to the existing work (or attach relevant sections). (Note, this will not count against the application page limit).

D.2.2.8. Letters of Support

To demonstrate that the Project will result in tools or information that is relevant to and likely to be used by resource managers within either or both the Desert and Southern Rockies LCCs, please include letters from resource managers supporting the Project. Letters should describe the resource manager’s support and involvement in the Project (i.e., commitment to attend meetings with the applicant, provide data, specifically how they will use the results) and their specific interest and involvement in the Desert and Southern Rockies LCCs.

To ensure your proposal is accurately reviewed, please attach all letters of support letters as an appendix. (Note, this will not count against the application page limit.) Letters of support received after the application deadline for this FOA will not be considered in the evaluation of the Project.

D.2.2.9. Official Resolution

Include an official resolution adopted by the applicant’s board of directors or governing body, or, for state government entities, an official authorized to commit the applicant to the financial and legal obligations associated with receipt of a financial assistance award under this FOA, verifying:

• The identity of the official with legal authority to enter into an agreement

• The board of directors, governing body, or appropriate official who has reviewed and supports the application submitted

• The capability of the applicant to provide the amount of funding and/or in-kind contributions specified in the funding plan

• That the applicant will work with Reclamation to meet established deadlines for entering into a grant or cooperative agreement

An official resolution meeting the requirements set forth above is mandatory.

If the applicant is unable to submit the official resolution by the application deadline because of the timing of board meetings or other justifiable reasons, the official resolution may be submitted up to 30 days after the application deadline.

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

All applicants (unless the applicant has an exception approved by Reclamation under 2 CFR §25.110[d]) are required to:

(i) Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting its application;

(ii) Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and

(iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

Meeting the requirements set forth above is mandatory. If the applicant is unable to provide a unique entity identifier or complete SAM registration by the application deadline, the valid unique entity identifier must be obtained and SAM registration must be initiated within 30 days after the application deadline in order to be considered for selection and award. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

Reclamation will not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time Reclamation is ready to make an award, Reclamation may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

D.4. Submission Date and Time Application submission date deadline:

May 16, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered unless it can be determined that the delay was caused by Federal government mishandling.

Please note that any application submitted for funding under this FOA may be subjected to a Freedom of Information Act request (5 United States Code [U.S.C.] Section 552, as amended by Public Law [P.L.] No. 110-175), and as a result, may be made publicly available. Following awards of funding, Reclamation may post all successful applications on the Reclamation website, www.usbr.gov/watersmart/grants after conducting any redactions determined necessary by Reclamation, in consultation with the recipient.

D.4.1. Application Delivery Instructions

Applications may be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) or hard copies may be submitted to either one of the following addresses. Under no circumstances will applications received through any other method (such as email or fax) be considered eligible for award.

By mail: Bureau of Reclamation

Financial Assistance Operations Attn: Mr. Matthew Reichert Mail Code: 84-27852 P.O. Box 25007 Denver, CO 80225

By express delivery: Bureau of Reclamation mail services

Attn: Mr. Matthew Reichert Denver Federal Center Bldg. 67, Rm. 152 6th Avenue and Kipling Street Denver, CO 80225

By courier services: Bureau of Reclamation Attn: Mr. Matthew Reichert Denver Federal Center Bldg. 56, Rm. 1000 6th Avenue and Kipling Street Denver, CO 80225

D.4.2. Instructions for Submission of Application

Each applicant shall submit an application in accordance with the instructions contained in this section.

D.4.2.1. Applications Submitted by Mail, Express Delivery or Courier Services

Please follow these instructions to submit your application by mail, express delivery, or courier services.

• Applicants shall submit one copy of all application documents for hardcopy submissions. Only use a binder clip for documents submitted.

Do not staple or otherwise bind application documents.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/grants.html http://www.grants.gov/

• Hard copy applications may be submitted by mail, express delivery, or courier services to the addresses identified in this FOA.

• Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package and may result in the application being rejected or not funded.

This does not apply to letters of support, funding commitment letters, or official resolutions.

• Faxed and emailed copies of application documents will not be accepted.

• Do not include a cover letter or company literature/brochure with the application. All pertinent information must be included in the application package.

D.4.2.2. Applications Submitted Electronically

If the applicant chooses to submit an electronic application, it must be submitted through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov).