2017-WSGrants-SmallScale-Projects-FOA-11-17-2016.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Policy and Administration Denver, Colorado November 2016

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-17-F011

WaterSMART Grants:

Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects 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.

Photo: Huntington Cleveland Canal, Emery County Project, Upper Colorado Region

Synopsis i

Synopsis

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

Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for Fiscal Year 2017

Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-DO-17-F011

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.507

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. D.4 and E.3.)

Proposals will be accepted, evaluated, and selected on a rolling-basis until the final application submission deadline:

April 27, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)

Tentative selection and announcement timeframe:

March 2017: for proposals submitted before January 13, 2017 June 2017: for proposals submitted after January 13, 2017

Eligible Applicants:

(See FOA Sec. C.1)

States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the Western United States or United States Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended

Recipient Cost Share:

(See FOA Sec. C.2)

50 percent or more of total project costs. Total project costs shall not exceed $150,000.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. B.2)

Up to $75,000 per applicant

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

Approximately 25 - 30 projects

Estimated Amount of Funding Available for Award:

(See FOA Sec B.1)

Of the President’s fiscal year (FY) 2017 budget for WaterSMART Grants, approximately $2 million will be made available for this FOA. Reclamation will determine the amount of funding available for award under this FOA once final FY 2017 appropriations have been made. The amount of funding available for awards may also vary depending on the demand for this and other WaterSMART Grants funding opportunities. Any awards are subject to a determination by Reclamation that FY 2017 appropriations are available and that awards can be made consistent with all program requirements.

Applications submitted under this FOA may also be considered if additional funding becomes available in FY 2017 or thereafter.

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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 Form or format When to submit

Mandatory Federal Forms:

Application for Federal Financial Assistance

Budget Information

Assurances

See Sec. D.2.2.1 SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-424C, and SF-424D forms may be obtained at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 Page 12 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 Page 13 *

Technical proposal: *

Executive summary See Sec. D.2.2.4 *

Background data See Sec. D.2.2.4 *

Project description See Sec. D.2.2.4

Page 14 *

Evaluation criteria See Sec. E.1 Pages 29 to 31 *

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 14 *

Required permits or approvals

See Sec. D.2.2.6 Page 16 *

Official Resolutions See Sec. D.2.2.7 Page 16 **

Project Budget: Pages 17 to 23 *

Funding plan and letters of commitment

See Sec. D.2.2.8 Page 17 *

Budget proposal See Sec. D.2.2.8 Page 19 *

Budget narrative See Sec. D.2.2.8 Page 20 *

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 Page 23 ***

* Submit materials with your application prior to April 27, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)

** Document should be submitted with your application; however, please refer to the applicable section of the FOA for extended submission date.

*** Should be completed by application deadline; however, please refer to the applicable section of the FOA for extended completion date.

See Sec. D.2.2.8 http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Acronyms and Abbreviations v

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ASAP

ARC

CE

CEC

CFDA

CFR

CWA

DUNS

EA

EIS

ESA

FOA

FONSI

FY

Interior

MDT

NEPA

NHPA

NOAA

OM&R

P.L.

SAM

SCADA

SOR

Automated Standard Application for Payments Application Review Committee Categorical Exclusion Categorical Exclusion Checklist Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Code of Federal Regulations Clean Water Act Data Universal Number System Environmental Assessment Environmental Impact Statement Endangered Species Act Funding Opportunity Announcement Finding of No Significant Impact fiscal year the Department of the Interior Mountain Daylight Time National Environmental Policy Act National Historic Preservation Act National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration operations, maintenance, and replacement Public Law System of Award Management Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System Optimization Review

Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation ROD Record of Decision U.S. United States USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USC 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

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.3. 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 H. Other Information H.1. National Environmental Policy Act H.2. National Historic Preservation Act H.3. Endangered Species Act

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Program Information The Nation faces an increasing set of water resource challenges. Aging infrastructure, rapid population growth, depletion of groundwater resources, impaired water quality associated with particular land uses and land covers, water needed for human and environmental uses, and climate variability and change all play a role in determining the amount of fresh water available at any given place and time. Water shortages and water-use conflicts have become more commonplace in many areas of the United States (U.S.), even in normal water years. As competition for water resources grows—for crop irrigation, growing cities and communities, energy production, and the environment—the need for information and tools to aid water resource managers also grows. Water issues and challenges are increasing across the Nation, but particularly in the West, due to prolonged drought.

These water issues are exacerbating the challenges facing traditional water management approaches which by themselves no longer meet today’s needs. 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 for using water efficiently, integrating water and energy policies to support the sustainable use of all natural 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.

Through WaterSMART Grants, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) provides financial assistance to water managers for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the use of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency, benefit threatened and endangered species, investigate and develop water marketing strategies, prevent any water related-related crisis, or otherwise contribute to water supply sustainability in the Western United States.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) supports specific small-scale water efficiency projects that have been prioritized through planning efforts led by the applicant.

Over the last five years, available WaterSMART Grants funding has been focused on one category: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants. Reclamation is making three separate WaterSMART Grants funding opportunities available for 2017, including two new funding categories: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects and Water Marketing Grants. These new FOAs are intended to complement the Water and Energy Efficiency Grant projects carried out each year.

• Water and Energy Efficiency Grants focus on projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings, including canal lining and piping projects, irrigation flow measurement, canal automation, installation of residential and commercial water meters, and other similar projects. This grant category also supports projects that increase renewable energy use and improve energy efficiency, as well as

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-17-F011 projects that address endangered species issues and otherwise support broader water sustainability benefits.

• Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects (i.e., this FOA) support small-scale water management projects (up to $75,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Reclamation has developed a streamlined selection and review process to reflect the small-scale nature of these projects.

• Water Marketing Grants provide meaningful support for entities exploring actions that can be taken to develop or facilitate water marketing. Under this funding opportunity, which is expected to be available in February 2017, applicants will be invited to conduct planning activities to develop a water marketing strategy to establish or expand water markets or water marketing transactions.

Larger projects or those with multiple project components or renewable energy components should be submitted under WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants.

For further information on WaterSMART Grants, please see www.usbr.gov/watersmart/grants.html.

For further information on the WaterSMART Program, please see www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART.

A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement The objective of this FOA is to invite states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on small-scale on-the-ground projects that seek to conserve, better manage, or otherwise make more efficient use of water supplies.

Proposed projects that are supported by an existing water management and conservation plan, System Optimization Review, or other planning effort led by the applicant are prioritized. This prioritization will help ensure that projects funded under this FOA are well thought out, have public support, and have been identified as the best way to address water management concerns.

Streamlined Application and Selection Process

Reclamation is making an effort to simply the criteria and streamline the application process for this new category of WaterSMART Grants to ensure the process works for smaller entities. This FOA also allows for a rolling application submission to provide an opportunity for smaller entities to develop and submit applications for funding as their schedules permit. Simplified evaluation criteria are intended to provide each applicant with an opportunity to succinctly explain how the proposed project would meet a defined need identified through a prior planning effort. Reclamation has also clarified the budget http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/grants.html http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description documentation necessary under this FOA in recognition of the small-scale nature of the projects being funded.

A.3. Statutory Authority This FOA is issued under the authority of Section 9504(a) of the Secure Water Act, Subtitle F of Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.) 111-11 (42 United States Code (USC) 10364).

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities A separate FOA for WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (BOR-DO-17-F012) will be posted on Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) concurrently with this FOA. The Water and Energy Efficiency Grants FOA includes financial assistance on a 50/50 cost share basis for larger water conservation projects and those with multiple project components or renewable energy components.

http://www.grants.gov/

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding Of the President’s fiscal year (FY) 2017 budget WaterSMART Grants, Reclamation will make approximately $2 million available for the implementation of Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects under this FOA. The amount of funding available for awards depends on final FY 2017 appropriations. This FOA will be canceled if FY 2017 appropriations are insufficient to support new awards. The total amount of funding for awards under this FOA will depend on the demand for funding under this and other categories of WaterSMART Grants.

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 Grants website (www.usbr.gov/watersmart/grants.html) for updated funding information.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration. No more than one award will be made to each applicant during the rolling submission and selection process.

If sufficient funding is available at the end of the application period, Reclamation may consider award of additional applications.

The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) of any one proposed project shall not exceed 50 percent of the total project costs.

Generally, the non-Federal share of project costs must be expended at the same or greater rate as the Federal share of project costs.

Up to $75,000 in Federal funds per proposal will be available through this FOA to implement small-scale on-the-ground efficiency projects. The total project costs of each proposal submitted for funding under this FOA is limited to $150,000.

Proposals that include project costs totaling more than $150,000 should be submitted under the WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants FOA (BOR- DO-17-F012). Reclamation will not award funding under both this FOA and this year’s Water and Energy Efficiency Grants FOA for the same activity.

B.3. Assistance Instrument Project awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements as applicable to each project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project.

Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

• Collaboration and participation with the recipient in the management of the project and close oversight of the recipient’s activities to ensure that the program objectives are being achieved.

• Oversight may include review, input, and approval at key interim stages of the project.

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/main/offices.html

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants Under P.L. 111-11, Section 9502, an eligible applicant is a state, tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority.

Applicants must also be located in the Western United States or Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, 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.

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

• Federal governmental entities

• Institutions of higher education

• Individuals

C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 50 percent or more of the total project costs.

The total project costs of each proposal submitted for funding under this FOA is limited to $150,000. Cost sharing may be made through cash or in-kind contributions 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.2.2.7 Official Resolution and D.2.2.8 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 www.ecfr.gov.

C.2.2. In-Kind Contributions

In-kind contributions constitute the value of noncash contributions 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 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 for an award under this FOA; except 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 http://www.ecfr.gov/ 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

Reclamation will provide funding for small-scale on-the-ground efficiency projects which seek to implement work identified in an applicant’s water planning efforts.

Example projects include, but are not limited to:

• Canal Lining/Piping.

• Municipal Metering.

• Irrigation Flow Measurement.

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Automation.

• Landscape Irrigation Measures.

• High-Efficiency Indoor Appliances and Fixtures.

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

C.3.2. Ineligible Projects

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

• Projects considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement (OM&R)

• Projects that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI project under P.L.102-575, as amended (43 USC 390h et seq.). A list of congressionally authorized Title XVI projects can be found at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/ title/authorized.html.

• Water purchases

• Construction of buildings for administration purposes

• Pilot projects

The subsections below have more explanation regarding these types of ineligible projects.

C.3.2.1. Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement

In accordance with Section 9504 of the Secure Water Act, projects that are considered normal OM&R are not eligible for funding under this FOA. OM&R is described as system improvements that replace or repair existing infrastructure or function without providing http://www.ecfr.gov/ http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html increased efficiency or effectiveness of water distribution over the expected life of the improvement. Examples of ineligible OM&R projects include:

• Replacing malfunctioning components of an existing facility with the same components

• Improving an existing facility to operate as originally designed

• Performing an activity on a recurring basis, even if that period is extended (e.g., 10-year interval)

• Sealing expansion joints of concrete lining because the original sealer or the water stops have failed

• Replacing broken meters with new meters of the same type

• Replacing leaky pipes with new pipes of the same type

Applicants that have questions regarding OM&R are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator (see Section G. Agency Contacts) prior to the application deadline for further information.

C.3.2.2. Title XVI Water Recycling and Reuse

Title XVI is Reclamation’s Water Recycling and Reuse Program focused on identifying and investigating opportunities to reclaim and reuse wastewaters and naturally impaired ground and surface water. In general, this FOA is not intended for large scale water recycling and reuse projects. Note, however, that small-scale improvements that relate to an existing water recycling facility (that is not an authorized Title XVI project) may be considered eligible for funding.

Any projects or project elements that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI project of P.L.102-575, as amended (43 USC 390h et seq.), are not eligible for funding under this FOA. A list of congressionally authorized Title XVI projects can be found at http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html.

In addition, if a project sponsor is likely to seek funding for the activity through the Title XVI Program in the future (e.g., seeking congressional authorization for the project or preparing a Title XVI feasibility study that describes the activity as part of a proposed Title XVI project) that activity should be pursued under the Title XVI Program instead of this

FOA.

If your project is in the same area as a congressionally authorized project, or if you are unclear whether your project is part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI project, please contact Amanda Erath at 303-445-2766.

For additional information on the Title XVI Program, please see www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/title.

http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/title

C.3.2.3. Water Purchases

Proposals to use Federal funding to purchase water are not eligible under this FOA.

Applicants seeking funding to purchase water in a drought emergency should request emergency drought assistance under Reclamation’s Drought Response Program.

For more information about the requirements for receiving emergency drought assistance, please see www.usbr.gov/drought.

C.3.2.4. Building Construction

Proposals to construct a building are not eligible for Federal funding under this FOA (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or to promote public awareness of water conservation).

C.3.2.5. Pilot Projects

Proposals to conduct a pilot study to evaluate technical capability, economic feasibility, or viability for full-scale implementation or to test an unproven material or technology are not eligible for Federal funding under this FOA.

C.3.3. Length of Projects

In general, proposed projects should be completed within two years of award.

http://www.usbr.gov/drought

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. Darren Olson Mail Code: 84-27852 P.O. Box 25007 Denver, CO 80225

By e-mail: dolson@usbr.gov

By telephone: 303-445-3697

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 15 consecutively numbered pages. If an application exceeds 15 pages, only the first 15 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 SF-424 forms 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 o SF-424 Budget Information (A or C Form, as applicable to the project) o SF-424 Assurances (B or D Form, as applicable to the project) mailto:dolson@usbr.gov

SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-424C, and SF-424D forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

• Title page

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal and evaluation criteria o Executive summary o Background data o Project description o Evaluation criteria

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance

• Required permits or approvals

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

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

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 or SF-424C Budget Information Construction Programs must be submitted with the application. If you need to ask whether to use an SF-424A or SF-424C, please contact the Reclamation Financial Assistance Management contact identified in Section G. Agency Contacts.

SF-424 Assurances

A SF-424B Assurances Non-Construction Programs, or a SF-424D Assurances Construction Programs, signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project must be included with the application. If you need to ask whether to use a SF-424A or SF-424C, please contact the Reclamation Financial Assistance Management contact identified in Section G.

Agency Contacts. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424B or SF-424D 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. 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 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 project summary that specifies the work proposed, including how 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)

• The length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project

• Whether or not the proposed project is located on a Federal facility

Background Data

Provide a map of the area showing the geographic location (include the state, county, and direction from nearest town) of the proposed project.

As applicable, describe the source of water supply, the total quantity of water supply managed and supplied, the water rights involved, current water uses (i.e., agricultural, municipal, domestic, or industrial), the number of water users served, and the current and projected water demand. If water is primarily used for irrigation, describe major crops and total acres served. Also, identify potential shortfalls in water supply.

In addition, describe the applicant’s water delivery or distribution system as appropriate. For agricultural systems, please include the types and approximate total lengths of canals and laterals (e.g., unlined or lined open channel, pipe, including types of pipe and lining materials), the number of irrigation turnouts and other significant existing irrigation improvements (e.g., automated control structures, remote monitoring devices and SCADA systems). For municipal systems, please include the total approximate length of distribution lines, number and sizes of storage tanks, number of pump stations and capacities, and the number of connections and/or number of water users served and any other relevant information describing the system.

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 project milestones and specific activities that will be accomplished. This description shall have sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal.

• Identify the problems and needs

• Describe how the project is intended to address the problems and needs

• Identify the expected outcomes

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 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.

D.2.2.5. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

To allow Reclamation to assess the probable environmental and cultural resources impacts and costs associated with each application, all applicants must respond to the following list of questions focusing on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requirements. Please answer the following questions to the best of your knowledge. If any question is not applicable to the project, please explain why.

The application should include the answers to:

• Will the proposed project impact the surrounding environment (e.g., soil [dust], air, water [quality and quantity], animal habitat)? Please briefly describe all earth-disturbing work and any work that will affect the air, water, or animal habitat in the project area. Please also explain the impacts of such work on the surrounding environment and any steps that could be taken to minimize the impacts.

• Are you aware of any species listed or proposed to be listed as a Federal threatened or endangered species, or designated critical habitat in the project area? If so, would they be affected by any activities associated with the proposed project?

• Are there wetlands or other surface waters inside the project boundaries that potentially fall under Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction as “Waters of the United States?” If so, please describe and estimate any impacts the proposed project may have.

• When was the water delivery system constructed?

• Will the proposed project result in any modification of or effects to, individual features of an irrigation system (e.g., headgates, canals, or flumes)? If so, state when those features were constructed and describe the nature and timing of any extensive alterations or modifications to those features completed previously.

• Are any buildings, structures, or features in the irrigation district listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places? A cultural resources specialist at your local Reclamation office or the State Historic Preservation Office can assist in answering this question.

• Are there any known archeological sites in the proposed project area?

• Will the proposed project have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority populations?

• Will the proposed project limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites or result in other impacts on tribal lands?

• Will the proposed project contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area?

Note, if mitigation is required to lessen environmental impacts, the applicant may, at Reclamation’s discretion, be required to report on progress and completion of these commitments. Reclamation will coordinate with the applicant to establish reporting requirements and intervals accordingly.

Under no circumstances may an applicant begin any ground-disturbing activities (including grading, clearing, and other preliminary activities) on a project before environmental compliance is complete and Reclamation explicitly authorizes work to proceed. This pertains to all components of the proposed project, including those that are part of the applicant’s non-Federal cost share.

Reclamation will provide a successful applicant with information once environmental compliance is complete. An applicant that proceeds before environmental compliance is complete may risk forfeiting Reclamation funding under this FOA.

If you have any questions regarding NEPA, ESA and NHPA requirements, please see Section H. Other Information and contact your local Reclamation office, listed at www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html.

D.2.2.6. Required Permits or Approvals

Applicants must state in the application whether any permits or approvals are required and explain the plan for obtaining such permits or approvals.

Note that improvements to Federal facilities that are implemented through any project awarded funding through this FOA must comply with additional requirements. The Federal government will continue to hold title to the Federal facility and any improvement that is integral to the existing operations of that facility. Please see P.L. 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(B). Reclamation may also require additional reviews and approvals prior to award to ensure that any necessary easements, land use authorizations, or special permits can be approved consistent with the requirements of 43 CFR Section 429, and that the development will not impact or impair project operations or efficiency.

D.2.2.7. 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.2.2.8. 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. This is a mandatory requirement. 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 project 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 costs incurred before the anticipated Project start date that you seek to include as project 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

• Describe any funding requested or received from other Federal partners.

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. Unit costs shall 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 $ 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, items included in the budget proposal. Include the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services and sources of funds 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 Part §200, available at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (www.ecfr.gov).

Salaries and Wages

Indicate the 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.

Include estimated hours for compliance with reporting requirements, including final project and evaluation. 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

Travel related expenses are not eligible for reimbursement under this FOA and should not be included within the proposed budget.

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.

If the applicant intends to use their own equipment for the purposes of the project, the proposed usage rates should fall within the equipment usage rates outlined by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) within their Construction Equipment Ownership and Operating Expense Scheduled (EP 1110-1-8) which can be found at http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/ Publications/EngineerPamphlets/EP_1110-1-8.pdf.

If the proposal is selected for award and the awarding Grants Officer determines that the proposed rates fall within those outlined within the USACE publication, no further documentation for this item of cost shall be requested during budget negotiations.

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 subrecipients, 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 subrecipients, consultants, or contractors were determined to be fair and reasonable. Note: If a subrecipient, 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.

If the proposal is selected for award and the awarding Grants Officer determines that all contractual engineering services costs for design engineering and/or construction management costs within the budget http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerPamphlets/EP_1110-1-8.pdf http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerPamphlets/EP_1110-1-8.pdf proposal do not exceed 8% of total project construction costs, then no further documentation for this item of cost shall be requested during budget negotiations.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs

If the proposed project includes ground disturbing activities, the applicant must include a line item in their budget to cover environmental compliance costs.

“Environmental compliance costs” refer to costs incurred by Reclamation and the recipient in complying with environmental regulations applicable to an award under this FOA, including costs associated with any required documentation of environmental compliance, analyses, permits, or approvals.

Applicable Federal environmental laws could include NEPA, ESA, NHPA, CWA, and other regulations depending on the project. Such costs may include, but are not limited to:

• The cost incurred by Reclamation to determine the level of environmental compliance required for the project

• The cost incurred by Reclamation, the recipient, or a consultant to prepare any necessary environmental compliance documents or reports

• The cost incurred by Reclamation to review any environmental compliance documents prepared by a consultant

• The cost incurred by the recipient in acquiring any required approvals or permits, or in implementing any required mitigation measures

The amount of the line item should be based on the actual expected environmental compliance costs for the project, including Reclamation’s cost to review environmental compliance documentation. However, the minimum amount budgeted for environmental compliance should be equal to at least one to two percent of the total project costs. If the amount budgeted is less than one to two percent of the total project costs, you must include a compelling explanation of why less than one to two 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. The amount of funding required for Reclamation to conduct any environmental compliance activities, including Reclamation’s cost to review environmental compliance documentation, will be withheld from the Federal award amount and placed in an environmental compliance account to cover such costs. 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.

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 indirect cost rate of up to 10 percent against a base 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.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…