2019-Drought-Projects-FOA 1-22-19_508.pdf

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-19-F003

WaterSMART Drought Response Program:

Drought Resiliency Projects for Fiscal Year 2019

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Policy and Administration Denver, Colorado January 2019

Mission Statements The Department of the Interior (DOI) conserves and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and other information about natural resources and natural hazards to address societal challenges and create opportunities for the American people, and honors the Nation’s trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities to help them prosper.

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

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

Administration Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Drought Response Program: Drought Resiliency

Projects for Fiscal Year 2019 Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-DO-19-F003

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.514

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. D.4) Eligible Applicants:

(See FOA Sec. C.1)

Application due date:

Wednesday March 27, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time 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

Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. B)

Funding Group I: Up to $300,000 per agreement for a project that can be completed within two years.

Funding Group II: Up to $750,000 per agreement for a project that can be completed within three years. Projects in this group will be funded on an annual basis. Funding for the second and third years of the project is contingent upon future appropriations.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. B)

Approximately 10-15 projects

Intergovernmental Review:

(See FOA Sec. D.5)

This FOA is subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” A list of states that have elected to participate in the intergovernmental review process is at www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SPOC-Feb.-2018.pdf.

i https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SPOC-Feb.-2018.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SPOC-Feb.-2018.pdf

This page is intentionally left blank.

Application Checklist

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

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 *

Technical proposal:

Executive summary

Background data

Project location

Project description

Performance measures

Evaluation criteria

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. E.1

Project Budget:

Funding plan

Budget proposal

Budget narrative

See Sec. D.2.2.5

See Sec. D.2.2.5

See Sec. D.2.2.5

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

See Sec. H.1. *

Required permits or approvals

See Sec. D.2.2.7 *

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.9 *

Official Resolutions See Sec. D.2.2.10 **

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 ***

* Submit materials with your application.

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

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

iii http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act Department U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement ESA Endangered Species Act FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY fiscal year OM&R operations, maintenance, and replacement NDMC National Drought Mitigation Center NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration P.L. Public Law SAM System of Award Management SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitions SPOC Single Point of Contact Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation ROD Record of Decision U.S.C. United States Code USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow WIIN Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation v

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. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance B.4. 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. Automated Standard Application for Payments Registration

Section E. Application Review Information E.1. Evaluation Criteria E.2. Review and Selection Process E.3. Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System 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. Financial Assistance Contact G.2. Program Coordinator Contact

Section H. Other Information H.1. Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations H.2. Background on Federal Environmental and Cultural Resource Laws

Contents vii

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with states, tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply reliability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts. WaterSMART provides support for the Department of the Interior’s priorities, including creating a legacy of conservation stewardship, sustainably developing our energy and natural resources, modernizing our infrastructure through public-private partnerships, striking a regulatory balance, and restoring trust with local communities by improving relationships and communication with states, tribes, local governments, communities, landowners and water users.

The WaterSMART Drought Response Program supports a proactive approach to drought by providing financial assistance to water managers to develop and update comprehensive drought plans (Drought Contingency Planning) and implement projects that will build long-term resilience to drought (Drought Resiliency Projects).

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) supports Drought Resiliency Projects that will build long-term resilience to drought and reduce the need for emergency response actions. These projects are generally in the final design stage, environmental and cultural resources compliance has been initiated or already completed, and the non-Federal funding, necessary permits, and other required approvals have been secured.

Through this FOA, Reclamation provides funding for projects that improve forecasts of water availability and improve use of technology to increase water reliability consistent with sections 3 and 4 of the October 19, 2018 Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West.

For further information on the Drought Response Program, please see www.usbr.gov/drought.

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

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

A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement

The objective of this FOA is to invite states, 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 Drought Resiliency Projects that will increase the reliability of water supplies; improve water management; and provide benefits for fish, wildlife, and the environment to mitigate impacts caused by drought.

Projects carried out through Drought Resiliency Project Grants can increase water management flexibility, making our water supply more resilient. This helps to prepare for and address the impacts of drought. Proposals submitted under this FOA must demonstrate that the proposed project is supported by an existing drought planning effort. It is a well-established principle that proactively identifying resiliency projects through drought planning, in advance of a crisis, is far more cost effective than emergency response. As stated on the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) website, drought.unl.edu:

One frequently cited estimate from FEMA1 is that “mitigation” —taking steps ahead of time to prevent known impacts from a natural disaster—saves $4 for every $1 expended. Planning ahead is generally seen as more efficient and more effective than measures taken in crisis mode. Drought researchers have found that after-the-fact assistance to farmers, for example, is expensive and doesn’t necessarily reach the right people.

Proposed projects that are supported by an existing drought plan 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 vulnerabilities to drought.

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 (U.S.C.) 10364), and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. 661-666c, as delegated to Reclamation in Departmental Manual 255 DM 1.1B.

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities The Drought Contingency Planning FOA includes financial assistance provided under the Drought Response Program, on a 50/50 cost share basis, to develop a drought contingency plan or to update an existing plan.

1 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

http://drought.unl.edu/

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

Additionally, projects focused on water conservation, (such as canal lining or piping to conserve water, landscape irrigation measures, and turf replacement) are eligible for funding under Reclamation’s WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants FOA and are not eligible for funding under this FOA.

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding Fiscal year (FY) 2019 appropriations includes $9 million for the Drought Response Program. The amount of funding available for awards under this FOA will depend on the demand for funding under this and other elements of the Drought Response Program.

Applications submitted under this FOA may also be considered if additional funding becomes available in FY 2019 or thereafter.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration (for example, an applicant may submit a proposal for funding under Funding Group I and a separate proposal under Funding Group II). However, no more than $750,000 will be awarded to any one applicant under this FOA.

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.

Applicants are invited to submit proposal under one of two Funding Groups to implement projects that will build long-term resiliency to drought:

Funding Group I: Up to $300,000 in Federal funds provided through this FOA will be available for projects that generally should be completed in two years.

Funding Group II: Up to $750,000 in Federal funds provided through this FOA will be available for larger projects that may take up to three years to complete.

Projects in this group will be funded on an annual basis. Funding for the second and third years of the project is contingent upon future appropriations.

B.3. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

All projects selected for funding under this FOA will be required to comply with Federal environmental and cultural resource laws and other regulations. Projects funded under this FOA may require the completion of an environmental assessment under NEPA, which can be costly. Please consider this when developing your project budget. See Section D.2.2.5 Project Budget for additional information.

B.4. 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 of the project. If you receive Reclamation’s assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget. To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact the program coordinator identified in Section G. Agency Contacts.

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.

• 501(c)4 Organizations.

• 501(c)6 Organizations.

C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 50 percent or more of the total project costs. The total project cost is defined as the total allowable costs incurred under a Federal award and all required cost share and voluntary committed cost share contributions, including third-party contributions.

Cost share may be made through cash, costs contributed by the applicant, or third-party in-kind contributions. Third-party in-kind contributions is the value of non-cash contributions of property or services that benefit the federally assisted project and are contributed by non-Federal third parties, without charge. 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.2.2.5 Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment and Section D.2.2.9 Official Resolution for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost sharing requirements.

Other sources of Federal funding may not be counted towards the required cost share. 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.

If it is determined that the Federal funding cannot be applied towards the non-

Federal cost share, the work associated with the funding may be removed from the proposed project.

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. Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

Third-party in-kind contributions may be in the form of equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the proposed project. The cost or value of third-party 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.

Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 Contributions and donations for regulations regarding the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

C.3. Eligible Projects C.3.1 Eligible Projects

Reclamation will provide funding for projects that build long-term resilience to drought and reduce the need for emergency response actions through this Drought Resiliency Projects Grants FOA. Drought resiliency can be defined as the capacity of a community to cope with and respond to drought. Under this FOA, Reclamation will fund projects that will build resiliency to drought by:

• Increasing the reliability of water supplies.

• Improving water management.

• Providing benefits for fish and wildlife and the environment.

To be eligible for funding under this FOA, the proposed resiliency project should improve the ability of water managers to continue to deliver water and power during a drought. The proposed project should decrease vulnerabilities and costs of drought by giving water managers flexibility in times of low water supply. In addition, the proposed project must be beyond routine water management activities or activities required by state law for conservation and efficiency. The proposed resiliency project should also help avoid the need for emergency response actions, such as water hauling programs and temporary infrastructure.

Projects funded under this FOA must have ongoing benefits to build long-term resilience to drought, even if they also address an immediate drought concern.

http://www.ecfr.gov/

Under this FOA, Reclamation will prioritize projects supported by an existing drought planning effort. Drought contingency planning efforts frequently identify potential projects or needs to improve resiliency to drought. These can include mitigation actions or tools that will improve water management flexibility or improve access to critical water supply information that will help water managers build resiliency and avoid a crisis during drought. Applicants that demonstrate that the proposed Project meets a need or project identified in an existing drought plan will be prioritized.

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 to address drought resiliency, 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—Increasing the Reliability of Water Supplies through Infrastructure Improvements Even small investments in infrastructure can improve resiliency to drought conditions by increasing water management flexibility and providing alternative sources of water supply. For example, constructing new surface water intakes and new conveyance system components—such as pipes or pumping plants—can provide water managers with much needed options to deliver water from alternative sources or support voluntary transfers of water during drought.

Likewise, aquifer recharge facilities can support water banking in wet years for use in dry years and sustainable conjunctive use programs.

Task A projects include, but are not limited to the following:

• System modifications or improvements.—Projects that will increase flexibility of water conveyance and deliveries, facilitating access to water supplies in times of drought. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Constructing or modifying surface water intakes to access supplies when water levels are low (e.g., at dead pool), or to allow access at different locations.

o Constructing new conveyance system components (pipelines, canals, pumping plants, etc.) to increase flexibility to deliver water from different sources, to facilitate voluntary water marketing or to deliver water from alternative sources.

o Constructing interties between water conveyance systems to increase options for water deliveries.

o Installing barriers or other facilities to prevent saltwater intrusion into surface supplies.

• Storing water and/or recharging groundwater supplies.—Projects that enable the capture or storage of additional water supplies that can be made available during drought. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Developing or expanding small-scale surface water storage facilities such as off-stream storage ponds.

o Installing water towers and storage tanks to store water for municipal and domestic use.

o Installing recharge ponds or injection wells to increase recharge of surplus, inactive, or reclaimed water. Recharged water can serve multiple purposes such as sustainable conjunctive use in times of drought, deterring salt water intrusion into freshwater aquifers, and limiting additional land subsidence.

• Developing alternative sources of water supply including water treatment.—Projects that develop alternative water supplies to build resiliency to the impacts of drought. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Constructing wells to provide back-up water supplies during times of drought.

o Constructing extraction wells at groundwater banks to improve extraction and return capabilities during dry years.

o Constructing or expanding small-scale water treatment facilities to treat impaired groundwater, municipal wastewater, stormwater runoff, for environmental, agricultural, or potable purposes.

o Constructing stormwater capture and reuse systems.

o Installing residential grey water and rain catchment systems.

C.3.1.2. Task B—Projects to Improve Water Management through Decision Support Tools, Modeling, and Measurement Task B Projects are intended to help provide entities with water use information and tools to monitor the onset of drought, detect different levels of drought that may trigger certain drought mitigation and response actions, and to identify potential strategies to address drought. Task B Projects also includes the development of tools that facilitate water marketing between willing buyers and sellers to redistribute water supplies to meet other existing needs or uses (e.g., agricultural, municipal, or dedication to in-stream flows).

Task B Projects include, but are not limited to the following:

• Developing water management and modeling tools to help communities evaluate options and implement strategies to address drought.

o Developing online decision support tools to help communities identify alternative water supplies or water management options in times of drought.

For example, Reclamation has partnered with the State of Oklahoma to develop a drought tool familiarizing users with alternative sources of supply, treatment processes, distribution options, short term equipment solutions for treatment, and permitting requirements, see www.owrb.ok.gov/drought/Drought tool.pps.

Also, in 2015, Reclamation awarded the Texas Water Development Board with a Drought Resiliency Grant to modify their existing drought prediction tool to provide more accurate probabilistic forecast of average May - July rainfall, reservoir levels, and reservoir storage across the state by county. The project is expected to be completed in 2017, and the forecasts will be updated bi-weekly and made accessible for water managers through the Water Data for Texas website.

o Developing new models or improving existing models for analyzing and predicting drought conditions. Such models should be based on proven methods to analyze drought frequency, duration, and intensity, as opposed to research type efforts.

o Developing water budgets and tiered pricing programs that incentivize decreased consumptive use. Tiered pricing can be paired with water budgets to reward customers who use less water by charging lower rates for water in a lower tier. For example, Tier I pricing can include a relatively low price for indoor water use within a budgeted amount (e.g., 55 gallons per person per day). Reasonable water use above that amount—assumed to be for outdoor use—would be included within Tier 2 pricing at a higher cost than Tier 1. Tier 3 would establish an even higher price for all water use that exceeds the total water budget.

o Real-time operational modeling to track supply conditions and demands. Modeling can be used to analyze different operational http://www.owrb.ok.gov/drought/Drought%20tool.pps http://www.owrb.ok.gov/drought/Drought%20tool.pps http://waterdatafortexas.org/reservoirs/statewide scenarios to optimize pumping capacities, evaluate user restrictions, water delivery needs, etc., and determine how to best meet other compliance standards such as temperature control points, water quality, or Endangered Species Act (ESA) related requirements.

o Assessing water quality with respect to the level of drought to determine appropriate measures to protect water quality for fish and wildlife, agriculture and human consumption (e.g., water quality testing, constructing groundwater monitoring wells).

• Installing water measurement equipment and monitoring instrumentation devices to accurately track water supply conditions (e.g., water service meters, stream flow measurement structures, flow meters, well level instruments, reservoir level monitors). Note: Projects to install meters or other water measurement devices are considered routine water management activities and are, therefore, not eligible for funding under this program as a standalone project. However, meters or other measuring devices are eligible as a necessary sub-component of another eligible Drought Resiliency Project as described in Tasks A-C (e.g., meters could be coupled with development of an online consumptive use website for consumers to see and adjust their habits). Projects may include, but are not limited to:

o Improving measurement accuracy (e.g., installing weirs, flumes, ramps, etc. in open channels and installing meters in pressurized pipes).

o Installing dual municipal meters to track indoor versus outdoor water use, allowing water purveyors to control or discourage landscape irrigation and other outdoor uses in times of drought.

o Installing and/or modifying monitoring equipment associated with stream flow measurement devices, water level sensors, etc.

• Developing a water marketing tool or program that would provide a mechanism for willing participants to buy, sell, lease, or exchange water to avoid or reduce water conflicts.

C.3.1.3. Task C—Projects that Provide Protection for Fish, Wildlife, and the Environment These projects seek to mitigate or minimize the potential drought-related impacts to ecosystems and to provide a sustainable environment for those species that are most vulnerable to periods of deficient water supplies. Please note that projects that provide benefits for fish and wildlife and the ecosystems they inhabit, or use must be directly related to the impacts of drought or potential drought.

Task C Projects include, but are not limited to the following:

• Installing and/or modifying fish screens, ladders, bypasses, and modifications to water intakes (e.g., selective or lowered intakes).

• Improving fish hatcheries (e.g., coolers, holding pens, transport, disease control, or prevention).

• Improving habitat, including restoring habitat to pre-drought conditions.

Examples of projects include, but are not limited to:

o Projects that will increase stream flow to levels that are biologically compatible for threatened or endangered species in low-flow areas (e.g., by changing the timing or location of diversions).

o Projects that strive to maintain biologically compatible parameters through the control of salinity (e.g., salinity barriers) or temperature (e.g., temperature curtains or powerplant bypass structures), and to aerate ecologically sensitive areas where dissolved oxygen levels are low.

o Restoring stream banks, managing and enhancing native vegetation, and installing stream flow deflectors in order to enhance pool and riffle habitats.

o Developing tools to evaluate and collect appropriate reservoir and stream flow levels to establish a baseline that can be used to evaluate and address ecological health and minimize adverse effects.

o Collecting in-stream habitat data to establish a baseline that can be used to evaluate and address ecological health.

o Restoring backwater/floodplain areas (for larval and juvenile fish and other wildlife species) to enhance and maintain rearing, and feeding and foraging habitats.

C.3.2. Ineligible Projects

Projects not eligible for funding under this FOA include scientific research, water hauling, education and outreach, land fallowing, cover cropping, and reimbursement for economic losses resulting from drought. Emergency drought response projects that provide temporary benefits, including projects involving temporary facilities (e.g., temporary pipes and pumps), and projects expected to increase the total irrigated acreage or consumptive use of an applicant are also not eligible for funding. Projects for drought contingency plans are not eligible under this FOA but may be eligible for funding under Reclamation’s WaterSMART Drought Contingency Planning FOA.

Other projects that are not eligible for funding under this FOA include:

• Projects considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement

(OM&R).

• Water conservation projects (including water metering and measurement projects unless those projects are paired with another project eligible under Tasks A-C as a necessary subcomponent of that task).

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

• Projects or project elements that are part of a water desalination or recycling project eligible for funding under section 4009(a) or 4009(c) of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, P.L.

114-322. A list of eligible WIIN projects can be found at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/feasibility.html.

• Water desalination or recycling project with a total estimated project cost of more than $5 million.

• Water purchases.

• Construction of buildings for administration purposes.

• Pilot projects.

• Projects to conduct on-farm improvements.

More explanation regarding these types of ineligible projects is included immediately below.

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 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).

http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/feasibility.html

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

• Sealing cracks in canals and/or pipes, including those sealant projects intended to improve facilities with inherent design and construction flaws.

• 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 Drought Response Program Coordinator (see Section G. Agency Contacts) prior to the application deadline for further information.

C.3.2.2. Water Conservation Projects To avoid overlap with Reclamation’s existing WaterSMART Grants program, projects primarily focused on water conservation are not eligible under this FOA, including:

• Lining or piping canals to conserve water.

• Installing landscape irrigation measures.

• Turf replacement.

• Water metering and measurement projects are ineligible as a standalone project but may be included if paired with another project eligible under Tasks A-C, as a necessary subcomponent of that task.

Water conservation projects may be eligible for funding under Reclamation’s WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grant FOA. For information about this FOA, please contact Mr. Josh German at jgerman@usbr.gov or 303-445- 2839.

Projects that will result in water conservation as a secondary consideration, such as decision support tools that improve operational efficiency, are eligible under this FOA, so long as they are consistent with the eligible projects described in Tasks A-C. Please contact the program coordinator for further information (see Section G. Agency Contacts).

C.3.2.3. Water Reclamation, Reuse and Desalination Any projects or project elements that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI Water Reclamation or Reuse Project are not eligible for funding under this FOA. A list of congressionally authorized Title XVI projects can be found at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html.

Any projects or project elements that are part of a water desalination or recycling project eligible for funding under section 4009(a) or 4009(c) of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, P.L. 114-322 are not mailto:jgerman@usbr.gov http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html eligible for funding under this FOA. A list of eligible WIIN projects can be found at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/feasibility.html.

In addition, if a water desalination or recycling project has a total estimated project cost of more than $5 million, that project is ineligible under this FOA and should be pursued under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program or the WaterSMART Desalination Planning and Construction Program. Note, this applies to phases or project elements of a desalination or recycling project that are part of a larger project with a total estimated project cost of more than $5 million.

If you are unclear whether your project is part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI project or a project eligible under section 4009(a) or (c) of the WIIN Act, please contact Ms. Amanda Erath at aerath@usbr.gov or 303-445-2766.

C.3.2.4. 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, or contact the program coordinator (see Section G. Agency Contacts).

C.3.2.5. 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.3.2.6. 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.3.2.7. On-Farm Improvements Projects to conduct on-farm improvements are not eligible under this FOA.

Applicants interested in on-farm improvements should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to investigate opportunities for Federal assistance. For more information on NRCS programs, including application deadlines and a description of available funding, please contact your local NRCS office or see www.nrcs.usda.gov for further contact information in your area.

Applicants interested in projects for water delivery systems improvements that will enable farmers to make additions on-farm improvements in the future should http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/feasibility.html mailto:aerath@usbr.gov http://www.usbr.gov/drought http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ look into Reclamation's Water and Energy Efficiency Grants or contact Josh German at jgerman@usbr.gov or 303-445-2839.

C.3.3. Length of Projects

In general, Funding Group I projects should be completed within two years of award. Funding Group II projects should be completed within three years of award. Applications for projects requiring more time will be considered for funding only under limited circumstances.

Reclamation will determine the capability of an applicant to complete the proposed project within the timeframe identified in the application.

mailto:jgerman@usbr.gov

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 Support Section Attn: Ms. Julie J. Hendricks P.O. Box 25007, MS 84-27814 Denver, CO 80225

By e-mail: jhendricks@usbr.gov

By telephone: 303-445-2428

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 technical proposal and criteria section (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 20 consecutively numbered pages. If this section of the application exceeds 20 pages, only the first 20 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. Margins should be standard 1-inch margins.

Oversized pages will not be accepted.

Applications will be prescreened for compliance to the above page number limitation. Excess pages will be removed and not considered in the evaluation of the proposed project.

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).

mailto:jhendricks@usbr.gov o SF-424 Assurances (B or D Form, as applicable to the project).

o SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable) These 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 (limited to 20 pages):

o Executive summary.

o Background data.

o Project location.

o Technical project description and milestones.

o Performance measures.

o Evaluation criteria.

• Project budget:

o Funding plan and letters of commitment.

o Budget proposal.

o Budget narrative.

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance.

• Required permits or approvals.

• Existing drought contingency plan (if applicable).

• Letters of project support.

• Official resolution.

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 Information

A fully completed SF-424A Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs, or an SF-424C Budget Information for Construction Programs must be submitted with the application.

SF-424 Assurances

A SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs, or an SF-424D Assurances for Construction Programs, signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project shall be included. Questions regarding whether to use SF-424B or SF-424D should be referred to the Financial Assistance Contact under Agency Contacts. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424B or SF-424D may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

A fully completed and signed SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities is required is required if the applicant has made or agreed to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action.

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 (20 pages maximum) includes:

(1) Executive summary.

(2) Background data.

(3) Project location.

(4) Project description and milestones.

(5) Performance measures.

(6) 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.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project including the construction start date (mm/yr) (if applicable) Note:

proposed projects should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to October 2019.

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

Background Data

As applicable, describe the source of water supply, the total quantity of water supplies managed and supplied, the water rights involved, current water uses (e.g., 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 and/or provide information on reductions in supply under historical drought conditions. The above information will be used to assess any estimated quantities of additional supply or reduced consumption associated with the proposed project.

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 supervisory control and data acquisitions [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 Location

Provide specific information on the proposed project location or project area including a map showing the geographic location. For example, [project name] is located in [county and state] approximately [distance] miles [direction, e.g., northeast] of [nearest town]. The project latitude is {##°##’N} and longitude is {###°##’W}. For larger project areas, please provide location information in one of the following formats:

1. Shapefile (.shp)

2. KMZ/KML (.kmz or .kml) aka Google Earth File

3. AutoCAD (.dwg)

4. PDF map (.pdf)

Technical Project Description and Milestones

The technical project description should describe the work in detail, including specific activities that will be accomplished. This description shall have sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal. The technical project description must include milestones for the completion of the project, including, but not limited to, environmental compliance, permitting, final design, and construction. If non-Federal cost share is not yet secured, the milestones should identify when the applicant anticipates that the funds will be available. Please note, if the work for which you are requesting funding is a phase of a larger project, please only describe the work that is reflected in the budget and exclude description of other activities or components of the overall project.

Performance Measures

All applicants are required to propose a method (performance measure) of quantifying the benefits of their proposed Project once it is implemented.

Quantifying project benefits is an important means to determine the relative effectiveness of various water management efforts, as well as the overall effectiveness of the Project.

Program funding may be used to establish a monitoring and data management plan or to install necessary equipment to monitor progress. However, program funding may not be used to measure performance after project construction is complete (these costs are considered normal operation and maintenance costs and are the responsibility of the applicant).

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.

D.2.2.5. Project Budget The project budget includes:

(1) Funding plan and letters of commitment.

(2) Budget proposal.

(3) Budget narrative.

Project costs for environmental and cultural compliance and engineering/design that were incurred or are anticipated to be incurred prior to award should be included in the proposed project budget.

If the proposed project is selected, the awarding Reclamation Grants Officer will review the proposed pre-award costs to determine if they are consistent with program objectives and are allowable in accordance with the authorizing legislation. Proposed pre-award costs must also be compliant with all applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 CFR Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov, and all other requirements of this FOA. In no case will costs incurred prior to July 1, 2018 be considered for inclusion in the proposed project budget.

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