2023-WaterSMART WEEG_FundingOpportunity_Final508_REV5-3-2022.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R23AS00008

WaterSMART Grants:

Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Year 2023

U.S. Department of the Interior April 2022

Mission Statements

The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated Island Communities.

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.

Cover photo: Davis and Weber Counties Canal Company’s Small Piping and Hydro Project in Utah, which was an FY 2018 Water and Energy Efficiency Grant project. Photo courtesy of Davis and Weber Counties Canal Company.

Synopsis

Synopsis Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Water Resources and Planning

Office

Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for fiscal year (FY) 2023

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity Number: R23AS00008

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:

15.507

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Application due date:

Thursday, July 28, 2022 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Category A: States, Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts; any state, regional, or local authority whose members include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

All Category A applicants must be located in the Western United States or United States Territories, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Category B: Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A.

All Category B applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories identified above.

Recipient Cost Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

50 percent or more of project costs

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Funding Group I: Up to $500,000 per agreement Funding Group II: Up to $2,000,000 per agreement Funding Group III: Up to $5,000,000 per agreement

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Approximately 25-35 projects, contingent on available Federal appropriations.

Intergovernmental Review:

(See NOFO Sec. D.5)

This NOFO is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

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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 Page 19 * Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.2 Page 19 * Technical proposal:

Executive summary Technical project description Project location Evaluation criteria Performance measures

See Sec. D.2.2.2 See Sec. D.2.2.2 See Sec. D.2.2.2 See Sec. E.1 See Sec. D.2.2.2

Project Budget:

Funding plan Budget proposal Budget narrative

See Sec. D.2.2.3 See Sec. D.2.2.3 See Sec. D.2.2.3

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 57 *

Required permits or approvals See Sec. D.2.2.6 Page 23 * Overlap or duplication of effort statement See Sec D.2.2.7. Page 23

Conflict of interest disclosure statement See Sec D.2.2.8 Page 24

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.10 Page 25 * Official Resolution See Sec. D.2.2.12 Page 25 ** Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 Page 26 ***

* Submit materials with your application.

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

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

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

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Acronyms and Abbreviations AFY acre-feet per year AMI advanced metering infrastructure ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee BIL Bipartisan Infrastructure Law CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CFR Code of Federal Regulations cfs/sf/day cubic feet of seepage per square feet of canal surface per day cfs/sf/mile cubic feet per second of canal flow per mile of canal CWA Clean Water Act Department U.S. Department of the Interior EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement E.O. Executive Order EQIP Environmental Quality Incentives Program ESA Endangered Species Act FAIR Financial Assistance Interior Regulation FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FAQ Frequently Asked Question FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission FGDC Federal Geospatial Data Committee FOIA Freedom of Information Act FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY fiscal year GIS Geographic Information Systems LOPP Lease of Power Privilege MTDC modified total direct costs NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service O&M operations and maintenance OM&R operations, maintenance, and replacement OMB Office of Management and Budget P.L. Public Law Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation SAM System of Award Management SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Automation SOR System Optimization Review UEI Unique Entity Identifier U.S.C. United States Code USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow West Western United States v

Contents

Contents Page

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description Authority Background and Program Requirements Notice of Funding Opportunity Purpose and Objectives Other Related Funding Opportunities Collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service

Section B. Award Information Total Funding Expected Award Amount Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates Number of Awards Type of Award Technical Assistance Environmental and Cultural Resource Compliance

Section C. Eligibility Information Eligible Applicants Cost Sharing Requirements Other Eligible Projects Ineligible Projects Length of Projects

Section D. Application and Submission Information Request Application Package Content and Form of Application Submission Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Submission Date and Time Intergovernmental Review Funding Restrictions

Section E. Application Review Information Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria Review and Selection Process Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System

Section F. Federal Award Administration Information Federal Award Notices Administrative and National Policy Requirements Reporting Requirements and Distribution Disclosures Data Availability Releasing Applications

Section G. Agency Contacts Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact Application System Technical Support

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

Appendix A: Benefit Quantification and Performance Measures ...................................................................... A-1 vii

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description Authority

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) 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).

Background and Program Requirements

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations in support of the Department’s priorities. 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 sustainability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts. Water and Energy Efficiency Grants provide support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (E.O. 14008) and aligned with other priorities, such as those identified in Presidential E.O.

13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. Water and Energy Efficiency Grants also support the goals of the Interagency Drought Relief Working Group established in March 2021 and the National Drought Resiliency Partnership.

Drought conditions across the Western United States (West) impact a wide range of communities and sectors, including agriculture, cities, Tribes, the environment, recreation, hydropower producers, and others. The West is experiencing its worst drought this century—historic in both duration and severity—threatening to kill crops, spark wildfires, and harm public health. As of July, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that more than 93% of the land in nine of the Western states is in drought conditions, and nearly 60% of the area is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. Through WaterSMART, Reclamation provides financial assistance to water managers for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the West.

Through Water and Energy Efficiency Grants, Reclamation provides financial assistance to support projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings, implement renewable energy components, and support broader sustainability benefits. Water and Energy Efficiency Grants are a component of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Grants Program, which also includes Water Marketing Strategy Grants and Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects. For further information on the WaterSMART Grants Program, please see www.usbr.gov/ WaterSMART.html.

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

This Water and Energy Efficiency Grants NOFO provides funding for projects that result in quantifiable water savings, implement renewable energy components, and support broader sustainability benefits. These projects conserve and use water more efficiently;

increase the production of renewable energy; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the Western United States.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about WaterSMART and this NOFO can be found online at www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/weeg/faq.html. The list of FAQs will be updated periodically during the application period. For further information on WaterSMART Grants, please see www.usbr.gov/watersmart/weeg/index.html. For further information on the WaterSMART Program, please see www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART.html.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Purpose and Objectives

The objective of this NOFO is to invite eligible applicants (Section C.1) to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of renewable energy; mitigate conflict risk in areas with a high risk of future water conflict; enable farmers to make additional on-farm improvements in the future, including improvements that may be eligible for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funding; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the Western United States.

Other Related Funding Opportunities

Through WaterSMART Grants, Reclamation also provides other funding opportunities.

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

Through the Drought Response Program, Reclamation provides funding to help build resilience to drought. Through Drought Contingency Planning, Reclamation supports developing drought contingency plans with participation from a diverse set of stakeholders.

Reclamation also provides funding for Drought Resiliency Projects that increase water supply flexibility and improve water management to build long term resilience to drought and are supported by an existing drought contingency plan.

Reclamation is introducing a new category of funding under WaterSMART in FY 2022:

Environmental Water Resources Projects. Funding will be provided to support projects focused on environmental benefits and that have been developed as part of a collaborative process to help carry out an established strategy to increase the reliability of water resources.

Projects under this new category of funding may be eligible for up to 75% Federal funding.

Sponsors of Drought Resiliency Projects, Water and Energy Efficiency Grants, or Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase II projects that are focused on environmental benefits and that meet other requirements should apply under this new funding opportunity. While the Environmental Water Resources Projects NOFO is available for projects focused primarily on https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/weeg/faq.html https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/weeg/index.html https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description environmental benefits, evaluation criteria in the Water and Energy Efficiency Grants NOFO continue to prioritize projects that provide environmental and sustainability benefits and enhance drought resiliency.

For information on the timing for these NOFOs, please visit the WaterSMART Program website:

www.usbr.gov/watersmart/.

Collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service

Reclamation and NRCS are collaborating to align program resources in areas of the West where our mission areas overlap to improve the impact of the agencies’ respective drought resiliency and water efficiency investments. Applicants under WaterSMART Grants receive additional consideration in the evaluation process for delivery system improvements that complement on-farm improvements supported by NRCS, such as those funded through their Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Contingent on available appropriations, NRCS provides dedicated EQIP funding to support on-farm water efficiency improvements by producers served by water delivery systems improved through a WaterSMART Grant.

Please note that on-farm improvements themselves are not eligible activities for funding under this NOFO. NRCS will have a separate application process for the on-farm components of selected projects.

Under this NOFO, consideration will be given under Section E.1.4. Evaluation Criterion D— Complementing On-Farm Irrigation Improvements for proposals that describe on-farm efficiency work that is currently being completed or is anticipated to be completed in collaboration with NRCS in the area (e.g., with a direct connection to the district’s water supply).

Please contact your state NRCS office for more information regarding NRCS assistance. You can find the contact information for your state NRCS office on the United States Department of Agriculture’s website, www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/contact/states/.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/index.html https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/contact/states/

Section B: Award Information

Section B. Award Information Total Funding

This NOFO will allocate available program funds including fiscal year (FY) 2023 enacted appropriations for WaterSMART Grants and funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), P.L. 117-58 in FY 2022 or FY 2023. Funds made available under this NOFO are subject to the Buy America Act. Please see Section F.2.9: Application of Buy American Preference and Section F.2.10: Additional BIL Requirements for additional information regarding the Buy America preference as well as Wage Rate Requirements (Davis Bacon Act).

The amount of funding available for awards under this NOFO will depend on the demand for funding under this and other categories of WaterSMART Grants. Any awards are subject to a determination by Reclamation that FY 2023 appropriations and/or FY 2022 or FY 2023 BIL funds are available. Applications submitted under this NOFO may also be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2023 or subsequently.

Please note: Category A applicants are limited to a total of $5,000,000 in Federal funding through FY 2023 NOFOs for Water and Energy Efficiency Grants, Drought Resiliency Projects, and Environmental Water Resources Projects. For example, a Category A applicant may receive $3,000,000 through the FY 2023 Water and Energy Efficiency Grant NOFO and $2,000,000 through the FY 2023 Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO, for a total of $5,000,000 in Federal funding. However, if a Category A applicant receives $5,000,000 through the FY 2023 Water and Energy Efficiency Grant NOFO, then it would be precluded from seeking additional funding through FY 2023 NOFOs for either Drought Resiliency Projects or Environmental Water Resources Projects. This limitation does not apply to Category B applicants, who may be considered for multiple awards of up to $5,000,000 per project if the Category A partners are different.

Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award: $5,000,000

Minimum Award: $0

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, please note the $5,000,000 total funding limitation stated in Section B.1.

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 proposals under the following three funding groups.

B.2.1. Funding Group I Up to $500,000 in Federal funds provided through this NOFO will be available for smaller on-the-ground projects that may take up to 2 years to complete (see Section C.6. Length of Projects for additional information).

B.2.2. Funding Group II Up to $2,000,000 in Federal funds provided through this NOFO will be available for larger on-the-ground projects that may take up to 3 years to complete.

B.2.3. Funding Group III Up to $5,000,000 in Federal funds provided through this NOFO will be available for larger on-the-ground projects that may take up to 3 years to complete.

Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

Anticipated Award Date: 05/31/2023

Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in the winter of 2022 (or later if necessary).

Number of Awards

Approximately 25 to 35 awards, depending on the amount requested by each applicant and the amount of Federal funding available will be awarded under this NOFO.

Type of Award

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.

Section B: Award Information

Technical Assistance

At your request, 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.

Environmental and Cultural Resource Compliance

All projects selected for funding under this NOFO will be required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other Federal environmental and cultural resource laws and other regulations. Ground disturbing activities for the project, including any construction or installation activities, may not occur until environmental compliance is complete and a notice to proceed is issued by the awarding Reclamation Grants Officer.

Section C: Eligibility Information

Section C. Eligibility Information Eligible Applicants

C.1.1. Eligible Applicants Under P.L. 111-11 §9502, applicants eligible to receive an award under this Funding Opportunity include:

Category A Applicants:

• States, Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts;

• State, regional, or local authorities, the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and

• Other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

All Category A 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:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Category B Applicants:

• Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of, an entity described in Category A. Category B applicants must include with their application a letter from the Category A partner, stating that they are acting in partnership with the applicant and agree to the submittal and content of the proposal.

All Category B applicants must be located in the United States or the specific Territories identified above.

C.1.2. Ineligible Applicants Those not eligible include, but are not limited to, the following entities:

• Federal Governmental entities

• Individuals

• Institutes of higher education

• 501(c)6 organizations

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 include 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.2.2.12 Official Resolution and Section D.2.2.3 Project Budget 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. Applicants may not include as part of their cost-share for projects funded under this NOFO 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. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 Contributions and donations for regulations regarding the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions

Other

Reclamation conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award and ineligibility condition apply to this Federal program. If entities or key project personnel are identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, Reclamation cannot award funds to them.

http://www.ecfr.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/exclusions https://sam.gov/content/exclusions https://D.2.2.12

Eligible Projects

Water conservation and renewable energy projects eligible for funding under this NOFO are described below. Applications may include any one, or a combination, of the types of projects described. In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple projects (e.g., a piping project and a hydropower project) and the projects are interrelated or closely related, they should be combined in one application.

Applicants may submit multiple project proposals; however, no more than $5,000,000 will be awarded in any FY to any one applicant under this NOFO.

C.4.1. Water Conservation Projects Water conservation projects result in quantifiable and sustained water savings or improved water management. Please note that an agreement will not be awarded for an improvement to conserve irrigation water unless the applicant agrees to the terms of Public Law 111-11 §9504(a)(3)(B) of.

See Section F.2.4. Requirements for Agricultural Operations under Public Law 111-11 §9504(a)(3)(D) of this NOFO for further information. Eligible water conservation projects include:

• Canal Lining/Piping: Projects that line or pipe canals, resulting in conserved water.

Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing new proven lining materials or technology o Converting open canals to pipeline o Improving existing conveyance and delivery infrastructure Please note: this NOFO is not intended for projects to replace municipal drinking water lines.

• Municipal Metering: Projects that install meters, resulting in measurable water savings.

Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing end-user water service meters, e.g., for a residential or commercial building unit

• Irrigation Flow Measurement: Projects that improve measurement accuracy and result in reduced spills and over-deliveries to irrigators. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing weirs, flumes, ramps, etc. in open channels o Installing meters in pressurized pipes

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Automation (SCADA): Projects that install SCADA and/or automation components that provide water savings when irrigation delivery system operational efficiency is improved to reduce spills, over-deliveries, and seepage. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing SCADA components that allow for remote monitoring of irrigation delivery system conditions (flow rates, water elevations, controls devices openings, etc.)

o Installing automation components that allow for remote operation of delivery system control features (gates, valves, turnouts, etc.)

• Landscape Irrigation Measures: Projects that provide water savings by reducing outdoor water usage. These measures include turf removal, Smart irrigation controllers (weather or soil-moisture based) and high-efficiency nozzles (sprinkler heads). These measures are typically promoted by water entities through rebates or direct-install programs, which are eligible for WaterSMART Grants funding. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Removing turf o Installing Smart irrigation controllers o Installing high-efficiency nozzles (e.g., sprinkler heads)

• High-Efficiency Indoor Appliances and Fixtures: Projects that promote installation of high-efficiency indoor appliances and fixtures to provide water savings for municipal water entities where there is significant potential for replacing existing non-efficient indoor appliances and fixtures. This is typically promoted by water entities through rebates or direct-install programs, which are eligible for WaterSMART Grants funding.

• Commercial Cooling Systems: Projects to retrofit or replace large evaporative cooling units (cooling towers) to reduce consumptive water use and energy, such as conversion to air-cooled units or high-efficiency cooling towers.

C.4.2. Renewable Energy Projects Projects that increase the use of renewable energy sources in managing and delivering water and/or projects that upgrade existing water management facilities resulting in quantifiable and sustained energy generation and/or savings. Projects include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the following subsections.

Renewable energy projects related to water management and delivery include, but are not limited to:

• Developing new hydropower capacity by installing a new hydropower facility or uprating (i.e., increasing) the capacity of an existing hydropower facility

• Bringing existing mothballed hydropower capacity back online through facility investment

• Installing solar-electric, wind energy, or geothermal power systems (e.g., replacing fossil fuel powered pumps with renewable energy-based pumps)

Proposals including a renewable energy component typically require additional permitting not needed for other water management improvements (e.g., canal lining). In evaluating these proposals, Reclamation may consider the applicant’s progress in obtaining requisite permits – e.g., for hydropower projects, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license or a Reclamation Lease of Power Privilege (LOPP), depending on which is applicable. Applicants for a project including a renewable energy component are asked to include documentation of steps taken to date for obtaining requisite permits, as applicable.

Note that improvements to Federal facilities that are implemented through any project awarded funding through this NOFO 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 Section F.2.8. Title to Improvements Under Public Law 111-11, §9504(a)(3)(D).

Applicants proposing renewable energy development may wish to contact the Program Coordinator listed in Section G. Agency Contacts, prior to the application deadline to discuss the requirements listed above.

Ineligible Projects

Any project not specifically described in Section C.4.1. Eligible Projects is not eligible under this NOFO. The following subsections further explain ineligible projects.

C.5.1. Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement Projects that are considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement (OM&R) are not eligible. 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., a 10-year interval)

• 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 intending 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

• Completing one-time leak detection surveys If you have questions regarding OM&R, please contact the Program Coordinator, listed in Section G. Agency Contacts, prior to the application deadline for further information.

C.5.2. Water Reclamation, Recycling, and Reuse Water reclamation, reuse, and desalination projects are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

Entities seeking funding for these types of projects should consider Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and Drought Response Program. If you have questions about a water reclamation, reuse, or desalination project; please contact Ms. Amanda Erath at 303-445-2766 or aerath@usbr.gov.

mailto:aerath@usbr.gov

C.5.3. Groundwater Recharge Groundwater recharge projects are not eligible. Applicants proposing such projects should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought/, for more information.

C.5.4. Water Purchases A project that proposes using Federal funding primarily for the purchase of water is not eligible under this NOFO.

C.5.5. Building Construction A project that proposes to construct a building is not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or a building to promote public awareness of water conservation).

C.5.6. Pilot Projects A project that proposes 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 is not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO.

C.5.7. Projects Receiving Other Federal Financial Assistance Projects or activities that are funded under another Federal Financial Assistance agreement are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

C.5.8. New Conveyance Infrastructure A project that proposes to construct new conveyance to allow for the distribution of additional or new water supplies is not eligible. Applicants proposing such projects should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought/, for more information.

C.5.9. Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects A project that proposes to construct surface water or groundwater storage is not eligible under this NOFO. Applicants proposing surface water or groundwater storage projects with a total estimated project cost of less than $10 million should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought/, for more information.

Applicants proposing larger storage projects or a phase of a larger project that exceeds a total estimated cost over $10 million may wish to consider Reclamation’s new Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Program (currently under development), for the planning, design and construction of small surface water and groundwater storage projects, authorized under P. L.

117-58 §40903. More information, including requirements for feasibility studies under this program, can be found at https://www.usbr.gov/recman/temporary_releases/cmptrmr-127.pdf.

https://www.usbr.gov/drought/ https://www.usbr.gov/drought/ https://www.usbr.gov/drought/ https://www.usbr.gov/recman/temporary_releases/cmptrmr-127.pdf

C.5.10. Distribution Meters A project that proposes to install distribution system meters associated with production and/or leakage quantification is not eligible under this NOFO.

Length of Projects

In general, Funding Group I projects should be completed within two years of award. Funding Group II and Funding Group III projects should be completed within three years of award.

Applications for projects requiring more time will be considered for funding only under limited circumstances. For example, some hydropower project installations may require additional time to secure necessary permits.

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

Section D: Application and Submission Information

Section D. Application and Submission Information

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 NOFO by emailing the Notice of Funding Opportunity staff at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov.

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 50 consecutively numbered pages. If this section of the application exceeds 50 pages, only the first 50 pages will be evaluated. The full application, including all attachments, should not exceed 100 pages. If the application exceeds 100 pages, only the first 100 pages will be considered in the evaluation.

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. Note, applications submitted by consultants must contain an SF-424 and SF-424D that is manually signed by an authorized representative of the entity applying.

o SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance.

o SF-424A Budget Information – Construction Programs (this form is acceptable for both construction and non-construction projects) o SF-424D Assurances – Construction Programs o Project Abstract Summary (OMB Number 4040-0019) o SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable) mailto:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov

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 50 pages) o Executive summary o Project location o Technical project description o Evaluation criteria o Performance Measures

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

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance

• Required permits or approvals

• Letters of support for the project and letters of participation (will not count towards the total page limitation)

• Official resolution (will not count towards the total page limitation)

• Conflict of Interest Disclosure

• Uniform Audit Reporting Statement

• Certification Regarding Lobbying To facilitate fair and timely reviews by the Application Review Committee (ARC), it is highly recommended that application packages be structured in the order identified above.

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-424A Budget Information A fully completed SF-424A must be submitted with the application. For application purposes, an SF-424A can used for both construction and non-construction projects.

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

Project Abstract Summary

A fully completed Project Abstract Summary (OMB Form 4040-0019) must be submitted with the application. The Project Abstract Summary should include the purpose of the project, the activities to be performed, the expected deliverables or outcomes, the intended beneficiaries, and any subrecipient activities, if known.

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. Note—this form cannot be submitted by a contractor or other entity on behalf of an applicant.

D.2.2.2. Technical Proposal Content

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

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

Executive Summary The executive summary should include:

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

• Please indicate whether you are a Category A applicant or a Category B applicant. If you are a Category B applicant, please briefly explain how you are acting in partnership with a Category A partner. Note: If you are a Category B applicant, you must include a letter from the Category A partner confirming that they are partnering with you and agree to the submittal and content of the proposal. See Section C.1. Eligible Applicants.

• A one-paragraph project summary that provides the location of the project, a brief description of the work that will be carried out, any partners involved, expected benefits, and how those benefits relate to the water management issues you plan to address. Please note: this information will be used to create a summary of your project for our website if the project is selected for funding. For example, note the following description of a project selected for funding in FY 2020:

Example: The Bard Water District, located in southern California near the Arizona border, along with the Quechan Indian Tribe, will construct conveyance improvements for the Five Gates structure, which is a series of gated culverts that act as a major chokepoint in the District’s delivery system. The District will replace the existing Five Gates structure with new more advanced metal gates and 560 feet of pipeline to increase water use efficiency and reliability through optimal flow rates, reduced leakage, and reduced operational losses. The project is a top priority for the District and the Tribe and is expected to result in annual water savings of 1,452 acre-feet, which will remain in the Lower Colorado River System.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project. Note:

proposed projects should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to May 2023.

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

Project Location Provide detailed information on the proposed project location or project area including a map showing the specific geographic location. For example, {project name}is located in {state and county} approximately {distance} miles {direction, e.g., northeast} of {nearest town}. The project latitude is {##°##’N} and longitude is {###°##’W}.

Technical Project Description Provide a more comprehensive description of the technical aspects of your project, including the work to be accomplished and the approach to complete the work. This description should provide detailed information about the project including materials and equipment and the work to be conducted to complete the project. This section provides an opportunity for the applicant to provide a clear description of the technical nature of the project and to address any aspect of the project that reviewers may need additional information to understand.

Please do not include your project schedule and milestones here; that information is requested in response to the Readiness to Proceed criterion described in Section E.1.5.2. In addition, please avoid discussion of the benefits of the project, which are also requested in response to evaluation criteria described in Section E.1. This section is solely intended to provide an understanding of the technical aspects of the project.

Please note, if the work you are requesting funding for 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.

Evaluation Criteria 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.

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

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

Performance Measures Provide a brief summary describing the performance measure that will be used to quantify actual benefits upon completion of the project (e.g., water saved or better managed, energy generated or saved). For more information calculating performance measure, see Appendix A: Benefit Quantification and Performance Measure Guidance.

All Water and Energy Efficiency Grants applicants are required to propose a “performance measure” (a method of quantifying the actual benefits of their project once it is completed). A provision will be included in all assistance agreements with Water and Energy Efficiency Grants recipients describing the performance measure and requiring the recipient to quantify the actual project benefits in their final report to Reclamation upon completion of the project. If information regarding project benefits is not available immediately upon completion of the project, the financial assistance agreement may be modified to remain open until such information is available and until a Final Report is submitted. Quantifying project benefits is an important means to determine the relative effectiveness of various water management efforts, as well as the overall effectiveness of Water and Energy Efficiency Grants.

Note: program funding may be used 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).

D.2.2.3. Project Budget The project budget includes:

(1) Budget proposal

(2) Budget narrative

(3) Funding plan and letters of commitment

Incurrence of pre-award costs is not authorized without prior written approval of the awarding Grants Officer. Per 2 CFR 200.458, pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the Federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. If the proposed project is selected, the awarding Reclamation Grants Officer will review the proposed pre-award costs to determine if these costs 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 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200 and all other requirements of this NOFO. In no case will costs incurred prior to April 1, 2022, be considered for inclusion in the final approved project budget.

Please note that the costs for preparing and submitting an application in response to this NOFO, including developing data necessary to support the proposal, are not eligible project costs under this NOFO and must not be included in the project budget.