2024SNOFO_FAQ.pdf

FY 2024 SNOFO: Frequently Asked Questions

1) The NOFO text states that “acquisition of aerial LiDAR snow surveys must comprise a substantial portion of the project.” Is there a portion of the budget that is required to fund aerial LiDAR snow surveys?

Answer: No, there is no quantitative metric for the portion of the budget that should comprise aerial LiDAR snow surveys, but the acquisition of aerial LiDAR snow survey(s) should be included in the federal funding request. It is incumbent upon the applicant to demonstrate that the survey(s) is/are an integral part of the project.

2) How do you define an existing technology versus an emerging technology?

Answer: We define Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) using the common scale ranging from

1-9, where a TRL 1 describes a state where basic principles are observed and reported, and a

TRL 9 represents an actual “flight proven” system. We consider TRL 9 to be existing technology, and TRLs 6-8 to be emerging technology. The figure below illustrates the TRL scale, and more information can be found at https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/engineering/technology/technology_readiness_ level.

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/engineering/technology/technology_readiness_level https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/engineering/technology/technology_readiness_level

3) Federal agencies are not eligible for funding, but can they be partners on a project?

Answer: Yes, Federal agencies can be project partners or team members but cannot receive funding from this opportunity.

4) Is cost-share required?

Non-Federal cost-share is not required but is strongly encouraged (see Section C.2. on Cost

Sharing or Matching). Cost-share is an evaluation criterion (see Section E.1.). Cost sharing may be made through direct cash contributions, third-party in-kind contributions, or combinations thereof. Cost-share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award. Reclamation will not make funds available until cost-share funding is secured or Reclamation determines there is enough evidence and likelihood that non-Federal cost-share funds will be available to the applicant after executing the agreement.

5) Is the project period required to be 36 months?

Answer: No, the maximum project period is 36 months, but the project duration can be shorter.

6) Where can I see past projects that were awarded through the 2023 funding opportunity offered through the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program?

Answer: Descriptions of past projects are available at this link:

https://www.usbr.gov/research/snow/2023%20SNOFO%20Project%20Descriptions%2009.28.

23_508.pdf

7) What proposal elements are included in the 12-page maximum page limit?

Answer: The 12-page limit includes all elements described in section D.2.1.4. It does not include other required or recommended application elements (Sections D.2.1.5, D.2.2, A.1.1.1).

8) The NOFO states that a minimum of $3,000,000 will be available (subject to number of proposals submitted and requested funds, technical merit, and availability of funds). Will more than $3,000,000 be available?

Answer: Additional funding may be made available for award, subject to other program activities. An exact amount cannot be provided at this time, but a minimum of $3,000,000 will be available.

Contact bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov and Chris Frans, cfrans@usbr.gov with further questions about the FY 2024 Snow Water Supply Forecasting funding opportunity.

https://www.usbr.gov/research/snow/2023%20SNOFO%20Project%20Descriptions%2009.28.23_508.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/research/snow/2023%20SNOFO%20Project%20Descriptions%2009.28.23_508.pdf mailto:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov mailto:cfrans@usbr.gov