Bay Delta Restoration Program CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants for FY 2025 and 2026_FINAL.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior December 2024

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R25AS00432

Bay-Delta Restoration Program:

CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026

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: Whiskeytown Reservoir (Reclamation/Ben Nelson)

Synopsis i

Synopsis Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Interior Region 10:

California-Great Basin Funding Opportunity Title: Bay-Delta Restoration Program: CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Funding Opportunity Number:

R25AS00432

Assistance Listing: 15.570 CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Application due date:

February 13, 2025, 3:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST)

Funding available for projects submitted is contingent on available appropriations.

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Applicants eligible to receive financial assistance to fund activities under this NOFO include:

Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the CALFED Solution area within the State of California.

Recipient Cost-Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

Non-Federal Sources: At least 50% of total project cost.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.2)

Up to $500,000 per agreement.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.3)

Approximately 2-4, each fiscal year, depending on requested funding amounts for selected projects and appropriations.

Intergovernmental Review:

(See NOFO Sec. D.5)

This NOFO 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 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf

Application Checklist iii

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

Mandatory Application Components: Required content Page

Mandatory Federal Forms:

• SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance (Office of

Management and Budget [OMB])

• SF-424A: Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs (OMB) or SF-424C: Budget Information – Construction Programs (OMB)

• SF-424B: Assurances - Non-Construction Programs (OMB) or SF-424D Assurances – Construction Programs (OMB)

• OMB Form 4040-0013: Certification Regarding Lobbying

See Sec. D.2.2.1 20

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 31

Project Narrative Attachment Form (Technical Proposal and evaluation criteria)

See Sec. D.2.2.2 and E.1 21 & 35

Budget Narrative Attachment Form (Project Budget): See Sec D.2.2.3 25

Budget proposal Funding plan Budget narrative

Recommended Application Components: Required content Page

Environmental and cultural resources compliance See Sec. D.2.2.5 28

Required permits or approvals See Sec. D.2.2.6 28

Overlap or duplication of effort statement See Sec D.2.2.7 29

Conflict of interest disclosure statement See Sec D.2.2.8 29

Uniform audit reporting statement See Sec D.2.2.9 30

SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)

(OMB)

See section D.2.2.10 30

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.11 30

Official Resolution See Sec. D.2.2.12 31

OMB Form 4040-0019: Project Abstract Summary See Sec D.2.2.13 31

Acronyms and Abbreviations v

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 CWMP Cooperative Watershed Management Program D&B Dun & Bradstreet Department U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System EA Environmental Assessment EIN Employer Identification Number EIS Environmental Impact Statement E.O. Executive Order EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FOIA Freedom of Information Act FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY fiscal year IBC Interior Business Center PDT/PST Pacific Daylight/Standard Time 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 OMB Office of Management and Budget P.L. Public Law PSC Product Service Code Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation SAM System for Award Management SF Standard Form SPOC Single Point of Contact UEI Unique Entity Identifier U.S.C. United States Code USACE United States Army Corp of Engineers USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey West Western United States

Contents vii

Contents Page

Section A: Program Description A.1. Authority A.2. Background and Program Requirements A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Purpose and Objectives A.4. Program Requirements A.5. Definitions A.6. Other Related Funding Opportunities

Section B. Federal Award Information B.1. Total Funding B.2. Expected Award Amount B.3. Number of Awards B.4. Type of Award B.5. Technical Assistance

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1 Eligible Applicants C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching C.3 Other C.4 Eligible Projects C.5 Ineligible 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 (SAM) D.4. Submission Date and Time D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Funding Restrictions

Section E. Application Review Information E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria E.2. Review and Selection Process E.3. Current Responsibilities/Qualifications Information

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. Disclosures F.5. Data Availability (2 CFR §1402.315)

Section G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) G.1. Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact

Section H. Other Information H.1. Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations H.2. Endangered Species Act

Section B. Federal Award Information

Section A: Program Description

A.1. Authority

This 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 111-11 (42 United States Code 10364).

A.2. Background and Program Requirements

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is a participating agency in the Bay-Delta Restoration Program. The CALFED Bay-Delta Program Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Environmental Impact Review was released July 21, 2000, and the Record of Decision (ROD) was published August 28, 2000. As described in these documents, the Bay- Delta Restoration Program includes strategies to address ecosystem health, water supply reliability, and water quality. Water use efficiency is a critical element in the successful implementation of the Bay-Delta Restoration Program.

The goals (objectives) of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program include, but are not limited to:

• Goal 1: Reduce existing irrecoverable losses, increasing the overall volume of available water;

• Goal 2: Achieve multiple state-wide benefits;

• Goal 3: Preserve local flexibility; and

• Goal 4: Build on existing water use efficiency programs.

More information on the Bay-Delta Program can be found at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/bdo/index.html.

A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Purpose and Objectives Reclamation is posting a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for cost-share funding for water use efficiency and conservation activities.

Through this NOFO, Reclamation provides funding for projects that increase water reliability and improve water management, including the use of expanded technologies and improved capabilities. This NOFO also provides funding consistent with the priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (E.O. 14008). The CALFED Bay-Delta Program will advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative. Established by E.O. 14008, the Justice40 Initiative has made it a goal that 40 https://www.usbr.gov/mp/bdo/index.html percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments, such as climate, clean energy, and other areas, flow to disadvantaged communities.

A.4. Program Requirements

Reclamation is posting a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for cost-share funding for water use efficiency and conservation activities. To be eligible for financial assistance, a proposed activity must have a defined relationship to the California Bay-Delta.

A.5. Definitions This NOFO covers one application submittal period for both FY2025 and FY2026 which closes February 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. PST.

A.6. Other Related Funding Opportunities

WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Project Grants. Reclamation provides funding on a 50/50 cost-share basis for the construction of 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.

WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants. Financial assistance is provided on a 50/50 cost-share basis for the construction of projects that conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the production of hydropower, mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict, and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the Western United States.

WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects. Reclamation provides 50/50 cost share funding to irrigation and water districts, tribes, states and other entities with water or power delivery authority for small water efficiency improvements that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Projects eligible for funding include installation of flow measurement or automation in a specific part of a water delivery system, lining of a section of a canal to address seepage, or other similar projects that are limited in scope.

B.1. Total Funding

For FY 2025, up to $1.5 million may be made available for award under this NOFO through the Bay-Delta Restoration Program, contingent upon appropriations. Funding in FY 2026 is contingent upon appropriations, and this NOFO will be updated accordingly as the appropriation information becomes available. Project funds are limited to eligible applicants within the CALFED Solution Area. See Section C.1 for more information.

B.2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award: $500,000

Minimum Award: $0

Up to $500,000 per project may be awarded. Reclamation encourages entities to apply for any level of funding up to $500,000. Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration by each applicant; however, no more than $500,000 per project, and $1 million per recipient during a single application submittal period, will be awarded under this NOFO.

The combined Federal share (i.e., Reclamation’s share plus any other sources of Federal funding) of any one (1) proposed project shall not exceed 50 percent (50%) 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.

Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

Reclamation expects to notify potential award recipients on or around May 2025. Notification letters will also be sent to unsuccessful applicants during the same time frame. Three (3) to six

(6) months after notification, financial assistance agreements will be awarded to applicants that successfully pass all pre-award reviews and clearances.

Anticipated Project Completion

Priority will be given to projects that can be completed within two (2) years from the date of award.

B.3. Number of Awards

Approximately 2 - 4 awards each fiscal year, depending on the amount requested by each applicant and the amount of Federal funding available, will be awarded under this NOFO.

B.4. 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.

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 Ms. Anna Sutton, Program Coordinator, at asutton@usbr.gov.

B.5. 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.

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1 Eligible Applicants

Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

Applicants must be located in the CALFED solution area. For the geographic extent of the CALFED Solution Area please refer to the map available at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/docs/calfed-solution-area.pdf.

C.1.1 Ineligible Applicants Those not eligible include the following types of entities:

• Federal governmental entities.

• Institutions of higher education.

• Individuals.

• 501(c)4 organizations.

• 501(c)6 organizations.

C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

Under this NOFO Non-Federal Sources shall be at least 50% of total project cost. See Section D.2.2.10. Project Budget for information on reporting cost share funding in your application. All cost-share contributions must meet the applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200.

C.3 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 can not award funds to them.

https://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/docs/calfed-solution-area.pdf https://sam.gov/content/exclusions https://sam.gov/content/exclusions

C.4 Eligible Projects

Projects should seek to conserve and use water more efficiently, protect endangered and threatened species, and result in quantifiable and reliable water savings or improved water management.

The Bay-Delta Restoration Program: CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants Program will fund feasible urban and agricultural projects that improve ecosystem health (including protection of endangered and threatened species), water supply reliability, or water quality of the California Bay-Delta through water use efficiency and conservation measures that result in quantifiable and reliable water savings or improved water management.

Proposals may include any type of implementation, demonstration, pilot water use efficiency, or conservation projects that have benefits to the California Bay-Delta. Projects that only consist of research or feasibility studies, planning or education will not be funded.

Priority will be given to projects that can be completed within two (2) years from the date of award.

For examples of previously funded projects, please contact Ms. Anna Sutton at asutton@usbr.gov.

Applications may include any one, or a combination of the types of projects below. In general, if an applicant is seeking funding for multiple projects and those projects are interrelated or closely related, they should be combined into one application. Conversely, if the projects can be completed independently and are easily separated or phased, they should be applied for separately.

Applicants may submit multiple project proposals; however, no more than $500,000 will be awarded per proposal, and no more than $1 million per recipient in any given application submittal period.

Projects that result in quantifiable and reliable water savings or improved water management include, but are not limited to:

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 Constructing conveyance improvements, turnouts, pipelines, or intertie systems.

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

Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing water service meters.

o Installing distribution systems meters associated with production and/or leakage quantification.

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 (SCADA) and Automation: 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.)

Groundwater Recharge: Projects that provide savings when surface water storage evaporation is reduced and/or surface runoff is intercepted for recharge. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing recharge ponds.

o Installing surface runoff interception systems.

o Removing impervious surfaces.

Small-Scale Water Recycling and Water Reuse: Small-scale projects that reclaim and reuse wastewaters or naturally impaired groundwater and surface water. Water reuse and recycling projects eligible under this NOFO include, but are not limited to:

o Implementing small-scale improvements to an existing water recycling facility.

o Small-scale projects that develop and supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reuse.

See Section C.5.2 for eligibility limitations on water recycling and water reuse projects.

Landscape Irrigation Measures: Projects that provide water savings by reducing outdoor water usage. These measures are typically promoted by water entities through rebates or direct-install programs. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Removing turf.

o Installing Smart irrigation controllers.

o Installing high-efficiency nozzles (e.g., sprinkler heads).

C.5 Ineligible Projects Projects not eligible for funding under this NOFO include, but are not limited to

C.5.1 Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement (OM&R)

Projects that are considered normal 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., ten (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 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 Ms. Anna Sutton, Program Coordinator, at 916-978-5214 for further information.

C.5.2 Water Reclamation, Recycling, and Reuse

Any project or project elements that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI Water Reclamation or Reuse Project are ineligible for funding under this NOFO. A list of congressionally authorized Title XVI projects can be found at https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html

Any project 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, Public Law 114-322 are ineligible for funding under this NOFO. A list of eligible WIIN projects can be found at https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/feasibility.html.

If a water desalination or recycling project has a total estimated project cost of more than $5 million, that project is ineligible under this NOFO and should be pursued under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program or the WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Desalination Planning and Construction Program. This restriction 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.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/feasibility.html mailto:aerath@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 to submit 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 contacting:

Mr. Pete Arp

Supervisory Grants Management Specialist

E-mail: parp@usbr.gov

Phone: 916-716-9378

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission All applications must conform to the requirements described in this section.

D.2.1. Application Format and Length The Technical Proposal shall be limited to a maximum of thirty (30) pages. The total application package shall be no more than seventy-five (75) consecutively numbered pages. If an application exceeds seventy-five (75) pages, only the first seventy-five (75) pages will be evaluated. The font shall be at least twelve (12) point in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ x 11 inches, except for an occasional larger size for charts, maps and drawings.

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

D.2.2. Application Content The application must include the following elements to be considered complete:

Mandatory Federal Forms Note: Applications submitted by consultants must contain an SF-424 and SF-424B or SF-424D that is signed by an authorized representative of the entity applying. These forms are available at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.

To facilitate fair and timely reviews by the ARC, it is highly recommended that application packages be structured in the order identified above.

mailto:parp@usbr.gov http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Applications will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete or noncompliant applications, or applications not meeting the formatting criteria or not including required materials will be eliminated from competition.

See Section F.2.6. Freedom of Information Act.

D.2.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms

The application must include the following standard Federal forms for an application to be considered complete. Incomplete applications will be screened as ineligible and will not proceed to a merit evaluation by the Application Review Committee. Questions regarding forms should be referred to the Financial Assistance Point of Contact under Section G. Agency Contacts.

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. The SF-424 must contain a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). See D.3 for additional information. Applications that fail to include an SF-424 with a valid UEI will be considered ineligible and will not pass initial screening.

Failure to submit a signed SF-424 with a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-424A or SF-424C Budget Information Form.

A fully completed SF-424A/SF-424C Budget Information must be submitted with the application.

Failure to submit an SF-424A or SF-424C will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-424B or SF-424D Assurances Form.

A SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs 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 signed SF-424B will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

OMB 4040-0013 Certification Regarding Lobbying A fully completed and signed Certification Regarding Lobbying is required if you request more than $100,000 in Federal funding. In signing this form, you must certify that all statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying are true. The Authorized Official’s signature represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

Failure to submit a signed Certification Regarding Lobbying will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

D.2.2.2. Technical Proposal Content

Submission of a technical proposal is mandatory. Applications that fail to fully disclose this information will be considered ineligible and will not pass initial screening.

The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to 30 pages) should include the following sections:

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.

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

Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria Submission of a technical proposal is mandatory. Applications that fail to fully submit a technical proposal will be considered ineligible and will not pass initial screening. The technical proposal and evaluation criteria must be submitted, and it should (limited to 30 pages) include:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Project location

(3) Technical project description

(4) Evaluation criteria

Executive Summary The executive summary should include:

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

• A one paragraph project summary that briefly describes specifies the work proposed, including how project funds will be used to accomplish specific project activities and briefly identifies how the proposed project contributes to accomplishing the goals of this

NOFO.

• List the following amounts, in acre feet (AF):

o The annual water supply for the last complete five (5) years. Be sure to list each source and indicate if this source originates within the California Bay-Delta. For sources with multiple origins, please describe each of those origins.

o The estimated amount of water saved after the project is completed.

o The estimated amount of water better managed after the project is completed.

o If this project will only conserve or better manage water from a single source, please describe.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project (month/year).

• Whether or not the proposed planning efforts are focused on a Federal facility or will involve Federal land.

Project Location Provide specific information on the geographic location of the area in which the work will occur.

For example, {project components} located in {state and county} approximately {distance} miles {direction, e.g., northeast} of {nearest town}. If you are selected for funding, Reclamation may request additional detail regarding your project location.

Technical Project Description The technical project description should describe the work, including specific activities that will be accomplished. This section provides an opportunity for you 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. As part of this discussion, please address the following:

● Eligibility of Applicant: Please write a narrative summary indicating how the applicant meets the eligibility requirements, as described in Section C.1. Eligible Applicants.

● Goals: Discuss your organization’s preliminary goals and objectives for this project.

● Background Data: Provide a map of the area showing the geographic location of the proposed project. For linear projects such as canal lining or piping, please delineate project start and end points. The map should easily identify the project area and major geographic features including roads, streams, reservoirs, towns, canals, laterals, and irrigated lands.

As applicable, describe the source of water supply, 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. Also, identify potential shortfalls in water supply. If water is primarily used for irrigation, describe major crops and total acres served.

In addition, describe the applicant’s water delivery system as appropriate. For agricultural systems, please include the miles of canals, miles of laterals, and existing irrigation improvements (e.g., type, miles, and acres). For municipal systems, please include the number of connections and/or number of water users served and any other relevant information describing the system.

Describe the applicant’s relationship to the California Bay-Delta and quantify the average amount of the applicant’s water supply received from the Delta and other sources over each of the last five (5) years. Discuss the applicant’s ability to manage or influence the District’s runoff to the Bay-Delta, including diversions or exports. Discuss how benefits from this project will directly enhance the Bay-Delta, (e.g., conserved water results in a decrease in Delta diversions).

Identify any past working relationships with Reclamation. This should include the date(s), description of prior relationships with Reclamation, Assistance Agreement Number(s), and a description of the project(s).

Describe any other relevant background information.

● Approach: Briefly describe and summarize any engineering plans, designs, and analyses prepared in connection with the proposed project.

Describe the technical approach and proposed research and testing activities to be conducted under the project. Include enough detail on the proposed technology or approach to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal. The applicant’s understanding will be established not only by the proposed approach, but also by identifying potential challenges that will be faced throughout the proposed testing, and mitigation strategies for these challenges.

As applicable, provide figures such a flow diagram, mass/energy balance, and/or similar ways to describe the proposed technology or approach, including process inputs and outputs. Provide an estimated project schedule demonstrating the stages and duration of the proposed work, including major milestones and dates.

This section is solely intended to provide an understanding of the technical aspects of the project. 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. Please do not duplicate information.

● Bay-Delta Demonstrated Results

Explain how this project will benefit the California Bay-Delta and achieve specific Bay- Delta Restoration Fund objectives for water supply reliability, water quality, and ecosystem restoration.

Describe the degree to which the proposed project increases conservation and/or efficiency overall, and the degree to which it increases conservation and/or efficiency with regard to any individual facilities (e.g., headgate or canal), and the life expectancy of the project or multiple components of the project. In your response, please include the following information in AF:

(a) For proposals that conserve water, the yearly amount of water conserved and the fate of the conserved water (i.e., remains in stream, used for other purposes, etc.).

(b) For projects involving improvements to individual facilities (e.g., a headgate, canal or ditch), state the average annual water supply that runs through the affected facility and the estimated water savings or quantities that will be better managed or managed differently, as a result of facility improvement.

(c) For proposals that improve water management through measurement, automation, or irrigation management, etc., state the yearly amount of water expected to be better managed.

Provide the following information regarding project benefits:

(a) Identify all direct project benefits to the Bay-Delta (e.g., amount of water conserved, water quality, improvement of instream flows, etc.); indicate the number of years such benefits will continue (e.g., the life of any physical improvements, and/or the term of any contractual arrangements); and whether such benefits will occur year-round, or only during certain months of the year (if so, state which months of the year). If the benefit is intermittent, state the likelihood of occurrence, in terms of number of years the benefit is likely to occur (ex. four (4) years out of ten (10) during drought periods).

(b) Identify any indirect benefits such as increased carryover storage, increased irrigation season during drought, improved reliability of water supply. If the time period that such benefits will continue is different from the time period indicated above in response to (a), please explain.

(c) Discuss other benefits from the proposed project which are not included above. Any expected benefits that cannot be quantified should be described in a detailed narrative.

(d) Provide documentation and support for how estimates of direct project benefits and any indirect project benefits were made (i.e., calculations, measurements, and references).

(e) Identify the average annual water supply by source over the most recent five (5) years and which source(s) that originate from the Bay-Delta watershed.

● Need for the Project and Community Involvement

Explain the need for the proposed project. Include:

o The urgency of the project.

o The negative consequences or potential impacts if not implemented.

o Other information relevant to the need of the proposed project.

Describe any public outreach that the applicant has provided to the groups or individuals that may be affected by the project. Include how other local agencies might be involved in the project, third party impacts, and any opposition to the proposed project.

Evaluation Criteria Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria provides a detailed description of each criterion and sub-criterion and points associated with each. The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each criterion and sub-criterion in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your proposal.

Copying and pasting the evaluation criteria and sub-criteria in Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria into your applications is suggested to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

Failure to submit a technical proposal will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

D.2.2.3. Project Budget

The project budget must be submitted, and it should include:

(1) Funding Plan and Letter of Commitment (if applicable)

(2) Budget proposal

(3) Budget narrative

Funding Plan and Letter of Commitment Describe how the non-Federal cost share of project will be obtained. Reclamation will use this information when making a determination of financial capability. Project funding provided by a source other than the applicant should be supported with letters of commitment from these additional sources and should identify the following elements:

• The amount of funding commitment

• The date the funds will be available to the applicant

• Any time constraints on the availability of funds

• Any other contingencies associated with the funding commitment

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

Reclamation will not make funds available for an award under this NOFO until the recipient has secured a non-Federal cost-share. Reclamation will execute a financial assistance agreement once non-Federal funding has been secured or Reclamation determines that there is enough evidence and likelihood that non-Federal funds will be available to the applicant after executing the agreement. If the applicant is unable to provide evidence of secured non-Federal funding by time Reclamation seeks to make an award, Reclamation may use that as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

The funding plan must include all project costs, including:

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

2) Describe any in-kind costs incurred before the anticipated project start date that you seek to include as project costs. Include:

a. What project expenses have been incurred.

b. How they benefitted the project.

c. The amount of the expense.

d. The date of cost incurrence.

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

4) Describe any funding requested or received from other Federal partners. Note: Other sources of Federal funding may not be counted towards your 50 percent (50%) cost-share unless otherwise allowed by statute.

5) Describe any pending funding requests that have not yet been approved and explain how the project will be affected if such funding is denied.

Budget Proposal Submission of a budget proposal is mandatory. The total project cost is the sum of all allowable items of costs, including all required cost sharing and voluntary committed cost sharing, including third-party contributions, that are necessary to complete the project. Please include the following chart (Table 1) to summarize all funding sources. Denote in-kind contributions with an asterisk (*).Unit costs must be provided for all budget items including the cost of services or other work to be provided by consultants and contractors. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the procurement standards for Federal awards found at 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §200.317 through §200.326 before developing their budget proposal.

Failure to submit a budget proposal will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

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

FUNDING SOURCES AMOUNT

Non-Federal Entities

1.

2.

3.

Non-Federal Subtotal

REQUESTED RECLAMATION FUNDING

The budget proposal should include detailed information on the categories listed below and must clearly identify all items of cost, including those that will be contributed as non-Federal cost share by the applicant (required and voluntary), third-party in-kind contributions, and those that will be covered using the funding requested from Reclamation, and any requested pre-award costs (Table 2).

Table 2. —Total Project Cost Table

SOURCE AMOUNT

Costs to be reimbursed with the requested Federal funding $

Costs to be paid by the applicant $ Value of third-party contributions $

TOTAL PROJECT COST $

Budget Narrative Submission of a budget narrative is mandatory. It is also strongly advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown in Table 2 or a similar format that provides this information. If selected for award, successful applicants must submit detailed supporting documentation for all budgeted costs.

The budget narrative provides a discussion of, or explanation for, items included in Section B of the SF-424A. The types of information to describe in the narrative include, but are not limited to, those identified in the Budget Narrative Guidance attached to this NOFO. Applicants may elect to use the Budget Detail and Narrative spreadsheet for their budget narrative. Costs, including the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions, must comply with the applicable cost principles contained in 2 CFR Part §200, available at the Electronic CFR (www.ecfr.gov).

In addition, please identify whether the budget proposal includes any project costs that may be incurred prior to award. For each cost, describe:

http://www.ecfr.gov/

● The project expenditure and amount

● The date of cost incurrence

● How the expenditure benefits the project

Failure to submit a budget proposal will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

D.2.2.4. Pre-Award Costs

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 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 and all other requirements of this NOFO. In no case will costs incurred prior to July 31, 2023 be considered for inclusion in the proposed project budget.

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

In addition, please ensure that the budget proposal includes any project costs that may be incurred prior to award. For each cost, describe:

• The project expenditure and amount

• The date of cost incurrence

• How the expenditure benefits the project

D.2.2.5. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

Please answer the questions from Section H.1. Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations in this section.

D.2.2.6. Required Permits or Approvals

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

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

D.2.2.7. Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement

Applicants should provide a statement that addresses if there is any overlap between the proposed project and any other active or anticipated proposals or projects in terms of activities, costs, or commitment of key personnel. If any overlap exists, applicants must provide a description of the overlap in their application for review.

Applicants must also state if the proposal submitted for consideration under this program does or does not in any way duplicate any proposal or project that has been or will be submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source—whether it be Federal or non- Federal. If such a circumstance exists, applicants must detail when the other duplicative proposal(s) were submitted, to whom (Agency name and Financial Assistance program), and when funding decisions are expected to be announced. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be duplicative of the funding requested from Reclamation, applicants must notify the NOFO point of contact or the Program Coordinator immediately.

D.2.2.8. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, you should state in your application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

Applicability This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial assistance agreements.

In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by sub recipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR§200.318 apply.

Notification Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or pass- through entity in accordance with 2 CFR §200.112.

Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The successful applicant is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by subrecipients.

Restrictions on Lobbying Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR §18 and 31 U.S.C §1352.

Review Procedures The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

Enforcement Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR §200.339, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR §180).

D.2.2.9. Uniform Audit Reporting Statement

All U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, and non-profit organizations expending $1,000,000 in U.S. dollars or more in Federal award funds in your organization’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System in accordance with 2 CFR §200 subpart F. .

U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the Employer Identification Number (EIN) associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

D.2.2.10. SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)

If applicable, a…