FY21 CWMP Phase II FOA_revised.pdf

WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase II

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-21-F002

U.S. Department of the Interior September 2020

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

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

Cover Photo: Photo shows Tennessee Creek near the confluence of the East Fork Arkansas River in winter with snow on the Continental Divide in Colorado. (Reclamation/Alex Stephen)

Synopsis

Synopsis

Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Water Resource and Planning Office

Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP) Phase II

Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-DO-21-F002

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.554

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. D.4)

Application due date:

Tuesday, November 17, 2020, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

Eligible Applicants:

(See FOA Sec. C.1)

Established watershed groups as defined in the Section 6001(5) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act (Act) that also meet the requirements outlined in Section 6002(c)(2)(A)(iv) of the Act, and are 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, and the Virgin Islands, or a fiscal agent of an established watershed group as described in Section C.1. of this

FOA

Recipient Cost Share:

(See FOA Sec. C.2)

50 percent or more of project costs

Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

Up to $300,000 per applicant

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

It is anticipated that 6 - 10 awards may be funded under this

FOA.

iii

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 Mandatory Federal Forms:

Application for Federal Financial Assistance

Budget Information

Assurances

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Title page

Table of contents

Technical proposal:

Executive summary

Technical project description

Performance Measures

Evaluation Criteria

Project Budget:

Funding plan

Budget proposal

Budget narrative

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

Required permits or approvals

Letters of support

Official Resolutions

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

Required content See Sec. D.2.2.1

See Sec. D.2.2.2

See Sec. D.2.2.3

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. E.1

See Sec. D.2.2.5

See Sec. D.2.2.5

See Sec. D.2.2.5

See Sec. B.3.

See Sec. D.2.2.7

See Sec. D.2.2.9

See Sec. D.2.2.10

See Sec. D.3

Form or format SF-424, SF-424C, SF-424D and SF-LLL forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

When to submit

* Submit materials with your application.

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

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

iv

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Acronyms and Abbreviations ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act CWMP Cooperative Watershed Management Program Department U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement ESA Endangered Species Act FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FOIA Freedom of Information Act FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY fiscal year MTDC Modified Total Direct Costs NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration OM&R operations, maintenance and replacement P.L. Public Law SAM System for Award Management SPOC Single Point of Contact Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation ROD Record of Decision USACE United States Army Corp of Engineers U.S.C. United States Code USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow v

Contents

Contents Page

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Program Information A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement A.3. Statutory Authority A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding B.2. Project Funding Limitations B.3. Environmental and Cultural Resource Compliance B.4. Assistance Instrument

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements C.3. Eligible Projects

Section D. Application and Submission Information D.1. Address to Request Application Package D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management D.4. Submission Date and Time D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Automated Standard Application for Payments Registration

Section E. Application Review Information E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria E.2. Review and Selection Process E.3. Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System E.4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date

Section F. Federal Award Administration Information F.1. Federal Award Notices F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements F.3. Sufficiency Report F.4. Reporting—Requirements and Distribution F.5. Conflicts of Interest F.6. Data Availability F.7. Releasing Applications

Section G. Agency Contacts 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. Background on Federal Environmental and Cultural Resource Laws vii

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information 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 reliability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts. WaterSMART provides support for the Department’s priorities, including creating a legacy of conservation stewardship, sustainably developing our energy and natural resources, modernizing our infrastructure through public-private partnerships, striking a regulatory balance, and restoring trust with local communities by improving relationships and communication with states, tribes, local governments, communities, landowners, and water users.

WaterSMART also supports Reclamation’s priorities, including increasing water supplies, leveraging science and technology to improve water supply reliability, addressing ongoing drought, and improving water supplies for tribal and rural communities.

Through the Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP), Reclamation provides funding to watershed groups to encourage diverse stakeholders to form local solutions to address their water management needs. By providing this funding Reclamation promotes water reliability and cooperation between stakeholders to reduce conflict, facilitate solutions to complex water issues, and stretch limited water supplies.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) provides funding to watershed groups for Phase II projects to implement on-the-ground watershed management projects. For further information on the CWMP see www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/index.html

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

A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement The objective of this FOA is to invite established watershed groups comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, which have completed a watershed restoration plan, and are capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources to submit proposals for watershed management projects under Phase II of the CWMP. Funding provided under this FOA may be used to implement on-the-ground watershed management projects, collaboratively developed by members of a watershed group, that will address critical water supply needs, water quality concerns, and restoration needs, helping water users meet competing demands and avoid conflicts over water. A “watershed group,” www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/index.html

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description as defined in Section 6001(5) (see Section A.2. Statutory Authority for full citation) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act is a grassroots, non-regulatory entity that addresses water availability and quality issues within the relevant watershed, is capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources in the watershed, makes decisions on a consensus basis, and represents a diverse group of stakeholders, including hydroelectric producers, livestock grazing, timber production, land development, recreation or tourism, irrigated agriculture, the environment, municipal water supplies, private property owners, Federal, state and local governments, and tribes. (See Section 6001(5) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act for the statutory definition of a “watershed group”).

A.3. Statutory Authority This FOA is issued under the authority of Section 6002 of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Subtitle A of Title VI of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.)

111-11 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 10364).

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities Reclamation also provides financial assistance to watershed groups for watershed group development, restoration planning, and watershed management project design through Phase I of the CWMP.

In addition, Reclamation provides funding for water management projects through several other programs under WaterSMART. Through WaterSMART Grants, Reclamation provides three funding opportunities. Water and Energy Efficiency Grants focus on projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and projects that increase hydropower use. The Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects 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. Finally, Water Marketing Strategy Grants provide support for entities exploring actions that can be taken to develop or facilitate water marketing.

Through the Drought Response Program, Reclamation provides funding to help build resilience to drought. Through Drought Contingency Planning, Reclamation supports the development of drought contingency plans with participation from a diverse set of stakeholders. Reclamation also provides funding for Drought Resiliency Projects supported by an existing drought contingency plan to build long term resilience to drought.

For information on the FOAs listed here, please visit the WaterSMART Program website:

www.usbr.gov/watersmart.

www.usbr.gov/watersmart

Section B: Award Information

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Project Funding Approximately, $2 million is available for this FOA. This FOA may be canceled if appropriations are insufficient to support new awards. Applications submitted under this FOA may also be considered if other funding becomes available in fiscal year (FY) 2021 or subsequently.

Updated funding information is available at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/index.html.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations Up to $300,000 in Federal funds per applicant will be available through this FOA to implement on-the-ground watershed management projects that will address critical water supply needs, water quality concerns, and restoration needs. A more detailed description of eligible projects is included in Section C.3 Eligible Projects.

For projects funded under this FOA, up to $300,000 in Federal funds may be awarded over the period of performance.

Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration. HHowever, no more than $300,000 may be awarded to any one applicant under this FOA.

B.3. Environmental and Cultural Resource Compliance All projects selected for funding under this FOA will be required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other Federal environmental and cultural resource laws and other regulations.

B.4. Assistance Instrument Project awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements as applicable to each project.

If a cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project.

Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

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

www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/index.html

Section B: Award Information

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 anticipate requesting 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

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants An eligible applicant is an established watershed group as defined in Section 6001(5) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act that has met the requirements outlined in Section 6002(c)(2)(A)(iv) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act (see Section A.3. Statutory Authority for full citation). An established watershed group may also apply through a fiscal agent as defined below. The watershed group must be a grassroots, non-regulatory entity that addresses water availability and quality issues within the relevant watershed, represents a diverse group of stakeholders, and be capable of promoting water supply reliability in the watershed. The watershed group must also have either approved articles of incorporation and bylaws, or a fiscal agent; have an approved mission statement; hold regular meetings; and have developed a restoration plan and project concepts for the watershed (see Section D.2.2.8. Documentation in Support of Applicant Eligibility).

Applicants, including an established watershed group or their fiscal agent, must also be located in the Western United States or Territories 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, and the Virgin Islands.

To be eligible to apply, a fiscal agent must have permission to apply on behalf of an eligible watershed group. A fiscal agent must also be capable of applying for, accepting and administering Federal funding on the group’s behalf. A fiscal agent includes states, Indian tribes, local and special districts (e.g., irrigation and water districts, conservation districts), local governmental entities, interstate organizations, institutes of higher education, and non-profit organizations, that otherwise meet the requirements in this section.

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

• Federal government entities

• 501(c)(4) organizations

• 501(c)(6) organizations

• Individuals

C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 550 percent or more of the total project costs. The total project cost is defined as the total allowable costs incurred under a Federal award and all required cost share and voluntary committed cost-share contributions, including third-party contributions.

Cost share may be made through cash, costs contributed by the applicant, or third-party in-kind contributions. Third-party in-kind contributions is the value of non-cash contributions of property or services that benefit the federally assisted project and are contributed by non-Federal third parties, without charge. Cost share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or state grants) should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award. Please see Section D.2.2.10. Official Resolution and Section D.2.2.5. Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment 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) §200, available at www.ecfr.gov.

C.2.2. Third-Party In-Kind Contributions Third-party in-kind contributions may be in the form of equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the proposed project. The cost or value of third-party in-kind contributions that have been or will be relied on to satisfy a cost-sharing or matching requirement for another Federal financial assistance agreement, a Federal procurement contract, or any other award of Federal funds may not be relied on to satisfy the cost-share requirement for an award under this FOA. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 Contributions and donations for regulations regarding the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

C.3. Eligible Projects

C.3.1. Eligible Projects Reclamation will provide funding for projects that implement local solutions to address critical water supply needs, water quality concerns, and restoration needs in a watershed; conserve water for multiple uses; and reduce conflicts over water through collaborative conservation efforts in the management of local watersheds.

The project types section below describes projects eligible for funding under this FOA. Other projects that are similar to the types listed below may be submitted for consideration and will be allowed to the extent consistent with program authorization and goals. In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple projects (for example, a project to restore and enhance floodplains and a water management project) and the projects are interrelated or closely related, they should be combined in one application.

http:www.ecfr.gov http:www.ecfr.gov http:D.2.2.10

C.3.1.1. Project Types Eligible projects include watershed management activities that address critical water supply needs, water quality concerns, and restoration needs that will benefit multiple water uses in the watershed (e.g., agricultural, municipal, tribal, environmental, recreation).

Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Improving stream channel structure and complexity;

• Improving channel/floodplain connectivity;

• Protecting and stabilizing stream and riverbanks;

• Reducing erosion;

• Improving water delivery systems to increase efficiency or other projects to address water supply needs;

• Providing fish passage;

• Removing invasive species and restoring vegetation;

• Influencing water temperature or improving the timing or volume of available flows at particular locations to improve aquatic conditions; and

• Other watershed management projects that will address water supply needs, water quality concerns, and restoration needs in the watershed.

Note: Projects may include some monitoring, mapping, and modeling activities to support the primary on-the-ground project components. However, costs for these activities should not exceed 30 percent of the total project cost.

C.3.1.2. Eligibility of Training, Education and Outreach Activities To be considered eligible activities, all stakeholder education and outreach activities must be directly linked to the proposed on-the-ground watershed management project. General education activities, the implementation of citizen science training programs, or general staff training are not eligible under this FOA. Note: The Application Review Committee (ARC) has the discretion to determine whether a specific education activity, training, or conference is eligible (see Section E.2.2. Application Review Committee).

C.3.2. Ineligible Projects Projects not eligible for funding under this FOA include scientific research and the project types identified immediately below.

C.3.2.1. 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., 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

• Completion of one-time leak detection surveys

Applicants that have questions regarding OM&R are encouraged to contact the program coordinator listed in Section G. Agency Contacts, prior to the application deadline for further information.

C.3.2.2. Projects to Adhere to Specific Regulatory Requirements Projects or elements of projects addressing specific regulatory requirements mandated by a state or Federal agency action or a court order, and project components that are required to comply with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), are not eligible for funding under this program. However, funding may be used to support more general activities, including recovery actions under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). For more information, contact the program coordinator listed in Section G. Agency Contacts, prior to the application deadline.

C.3.2.3. Reclamation, Reuse, and Desalination Water reclamation, reuse, and desalination projects are not eligible for funding under this FOA.

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 Amanda Erath at 303-445-2766 or aerath@usbr.gov.

C.3.2.4. Water and Land Purchases and Easements A project that proposes using Federal funding primarily for the purchase of water or land, or to secure an easement, is not eligible under this FOA.

C.3.2.5. Building Construction A project that proposes to construct a building is not eligible for Federal funding under this FOA (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or to promote public awareness of water conservation).

C.3.2.6. On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Improvements Projects to conduct on-farm irrigation efficiency improvements are not eligible under this FOA.

Applicants interested in on-farm improvements should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to investigate opportunities for mailto:aerath@usbr.gov

Federal assistance. For more information on NRCS programs, including application deadlines and a description of available funding, please contact your local NRCS office or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov for further contact information in your area.

C.3.2.7. 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 FOA.

C.3.3. Construction Start Date Restrictions Proposed projects shall not have a construction start date that is prior to September 1, 2021, for funding under this FOA.

C.3.4. Length of Projects In general, proposed projects should be completed within two years of award. Applications for projects requiring three years to be completed may be considered if support can be provided for why more time is required (e.g., additional time is needed for permitting, land access, environmental and cultural resources compliance, or for more complex projects).

http:www.nrcs.usda.gov

Section D: Application and Submission Information

Section D. Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package This document contains all information, forms, and electronic addresses required to obtain the information required for submission of an application.

If you are unable to access this information electronically, you can request paper copies of any of the documents referenced in this FOA by contacting:

By mail: Bureau of Reclamation Financial Assistance Operations Attn: Mr. Edmund Weakland P.O. Box 25007, MS 84-27814 Denver, CO 80225

By e-mail: eweakland@usbr.gov By telephone: 303-445-3757

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission All applications must conform to the requirements set forth below.

D.2.1. Application Format and Length The technical proposal and evaluation criteria section (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 335 consecutively numbered pages. If this section of the application exceeds 35 pages, only the first 35 pages will be evaluated. Other required application content will not count towards the page limitation. 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 page number limitation.

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

Mandatory Federal Forms o SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance o SF-424C Budget Information Construction Programs o SF-424D Assurances Construction Programs o SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable) mailto:eweakland@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 335 pages) o Executive summary o Project Location o Technical project description o Performance measures o Evaluation criteria

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

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance

• Required permits or approvals

• Documentation in support of applicant eligibility o Watershed group that meets the Definition of a “Watershed Group,” as defined in Section 6001(5) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, or the fiscal agent of a watershed group that meets this definition Articles of incorporation and bylaws o Mission statement o Meetings o Watershed management and/or restoration plan

• Letters of project support

• Official resolution

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.

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

SF-424C Budget Information

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

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.

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

D.2.2.2. Title Page Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, e-mail address, and telephone of the project manager. Note: The project manager should be either an employee or Board Member.

D.2.2.3. Table of Contents List all major sections of the proposal in the table of contents.

D.2.2.4. Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (335 pages maximum) includes:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Project Location

(3) Technical project description

(4) Performance Measures

(5) Evaluation Criteria

Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

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

• 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, watershed concerns in your project area and how this project is expected to help alleviate impacts of those conditions, and identify any planning documents that support the project. This information will be used to create a summary of your project for our website if the project is selected for funding.

EExample: The Southern Idaho Water Quality Coalition based in Twin Falls, Idaho, will construct a series of sediment and phosphorous removal ponds on the O Coulee Canal and the Auger Falls Lateral 43 Canal. The project is expected to prevent approximately 1,150 tons of sediment and 2,385 pounds of phosphorus from entering the Snake River annually and will help the Twin Falls Canal company meet their reduction requirement under the Snake River Total Maximum Load Management Plan. The project will improve water quality in the Middle Snake River downstream of the project, which will benefit downstream water users and aquatic habitat conditions for freshwater snail and trout species. The Coalition prioritized this project as part of its collaboratively developed Middle Snake River Watershed Master Plan, which serves as a guide for collaborative efforts to restore the Middle Snake River. The Coalition includes representatives of canal companies, municipalities, county governments, local businesses, environmental consultants, and groups representing environmental, agricultural, and aquaculture interests.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project including the construction start date (mm/year). Note, proposed projects should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to September 2021.

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

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. Briefly describe how the project will address critical water supply needs, water quality concerns, and restoration needs of the watershed; and identify the expected outcomes 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.

Performance Measures

All applicants are required to propose a method (performance measure) of quantifying the benefits of their proposed project once it is implemented. Quantifying project benefits is an important means to determine the relative effectiveness of various water management efforts, as well as the overall effectiveness of the project.

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

Evaluation Criteria

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

The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each criterion and subcriterion in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your proposal.

IIt 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.

D.2.2.5. Project Budget The project budget includes:

1. Funding plan and letters of commitment

2. Budget proposal

3. Budget narrative

Project costs for environmental and cultural compliance and engineering/design that were incurred or are anticipated to be incurred prior to award should be included in the proposed project budget. If the proposed project is selected, the awarding Reclamation Grants Officer will review the proposed pre-award costs to determine if they are consistent with program objectives and are allowable in accordance with the authorizing legislation. Proposed pre-award costs must also be compliant with all applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 CFR §200, available at www.ecfr.gov, and all other requirements of this FOA. In no case will costs incurred prior to July 1, 2020, be considered for inclusion in the proposed project budget. Note, proposed projects should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to September 2021 (see Section C.3.3. Construction Start Date Restrictions).

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

Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment

Describe how the non-Federal share of project costs will be obtained. Reclamation will use this information in making a determination of financial capability.

Project funding provided by a source other than the applicant shall be supported with letters of commitment from these additional sources. Letters of commitment shall identify the following elements:

• The amount of funding commitment

• The date the funds will be available to the applicant

• Any time constraints on the availability of funds

• Any other contingencies associated with the funding commitment

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

Reclamation will not make funds available for an award under this FOA until the recipient has secured non-Federal cost share. Reclamation will execute a financial assistance agreement once non-Federal funding has been secured or Reclamation determines that there is sufficient evidence and likelihood that non-Federal funds will be available to the applicant subsequent to executing the agreement.

Please identify the sources of the non-Federal cost-share contribution for the project, including:

• Any monetary contributions by the applicant towards the cost-share requirement and source of funds (e.g., reserve account, tax revenue, and/or assessments).

• Any costs that will be contributed by the applicant.

• Any third-party in-kind costs (i.e., goods and services provided by a third party).

• Any cash requested or received from other non-Federal entities.

• Any pending funding requests (i.e., grants or loans) that have not yet been approved and explain how the project will be affected if such funding is denied.

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

o The project expenditure and amount o The date of cost incurrence o How the expenditure benefits the Project

Budget Proposal

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 in-kind contributions, that are necessary to complete the project.

Table 1 - 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 in-kind contributions $

TOTAL PROJECT COST $

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. 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 standards for procurement transactions for Federal awards found at 2 CFR §200.317 through §200.326 before developing the budget proposal.

It is also strongly advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown below 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.

Table 2 - Sample Budget Proposal Format

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION

COMPUTATION Quantity

Type

TOTAL

COST $/Unit Quantity

Salaries and Wages

Employee 1 $

Employee 2 $

Employee 3 $

Fringe Benefits

Full-Time Employees $

Part-Time Employees $

Travel

Trip 1 $

Trip 2 $

Trip 3 $

Equipment

Item A $

Item B $

Item C $

Supplies and Materials

Item A $

Item B $

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION

COMPUTATION Quantity

Type

TOTAL

COST $/Unit Quantity

Contractual/Construction

Contractor A $

Contractor B $

Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

Contributor B

Contributor A $

Other

Other $

TOTAL DIRECT COSTS $

Indirect Costs

Type of rate percentage $base $

TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS $

Budget Narrative

Submission of a budget narrative is mandatory. An award will not be made to any applicant who fails to fully disclose this information. The budget narrative provides a discussion of, or explanation for, all items included in the budget proposal. The types of information to describe in the narrative include, but are not limited to, those listed in the following subsections. Costs, including the valuation of in-kind contributions, must comply with the applicable cost principles contained in 2 CFR §200, available at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (www.ecfr.gov/).

Salaries and Wages Indicate the Project Manager and other key personnel by name and title. The Project Manager must be an employee or board member of the applicant. Other personnel should be indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries and wages, estimated hours or percent of time, and rate of compensation. The labor rates must identify the direct labor rate separate from the fringe rate or fringe cost for each category. All labor estimates must be allocated to specific tasks as outlined in the applicant’s technical project description. Labor rates and proposed hours shall be displayed for each task.

The budget proposal and narrative should include estimated hours for compliance with reporting requirements, including final project and evaluation. Please see Section F.4 Reporting—Requirements and Distribution for information on types and frequency of reports required.

Generally, salaries of administrative and/or clerical personnel will be included as a portion of the stated indirect costs. If these salaries can be adequately documented as direct costs, they should be included in this section; however, a justification should be included in the budget narrative.

Fringe Benefits Identify the rates/amounts, what costs are included in this category, and the basis of the rate computations. Federally approved rate agreements are acceptable for compliance with this item.

Travel Identify the purpose of each anticipated trip, destination, number of persons traveling, length of stay, and all travel costs including airfare (basis for rate used), per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation.

Equipment If equipment will be purchased, itemize all equipment valued at or greater than $5,000. For each item, identify why it is needed for the completion of the project and how the equipment was priced.

Note: if the value is less than $5,000, the item should be included under materials and supplies.

If equipment is being rented, specify the number of hours and the hourly rate. Local rental rates are only accepted for equipment actually being rented or leased.

If the applicant intends to use their own equipment for the purposes of the project, the proposed usage rates should fall within the equipment usage rates outlined by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) within their Construction Equipment Ownership and Operating Expense Schedule (EP 1110-1-8) at www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer- Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38/%20./Note: If the equipment will be furnished and installed under a construction contract, it should be included in the construction contract cost estimate.

Materials and Supplies Itemize supplies by major category, unit price, quantity, and purpose, such as whether the items are needed for office use, research, or construction. Identify how these costs were estimated (i.e., quotes, invoices from a previous similar project, engineering estimates, or other methodology). Note:

if the items will be furnished and installed under a construction contract, the materials/supplies should be included in the construction contract cost estimate.

Contractual Identify all work that will be accomplished by consultants, or contractors, including a breakdown of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each task. For each proposed contract, identify the procurement method that will be used to select the consultant or contractor and the basis for selection.

www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer

Third-Party In-Kind Contributions Identify all work that will be accomplished by third-party contributors or volunteers, including a breakdown of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each task.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs

Prior to awarding financial assistance, Reclamation must first ensure compliance with Federal environmental and cultural resources laws and other regulations (“compliance”). Every project funded under this program will have compliance activities undertaken by Reclamation and the recipient. The types of projects funded under this FOA (i.e., watershed management projects) typically incur relatively high compliance costs (e.g., between $30,000 and $50,000 per project).

While Reclamation may be able to complete a portion of its compliance activities without additional cost to the recipient, in cases where compliance requires significant participation by Reclamation, such costs will be added as a line item to the budget during development of the financial assistance agreement and cost shared accordingly (i.e., withheld from the Federal award amount). To account for this uncertainty, we require that you include a line item in the project budget in your proposal for compliance, using 5 percent of the total project costs as the estimated amount that will be cost-shared by the recipient and Reclamation. For example, if your total project costs (including funding requested from Reclamation plus the non-Federal cost share contribution) are equal to $600,000, your budget should include a line item of $30,000 for environmental compliance costs, to be cost-shared by you and Reclamation. Note: In no case may the total amount requested from Reclamation exceed the maximum of $300,000 as provided in this FOA. The actual amount of costs to the recipient associated with compliance will be identified during the process of developing a final project budget for inclusion in the financial assistance agreement. If a portion of the amount budgeted in your proposal for compliance is not needed for compliance activities, that amount may be re-allocated to other project costs during the process of developing a financial assistance agreement, so long as the 50 percent non-Federal cost share contribution is maintained

Other Expenses Any other expenses not included in the above categories shall be listed in this category, along with a description of the item and why it is necessary. Profit and fees are not allowable.

Indirect Costs Indirect costs are costs incurred by the applicant for a common or joint purpose that benefit more than one activity of the organization and are not readily assignable to the activities specifically benefitted without undue effort. Costs that are normally treated as indirect costs include, but are not limited to, administrative salaries and fringe benefits associated with overall financial and organizational administration, operation and maintenance costs for facilities and equipment, and payroll and procurement services. If indirect costs will be incurred, identify the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable cost principles for the applicant’s organization. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

If the applicant has never received a Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, the budget may include a de minimis rate of up to 10 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC). For further information on modified total direct costs, refer to 2 CFR §200.68 available at www.ecfr.gov.

If the applicant does not have a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement and is proposing a rate greater than the de minimis 10 percent rate, include the computational basis for the indirect expense pool and corresponding allocation base for each rate. Information on “Preparing and Submitting Indirect Cost Proposals” is available from the Department’s Interior Business Center, and Indirect Cost Services, at www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost- services.