BOR-DO-20-F003_Drought_Planning_FOA-Rev01.24.20.pdf

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-20-F003

WaterSMART Drought Response Program:

Drought Contingency Planning Grants for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021

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

Revised January 1, 2020

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

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

Synopsis

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

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

Planning Grants for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021 Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-DO-20-F003

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.514

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. D.4)

This FOA covers two application submittal periods.

Application due date for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 funding:

Wednesday February 5, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

This FOA will be updated to provide a second application deadline for FY 2021 funding.

Funding available for projects submitted under both submittal periods is contingent on available appropriations.

Any amendment to evaluation criteria, priorities, or eligibility would be finalized at least 60 days prior to the second application deadline.

Eligible Applicants:

(See FOA Sec. C.1)

States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the Western United States including Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

In addition, applicants must also participate in a Reclamation technical consultation prior to submission of an application.

Recipient Cost Share:

(See FOA Sec. C.2)

In general, 50 percent or more of total project costs. In exceptional circumstances, a reduction or waiver of the non- Federal cost share may be considered.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. B)

Up to $200,000 per agreement for a project that can be completed within two years.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. B)

Approximately 5-10 projects per application submittal period contingent upon available Federal appropriations.

Intergovernmental Review:

(See FOA Sec. D.5)

This FOA is subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” A list of states that have elected to participate in the intergovernmental review process is at www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf.

i http://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf

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Application Checklist

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

√ What to submit Required content Form or format When to submit

Mandatory Federal Forms:

Application for Federal Financial Assistance

Budget Information

Assurances

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 *

Technical proposal:

Executive summary

Background data

Project location

Project description

Evaluation criteria

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. E.1

Project Budget:

Funding plan

Budget proposal

Budget narrative

See Sec. D.2.2.5

See Sec. D.2.2.5

See Sec. D.2.2.5

Required permits or approvals

See Sec. D.2.2.6 *

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.8 *

Official Resolutions See Sec. D.2.2.9 **

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 ***

* Submit materials with your application.

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

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

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

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations Department U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FOIA Freedom of Information Act FY fiscal year P.L. Public Law Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation SAM System of Award Management SPOC Single Point of Contact Task Force Drought Planning Task Force U.S.C. United States Code 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. Assistance Instrument

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements C.3. Eligible Projects C.4. Required Project Components

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

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

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

Section G. Agency Contacts G.1. Financial Assistance Contact G.2. Program Coordinator Contact

Attachment 1. Request for a Cost Share Reduction or Waiver Attachment 2. Project Requirements Project Components Required Elements for New Plans or Plan Updates 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.

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

This FOA supports the development and update of drought contingency plans that will build long-term resiliency to drought.

Through this FOA, Reclamation provides funding for planning that, when implemented, will increase water reliability and improve water management through the use of expanded technologies and improved modeling capabilities, consistent with sections 3 and 4 of the October 19, 2018, Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West.

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

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

http://www.usbr.gov/drought/ https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart

A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement

The objective of this FOA is to invite states, tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing drought contingency planning with Reclamation to build resilience to drought in advance of a crisis. Applicants under this FOA may request funding to develop a new drought plan or to update an existing drought plan (collectively, Drought Contingency Plans).

A.3. Statutory Authority This FOA is issued under the authority of Title I of the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991 (Public Law (P.L.) 102-250, 43 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 2201, et seq.), as amended.

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities The Drought Resiliency Projects FOA includes financial assistance provided under the Drought Response Program, on a 50/50 cost share basis, to complete projects that will build long-term resilience to drought by increasing the reliability of water supplies, improving water management or providing benefits for fish and wildlife and the environment.

For information on the FOA listed here, please visit the WaterSMART Program website at www.usbr.gov/watersmart.

http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding The President’s FY 2020 budget includes $2.9 million for the Drought Response Program. Reclamation will determine the final amount of funding available for award under this FOA once final FY 2020 appropriations have been made.

Information about FY 2021 funding will be provided when appropriations information is released. The amount of funding available for awards under this FOA will depend on the demand for funding under this and other elements of the Drought Response Program.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) for any project generally shall not exceed 50 percent of the total 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.

A maximum of $200,000 in Federal funding may be allocated to proposals awarded funding under this FOA. Generally, the non-Federal share of costs must be expended at the same or greater rate as the Federal share of costs.

Note: For the purposes of this FOA, the terms “project” and “plan” are used interchangeably and refer to the applicant’s proposed Drought Contingency Plan.

B.3. Assistance Instrument Awards will be made through cooperative agreements. Recipients should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project. Substantial involvement by Reclamation will 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 will include review, input, and approval at key interim stages of the plan, including input regarding the composition of the Drought Planning Task Force (Task Force), review and acceptance of detailed work plans, and review of the Drought Contingency Plan for conformance to program goals and objectives.

At the request of the recipient, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award of the project. If you receive Reclamation’s assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget. To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact the program coordinator identified in Section G. Agency Contacts.

The cooperative agreement for the project will consist of two phases: Phase I for the establishment of a Task Force and development of a Detailed Work Plan (includes Communication and Outreach Plan) and Phase II for the plan development. Initially, the cooperative agreement will be limited to Phase I activities and will only obligate the Federal share of the estimated costs for the completion of these activities. In addition, the initial period of performance for the cooperative agreement will be limited to the time necessary to complete Phase I activities (generally six months). Reclamation will work closely with the recipient to develop a detailed work plan that will meet program requirements. After the detailed work plan is reviewed and accepted by Reclamation, the agreement will be modified to incorporate the costs of Phase II activities, obligate the remaining Federal funds, and extend the period of performance.

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants An eligible applicant is a state, tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority that completes the required technical consultation described below.

Applicants must also be in one of the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

To be eligible under this FOA, applicants must participate in a technical consultation with Reclamation staff prior to development of a proposal. During this technical consultation, the Reclamation Drought Coordinator and regional Reclamation staff will discuss Drought Response Program objectives, the six required elements of a drought plan or plan update, planning steps, and eligible tasks. The technical consultation will provide interested applicants an opportunity to ask questions about the Drought Response Program and ensure that there is a clear understanding of program requirements. Reclamation reserves the right to remove an application from consideration if a technical consultation was not completed.

To schedule a technical consultation, contact the program coordinator identified in Section G. Agency Contacts.

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

• Federal governmental entities

• Institutions of higher education

• Individuals

• 501(c)4 organizations

• 501(c)6 organizations

C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements In general, applicants must be capable of cost sharing 50 percent or more of the total costs of the Drought Contingency Plan (also referred to as Project Costs).

Applicants with sufficient resources may choose to contribute a non-Federal cost share that is greater than 50 percent in order to develop more complex plans. Cost sharing may be made through cash or in-kind contributions or donations from the applicant or third-party partners. Cost share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or state grants) should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award. Please see Section D.2.2.5. Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment and D.2.2.9. Official Resolution for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost sharing requirements.

In exceptional circumstances and upon request of the applicant, Reclamation may reduce or waive the non-Federal cost share requirement, if an overwhelming Federal interest and a significant financial need are identified. The criteria used by Reclamation to evaluate requests to reduce or waive the non-Federal cost share requirement are set forth below. Applicants requesting a reduction or waiver of the non-Federal cost share must state their request in their proposal and include the required information demonstrating support for the existence of an overwhelming Federal interest and financial hardship, as indicated in Attachment

1. The documentation will not count towards the page total limitations set forth in Section D.2.1. Application Format and Length.

C.2.1. Cost Share Regulations

All cost-share contributions must meet the applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov.

C.2.2. Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

Third-party in-kind contributions may be in the form of equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the proposed project. The cost or value of third-party in-kind contributions that have been or will be relied on to satisfy a cost-sharing or matching requirement for another Federal financial assistance agreement, a Federal procurement contract, or any other award of Federal funds may not be relied on to satisfy the cost-share requirement for an award under this FOA. 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. 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

Proposals for the development of a new Drought Contingency Plan (Task A), or an update to an existing plan (Task B), are eligible for funding under this FOA.

Projects funded under this FOA must include the required project components identified in Section C.4. Required Project Components.

C.3.2. Ineligible Projects

Proposals for the development of planning studies, other than Drought Contingency Plans, are not eligible for funding under this FOA. This includes http://www.ecfr.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/ proposals for the development of appraisal investigations, feasibility studies, special studies, Basin Studies, or studies authorized under the Title XVI Water Recycling and Reuse Program, through P.L.102-575, as amended (43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.), or under the Rural Water Program, pursuant to the Rural Water Supply Act of 2006, P.L.109-451 (www.usbr.gov/ruralwater).

Proposals for development of one or more elements of a drought contingency plan that would not result in a completed plan within the timeframe listed in this FOA are not eligible for funding consideration.

C.3.3. Length of Projects

Projects funded under this FOA should be completed within two years of award, including the required Reclamation review of the Drought Contingency Plan.

C.4. Required Project Components Proposed projects submitted in response to this FOA should be divided into two phases (Phase I and Phase II) and must include each of the project components described below. The program requirements described here are intended to increase the transparency of the planning process, encourage collaboration and participation by interested stakeholders, and ensure that the Drought Contingency Plan will meet program requirements upon completion.

C.4.1.Phase I

Phase I must include the Establishment of a Drought Planning Task Force, Development of a Detailed Work Plan, and Development of a Communication and Outreach Plan. Additional information regarding Phase I is described in Attachment 2.

C.4.2.Phase II

After the detailed work plan is reviewed and accepted by Reclamation, the planning lead will then develop the plan or plan update including the required drought contingency plan elements described in Attachment 2.

http://www.usbr.gov/ruralwater

Section D. Application and Submission Information

Section D. Application and Submission Information

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

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

By mail: Bureau of Reclamation Financial Assistance Support Section Attn: Ms. Irene Hoiby P.O. Box 25007, MS 84-27814 Denver, CO 80225

By email: ihoiby@usbr.gov

By telephone: 303-445-2025

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

D.2.1. Application Format and Length

The technical proposal and criteria section (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 15 consecutively numbered pages. If this section of the application exceeds 15 pages, only the first 15 pages will be evaluated. The font shall be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ by 11 inches, including charts, maps, and drawings. Margins should be standard 1-inch margins.

Oversized pages will not be accepted.

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

D.2.2. Application Content

The application must include the following elements to be considered complete:

• Mandatory Federal Forms:

o SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance o SF-424A Budget Information Non-Construction Programs o SF-424B Assurances Non-Construction Programs mailto:ihoiby@usbr.gov o SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)

These forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf- 424-family.html.

• Title page

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to 15 pages):

o Executive summary o Background data o Project location o Project description o Evaluation criteria

• Project budget:

o Funding plan and letters of commitment o Budget proposal o Budget narrative

• Required permits or approvals

• Existing drought contingency plan (if applicable)

• Letters of project support

• Official resolution

• Request for cost share reduction or waiver and supporting documentation (if applicable)

D.2.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms The application must include the following standard Federal forms.

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

A fully completed SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project must be submitted with the application. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-424 Budget Information

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

SF-424 Assurances

A SF-424B Assurances for Non-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-424B or SF-424D may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

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

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

D.2.2.2. Title Page Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, email address, and telephone of the project manager.

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

D.2.2.4. Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (15 pages maximum) include:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Background data

(3) Project location

(4) Project description

(5) Evaluation criteria

Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

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

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

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

• Whether or not a Reclamation project, facility, or activity is located within the geographic area to be addressed in the proposed Drought Contingency Plan.

Background Data

Provide a general description of the area to be addressed in the proposed Drought Contingency Plan, including a description of the source(s) of water supply, the water rights involved, the current water uses (e.g., agricultural, municipal, domestic, industrial, environmental and recreation), the number of water users served, and the current and projected water demand, if available. If water is primarily used for irrigation, describe major crops and total acres served.

Identify any past working relationships with Reclamation. This should include the date(s), description of the relationship(s) with Reclamation, and a description of the projects(s).

Project Location

Provide specific information on the proposed planning area (e.g., watershed, basin, county). Please also provide location information for the planning area (i.e., outline of the area) in one of the following formats:

1. Shapefile (.shp)

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

3. PDF map (.pdf)

Project Description

The project description should describe the work in detail, including specific activities that will be accomplished. This description shall have sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal. The project description should clearly indicate if the proposal is for Task A (Develop Drought Contingency Plan) or Task B (Update Drought Contingency Plan). Proposals should address the requirements for conducting a drought contingency plan or plan update under the Drought Response Program, identified in Attachment 2.

Evaluation Criteria

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

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

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

D.2.2.5. Project Budget The project budget includes:

(1) Funding plan and letters of commitment

(2) Budget proposal

(3) Budget narrative

Note: Budget proposals should not include costs that have already been incurred or are anticipated to be incurred prior to the award of the financial assistance agreement. Pre-award costs are not authorized for projects funded under this FOA.

Please note that the costs for preparing and applying 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 project budget.

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.

Budget Proposal

The total project cost (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.

Tables 1 and 2 should include the combined costs for both Phase I and II.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the full amount of Federal funding, as non-Federal cost-share permits. This amount will be refined during Phase I of the cooperative agreement.

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 contributions $

TOTAL PROJECT COST $

Table 2.—Summary of Non-Federal and Federal Funding Sources

FUNDING SOURCES AMOUNT

Non-Federal Entities

1.

2.

3.

Non-Federal Subtotal

REQUESTED RECLAMATION FUNDING

Budget proposals should only include the costs associated with the completion of Phase I project components. The budget proposal for Phase II will be developed during Phase I.

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

It is also strongly advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown below in Table 3 or a similar format that provides this information. If selected for award, successful applicants must submit detailed supporting documentation for all budgeted costs.

Table 3 should be used to describe only the costs associated with Phase I. The budget proposal for Phase II will be developed during Phase I.

Table 3.—Sample Budget Proposal Format

COMPUTATION

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION 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 $ Supplies and Materials Item A $ Item B $ Contractual/Construction Contractor A $ Contractor B $ Third-Party Contributions Third-Party Contributions $ 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, 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 third-party in-kind contributions, must comply with the applicable cost principles contained in 2 CFR Part §200, available at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (www.ecfr.gov).

The budget narrative should support Table 3 (i.e., only describe costs associated with Phase I).

Salaries and Wages

Indicate the Project Manager and other key personnel by name and title. The Project Manger 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 position. 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.3. 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. Note: travel costs incurred by contractors should not be included in this section but can be included in the contract cost estimate.

Equipment

Budget proposals should not include the purchase of equipment. Per 2 CFR §200.33, equipment means tangible personal property (including information technology systems) having a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established by the non-Federal entity for financial statement purposes, or $5,000.

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, past experience, engineering estimates, or other methodology). Note: If the materials/supplies will be provided by a consultant, the costs should be included in the consultant 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. Please note that all procurements with an anticipated aggregate value that exceeds the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (currently $10,000) must use a competitive procurement method (see 2 CFR §200.320 – Methods of procurement to be followed). Only contracts for architectural/engineering services can be awarded using a qualifications-based procurement method. If a qualifications-based procurement method is used, profit must be negotiated as a separate element of the contract price. See 2 CFR §200.317 through §200.326 for additional information regarding procurements, including required contract content.

Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

Identify all work that will be accomplished by third-party contributors, 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. Third-party in-kind contributions, including contracts, must comply with all applicable administrative and cost principles criteria, established in 2 CFR Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov, and all other requirements of this FOA.

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. No profit or fee will be allowed.

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. For further information on modified total direct costs, refer to 2 CFR §200.68 available at www.ecfr.gov. If the proposed project is selected for award, the recipient will be required to submit an indirect cost rate proposal with their cognizant agency within 3 months of award.

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 Interior, the Interior Business Center, and Indirect Cost Services, at www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services.

D.2.2.6. Required Permits or Approvals Applicants must state in the application whether any permits or approvals are required and explain the plan for obtaining such permits or approvals.

D.2.2.7. Existing Drought Contingency Plan (if applicable) If there is an existing drought contingency plan addressing the relevant geographic area, please attach a copy (or relevant sections) of the existing plan.

D.2.2.8. Letters of Support To demonstrate that the planning process will include a diverse range of stakeholders, please include letters from interested stakeholders supporting the development of a new drought contingency plan or plan update. Letters should describe the stakeholder’s support and their specific interest in the planning process.

To ensure your proposal is accurately reviewed, please attach all letters of support/ partnership letters as an appendix. Letters of support received after the application deadline for this FOA will not considered in the evaluation of the proposed project.

https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services

D.2.2.9. Official Resolution Include an official resolution adopted by the applicant’s board of directors or governing body, or, for State government entities, an official authorized to commit the applicant to the financial and legal obligations associated with receipt of a financial assistance award under this FOA, verifying:

• The identity of the official with legal authority to enter into an agreement

• The board of directors, governing body, or appropriate official who has reviewed and supports the application submitted

• The capability of the applicant to provide the amount of funding and/or in-kind contributions specified in the funding plan

• That the applicant will work with Reclamation to meet established deadlines for entering into a grant or cooperative agreement

An official resolution meeting the requirements set forth above is mandatory.

If the applicant is unable to submit the official resolution by the application deadline because of the timing of board meetings or other justifiable reasons, the official resolution may be submitted up to 30 days after the application deadline.

D.2.2.10. Cost-Share Reduction or Waiver (if applicable) Applicants requesting a reduction or waiver of the non-Federal cost share must state their request in their proposal and include the required information demonstrating support for the existence of an overwhelming Federal interest and financial hardship, as indicated in Attachment 1.

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

All applicants (unless the applicant has an exception approved by Reclamation under 2 CFR §25.110[d]) are required to:

(i) be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting its application;

(ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and

(iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

Meeting the requirements set forth above is mandatory. If the applicant is unable to complete registration by the application deadline, the unique entity http:D.2.2.10 identifier must be obtained, and SAM registration must be initiated within 30 days after the application deadline in order to be considered for selection and award.

Reclamation will not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time Reclamation is ready to make an award, Reclamation may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

D.4. Submission Date and Time This FOA includes two submittal periods. The application submission deadlines are:

• February 5, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time for FY 2020 funding; and

• This FOA will be updated to provide a second application deadline for FY 2021 funding, contingent on appropriations.

Proposals received after the application deadline will not be considered unless it is determined that the delay was caused by Reclamation mishandling or technical issues with the Grants.gov application system. Please note that difficulties related to an applicant’s Grants.gov profile (e.g., incorrect organizational representative), the upload of documents to Grants.gov, or an applicant’s SAM registration are not considered technical issues with the Grants.gov system.

Please note that any application submitted for funding under this FOA may be subjected to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request (5 U.S.C. Section 552 as amended by P.L. No. 110-175), and as a result, may be made publicly available. Following awards of funding, Reclamation will post successful applications on the Reclamation website, www.usbr.gov/drought after conducting any redactions determined necessary by Reclamation, in consultation with the recipient.

D.4.1. Application Delivery Instructions

The application may be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) or a hard copy may be submitted to either one of the following addresses. Under no circumstances will applications received through any other method (such as email or fax) be considered eligible for award.

By mail or USPS Bureau of Reclamation overnight services: Financial Assistance Support Section

Attn: Ms. Irene Hoiby P.O. Box 25007, MS 84-27814 Denver, CO 80225 http://www.usbr.gov/drought http://www.grants.gov/ http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov

All other express delivery:

Bureau of Reclamation mail services Attn: Ms. Irene Hoiby Denver Federal Center 6th Avenue and Kipling Street Bldg.56 Dock S6 Denver, CO 80225

By courier services: Bureau of Reclamation Attn: Ms. Irene Hoiby Denver Federal Center 6th Avenue and Kipling Street Bldg. 56 Dock S6 Denver, CO 80225

D.4.2. Instructions for Submission of Project Application

Each applicant should submit an application in accordance with the instructions contained in this section.

D.4.2.1. Applications Submitted by Mail, Express Delivery or Courier Services Please follow these instructions to submit your application by mail, express delivery, or courier services.

• Applicants should submit one copy of all application documents for hardcopy submissions. Only use a binder clip for documents submitted.

Do not staple or otherwise bind application documents.

• Hard copy applications may be submitted by mail, express delivery, or courier services to the addresses identified in this FOA.

• Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package and may result in the application being rejected or not funded.

This does not apply to letters of support, funding commitment letters, or official resolutions.

• Faxed and emailed copies of application documents will not be accepted.

• Do not include a cover letter or company literature/brochure with the application. All pertinent information must be included in the application package.

D.4.2.2. Applications Submitted Electronically If the applicant chooses to submit an electronic application, it must be submitted through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov). Reclamation encourages applicants to http://www.grants.gov/ submit their applications for funding electronically through the URL:

www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. Applicant resource documents and a full set of instructions for registering with Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) and completing and submitting applications online are available at:

www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

• Please note that submission of an application electronically requires prior registration through Grants.gov, which may take 7 to 21 days. Please see registration instructions at www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. In addition, please note that the Grants.gov system only accepts applications submitted by individuals that are registered and active in SAM as both a user and an Authorized Organizational Representative.

• Applicants have experienced significant delays when attempting to submit applications through Grants.gov. If you plan to submit your application through Grants.gov you are encouraged to submit your application several days prior to the application deadline. If you are a properly registered Grants.gov applicant and encounter problems with the Grants.gov application submission process, you must contact the Grants.gov Help Desk to obtain a case number. This case number will provide evidence of your attempt to submit an application prior to the submission deadline.

Regardless of the delivery method used, you must ensure that your proposal arrives by the date and time deadline stated in this FOA. Applications received after this date and time due to weather or express delivery/courier performance will not be considered for award. Late applications will not be considered unless it is determined that the delay was caused by Reclamation mishandling or technical issues with the Grants.gov application system. Please note that difficulties related to an applicant’s Grants.gov profile (e.g., incorrect organizational representative), the upload of documents to Grants.gov, or an applicant’s SAM registration are not considered technical issues with the Grants.gov system.

D.4.2.3. Acknowledgement of Application Receipt If an application is submitted by mail, express delivery, or courier, Reclamation will notify you in writing that your application was received.

If an application is submitted through Grants.gov, you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of the application from Grants.gov. In addition, Reclamation will notify you in writing whether your application was successfully retrieved from Grants.gov.

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