BOR-MP-18-F003 AWCE FINAL 1.3.18.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior Mid-Pacific Region Sacramento, California Bureau of Reclamation January 2018

Funding Opportunity Announcement No: BOR-MP-18-F003

Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency Grants

Fostering District/Farmer Partnerships

(Pictures provided by South San Joaquin Irrigation District)

Mission Statements

The U.S. Department of the Interior protects America’s natural resources and heritage, honors our cultures and tribal communities, and supplies the energy to power our future.

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.

The mission of the United States Department of Agriculture is to provide leadership on food, agricultural, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.

The Natural Resources Conservation Services works with land owners through conservation planning and assistance designed to benefit the soil, water, air, plants, and animals that result in productive lands and healthy ecosystems.

Synopsis iii

Synopsis Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region

Funding Opportunity Title: Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency (AWCE) Grants

Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Funding Opportunity Number: BOR-MP-18-F003

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.507

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. IV.B)

Application due date:

March 6, 2018 1:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST)

Eligible Applicants:

(See FOA Sec. III.A)

Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the state of California.

Recipient Cost Share:

(See FOA Sec. III.E)

Non-Federal Sources: At least 50% of costs

Estimated Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. II.B)

Up to $1,000,000 per agreement

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. II.B)

Approximately 6-12, depending on requested funding amounts for selected projects

Estimated Total Amount of Funding Available for Award:

(See FOA Sec. II.A)

The President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget includes a request for up to $5 million for AWCE Grants.

Reclamation will determine the amount of funding available for award for this AWCE FOA once final FY 2018 appropriations have been made. Awards are subject to a determination by Reclamation that FY 2018 appropriations are available and that awards can be made consistent with all program requirements.

Applications submitted under this FOA also may be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2018 or subsequently. This FOA may be canceled at any time if sufficient funding is not available. Subsequently, if FY 2018 funding is not received, selected projects may be awarded in FY 2019 using FY 2019 funds.

v

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

√ What to submit Required content Form or format

When to submit Cover page See Sec.

IV.D.4.a.

Form SF 424, available at:

<http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLink s?family=15> Page 16

Assurances See Sec.

IV.D.4.b.

Form SF 424B or SF 424D, as applicable, available at:

<http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLink s?family=15> Page 16

Title page See Sec.

IV.D.4.c.

Page 16 *

Table of contents See Sec.

IV.D.4.d.

Page 16 *

Technical proposal:

• Executive Summary

• Background data

• Project description

• Evaluation Categories

See Sec.

IV.D.4.e.

Pages17

Environmental compliance and potential impacts

IV.D.4.f.

Required permits and approvals

IV.D.4.g.

Official resolution See Sec.

IV.D.4.h.

Page 26 **

ASAP Verification See Sec.

IV.D.4.i.

Page 26 *

SAM Verification See Sec.

IV.D.4.j.

Page 26 *

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

See Sec.

IV.D.4.k.

Page 26 *

Project budget proposal:

Funding plan General requirements Budget Table Budget Narrative Budget form (SF-424A or C)

IV.D.4.l.

Pages 26-33

* Submit materials with your application by 1:00 pm PST March 6, 2018 ** Documents should be submitted with your application; however, refer to the applicable Section of the FOA for extended submission dates.

http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15 http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15 http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15 vi

Acronyms and Abbreviations AOR Authorized Organization Representatives ASAP Automated System Application for Payment AWCE Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency CEQ Council on Environmental Quality CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number CPA Certified Public Accountant CVP Central Valley Project DUNS Data Universal Number System E-Biz POC E-Business Point of Contact EIN Employer Identification Number EPA Environmental Protection Agency EQIP Environmental Quality Incentive Program ESA Endangered Species Act ET Evapotranspiration FAQ Frequently Asked Question FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement GO Grants Officer IFAP Interim Federal Action Plan IRS Internal Revenue Service MOU Memorandum of Understanding NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service O&M Operation and maintenance OMB Office of Management and Budget OM&R Operations, maintenance, and replacement PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation SAM System for Award Management SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition SOR System Optimization Review SWP State Water Project TIN Taxpayer Identification Number USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USDA United Stated Department of Agriculture USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Contents vii

Page

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description I.A. Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency Grants I.B. Objective of Funding Opportunity Announcement I.C. Program Authority

Section II. Award Information II.A. Total Project Funding II.B. Project Funding Limitations II.C. Reclamation Responsibilities II.D. Award Date

Section III. Eligibility Information III.A. Eligible Applicants III.B. Eligible Projects III.C. Ineligible Projects

III.C.1. District Operations, Maintenance and Replacement (OM&R) III.C.2. Title XVI Water Recycling and Reuse III.C.3. On-Farm Efficiency Projects

III.D. Length of Projects III.E. Cost-Sharing Requirement

III.E.1. Cost-Share Regulations III.E.2. In-kind Contributions III.E.3. Pre-Award Costs III.E.4. Indirect Costs

III.F. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance III.G. Requirements for Agricultural Operations [Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(B)] III.H. Other Requirements

III.H.1. Title to Improvements [Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D)] 11 III.H.2. Operation and Maintenance Costs [Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(E)(iv)] 11 III.H.3. Liability [Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(F)] III.H.4. System Registration

Section IV. Application and Submission Information IV.A. Address to Request Application Package IV.B. Application Submission Date and Time IV.C. Application Delivery Instructions IV.D. Instructions for Submission of Project Application

IV.D.1. Applications Submitted Electronically IV.D.2. Applications Submitted by Mail IV.D.3. Application Format and Length IV.D.4. Application Content

IV.E. Funding Restrictions Section V. Application Review Information

V.A. Review and Selection Process V.A.1. First-Level Evaluation - Initial Screening V.A.2. Second-Level Evaluation - Application Review Committee (ARC)36 V.A.3. Third-Level Evaluation – Red Flag Review V.A.4. Fourth-Level Evaluation - Managerial Review viii

V.B. Pre-Award Clearances and Approvals Section VI. Award Administration Information

VI.A. Award Notices VI.B. Award Document VI.C. Reporting Requirements and Distribution

VI.C.1. Financial Reports VI.C.2. Program Performance Reports VI.C.3. Significant Development Reports

VI.D. Water Savings Validation Section VII. Agency Contacts Section VIII. Other Information

VIII.A. Performance Measures VIII.B. Environmental Compliance Requirements

VIII.B.1. Review within the Application Evaluation Process VIII.B.2. Review of Projects Recommended for Funding VIII.B.3. Overview of Relevant Environmental Laws

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

I.A. Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency Grants

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are collaborating to make federal funding available in California to improve the efficiency of agricultural water use throughout the state. The projects funded through this partnership in FY 2018 will help communities build resilience to drought, including the modernization of their water infrastructure and the efficient use of scarce water resources, while supporting the agricultural economy.

Reclamation has authority to provide financial assistance to entities, such as Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority, whereas NRCS has the authority to provide on-farm assistance. Applicants with water or power delivery authority may seek funding under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), and NRCS funding, in turn, will potentially be made available where the needed on-farm conservation practices complement the projects selected through this FOA. The complementary NRCS Farm Bill program is the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) Program, which is the primary program that addresses water quantity, water quality, and other conservation practices. These (EQIP) funds would be in addition to those available through the regular local NRCS program. EQIP funding amounts are established to cover a substantial portion of the on-farm conservation practice costs.

Water conservation and efficiency improvement projects implemented since the Reclamation/NRCS partnership was established in 2011 have helped water purveyors and producers prepare for and respond to the current drought conditions. The $8.9 million in Reclamation funds invested through that program has already saved, conserved or resulted in better management of 260,000 acre feet of water each year by purveyors as well as increasing water efficiencies on farm by an average of 25 percent.

I.B. Objective of Funding Opportunity Announcement

The objective of this AWCE FOA is to invite Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, water districts and other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the state of California to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on projects that save water, improve water management, improve energy efficiency, and benefit endangered species.

Water conservation and water use efficiency are critical elements of any plan to address these resource issues. Projects that achieve this by directly enabling on-farm water conservation or water use efficiency projects that can be undertaken by farmers and ranchers remain a high priority for this program. Reclamation and NRCS are encouraging water suppliers to work with farmers to identify roles suppliers play to facilitate and/or assist with on-farm improvements.

Under this funding opportunity announcement, additional consideration will be given under Section IV.D.4.e.(4) Category 6 – NRCS Collaboration for proposals that describe on-farm efficiency work that is anticipated to be completed in collaboration with NRCS in the area (e.g., with a direct connection to the district’s water supply). Please contact your state NRCS office for more information regarding NRCS assistance. You can find the contact information for your state NRCS office on the USDA’s website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ca/contact/local/

In coordination with NRCS, Reclamation will select applicants for funding under this FOA.

Successful applicants will enter into a financial assistance agreement with Reclamation.

NRCS will provide accelerated technical and financial assistance to farmers and ranchers in the project service area, through the USDA EQIP program, 1) for those successful FOA projects that include activities or elements that facilitate on-farm improvement, 2) where a number of farmers are likely to participate and 3) where EQIP applicants and projects meet EQIP program eligibility requirements. NRCS will have a separate application process for the on-farm components of selected projects, and will contact successful applicants that are potentially eligible for additional EQIP funding after applicants have signed an agreement with Reclamation.

For example, District X has 10 miles of earthen canal that loses a substantial amount of water through seepage into a saline sink. In its application for funding under this FOA, District X explains that their farmer needs assessment concluded that by piping those 10 miles of canal, Y number of farmers who receive water deliveries from this canal will be able to pressurize their irrigation systems and convert to micro-drip instead of furrow irrigation. In its application, District X also notes that conversion to micro-drip has the ability to save a substantial amount of water in addition to the water savings that will result directly from District X’s piping project. If District X is successful at securing a grant award under this FOA to pipe its canal, farmers and ranchers in District X’s service area will be invited to apply for NRCS funding.

NRCS will make financial and technical assistance available to the farmers receiving water from District X’s canal to purchase and install the micro-drip systems.

Figure 1: Illustration of a cooperative Reclamation/NRCS effort with project costs and funding sources noted.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ca/contact/local/

I.C. Program Authority

This FOA is issued under the authority of P.L. 111-11(42 USC 10364), Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Subtitle F, Secure Water, Section 9504(a) Water Management Improvement.

Section II. Award Information

II.A. Total Project Funding

Up to $5.0 million is estimated to be available for award under this FOA through the Water and Related Resources Program funding. Water and Related Resources Program funding for this FOA is limited to projects within the State of California.

II.B. Project Funding Limitations

Up to $5.0 million in Federal funds will be available for awards of up to $1,000,000 per project. Reclamation encourages entities to apply for any level of funding up to $1,000,000.

There is no funding assistance minimum under this FOA, and all funding requests will equally be considered. Estimated number of agreements to be awarded: 6-12.

The combined federal share (Reclamation’s share plus any other sources of federal funding) of any one proposed project shall not exceed 50 percent of the total project costs for selected projects. Note: this does not include NRCS funds since NRCS funds are provided to individual farmers and ranchers.

On-farm components cannot be included in the project costs unless the applicant will directly provide materials or assistance to famers or ranchers within their service area. Components intended for NRCS assistance are not eligible for inclusion as costs of a project described in an application for funding under this FOA. Refer to Figure 1, page 3.

Multiple applications from one entity for different projects may be submitted for consideration under this FOA. However, only one agreement per applicant will be awarded is under this program.

NRCS will have a separate application process for the on-farm components of selected projects.

II.C. Reclamation Responsibilities

Project awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements as applicable to each project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project. Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

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

• Oversight may include review, input, and approval at key interim stages of the project.

At the request of the recipient, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award of the project. If you receive Reclamation’s assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget. To discuss assistance available and these costs, contact Anna Sutton, Program Coordinator, at asutton@usbr.gov or 916-978-5214.

II.D. Award Date

Reclamation expects to send notification letters to those applicants whose applications have been advanced for further review and consideration, and to unsuccessful applicants, around June 2018. Within one to three months after notification, financial assistance agreements will be awarded to applicants that successfully pass all pre-award reviews and clearances. As soon as the agreements are signed with Reclamation, entities may coordinate with NRCS for the implementation of on-farm components. If FY 2018 funds are not received, selected projects may be awarded in FY 2019 when funds become available.

mailto:glee@usbr.gov

Section III. Eligibility Information

III.A. Eligible Applicants

Under P.L. 111-11, Section 9504, an eligible applicant is any State, Indian tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority.

Applicants must be located in California.

Those not eligible include the following entities, such as:

• Federal governmental entities

• Institutions of higher education

• Individuals

III.B. Eligible Projects

Projects should seek to conserve and use water more efficiently, and result in quantifiable and sustained water savings or improved water management.

Descriptions of various types of eligible projects for funding under this FOA are listed below.

This list is meant to provide examples and is not exhaustive. Projects must be located within California. Applications may include any one, or a combination, of the types of projects below. In general, if an applicant is seeking funding for multiple projects and those projects are interrelated or closely related, they should be combined in one application. Conversely, if the projects can be completed independently and are easily separated or phased, they should be applied for separately.

Applicants may submit multiple project proposals; however, no more than $1,000,000 will be awarded per proposal.

Examples of Reclamation funded District level Water Conservation and Efficiency Projects:

• Structural and operational features that facilitate improved water delivery flexibility to farmers.

• Structural and operational features that facilitate farmers converting to more efficient irrigation systems (clean water, pressurization, etc.).

• Automating farm water ordering and water use data access by farmers to facilitate on-farm improvements.

• Develop on-line crop water use tools for use by farmers.

• Canal lining and piping.

• Automating canal gates or other control structures with associated telemetry equipment for offsite control.

• Installing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) programs to remotely monitor and operate key river and canal facilities.

• Installing advanced water measurement equipment, such as acoustic meters, magnetic meters, propeller meters, and weirs or flumes with reliable continuous totalizing sensors and recorders.

• Constructing facilities to allow or increase aquifer recharge.

• Installing recycled water pipelines for the delivery of treated urban waste water for agricultural use.

Projects that address endangered species concerns or include habitat improvement components will receive additional consideration.

Examples of NRCS funded On-Farm Efficiency Projects:

• Conversion to more efficient irrigation systems.

• Irrigation tailwater collection and reuse.

• Retrofit to facilitate recycled water use where allowed by water quality and food safety regulations.

• On-farm irrigation system/management evaluations.

• Irrigation scheduling services, software/ equipment.

III.C. Ineligible Projects

Projects that are ineligible for funding under this FOA include, but are not limited to those discussed in this section.

III.C.1. District Operations, Maintenance and Replacement (OM&R) Projects that are considered normal District 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.

• Replacing broken meters with new meters of the same type.

• Replacing leaky pipes with new pipes of the same type.

III.C.2. Title XVI Water Recycling and Reuse Title XVI is Reclamation’s water recycling and reuse program, focused on identifying and investigating opportunities to reclaim and reuse wastewaters and naturally impaired ground and surface water. In general, this FOA is not intended for water recycling and reuse projects. Note, however, that small-scale improvements that relate to an existing water recycling facility (that is not an authorized Title XVI project) may be considered eligible for funding.

Any projects or project elements that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI project of Public Law 102-575, as amended (43 United States Code 390h et seq.), are not eligible for funding under this FOA. In addition, if a project sponsor is likely to seek funding for the activity through the Title XVI Program in the future (e.g., seeking Congressional funding for the project or preparing a Title XVI feasibility study that describes the activity as part of a proposed Title XVI project) that activity should be pursued under the Title XVI Program instead of this FOA.

III.C.3. On-Farm Efficiency Projects Examples of ineligible NRCS funded On-Farm Projects:

• Projects that have already been installed or applied.

• Projects that do not provide environmental benefits.

• Maintenance on existing facilities.

• Projects submitted by applicants who do not qualify based on ownership type or who exceed adjusted gross income criteria.

III.D. Length of Projects

Proposed projects should be completed by December 31, 2020. Applications for projects requiring more than 2 years will be considered if the applicant can demonstrate that there will be measureable progress towards the project schedule each year. The completion timeline only applies to tasks outlined in the financial assistance agreement signed by successful applicants and Reclamation.

III.E. Cost-Sharing Requirement

Applicants must be able to cost share at least 50 percent of the total project costs. Cost sharing may be made through cash or in-kind contributions 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. Reclamation may approve an award prior to an applicant securing non-Federal cost-share funds if Reclamation determines that there is sufficient evidence and likelihood that the non-Federal funds will be available to the applicant by the start of the project. Funding commitment letters must be submitted in accordance with Section IV.C. and contain the information stated at Section IV.D.4.h.

On-farm components intended for NRCS assistance cannot be included as part of an applicant’s non-Federal cost-share.

III.E.1. Cost-Share Regulations All cost-share contributions must meet the criteria established in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, 2 CFR 200, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments.

III.E.2. In-kind Contributions In-kind contributions constitute the value of noncash contributions that benefit a federally assisted project. These contributions may be in the form of real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable property, as well as the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project or program. The cost or value of 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 AWCE Grant applications.

III.E.3. Pre-Award Costs Project pre-award costs that have been incurred prior to the date of award but after the date of authorization and appropriation for this Program may be submitted for consideration as an allowable portion of the recipient's cost share for the project. In no case will pre-award costs incurred prior to October 1, 2017 be considered for cost share purposes.

For example, such costs might include design or construction plans and environmental compliance costs directly supporting the proposed project. Reclamation will review the proposed pre-award costs to determine if they are allowable in accordance with the authorizing legislation and applicable cost principles. To be considered allowable, any pre-award costs proposed for consideration under the new awards must comply with all applicable requirements under this FOA. Direct costs for the preparation of the application and support documentation are not allowable under this FOA and subsequent awards.

For any eligible NRCS on-farm component, no costs may be incurred before approval and award of NRCS contract to owner or operator.

III.E.4. Indirect Costs Indirect costs that will be incurred during the development or construction of a project, which will not otherwise be recovered, may be included as part of the applicant’s cost share. Indirect costs are those that are:

• Incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one cost objective

• Not readily assignable to any one cost objective

If the applicant proposes indirect costs in the budget, then the applicant must either supply a copy of a current federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement with the Interior Business Center (including the associated indirect cost pool) or obtain an agreement within one year of award. No indirect costs will be reimbursed until a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement is obtained. For further information on indirect costs, refer to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Interior Business Center at:

http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/indirect_cost_services/ICS_Services.cfm

III.F. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

All projects being considered for award funding will require compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) before any ground-disturbing activity may begin.

Compliance with all applicable state, Federal and local environmental, cultural, and paleontological resource protection laws and regulations is also required. These may include, but are not limited to, the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), consultation with potentially affected tribes, and consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO).

Reclamation will be the lead Federal agency for NEPA compliance and will be responsible for evaluating technical information and ensuring that natural resources, cultural, and socioeconomic concerns are appropriately addressed. As the lead agency, Reclamation is solely responsible for determining the appropriate level of NEPA compliance. Further, Reclamation is responsible to ensure that findings under NEPA, and consultations, as appropriate, will support Reclamation’s decision on whether to fund a project. Environmental and cultural resources compliance costs are part of an applicant’s cost share. These costs will be considered in the ranking of applications.

Under no circumstances may an applicant begin any ground-disturbing activities (including grading, clearing, and other preliminary activities) on a project before environmental and cultural resources compliance is complete and Reclamation explicitly authorizes work to proceed. This pertains to all components of the proposed project, including those that are part of the applicant’s non-Federal cost share. Reclamation will provide a successful applicant with information once such compliance is complete, including any necessary determinations solely within Reclamation’s purview. An applicant that proceeds before environmental and cultural resources compliance is complete may risk forfeiting Reclamation funding under this FOA.

http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/indirect_cost_services/ICS_Services.cfm

III.G. Requirements for Agricultural Operations [Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(B)]

In accordance with Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(B) , grants and cooperative agreements under this authority will not be awarded for an improvement to conserve irrigation water unless the applicant agrees to both of the following conditions:

• Not to use any associated water savings to increase the total irrigated acreage of the eligible applicant; and

• Not to otherwise increase the consumptive use of water in the operation of the eligible applicant, as determined pursuant to the law of the State in which the operation of the eligible applicant is located.

III.H. Other Requirements

Applicants shall adhere to Federal, State, Territorial, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as applicable, and shall obtain all required approvals and permits. Applicants shall also coordinate and obtain approvals from site owners and operators.

III.H.1. Title to Improvements [Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D)] If the activities funded through an agreement awarded under this FOA result in an infrastructure improvement to a federally owned facility, the Federal Government shall continue to hold title to the facility and improvements to the facility.

III.H.2. Operation and Maintenance Costs [Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(E)(iv)]

The non-Federal share of the cost of operating and maintaining any infrastructure improvement funded through an agreement awarded under this FOA shall be 100 percent.

III.H.3. Liability [Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(F)]

III.H.3.a. In General Except as provided under chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (commonly known as the “Federal Tort Claims Act”), the United States shall not be liable for monetary damages of any kind for any injury arising out of an act, omission, or occurrence that arises in relation to any facility created or improved through an agreement awarded under this FOA, the title of which is not held by the United States.

III.H.3.b. Tort Claims Act Nothing in this section increases the liability of the United States beyond that provided in chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (commonly known as the “Federal Tort Claims Act”).

III.H.4. System Registration

III.H.4.a. System for Award Management (SAM) All applicants must be registered in the System for Awards Management (SAM) prior to award under this FOA. Instructions for registering for SAM are located at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/#1 . All applicants must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times while they have an active Federal award or an application under consideration.

Applicants must include a screen shot of their SAM account in the application package.

III.H.4.b. Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) ASAP is a Recipient-initiated payment and information system designed to provide a single point of contact for the request and delivery of Federal funds. All applicants must be registered with and willing to process all payments through the Department of Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system. All recipients with active financial assistance agreements with Reclamation must be enrolled in ASAP under the appropriate Agency Location Code(s) and the Data Universal Number System (DUNS) Number prior to the award of funds. If a recipient has multiple DUNS numbers they must separately enroll within ASAP for each unique DUNS Number and/or Agency. All of the information on the enrollment process for recipients, including the enrollment initiation form and the enrollment mailbox can be found at www.usbr.gov/mso/aamd/asap.html.

Note that if your entity is currently enrolled in the ASAP system with an agency other than Reclamation, you must enroll specifically with Reclamation in order to process payments.

Applicants must include a screen shot of their ASAP account in the application package.

https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/#1 http://www.usbr.gov/mso/aamd/asap.html

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.A. 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:

Leanne M. Henderson Grants Management Specialist E-mail: lhenderson@usbr.gov

IV.B. Application Submission Date and Time

Application submission date deadline:

• March 6, 2018, 1:00 p.m. PST

Proposals received after the application deadline will not be considered unless it can be determined that the delay was caused by Federal government mishandling or by the Grants.gov application system.

IV.C. Application Delivery Instructions

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application electronically through http://www.grants.gov or hard copies may be submitted as follows:

By mail or express delivery/mail services:

Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region Attn: Leanne M. Henderson, MP-3829 2800 Cottage Way, Room E-1815 Sacramento, CA 95825-1898 http://www.grants.gov/

IV.D. Instructions for Submission of Project Application

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

IV.D.1. Applications Submitted Electronically

• Applicants may submit their application electronically through Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov.

• Note that submission of an application electronically requires prior registration through Grants.gov, which may take 7-21 days.

• Applicants have occasionally 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.

IV.D.2. Applications Submitted by Mail

• If the applicants choose to submit an application by mail, submit (1) hardcopy of the application document.

• In addition to the hardcopy document, submit a copy of your application on a USB flash drive in Microsoft Word format, and Excel (for spreadsheets only).

• Do not use “comb,” “spiral,” or adhesive methods to bind the documents. Use only binder clips.

• Hardcopy applications may be submitted by mail or express methods to the addresses listed in Section IV.C.

• Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package and may result in the application being rejected or not funded. Do not include a cover letter or company literature/brochure with the application. All pertinent information must be included in the application package.

Regardless of the delivery method used, the applicant must ensure their proposal arrives by the deadline stated in Section IV.B., above. Late applications will not be accepted unless it is determined that the delay was caused by Federal government mishandling or by a problem with the Grants.gov application system.

http://www.grants.gov/

IV.D.2.a. Applying for Funds Online at Grants.gov

• Reclamation is participating in the Grants.gov initiative that provides the grant community with a single website to find and apply for grant funding opportunities.

Applicant resource documents, and a full set of instructions for registering with Grants.gov and completing and submitting applications online are available at:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

• The registration is a one-time process, which is required before representatives of an organization can submit grant application packages electronically through Grants.gov.

The registration process can take three to five business days or one to three weeks— depending on your organization and if all steps are met in a timely manner.

• Some applicants have experienced difficulties when attempting to submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov. If you encounter problems with the Grants.gov application submission process, you must contact the Grants.gov Help Desk to obtain a “Case Number.” This will provide evidence of your attempt to submit an application prior to the submission deadline.

• For assistance with Grants.gov, go to their Support page at: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html .

IV.D.3. Application Format and Length The Technical Proposal section shall be limited to a maximum of 30 pages. The total application package shall be no more than 75 consecutively numbered pages. This includes all attachments and supporting documentation. If an application exceeds 75 pages, the application will not be evaluated. The font shall be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8 ½” x 11,” except for an occasional larger size for charts, maps, or drawings.

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

IV.D.4. Application Content The application must include the following elements in order to be considered complete:

• SF-424 Application cover page

• SF-424 Assurances (B or D Form, as applicable to the project)

• Title page

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal (limited to 30 pages) and evaluation categories o Executive summary o Background data o Technical project description o Evaluation Categories

District Benefits On-farm benefits Water supply sustainability Implementation and Results Innovation NRCS Collaboration http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html

• Environmental and Cultural Compliance

• Required permits and approvals

• Letters of project support (do not submit separately)

• Official board resolution

• Verification of ASAP account

• Verification of SAM account

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)

• Project budget o Funding plan and letters of commitment o Budget proposal o Budget Narrative o SF-424 A or C Form, as applicable to the project

SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-424C and SF-424D forms may be obtained at http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15

IV.D.4.a. SF-424 Application Cover Page This fully completed form must be signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

IV.D.4.b. SF-424 Assurances A SF-424B – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs or an 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-424B or SF-424D may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

IV.D.4.c. 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, telephone, and facsimile numbers of the project manager.

IV.D.4.d. Table of Contents List all major sections of the technical proposal in the table of contents.

IV.D.4.e. Technical Proposal and Evaluation Categories The technical proposal (30 pages maximum) includes: (1) the Executive Summary, (2) Background Data, (3) Project Description, and (4) Evaluation Categories. To ensure accurate and complete scoring of your application, your proposal should address each criterion in the order presented below. Where applicable, the point value is indicated.

Technical Proposal: Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

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

• A one paragraph project summary that briefly identifies how the proposed project contributes to accomplishing the goals of this FOA.

• A statement indicating whether or not the project includes an on-farm component.

• List the following amounts, in acre feet:

o The average annual acre-feet of water supply o The estimated amount of water saved after the project is completed o The estimated amount of water better managed o The extent to which this project will enable on-farm water use efficiency and conservation improvements

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

Technical Proposal: Background Data

Provide a map of the area showing the geographic location of the project. Map should easily identify the project area, and major geographic features including roads, streams, reservoirs, towns, canals, laterals, and irrigated lands. If on-farm improvements are a part of the application, specifically identify fields and acreages to be improved.

• Describe major crops and total acres served.

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

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

Technical Proposal: Project Description

The technical project description should describe the work in detail, including specific activities that will be accomplished as a result of this project. This description shall have sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal.

Technical Proposal: Evaluation Categories

(See Section V for additional details. Including a detailed description of each criterion and sub-criterion and points associated with each.)

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

It is suggested that applicants copy and paste the evaluation criteria and sub-criteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

Table 1. Evaluation Categories and Point Distribution

Category Sub-Category

Allowable Points

Total Allowable Points

1. Benefits 60 Water Conservation and Efficiency 40

Reasonableness of Costs 5 Other Benefits 15

2. On-Farm Efficiencies 40

3. Contributions to Water Supply Sustainability

4. Implementation and Results 15

5. Innovation 5

6. NRCS Collaboration 15 Total 150

The Technical Proposal should thoroughly address each of the categories and related sub-categories to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of the proposal. Each category and sub-category is fully described below. The Technical Proposal should address each category and sub-category in the order presented.

Category 1: Benefits (60 points total)

Benefits includes three sub-categories:

a) Water conservation and efficiency (up to 40 points)

b) Reasonableness of cost (up to 5 points)

c) Other benefits (up to 15 points) including but not limited to endangered or threatened species and/or other direct or indirect benefits not already addressed

Points will be awarded as follows under the Benefits category. See each sub-category for further information.

Sub-category a) Water Conservation and Efficiency (up to 40 points)

Points will be allocated, as described below, to projects that are expected to result in significant water savings.

1. Quantifiable Water Savings: Up to 20 points may be awarded based on the quantifiable water savings expected as a result of the project.

2. Percentage of Total Supply: Up to 10 additional points may be awarded based on the percentage of the applicant’s total average water supply that will be conserved directly as a result of the project.

3. Improved Water Management: Up to 10 points may be awarded if the proposal will improve water management through measurement, automation, advanced water measurement systems, or through other approaches where water savings are not quantifiable.

For this sub-category, the proposal should address the following:

• Describe the amount of water saved. For projects that conserve water, state the estimated amount of water conserved in acre-feet per year (include direct water savings only), that will result as direct benefit from this project. Provide sufficient detail supporting the stated estimate, including any calculations in support of the estimate.

• Describe the percentage of total water supply conserved: State the applicant’s total average annual water supply in acre-feet. (This is the amount actually diverted, pumped, or released from storage, on average, each year. This does not refer to the applicant’s total water right or potential water supply.) Explain how this calculation was made.

• For projects involving improvements to individual facilities (e.g., a head gate, canal, or ditch), state the average annual water supply that runs through the facility and the estimated water savings or quantities that will be better managed or managed differently, in acre-feet, as a result of facility improvement. State the percentage of the average annual water supply to be saved or better managed.

• For proposals that improve water management through measurement, automation, or irrigation management, etc., state the amount of water expected to be better managed, in acre-feet per year and the fate of this water if not for this project. State the percentage of the average annual water supply to be better managed. Explain how this calculation was made. State the existing transport losses and delivery efficiency.

• For all projects involving physical improvements, specify the expected life of the improvement in number of years.

Sub-category b) Reasonableness of Cost (up to 5 points)

Up to 5 points may be awarded for the reasonableness of the cost for the benefits gained.

Include information related to the total project cost, annual acre-feet conserved (or better managed), and the expected life of the improvement. Use the following calculation:

Total Project Cost Acre-Feet Conserved (or Better Managed) x Improvement Life

Failure to include this required calculation will result in a score of zero for this section.

Provide an average cost of the water to the district.

Sub-category c) Other Benefits (up to 15 points)

Points will be awarded to projects that provide other benefits other than quantifiable water savings and water use efficiency, as described below:

1. Endangered or threatened species benefits: Up to 10 points may be awarded for projects expected to benefit federally-listed threatened or endangered species or federally-recognized candidate species or critical habitat adversely affected by a Federal Reclamation project, or subject to a recovery plan or conservation plan, under the ESA for which the Commissioner of Reclamation has implementation responsibilities.

2. Other benefits not otherwise addressed: Up to 5 points may be awarded for projects that provide other direct or indirect benefits other than those previously addressed.

For this sub-category, the proposal should address the following:

Endangered or threatened species benefits

Projects that benefit both federally-recognized candidate species and federally-listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat will receive additional consideration under this criterion. See <www.fws.gov/endangered/index.html> for a complete listing of federally-recognized candidate species and federally-listed threatened or endangered species in your area. Include a discussion showing the ESA related project has a clear relationship to the Reclamation project or recovery plan under the Commissioner’s responsibility.

What is the relationship of the species to water supply?

What is the extent to which the proposed project would reduce the likelihood of listing or would otherwise improve the status of the species?

For projects that will directly accelerate the recovery of threatened or endangered species or address designated critical habitats, include the following elements:

• How is the species adversely affected by a Reclamation project?

• Is the species subject to a recovery plan or conservation plan under the

Endangered Species Act for which the Commissioner has implementation responsibility?

What is the extent to which the proposed project would reduce the likelihood of listing or would otherwise improve the status of the species?

For projects that will accelerate the recovery of threatened species or endangered species or address designated critical habitats or benefit federally-recognized candidate species include the following elements:

• Relationship of the species to the water supply

Extent to which the proposed project would reduce the likelihood of listing or would otherwise improve the status of the species

• Quantify actions that will enhance these benefits

Other Benefits

Identi…