CWMP Phase I FOA_FINAL_091119_508.pdf

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-19-F010

WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I Grants

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

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.

Cover photo: The Rio Grande River, New Mexico. Photo by Alexander Stephens, Reclamation.

Synopsis

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

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

Phase I Grants for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 and 2020 Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Funding Opportunity Number: BOR-DO-19-F010 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.554

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. D.4)

This FOA covers two application submittal periods:

Proposals received before November 13, 2019, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST), will be considered for FY 2019 funding.

This FOA will be updated to provide a second application deadline in FY 2020 for proposals to be considered for FY 2020 funding, contingent on appropriations.

Eligible Applicants:

(See FOA Sec. C.1)

Applicants eligible to receive financial assistance to fund activities under this FOA include the following entities located in the Western United States or United States Territories including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands.

New Watershed Group: States, Indian tribes, local and special districts (e.g., irrigation and water districts, etc.), local governmental entities, interstate organizations, and non-profit organizations.

Existing Watershed Groups: In order to be eligible to receive an award for funding as an Existing Watershed Group, the applicant must be an eligible entity as described immediately above for New Watershed Groups, and must either be: (1) An Existing Watershed Group, (i.e., a grassroots, non-regulatory legal entity that otherwise meets the definition of a watershed group as described in Section A.2., Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement); or (2) a participant in an Existing Watershed Group.

Recipient Cost Share:

(See FOA Sec. C.2)

A non-Federal cost share contribution is not required for Phase I CWMP activities funded under this FOA.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

Up to $100,000 in Federal funds may be awarded to an applicant per award, with no more than $50,000 made available in each year for a period of up to two years.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

Approximately 15-20 projects per application submittal period contingent on 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/2017/11/SPOC-Feb.- 2018.pdf.

i http://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SPOC-Feb.-2018.pdf http://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SPOC-Feb.-2018.pdf

This page is intentionally left blank.

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

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 Page 13 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 Page 13 *

Technical proposal:

Executive summary

Background data

Project description

Evaluation criteria

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. E.1

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

See Sec. D.2.2.6 Page 22

Required permits or approvals See Sec. D.2.2.7 Page 22

Project Budget:

Budget narrative

Funding plan

See Sec. D.2.2.5

See Sec. D.2.2.5

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.8 Page 23 *

Official Resolutions See Sec. D.2.2.9 Page 23 **

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 Page 23 ***

* 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

Act Cooperative Watershed Management Act ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act CWMP Cooperative Watershed Management Program Department U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement ESA Endangered Species Act FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY Fiscal Year HUC Hydrologic Unit Codes MDT Mountain Daylight Time MST Mountain Standard Time NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service P.L. Public Law SAM System for Award Management SF Standard Form SPOC Single Point of Contact Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation U.S.C. United States Code USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USGS U.S. Geological Survey USPS United States Postal Service WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow v

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. Applicant Category Guidance B.3. Project Funding Limitations B.4. Environmental and Cultural Resource Compliance B.5. Assistance Instrument

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

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

Section E. Application Review Information E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria E.2. Review and Selection Process E.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. Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact

Section H. Other Information H.1. Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations H.2. Background on Federal Environmental and Cultural Resource Laws H.3. Endangered Species Act

Contents 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, Reclamation leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to support stakeholder efforts to stretch scarce water supplies and avoid conflicts over water.

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, and restoring trust with local communities by improving relationships and communication with states, tribes, local governments, communities, landowners and water users.

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

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) provides funding to watershed groups for Phase I projects for watershed group development and restoration planning. For further information on the CWMP see www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp.

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

A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement

The objective of this FOA is to invite states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, local governmental entities, non-profit organizations, Existing Watershed Groups, and local and special districts (e.g., irrigation and water districts, county soil conservation districts) to submit proposals for Phase I activities to develop a watershed group, complete watershed restoration planning activities, and design watershed management projects. See Section C.3. Eligible Projects for a more comprehensive description of eligible activities.

http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp

A “watershed group,” as defined in Section 6001(5) (see Section A.3. Statutory Authority for full citation) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act (Act) is a grassroots, non-regulatory entity that addresses water availability and quality issues within the relevant watershed, is capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources in the watershed, makes decisions on a consensus basis, and represents a diverse group of stakeholders, including hydroelectric producers, livestock grazing, timber production, land development, recreation or tourism, irrigated agriculture, the environment, municipal water supplies, private property owners, Federal, state and local governments, and tribes. (See Section 6001(5) of the Act for the statutory definition of a “watershed group”).

A.3. Statutory Authority This FOA is issued under the authority of Section 6002 of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Subtitle A of Title VI of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.) 111-11 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 10364).

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities Reclamation also provides financial assistance to watershed groups for the implementation of on-the-ground watershed management projects through Phase II of the CWMP.

In addition, Reclamation provides funding for water management projects through several other programs under WaterSMART. Through WaterSMART Grants, Reclamation provides three funding opportunities. Water and Energy Efficiency Grants focus on projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and projects that that increase hydropower use. The Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects provides funding for small-scale water management projects (up to $75,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Finally, Water Marketing Strategy Grants provide support for entities exploring actions that can be taken to develop or facilitate water marketing.

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

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

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/index.html

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Funding Approximately $3 million is available for this FOA, with per-project limits as described in Section B.3. Project Funding Limitations. Reclamation will determine the final amount of funding available for award under this FOA once final FY 2020 appropriations have been made. This FOA may be canceled if appropriations are insufficient to support new awards.

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

Through this FOA, Reclamation plans to award funds to Phase I applicants under two Applicant Categories: (1) New Watershed Groups and (2) Existing Watershed Groups.

B.2. Applicant Category Guidance In general, applicants should apply as a New Watershed Groups if the group is just getting started, has completed little or no watershed restoration planning, and requires more substantial support for building the capacity of the watershed group and completing outreach to stakeholders. Groups that have been active in the watershed for several years and have previously conducted some watershed planning should apply as Existing Watershed Groups. Although New and Existing Watershed Groups will be scored using the same evaluation criteria (see Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria), they will be ranked separately to ensure fairness. Note: The Application Review Committee (ARC; see Section E.2.2. Application Review Committee) has the discretion to change the Applicant Category for an application where they deem appropriate.

Note: Entities may receive funding multiple times under Phase I of the CWMP;

however, each project must have a distinct scope of work. When applying, entities that have previously received funding through CWMP Phase I should apply as an Existing Watershed Group and explain how their new project differs from and builds on their past Phase I project(s).

B.3. Project Funding Limitations A total of up to $100,000 in Federal funds may be awarded to an applicant over the two-year period, with no more than $50,000 to be available per year. A non- Federal cost share contribution is not required for Phase I activities funded under this FOA. Within nine months from the initial date of award, Reclamation shall determine whether a recipient has made sufficient progress in the first year to justify second year funding.

B.4. Environmental and Cultural Resource Compliance

Many of the CWMP Phase I projects will require some form of compliance with Federal environmental and cultural resource laws, including those projects that involve monitoring, measurement, and other field work. We recommend contacting your local Reclamation office (www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html) to discuss the required environmental and cultural resource compliance and associated costs prior to submitting your application. See Section D.2.2.5. Project Budget and Section F.2.1. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance for additional information.

B.5. Assistance Instrument Project awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements as applicable to each project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project.

Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

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

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

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

https://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants Applicant Eligibility for New Watershed Groups

Applicants eligible to receive an award as a New Watershed Group include states, Indian tribes, local and special districts (e.g., irrigation and water districts), local governmental entities, interstate organizations, and non-profit organizations. To be eligible, applicants must also meet all the following requirements:

• Significantly affect or be affected by the quality or quantity of water in a watershed

• Be capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources

• Be located in one of the following states or territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands

Applicant Eligibility for Existing Watershed Groups

In order to be eligible to receive an award as an Existing Watershed Group, the applicant must be an eligible entity as described immediately above and must be either:

1. An Existing Watershed Group, (i.e., a grassroots, non-regulatory legal entity that otherwise meets the definition of a watershed group as described above in Section A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement)

2. A participant in an Existing Watershed Group that meets the definition of a watershed group as described above in Section A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement

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

• Federal Governmental entities

• Institutes of higher education, except those institutes of higher education sponsoring watershed groups

• 501(c)4 organizations

• 501(c)6 organizations

• Individuals

C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements There is no requirement for a non-Federal cost share contribution for Phase I activities, and an application will not receive additional priority under the evaluation criterion (see Section E. Application Review Information) for providing non-Federal cost share. If the applicant is voluntarily providing a non-Federal cost share this must be noted in the budget proposal (see Section D.2.2.7. Project Budget).

C.3. Eligible Projects C.3.1. Eligible Projects

Applicants can apply for funding for activities within one or more of the following three Task Areas. It is acceptable and expected for an applicant not to address all three Task Areas. For example, a New Group might focus exclusively on Task A – Watershed Group Development or an Existing Group might focus exclusively on Task C – Watershed Management Project Design. An application will not receive more points simply because they are addressing more than one Task Area.

The development of articles of incorporation, bylaws, and business practices and staff salaries and contractor costs are eligible activities for both New and Existing Watershed Groups and can be completed as part of any Task Area. See Section B.2. Applicant Category Guidance for a description of New and Existing Watershed Groups.

1. Task A - Watershed Group Development: Watershed group development activities include, but are not limited to:

● Developing a mission statement, vision statement, and goals for the watershed group.

● Hiring a facilitator to assist with outreach to stakeholders.

● Conducting outreach activities, such as the creation of an outreach plan and information materials (e.g., brochures, advertisements, website, videos) and conducting stakeholder meetings to establish broad-based, diverse membership.

● Gathering information about issues and needs related to water quality and quantity within the watershed (e.g., through research, talking to government agencies and local universities).

● Conducting pre-planning activities, including outlining a watershed restoration plan, researching existing plans related to the watershed, collecting baseline information, and identifying restoration needs for the watershed.

2. Task B – Watershed Restoration Planning: Watershed restoration planning activities may include, but are not limited to:

● Completing a watershed restoration plan, improving on existing restoration plans, or conducting water quality or quantity studies needed to provide baseline information about the watershed.

● Conducting mapping and other technical analyses, including obtaining data, performing modeling, or developing goals and benchmarks for the restoration plan.

● Obtaining project management services or software technology required to formulate the watershed restoration plan.

● Interviewing watershed group members and stakeholders to gain an idea of projects that would improve the watershed.

● Working with watershed group members, landowners, Federal agencies, and state or local governments to determine how the watershed can be improved.

● Reviewing watershed-specific best management practices established by Federal, state, and local government agencies.

● Developing general watershed management project concepts or performing an analysis of the watershed to identify and prioritize watershed management projects. For example, creating a matrix within the watershed restoration plan that outlines and prioritizes watershed management projects.

Watershed Restoration Plan Guidance: A watershed restoration plan is a tool designed to help a watershed group plan for and implement restoration activities in their watershed. A watershed restoration plan should describe the issues of concern related to water resources within the watershed and identify potential solutions. Reclamation understands that watershed restoration plans may take different forms depending on the purpose for which they were developed. Rather than prescribing particular requirements, Reclamation encourages recipients to develop a restoration plan that best meets the needs of the watershed. However, recipients should consider that the Phase II funding opportunity, which provides funding for on-the-ground watershed management projects, prioritizes projects outlined in watershed restoration plans that that are more holistic, addressing multiple issues related to water resources within the watershed, and plans developed by stakeholders with diverse interests. You can find watershed restoration plans completed by previously selected CWMP Phase I recipients on Reclamation’s website, www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/plans.html.

http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/plans.html

3. Task C - Watershed Management Project Design: Project design activities can include, but are not limited to:

● Completing an analysis in order to prioritize watershed management projects and identify specific project locations.

● Completing site-specific project design and engineering.

● Developing project timelines and milestones.

● Researching what type of site-specific environmental compliance will be necessary to implement a project, particularly if the applicant intends to seek Federal funding to implement the project in the future (e.g., under Phase II of this program). We recommend contacting your local Reclamation office (www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html) as part of such research, to discuss the required environmental and cultural resource compliance and costs associated with potential projects. If a potential project is located on land owned by a different Federal agency, other than Reclamation, we also recommend contacting that agency.

C.3.1.1. Eligibility of Training Activities To be considered eligible activities, all education activities, training, and conferences must be specifically linked to the proposed watershed group development, watershed restoration planning, or watershed management project design activities. General education activities, the implementation of citizen science training programs, or general staff training are not eligible under this FOA. Note: The ARC (see Section E.2.2. Application Review Committee) has the discretion to determine whether a specific education activity, training, or conference is eligible.

C.3.1.2. Eligibility of Monitoring, Measurement, and Field Work If some monitoring, measurement, or other field work (e.g., water quality monitoring, or vegetation surveys) is needed to inform the watershed restoration planning activities or watershed management project design, such work may be eligible for funding so long as it comprises only a minor part of the work described in the proposal.

C.3.2. Ineligible Projects

Projects not eligible for funding under this FOA include, but are not limited to, scientific research and the project types identified immediately below.

C.3.2.1. Other Planning Projects Proposals for the development of planning efforts other than watershed restoration plans are not eligible for funding under this FOA. This includes proposals for the development of drought plans, appraisal investigations, feasibility studies, special https://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html 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/).

C.3.2.2. On-the-Ground Watershed Management Projects Implementing on-the-ground watershed management projects is funded under a separate FOA for Phase II activities and is not eligible for funding under this FOA. On-the-ground watershed management projects include, but are not limited to, removing fish passage barriers or installing fish passage structures, streambed and streambank modifications, invasive species removal, vegetation restoration, installing fences, and water conservation and efficiency projects (e.g., canal lining and piping).

C.3.2.3. Water and Land Purchases and Easements A project that proposes using Federal funding primarily for the purchase of water or land, or to secure an easement, is not eligible under this FOA.

C.3.2.4. Building Construction

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

C.3.2.5. On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Improvements Projects to conduct on-farm irrigation efficiency improvements are not eligible under this FOA. Applicants interested in on-farm improvements should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to investigate opportunities for Federal assistance. For more information on NRCS programs, including application deadlines and a description of available funding, please contact your local NRCS office or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov for further contact information in your area.

C.3.2.6. Pilot Projects

A project that proposes to conduct a pilot study to evaluate technical capability, economic feasibility, or viability for full-scale implementation or to test an unproven material or technology is not eligible for Federal funding under this FOA.

C.3.3. Length of Projects

In general, proposed projects should be completed within two years of award.

Applications for projects requiring more time will be considered for funding only under limited circumstances.

https://www.usbr.gov/ruralwater/ http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

Section D. Application and Submission Information

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

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

By mail: Bureau of Reclamation Financial Assistance Support Section Attn: Ms. Alisha James Mail Code: 84-27814 P.O. Box 25007 Denver, CO 80225

By e-mail: ajames@usbr.gov

By telephone: 303-445-3939

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 total technical proposal and criteria section (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 25 consecutively numbered pages. If this section exceeds 25 pages, only the first 25 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 mailto:ajames@usbr.gov o SF-424A Budget Information o SF-424 Assurances 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 25 pages) o Executive summary o Background data o Project location o Technical project description and milestones o Evaluation criteria

• Project budget o Budget proposal o Budget narrative o Funding plan and letter(s) of commitment (if project includes voluntary cost-share and/or third-party contributions of in-kind services)

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance, if applicable.

• Required permits or approvals

• Letters of project support

• Official resolution

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 Non-Construction Programs must be submitted with the application.

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

SF-424 Assurances

A SF-424B, Assurances 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 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

Note: This form cannot be submitted by a contractor or other entity on behalf of an applicant.

D.2.2.2. Title Page Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, e-mail address, and telephone of the Project Manager.

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 (25 pages maximum) include:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Background data

(3) Project location

(4) Technical 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.

• Indicate whether or not the proposed project is located on a Federal facility.

Background Data

As applicable, describe the watershed, including the source of water supply, the water rights involved, length of existence, current water uses (e.g., agricultural, municipal, domestic, instream uses, or industrial), and the types of water issues faced in the affected watershed (e.g., shortfalls in water supply, water quality issues, endangered species concerns, environmental issues, or other issues that the planned watershed group would like to address).

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

Project Location

Provide specific information on the geographic location of the area in which the watershed group will work including a map showing the geographic location. For example, {watershed area} is located in {state and county} approximately {distance} miles {direction, e.g., northeast} of {nearest town}. If applicable, please provide the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUC) in which the group will work.

Technical Project Description

The technical project description should describe the work, including specific activities that will be accomplished. As part of this discussion, please address the following:

• Applicant Category: Please indicate whether you are seeking funding as a New or Existing Watershed Group and explain why you chose to apply under that Applicant Category. As part of this discussion, please provide a brief history of the group, including discussion of (1) when and how the group was initiated, and (2) ongoing projects or efforts (e.g., previous watershed planning activities).

• Eligibility of Applicant: Please write a narrative summary indicating how the applicant meets the eligibility requirements, as described in Section C.1. Eligible Applicants. Please include an explanation of the applicant's role in the New or Existing Watershed Group.

• Goals: Discuss the preliminary goals and objectives of the New or Existing Watershed Group.

• Approach: Briefly describe your planned approach for completing watershed group development and restoration planning activities. Please identify which of the Task Areas described in Section C.3.1. Eligible

Projects you will address as part of this project, including a detailed discussion of what activities you will undertake within each Task Area.

Note: If the watershed group previously received a CWMP Phase I grant, please explain how the scope of work of this project differs from and builds upon the past grant.

Evaluation Criteria

(See Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria 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 in Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

D.2.2.5. Project Budget The project budget includes:

(1) Budget proposal

(2) Budget narrative

(3) Funding plan and letter(s) of commitment (if project includes voluntary cost-share and/or third-party contributions of in-kind services)

Project costs for environmental and cultural compliance and engineering/design that were incurred or are anticipated to be incurred prior to award should be included in the proposed project budget.

If the proposed project is selected, the awarding Reclamation Grants Officer will review the proposed pre-award costs to determine if they are consistent with program objectives and are allowable in accordance with the authorizing legislation. Proposed pre-award costs must also be compliant with all applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov, and all other requirements of this FOA. In no case will costs incurred prior to April 1, 2020, be considered for inclusion in the proposed project budget for FY 2019 funding; similarly, no costs incurred prior to October 1, 2020, will be considered for inclusion in the proposed project budget for FY 2020 funding.

http://www.ecfr.gov/

Please note that the costs for preparing and submitting an application in response to this FOA, including developing data necessary to support the proposal, are not eligible project costs under this FOA and must not be included in the project budget. In addition, budget proposals must not include costs for the purchase of water or land, or to secure an easement other than a construction easement.

These costs are not eligible project costs under this FOA.

Budget Proposal

The total project cost, is the sum of all allowable items of costs, including all required cost sharing and voluntary committed cost sharing, including third-party contributions, that are necessary to complete the project.

Table 1.—Total Project Cost Table

SOURCE AMOUNT

Costs to be reimbursed with the requested Federal funding $ Costs to be paid by the applicant $ Value of third-party contributions $

TOTAL PROJECT COST $

The budget proposal should include detailed information on the categories listed on the next page 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 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 strongly advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown on the next page in Table 2 or a similar format that provides this information. If selected for award, successful applicants must submit detailed supporting documentation for all budgeted costs.

Table 2.—Sample Budget Proposal Format

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION

COMPUTATION Quantity

Type

TOTAL

COST $/Unit Quantity

Salaries and Wages Employee 1 $ Employee 2 $ Employee 3 $ Fringe Benefits Full-Time Employees $ Part-Time Employees $ Travel Trip 1 $ Trip 2 $ Trip 3 $ Equipment Item A $ Item B $ Item C $ Supplies and Materials Item A $ Item B $ Contractual/Construction Contractor A $ Contractor B $ 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).

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

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

Please see Section D.2.2.5. Project Budget.

Salaries and Wages

Indicate the Program Manager and other key personnel by name and title. The Project Manager must be an employee or board member of the applicant. Other personnel should be indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries and wages, estimated hours or percent of time, and rate of compensation. The labor rates must identify the direct labor rate separate from the fringe rate or fringe cost for each 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 the final financial and performance reports. Please see Section F.3 Reporting Requirements and Distribution 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

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

Equipment

If equipment will be purchased, itemize all equipment valued at or greater than $5,000. For each item, identify why it is needed for the completion of the project and how the equipment was priced. Note: If the value is less than $5,000, the item should be included under materials and supplies.

If equipment is being rented, specify the number of hours and the hourly rate.

Local rental rates are only accepted for equipment actually being rented or leased.

If the applicant intends to use their own equipment for the purposes of the project, the proposed usage rates should fall within the equipment usage rates outlined by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) within their Construction Equipment Ownership and Operating Expense Schedule (EP 1110-1-8) at www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer- Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38.

Note: If the equipment will be furnished and installed under a construction contract, the equipment should be included in the construction contract cost estimate.

Materials and Supplies

Itemize supplies by major category, unit price, quantity, and purpose, such as whether the items are needed for office use, research, or construction. Identify how these costs were estimated (i.e., quotes, past experience, engineering estimates, or other methodology). Note: If the materials/supplies will be furnished and installed under a contract, the equipment should be identified as a contractual cost in the budget proposal.

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.

http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38 http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs

All projects being considered for award funding will require compliance with Federal environmental and cultural resource laws and other regulations (“environmental compliance”) before any ground-disturbing activity may begin.

Projects funded under this program may have environmental compliance costs associated with activities undertaken by Reclamation and the recipient.

To estimate environmental compliance costs, please contact compliance staff at your local Reclamation Office for additional details regarding the type and costs of compliance that may be required for your project. Note: Support for your compliance costs estimate will be considered during review of your application.

Contact the program coordinators (see Section G. Agency Contacts) for regional Reclamation contacts with which to discuss compliance costs and requirements.

Environmental compliance costs are considered project costs and must be included as a line item in the project budget.

The amount of the line item should be based on the actual expected environmental compliance costs for the project, including Reclamation’s cost to review environmental compliance documentation. Environmental compliance costs will vary based on project type, location, and potential impacts to the environment and cultural resources.

How environmental compliance activities will be performed (e.g., by Reclamation, the applicant, or a consultant) and how the environmental compliance funds will be spent, will be determined pursuant to subsequent agreement between Reclamation and the applicant. The amount of funding required for Reclamation to conduct any environmental compliance activities, including Reclamation’s cost to review environmental compliance documentation, will be withheld from the Federal award amount and placed in an environmental compliance account to cover such costs. If any portion of the funds budgeted for environmental compliance is not required for compliance activities, such funds may be reallocated to the project, if appropriate.

Costs associated with environmental and regulatory compliance must be included in the budget. Compliance costs include costs associated with any required documentation of environmental compliance, analyses, permits, or approvals.

Applicable Federal environmental laws could include National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and other regulations depending on the project. Such costs may include, but are not limited to:

• the cost incurred by Reclamation to determine the level of environmental compliance required for the project;

• the cost incurred by Reclamation, the recipient, or a consultant to prepare any necessary environmental compliance documents or reports;

• the cost incurred by Reclamation to review any environmental compliance documents prepared by a consultant; or

• the cost incurred by the recipient in acquiring any required approvals or permits, or in implementing any required mitigation measures.

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

Applicants with a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement may include indirect costs as part of the project budget. Show the agreed-upon rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs. 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 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…