Drought-FY22-NOFO-final-508.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior July 2021

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R22AS00020

WaterSMART Drought Response Program:

Drought Resiliency Projects for Fiscal Year 2022

Mission Statements

The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated Island Communities.

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

Synopsis i

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

Planning Office

Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Drought Response Program: Drought Resiliency Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity Number: R22AS00020

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.514

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Application due date: 10/5/2021 at 4 p.m. MDT

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Category A: States, Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts; state, regional, or local authorities whose members include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

Category B: Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A.

All applicants must be 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, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Recipient Cost Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

50 percent or more of total project costs

Federal Funding Amount (See NOFO Sec. B.2)

Funding Group I: Up to $500,000 per agreement for a project that can be completed within two years.

Funding Group II: Up to $2,000,000 per agreement for a project that can be completed within three years. Projects in this group may be funded on an annual basis. Funding for the second and third years of the project is contingent upon future appropriations.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B)

Approximately 15 to 21 projects contingent upon available Federal appropriations.

Intergovernmental Review:

(See NOFO Sec. D.5)

This NOFO is subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” A list of states that have elected to participate in the intergovernmental review process is at Intergovernmental Review (SPOC List) | The White House (archives.gov).

https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/omb/grants_spoc#:%7E:text=Executive%20Order%2012372%2C%20%22Intergovernmental%20Review%20of%20Federal%20Programs%2C%22,proposed%20Federal%20financial%20assistance%20and%20direct%20Federal%20development.

https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/omb/grants_spoc#:%7E:text=Executive%20Order%2012372%2C%20%22Intergovernmental%20Review%20of%20Federal%20Programs%2C%22,proposed%20Federal%20financial%20assistance%20and%20direct%20Federal%20development.

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Application Checklist iii

Application Checklist This table summarizes the information 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, SF-424D and SF-LLL forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf- 424-family.html

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 Page 19 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 Page 19 *

Technical proposal: *

Executive summary See Sec. D.2.2.4. Page 19 *

Project location See Sec. D.2.2.4. Page 20 *

Technical project description See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 20 *

Performance measures See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 20 *

Evaluation criteria See Sec. E.1 Page 33 *

Project Budget: *

Funding plan See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 21 *

Budget proposal See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 22 *

Budget narrative See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 24 *

Environmental and cultural resources compliance See Sec. H.1 Page 53 *

Required permits or approvals See Sec. F.2.2 Page 46 *

Letters of support and partnership See Sec. D.2.2.9 Page 28 *

Official Resolutions See Sec. D.2.2.10 Page 28 **

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 Page 28 ***

*Submit materials with your application.

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

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

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

Acronyms and Abbreviations v

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act Department U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement E.O. Presidential Executive Order ESA Endangered Species Act FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FOIA Freedom of Information Act FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY fiscal year OM&R operations, maintenance, and replacement NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity NRCS Natural Resource Conservation Service P.L. Public Law Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation SAM System of Award Management SPOC Single Point of Contact U.S.C. United States Code USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow WIIN Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation

Contents vii

Contents Page

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

Program Information

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations in support of the Department’s priorities. Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply reliability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts.

Drought conditions across the West impact a wide range of communities and sectors, including agriculture, cities, Tribes, the environment, recreation, hydropower producers, and others. The Western United States is experiencing its worst drought this century—historic in both duration and severity—threatening to kill crops, spark wildfires, and harm public health. As of July, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that more than 93% of the land in nine of the Western states is in drought conditions, and nearly 60% of the area is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought.

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

Collaboration with a multitude of customers, partners, and stakeholders is essential to identifying successful strategies to address complex water management issues such as drought. Collaborations are central to Reclamation’s approach to addressing drought in the West, and WaterSMART’s Drought Response Program supports the goals of the Interagency Drought Relief Working Group established in March 2021 and the National Drought Resiliency Partnership formed in 2016 to enhance Federal coordination of drought activities.

The WaterSMART Drought Response also provides support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and aligned with other priorities, such as those identified in E.O. 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) supports Drought Resiliency Projects that will build long-term resilience to drought and reduce the need for emergency response actions. These projects are generally in the final design stage—environmental and cultural resources compliance may have been initiated, and the non-Federal funding, necessary permits, and other required approvals have been secured.

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

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

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement No. R22AS00020

Objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity

The objective of this NOFO is to invite eligible applicants (Section C.1.) to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on Drought Resiliency Projects that will increase the reliability of water supplies; improve water management; and provide benefits for fish, wildlife, and the environment to mitigate impacts caused by drought.

Projects carried out through Drought Resiliency Project Grants can increase water management flexibility—making our water supply more resilient. This helps to prepare for and address the impacts of drought. Proposals submitted under this NOFO must demonstrate that the proposed project is supported by an existing drought planning effort. It is a well-established principle that proactively identifying resiliency projects through drought planning, in advance of a crisis, is far more cost effective than emergency response. As stated on the National Drought Mitigation Center website, drought.unl.edu:

One frequently cited estimate from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is that “mitigation” —taking steps ahead of time to prevent known impacts from a natural disaster—saves $4 for every $1 expended. Planning ahead is generally seen as more efficient and more effective than measures taken in crisis mode. Drought researchers have found that after-the-fact assistance to farmers, for example, is expensive and doesn’t necessarily reach the right people.

Proposed projects that are supported by an existing drought plan are prioritized. This prioritization will help ensure that projects funded under this NOFO are well thought out, have public support, and have been identified as the best way to address vulnerabilities to drought.

Statutory Authority

This NOFO is issued under the authority of Section 9504(a) of the Secure Water Act, Subtitle F of Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.) 111-11 (42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 10364), as amended, and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. 661-666c, as delegated to Reclamation in Departmental Manual 255 DM 1.1B.

Other Related Funding Opportunities

For additional information on other WaterSMART funding opportunities, please see www.usbr.gov/watersmart. Please contact the Program Coordinator (identified in Section G.

Agency Contact) with questions regarding which NOFO is the best fit for your project.

WaterSMART Drought Contingency Planning NOFO. Projects include financial assistance provided under the Drought Response Program, on a 50/50 cost share basis, to develop a drought contingency plan or to update an existing plan.

WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects NOFO. Reclamation is also launching a new funding opportunity for Environmental Water Resources Projects. This new funding opportunity will focus on projects that have environmental benefits, are developed as part of a collaborative process. The Federal share of the cost of an infrastructure improvement or https://drought.unl.edu/ https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/index.html activity may be up to 75 percent of the cost of the infrastructure improvement or activity, if certain conditions are met.

WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants NOFO. Projects that conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of hydropower; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the Western United States.

WaterSMART: Title XVI Congressionally Authorized Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects - Through this NOFO, funding is available for planning, design, and construction of congressionally authorized Title XVI Projects.

WaterSMART: Title XVI WIIN Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects - Through this NOFO, funding is available for planning, design, and construction of Title XVI Projects and desalination projects that are eligible under Section 4009(c) of the WIIN Act.

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information Total Project Funding

The President’s FY 2022 budget includes $16.5 million for the Drought Response Program.

Reclamation will determine the final amount of funding available for award under this NOFO once final FY 2022 appropriations are made. The amount of funding available for awards under this NOFO is dependent on the demand for funding under this and other elements of the Drought Response Program. Applications submitted under this NOFO may also be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2023 or subsequently.

Project Funding Limitations

Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration (for example, an applicant may submit a proposal for funding under Funding Group I and a separate proposal under Funding Group II). However, no more than $2,000,000 will be awarded in any fiscal year (FY) to any one applicant under this NOFO.

The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) of any one proposed project shall not exceed 50 percent of the total project costs.

Generally, the non-Federal share of project costs must be expended at the same or greater rate as the Federal share of project costs.

Applicants are invited to submit proposals under the following funding groups:

Funding Group I: Up to $500,000 in Federal funds provided through this NOFO will be available for projects that generally should be completed in two years.

Funding Group II: Up to $2,000,000 in Federal funds provided through this NOFO will be available for larger projects that may take up to three years to complete. Projects in this group may be funded on an annual basis, and if so, funding for the second and third years of the project is contingent upon future appropriations.

Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

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

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 project award.

If you receive Reclamation’s assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget. To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact the program coordinator identified in Section G. Agency Contacts.

Section C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

Under P.L. 111-11, Section 9502, applicants eligible to receive an award under this NOFO include:

Category A applicants:

• States, Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts;

• State, regional, or local authorities, the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and

• Other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

Category B applicants:

• Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A. Category B applicants must include with their application a letter from the Category A partner, stating that they are acting in partnership with the applicant and agree to the submittal and content of the proposal.

C.1.1. Applicant Location Applicants must also 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, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

C.1.2. Ineligible Applicants Those not eligible include, but are not limited to, the following entities:

• Federal governmental entities

• Institutions of higher education

• Individuals

• 501(c)4 organizations

• 501(c)6 organizations

Cost Sharing Requirements

Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 50 percent or more of the total project costs.

The total project cost is defined as the total allowable costs incurred under a Federal award and all required cost share and voluntary committed cost share contributions, including third-party contributions.

Cost share may be made through cash, costs contributed by the applicant, or third-party in-kind contributions. Third-party in-kind contributions is the value of non-cash contributions of property or services that benefit the federally assisted project and are contributed by non-Federal third parties, without charge. Cost share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or state grants) should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award. Please see Section D.2.2.5.1 Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment and Section D.2.2.10 Official Resolution for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost sharing requirements.

Other sources of Federal funding may not be counted towards the required cost share. The exception to this requirement is where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for such program can be applied to matchi sharing requirements of other Federal programs, such as awards to tribal organization P.L. 93-638, as amended. If it is determined that the Federal funding cannot be applie the non-Federal cost share, the work associated with the funding may be removed fro proposed project.

C.2.1. Cost Share Regulations All cost-share contributions must meet the applicable administrative and cost principl established in 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, available at www.ecfr.g

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

Eligible Projects

C.3.1. Eligible Projects Reclamation will provide funding for projects that build long-term resilience to droug reduce the need for emergency response actions through this Drought Resiliency Proj NOFO. Drought resiliency can be defined as the capacity of a community to cope wit respond to drought. Under this NOFO, Reclamation will fund projects that will build r to drought by:

• Increasing the reliability of water supplies.

• Improving water management.

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To be eligible for funding under this NOFO, the proposed resiliency project should improve the ability of water managers to continue to deliver water and power during a drought. The proposed project should decrease vulnerabilities and costs of drought by giving water managers flexibility in times of low water supply. In addition, the proposed project must be beyond routine water management activities or activities required by state law for conservation and efficiency. The proposed resiliency project should also help avoid the need for emergency response actions, such as water hauling programs and temporary infrastructure. Projects funded under this NOFO must have ongoing benefits to build long-term resilience to drought, even if they also address an immediate drought concern.

Under this NOFO, Reclamation will prioritize projects supported by an existing drought planning effort. Drought contingency planning efforts frequently identify potential projects or needs to improve resiliency to drought. These can include mitigation actions or tools that will improve water management flexibility or improve access to critical water supply information that will help water managers build resiliency and avoid a crisis during drought. Applicants that demonstrate that the proposed project meets a need or project identified in an existing drought plan will be prioritized.

Tasks A and B, below, describe project categories eligible for funding under this NOFO.

Applications may include any one, or a combination, of the types of projects described in Tasks A and B. In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple projects (for example, a Task A project and a Task B project) and the projects are interrelated or closely related, they should be combined in one application. One phase of a larger project may be eligible for funding under this program, so long as the phase proposed for funding will generate benefits to address drought siliency, independent of completing additional phases.

ther projects that are similar to those tasks listed below may be submitted for consideration and ill be allowed to the extent that they are consistent with program authorization and goals.

.3.1.1. Task A—Increasing the Reliability of Water Supplies through Infrastructure provements ven small investments in infrastructure can improve resiliency to drought conditions by creasing water management flexibility and providing alternative sources of water supply. For ample, constructing new surface water intakes and new conveyance system components—such pipes or pumping plants—can provide water managers with much needed options to deliver ater from alternative sources or support voluntary transfers of water during drought. Likewise, uifer recharge facilities can support water banking in wet years for use in dry years and stainable conjunctive use programs.

ask A projects include, but are not limited to the following:

• System modifications or improvements. Projects that will increase flexibility of water conveyance and deliveries, facilitating access to water supplies in times of drought.

Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Constructing or modifying surface water intakes to access supplies when water levels are low (e.g., at dead pool), or to allow access at different locations.

o Constructing new conveyance system components (pipelines, canals, pumping plants, etc.) to increase flexibility to deliver water from different sources, to facilitate voluntary water marketing or to deliver water from alternative sources.

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T o Constructing interties between water conveyance systems to increase options for water deliveries.

o Installing barriers or other facilities to prevent saltwater intrusion into surface supplies.

• Storing water and/or recharging groundwater supplies. Projects that enable the capture or storage of additional water supplies that can be made available during drought.

Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Developing or expanding small-scale surface water storage facilities such as off-stream storage ponds.

o Installing water towers and storage tanks to store water for municipal and domestic use.

o Installing recharge ponds or injection wells to increase recharge of surplus, inactive, or reclaimed water. Recharged water can serve multiple purposes such as sustainable conjunctive use in times of drought, deterring saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers, and limiting additional land subsidence.

• Developing alternative sources of water supply including water treatment. Projects that develop alternative water supplies to build resiliency to the impacts of drought.

Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Constructing wells to provide back-up water supplies during times of drought.

o Constructing extraction wells at groundwater banks to improve extraction and return capabilities during dry years.

o Constructing or expanding small-scale water treatment facilities to treat impaired groundwater, municipal wastewater, stormwater runoff, for environmental, agricultural, or potable purposes.

o Constructing stormwater capture and reuse systems, including green stormwater infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens, cisterns, and bioswales.

o Installing residential grey water and rain catchment systems.

C.3.1.2. Task B—Projects to Improve Water Management through Decision Support Tools, Modeling, and Measurement Task B Projects are intended to help provide entities with water use information and tools to monitor the onset of drought, detect different levels of drought that may trigger certain drought mitigation and response actions, and identify potential strategies to address drought. Task B Projects also includes developing tools that facilitate water marketing between willing buyers and sellers to redistribute water supplies to meet other existing needs or uses (e.g., agricultural, municipal, or dedication to in-stream flows).

Task B Projects include, but are not limited to the following:

• Developing water management, water marketing, and modeling tools to help communities evaluate options and implement strategies to address drought.

o Developing online decision support tools to help communities identify alternative water supplies or water management options in times of drought.

For example, Reclamation has partnered with the State of Oklahoma to develop a drought tool familiarizing users with alternative sources of supply, treatment processes, distribution options, short term equipment solutions for treatment, and permitting requirements, download the file www.owrb.ok.gov/drought/Drought tool.pps.

Also, in 2015, Reclamation awarded the Texas Water Development Board with a Drought Resiliency Grant to modify their existing drought prediction tool to provide more accurate probabilistic forecast of average May through July rainfall, reservoir levels, and reservoir storage across the state by county. The project was completed in 2017, and the forecasts are updated bi-weekly and made accessible for water managers through the Water Data for Texas website.

o Developing new models or improving existing models for analyzing and predicting drought conditions. Such models should be based on proven methods to analyze drought frequency, duration, and intensity, as opposed to research type efforts.

o Developing water budgets and tiered pricing programs that incentivize decreased consumptive use. Tiered pricing can be paired with water budgets to reward customers who use less water by charging lower rates for water in a lower tier. For example, Tier I pricing can include a relatively low price for indoor water use within a budgeted amount (e.g., 55 gallons per person per day). Reasonable water use above that amount—assumed to be for outdoor use—would be included within Tier 2 pricing at a higher cost than Tier 1. Tier 3 would establish an even higher price for all water use that exceeds the total water budget.

o Real-time operational modeling to track supply conditions and demands. Modeling can be used to analyze different operational scenarios to optimize pumping capacities, evaluate user restrictions, water delivery needs, etc., and determine how to best meet other compliance standards such as temperature control points, water quality, or Endangered Species Act (ESA)-related requirements.

o Assessing water quality with respect to the level of drought to determine appropriate measures to protect water quality for fish and wildlife, agriculture, and human consumption (e.g., water quality testing or constructing groundwater monitoring wells).

o Developing tools to facilitate water marketing, connecting willing sellers and willing buyers that want to participate in the buying, selling, leasing, or exchanging of water.

• Installing water measurement equipment and monitoring instrumentation devices to accurately track water supply conditions (e.g., water service meters, stream flow measurement structures, flow meters, well level instruments, reservoir level monitors).

http://www.owrb.ok.gov/drought/Drought%20tool.pps http://www.owrb.ok.gov/drought/Drought%20tool.pps http://waterdatafortexas.org/reservoirs/statewide

Note: Projects that primarily install meters or other water measurement devices are considered routine water management activities and are, therefore, not eligible for funding under this program as a standalone project. However, meters or other measuring devices are eligible as a necessary sub-component of another eligible Drought Resiliency Project as described in Tasks A-B (e.g., meters could be coupled with developing an online consumptive use website for consumers to see and adjust their habits). Projects may include, but are not limited to:

o Improving measurement accuracy (e.g., installing weirs, flumes, ramps, etc. in open channels or installing meters in pressurized pipes).

o Installing dual municipal meters to track indoor versus outdoor water use, allowing water purveyors to control or discourage landscape irrigation and other outdoor uses in times of drought.

o Installing and/or modifying monitoring equipment associated with stream flow measurement devices, water level sensors, etc.

C.3.2. Ineligible Projects Projects not eligible for funding under this NOFO include: scientific research, water hauling, education and outreach, land fallowing, cover cropping, and reimbursement for economic losses resulting from drought.

Other projects that are not eligible for funding under this NOFO include those eligible for other funding opportunities:

• Emergency drought response projects that provide temporary benefits, including projects involving temporary facilities (e.g., temporary pipes and pumps), and projects expected to increase the total irrigated acreage or consumptive use of an applicant are also not eligible for funding. Projects for drought contingency plans are not eligible under this NOFO but may be eligible for funding under Reclamation’s WaterSMART Drought Contingency Planning NOFO.

• Projects focused on water conservation, (such as canal lining or piping to conserve water, landscape irrigation measures, and turf replacement) are eligible for funding under Reclamation’s WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants and are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

• Projects or project elements that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI project under P.L.102-575, as amended (43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.). A list of congressionally authorized Title XVI projects can be found at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/ authorized.html.

More explanation regarding other types of ineligible projects is included in the following subsections:

• Projects considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement (OM&R).

• Water conservation projects (including water metering and measurement projects unless those projects are paired with another project eligible under Tasks A and B as a necessary subcomponent of that task).

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

Note: Projects that primarily install meters or other water measurement devices are considered routine water management activities and are, therefore, not eligible for funding under this program as a standalone project. However, meters or other measuring devices are eligible as a necessary sub-component of another eligible Drought Resiliency Project as described in Tasks A-B (e.g., meters could be coupled with developing an online consumptive use website for consumers to see and adjust their habits). Projects may include, but are not limited to:

o Improving measurement accuracy (e.g., installing weirs, flumes, ramps, etc. in open channels or installing meters in pressurized pipes).

o Installing dual municipal meters to track indoor versus outdoor water use, allowing water purveyors to control or discourage landscape irrigation and other outdoor uses in times of drought.

o Installing and/or modifying monitoring equipment associated with stream flow measurement devices, water level sensors, etc.

C.3.2. Ineligible Projects Projects not eligible for funding under this NOFO include: scientific research, water hauling, education and outreach, land fallowing, cover cropping, and reimbursement for economic losses resulting from drought.

Other projects that are not eligible for funding under this NOFO include those eligible for other funding opportunities:

Emergency drought response projects that provide temporary benefits, including projects involving temporary facilities (e.g., temporary pipes and pumps), and projects expected to increase the total irrigated acreage or consumptive use of an applicant are also not eligible for funding. Projects for drought contingency plans are not eligible under this NOFO but may be eligible for funding under Reclamation’s WaterSMART Drought Contingency Planning NOFO.

Projects focused on water conservation, (such as canal lining or piping to conserve water, landscape irrigation measures, and turf replacement) are eligible for funding under Reclamation’s WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants and are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

Projects or project elements that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI project under P.L.102-575, as amended (43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.). A list of congressionally authorized Title XVI projects can be found at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/ authorized.html.

More explanation regarding other types of ineligible projects is included in the following subsections:

Projects considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement (OM&R).

Water conservation projects (including water metering and measurement projects unless those projects are paired with another project eligible under Tasks A and B as a necessary subcomponent of that task).

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

• Water metering and measurement projects are ineligible as a standalone project but may be included if paired with another project that is eligible under Tasks A-B, as a necessary subcomponent of that task

Water conservation projects may be eligible for funding under Reclamation’s WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grant NOFO. For information about this NOFO, please contact Mr. Josh German at jgerman@usbr.gov or 303-445-2839.

Projects that will result in water conservation as a secondary consideration, such as decision support tools that improve operational efficiency, are eligible under this NOFO, so long as they are consistent with the eligible projects described in Tasks A-B in Section C.3.1. Please contact the Program Coordinator for further information (see Section G. Agency Contacts).

C.3.2.3. Water Reclamation, Reuse and Desalination Any projects or project elements that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI Water Reclamation or Reuse Project are not eligible for funding under this NOFO. A list of congressionally authorized Title XVI projects can be found at http://www.usbr.gov/ watersmart/title/authorized.html.

Any projects or project elements that are part of a water desalination or recycling project eligible for funding under section 4009(a) or 4009(c) of the WIIN Act, P.L. 114-322 are not eligible for funding under this NOFO. A list of eligible WIIN projects can be found at WIIN Eligible Projects | Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse (usbr.gov). In addition, if a water desalination, reclamation, or recycling project has a total estimated project cost of more than $20 million, that project is ineligible under this NOFO and should be pursued under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program or the WaterSMART Desalination Planning and Construction Program. Note, this applies to phases or project elements of a desalination, reclamation, or recycling project that are part of a larger project with a total estimated project cost of more than $20 million.

If you are unclear whether your project is part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI project or a project eligible under section 4009(a) or (c) of the WIIN Act, please contact Ms. Amanda Erath at aerath@usbr.gov or 303-445-2766.

C.3.2.4. Water Purchases Proposals to use Federal funding to purchase water are not eligible under this NOFO. Applicants seeking funding to purchase water in a drought emergency should request emergency drought assistance under Reclamation’s Drought Response Program.

For more information about the requirements for receiving emergency drought assistance, please see www.usbr.gov/drought/ or contact the Program Coordinator (see Section G. Agency Contacts).

C.3.2.5. Building Construction Proposals to construct a building are not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or a building to house promotion of public awareness for water conservation).

mailto:jgerman@usbr.gov https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/wiin.html https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/wiin.html mailto:aerath@usbr.gov

C.3.2.6. Pilot Projects Proposals 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 are not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO.

C.3.2.7. On-Farm Improvements Projects to conduct on-farm improvements are not eligible under this NOFO. Applicants interested in on-farm improvements should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture and 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 see www.nrcs.usda.gov for further contact information in your area.

Applicants interested in projects for water delivery systems improvements that will enable farmers to make additions on-farm improvements in the future should look into Reclamation's Water and Energy Efficiency Grants or contact Mr. Josh German at jgerman@usbr.gov or 303- 445-2839.

C.3.3. Length of Projects In general, Funding Group I projects should be completed within two years of award. Funding Group II projects should be completed within three years of award. Applications for projects requiring more time will be considered for funding only under limited circumstances.

Reclamation will determine the capability of an applicant to complete the proposed project within the timeframe identified in the application.

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ mailto:jgerman@usbr.gov

Section D. Application and Submission Information

Section D. Application and Submission Information

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 NOFO by emailing the Notice of Funding Opportunity staff at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov.

Content and Form of Application Submission

All applications must conform to the requirements set forth below.

D.2.1. Application Format and Length The technical proposal and criteria section (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 20 consecutively numbered pages. If this section of the application exceeds 20 pages, only the first 20 pages will be evaluated. The font shall be at least 12 points in size and easily readable.

Page size shall be 8½ by 11 inches, including charts, maps, and drawings. Margins should be standard 1-inch margins. Oversized pages will not be accepted.

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

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

• Mandatory Federal Forms:

o SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance.

o SF-424 Budget Information (A Form, as applicable to the project and can be used for construction or non-construction).

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

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

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

• Title page.

• Table of contents.

mailto:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov

• Technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to 20 pages):

o Executive summary.

o Project location.

o Technical project description.

o Performance measures.

o Evaluation criteria.

• Project budget:

o Funding plan and letters of commitment.

o Budget proposal.

o Budget narrative.

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance.

• Required permits or approvals.

• Existing drought contingency plan (if applicable).

• Letters of project support.

• Official resolution.

D.2.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms The application must include the standard Federal forms listed in this subsection.

D.2.2.1.1. 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.

D.2.2.1.2. SF-424 Budget Information A fully completed SF-424A Budget Information must be submitted with the application.

An SF-424A can used for construction and non-construction projects.

D.2.2.1.3. SF-424 Assurances A SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs, or an SF-424D Assurances for Construction Programs, signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project shall be included. Questions regarding whether to use SF-424B or SF-424D should be emailed to the Notice of Funding Opportunity Team staff at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424B or SF-424D may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

D.2.2.1.4. SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities A fully completed and signed SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities is required is required if the applicant has made or agreed to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action. 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 (20 pages maximum) include:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Project location

(3) Technical project description

(4) Performance measures

(5) Evaluation criteria

D.2.2.4.1. Executive Summary The executive summary should include:

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

• Please indicate whether you are a Category A applicant or a Category B applicant as noted in Section C.1. Eligible Applicants. If you are a Category B applicant, please briefly explain how you are acting in partnership with a Category A partner. Note: If you are a Category B applicant, you must include a letter from the Category A partner confirming that they are partnering with you and agree to the submittal and content of the proposal.

• A one-paragraph project summary that provides the location of the project, a brief description of the work that will be carried out, any partners involved, recent drought conditions in your project area. Describe how this project is expected to help alleviate impacts of those conditions, and identify any drought plans or other planning documents that support the project. This information will be used to create a summary of your project for our website if the project is selected for funding.

Example: The Town of Apple Valley, located in San Bernardino County in Southern California, will convert the source of irrigation water at five locations from potable water to reclaimed water by constructing a pipeline that will transport reclaimed water from the Apple Valley Water Reclamation Plant, and retrofitting the existing irrigation system at each site to utilize reclaimed water. Irrigating with reclaimed water will reduce use of potable groundwater—reducing the demand on the stressed Mojave River Groundwater Basin and adding 961 acre-feet of water per year during periods of drought.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project including the construction start date (mm/yr) (if applicable) Note: proposed projects should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to July 2022.

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

D.2.2.4.2. Project Location Provide specific information on the proposed project location or project area including a map showing the geographic location. For example, [project name] is located in [county and state] approximately [distance] miles [direction, e.g., northeast] of [nearest town]. The project latitude is {##°##’N} and longitude is {###°##’W}. For larger project areas, please provide location information in one of the following formats:

1. Shapefile (.shp)

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

3. AutoCAD (.dwg)

4. PDF map (.pdf)

D.2.2.4.3. Technical Project Description Provide a more comprehensive description of the technical aspects of your project, including the work to be accomplished and the approach to complete the work. This description should provide detailed information about the project including materials and equipment and the work to be conducted to complete the project. This section provides an opportunity for the applicant to provide a clear description of the technical nature of the project and to address any aspect of the project that reviewers may need additional information to understand.

Please do not include your project schedule and milestones here; that information is requested in response to the Project Implementation criterion in Section E.1.5. In addition, please avoid discussion of the benefits of the project, which are also requested in response to evaluation criterion in Section E.1.1.