Final 1 NOFO - BOR-MB-22-F001 (1).pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior March 2022

WaterSMART Water Conservation Field Services Program

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. R22AS00322 Missouri Basin Region Financial Assistance for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023

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

Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Missouri Basin

Region Funding Opportunity Title: Water Conservation Field Services Program:

Financial Assistance for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Announcement

Funding Opportunity Number:

R22AS00322

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:

15.530

Dates: This NOFO covers two application submittal periods:

Proposals received before July 29, 2022, 4:00 pm Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), will be considered for FY 2022 funding, contingent on appropriations.

Proposals received after July 29, 2022, 4:00 pm MDT and before May 31, 2023 will be considered for FY 2023 funding, contingent on appropriations.

Eligible Applicants: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the geographic areas covered by the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office.

Recipient Cost Share: 50 percent or more of total project costs.

Available Federal Funding: The Bureau of Reclamation, Missouri Basin Region has a $100,000 available fund successful applications received under this NOFO in Fiscal Year 2022.

The Bureau of Reclamation, Missouri Basin Region has $100,000 available fund successful applications received under this NOFO in Fiscal Year 2023.

Federal Funding Amount: Up to a maximum of $100,000 per agreement for a project that can be completed within two years within the geographic area of the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

Two

This page intentionally left blank

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

Mandatory Federal Forms SF 424 Application for Federal Financial

Assistance SF 424 A/C Budget Information SF 424 B/D Assurances Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

See Sec. E.2.1 and Sec. E.2.2 Forms may be found at www.grants.gov/web/gr ants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Title Page See Sec. E.2.3 Page 15 Table of Contents See Sec. E.2.4 Page 15 Technical proposal

Summary Project Description Evaluation Criteria

See Sec. E.2.5 Page 15

Project Budget Budget Spreadsheet Budget Narrative

See Sec. E.2.6 Page 15

Environmental Compliance/Regulatory Compliance Information

See Sec. E.2.7 Page 17

Required Permits and Approvals See Sec. E.2.8 Page 17

This page intentionally left blank.

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments

CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

D&B Dun and Bradstreet

DOI U.S. Department of the Interior

DUNS Data Universal Number System

FY fiscal year

MTDC modified total direct costs

NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity

P.L. Public Law

Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation

RRA Reclamation Reform Act of 1982

SAM System of Award Management

SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

SPOC Single Point of Contact

U.S.C. United States Code

WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow

WCFSP Water Conservation Field Services Program

Contents Page

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Program Information A.2. Objective of Funding Opportunity Announcement A.3. Statutory Authority A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding B.2. Project Funding Limitations B.3. Cost-Sharing Requirements B.4. Assistance Instrument Section C. Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Eligible Projects C.3. Ineligible Projects C.4. Length of Projects Section D. Application Review Information D.1. Evaluation Criteria for Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies Section E. Application Submission Information E.1. Application Delivery Methods E.2. Application Content E.3. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Requirement E.4. System for Award Management Registration Requirement E.5. Unnecessarily Elaborate Proposals E.6. Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Application and/or Proposal E.7. Retention/Disposition of Materials Section F. Other Information F.1. General Provisions F.2. Conflicts of Interest F.3. Data Availability

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) 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 DOI 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 addressing local water conflicts.

The Water Conservation Field Services Program (WCFSP) provides support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O. 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (E.O. 14008) and aligned with priorities, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 13985; Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (E.O. 13985).

Drought conditions across the Western United States impact a wide range of communities and sectors, including agriculture, cities, Tribes, the environment, recreation, hydropower producers, and others.

Reclamation established the Water Conservation Field Services Program (WCFSP) in 1996 to encourage recipients of water from Federal water projects to conserve water and to assist agricultural and urban water districts in preparing and implementing water conservation plans in accordance with the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982. Through the WCFSP, Reclamation makes cost-shared financial assistance available for developing water conservation plans, designing water management improvements, identifying water management improvements through System Optimization Reviews (SORs), and improving the understanding of water conservation techniques through demonstration activities.

This Water Conservation Field Services Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) provides funding for projects that, when implemented, will increase water reliability and improve water management through the use of expanded technologies and improved modeling capabilities

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

A.2. Objective of Notice of Funding Opportunity

The objective of this NOFO is to invite states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the geographic area covered by the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing water conservation planning with Reclamation to make more efficient use of existing water supplies.

A.3. 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.

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities

The WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects (SWEP) NOFO provides cost-shared financial assistance for construction of small-scale water management projects that have been identified through previous planning efforts of which this WCFSP grant applies. Reclamation has developed a streamlined selection and review process to reflect the small-scale nature of these projects.

For further information on SWEPs, please see WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Bureau of Reclamation (usbr.gov).

The WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (WEEG) NOFO provides cost-shared financial assistance for construction of larger water conservation projects resulting in quantifiable and sustained water savings.

For further information on WEEGs, please see WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants Bureau of Reclamation (usbr.gov).

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Project Funding

The amount of funding available for awards under this NOFO is approximately $100,000. Available funding will depend on final Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations, and on the demand for funding under this and other elements of the WCFSP. This NOFO will be canceled if appropriations are insufficient to support new awards.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations

The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) for any project shall not exceed 50 percent of the total costs. A maximum of $100,000.00 per entity per year in Federal funding may be allocated to proposals awarded funding under this NOFO.

B.3. Cost-Sharing Requirements

Applicants must be capable of cost-sharing 50 percent or more of the total project costs. Cost-sharing may be made through cash or in-kind contributions or donations from the applicant or third-party partners. Cost-share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or state grants) should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award.

B.3.1. Cost-Share Regulations

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

B.3.2. Donations and In-Kind Contributions

Donations and in-kind contributions constitute the value of non-cash contributions that benefit a federally assisted project. Contributions may be in the form of real property, equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project or program. The cost or value of donations and in-kind contributions that have been or will be relied on to satisfy a cost-sharing or matching requirement for another Federal financial assistance agreement, a Federal procurement contract, or any other award of Federal funds may not be relied on to satisfy the cost-share requirement for an award under this NOFO.

The exception to this requirement is where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for such program can be applied to matching or cost-sharing requirements of other Federal programs, such as awards to tribal organizations under P.L.

93-638, as amended.

Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 for regulations regarding the valuation of donations and in-kind contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

B.4. Assistance Instrument

Awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements. 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 project objectives are being achieved.

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

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants

Under P.L. 111-11, Section 9502, an eligible applicant is a state, tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority. In addition, applicants must be located within the geographic areas of the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office. A map of the area is provided as Appendix A to this NOFO.

Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:

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 authority.

C.2. Eligible Projects

C.2.1. Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies

Demonstration activities are those that include the installation or application of a particular technology in a new way, or a new setting, with the intent of reporting the results to others for broader adoption. These activities should demonstrate innovative technologies, both hardware and software, to increase understanding of newer water management methods and best practices that have been previously used on a limited scale or available only on a proprietary basis.

Demonstration of Technologies is a logical step upon completion of prior planning efforts to identify solutions for improving the capacity development of the applicants to adopt digital infrastructure applications in managing water.

Examples of eligible technologies include, but are not limited to:

● Demonstrate the state-of-art use of geographic information systems and communication devices to enhance spatial management while monitoring water distribution systems.

● Demonstrate prototype SCADA systems for efficient determination of demand estimates and also streamline supply functions.

● Demonstrate aerial mapping of canal seepage, investigate dam operations, and vegetation over irrigated areas and watersheds.

C.3. Ineligible Projects

Proposals for the development of planning studies are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

This includes proposals for the development of appraisal investigations, feasibility studies, special studies, drought contingency plans, Basin Studies, or studies authorized under the Title XVI Water

Recycling and Reuse Program, through P.L.102-575, as amended (43 USC 390h et seq.), or under the Rural Water Program, pursuant to the Rural Water Supply Act of 2006, P.L.109-451 (https://www.usbr.gov/ruralwater/).

Proposals for on-the-ground construction activities are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

C.4. Length of Projects

In general, projects funded under this NOFO should be completed within two years of award.

Section D. Application Review Information

D1. Evaluation Criteria for Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies

The evaluation criteria should be addressed in the technical proposal section of the application.

Applications should thoroughly address each criterion and any subcriterion in the order presented below. Applications will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria listed below.

D.1.1. Evaluation Criterion A - Association with Reclamation Project Water Supplies (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates a nexus between the proposed project and a Reclamation project.

D.1.2. Evaluation Criterion B - Extent to which applicant’s Water Management Plan is complete and updated (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the applicant has justified that a required (e.g., RRA, state law) water management plan is complete and updated. If an applicant is not required to have a plan in place, then an applicant will describe the absence of a statutory or regulatory requirement.

D.1.3. Evaluation Criterion C - Extent to which the proposed activity will demonstrate innovative conservation technologies for improving water use efficiency (20 points)

Up to 20 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the applicant has described the innovative conservation technology including: applied research to benefit the development of new technologies, demonstrating a specific conservation technology, or innovative application of existing technology with the intent of evaluating results.

D.1.4. Evaluation Criterion D - Extent to which Federal funding would promote completion of an activity that might otherwise be delayed or postponed (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates that the requested Federal funding would promote completion of the project that otherwise would be delayed or postponed.

D.1.5. Evaluation Criteria E - Amount and sources of non-Federal funding (i.e., cost-share) (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal describes the amount of non-Federal cost-share along with detail regarding those sources (e.g., in-kind, cash, loans).

D.1.6. Evaluation Criteria F - Likelihood that any environmental and cultural resources issues associated with the proposal can be addressed at low cost and in a timely manner (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal describes an implementation plan that addresses mitigating environmental and cultural resources issues in a low cost and timely manner.

D.1.7. Evaluation Criteria G- Extent to which the proposal demonstrates a sound implementation strategy (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal describes an implementation plan identifying key resources (e.g., technical expertise, equipment) and the necessary steps for successful demonstration of the conservation technology.

D.1.8. Evaluation Criteria H- Applicant’s strategy for monitoring performance and reporting and disseminating results (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the applicant has described a strategy to evaluate and assess the results from the demonstration project and make that information available to the broader, interested community. The applicant should describe interested stakeholders of the conservation technology, immediate beneficiaries, and the strategy of engaging and informing these interested parties on the methodology/process and ultimate results.

D.1.9. Evaluation Criterion I—Presidential and Department of the Interior Priorities (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based in the extent that the project demonstrates support for the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities, including Presidential Executive Order 14008; Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (EO 14008) and Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (EO 13985).

Consideration under this criterion is also given for adding ecological value by increasing ecological resiliency to climate change and drought.

Please only address those priorities that are applicable to your project. It is not necessary to address priorities that are not applicable to your project. A project will not necessarily receive more points simply because multiple priorities are addressed. Points will be allocated based on the degree to which the project supports one or more of the priorities listed and whether the connection to the priority(ies) is well supported in the proposal. Without repeating benefits already described in Criterions A, B, and C, described in detail how the proposed project supports a priority(ies) below.

A. Climate Change: EO 14008 emphasizes the need to prioritize and take robust actions to reduce climate pollution, increase resilience to the impacts of climate change, protect public health and conserve our lands, waters, oceans, and biodiversity.

1. In addition to drought resiliency measures, does the proposed conservation project technologies demonstrate other natural hazard risk reductions for hazards such as wildlife or floods?

2. Does the proposed conservation project technologies include green or sustainable infrastructure to reduce the energy needed to manage water? Does this infrastructure complement other green solutions being implemented throughout the region or watershed?

3. Will the proposed conservation project technologies establish and utilize a renewable energy source?

4. Does the proposed conservation project technologies seek to reduce or mitigate climate water pollution?

5. Does the proposed conservation project technologies have a component that will promote healthy lands and soils or serve to protect water supplies and its associated uses?

6. Does the proposed conservation project technologies contribute to climate change resiliency on other ways not described above?

B. E.O. 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad directs Federal agencies to assess potential benefits to disadvantaged communities as part of funding allocation processes. E.O.

13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government also includes consideration of investment in underserved communities, consistent with other program requirements. E.O. 13985 defines an underserved community to include populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, and provides examples of such communities. See each Executive Order for additional information.

Points will be awarded based on the extent to which your Project serves economically disadvantaged or underserved communities in rural or urban areas.

Please describe in detail how the community is disadvantaged or underserved based on a combination of variables that may include the following:

Low income, high and/or persistent poverty

High unemployment and underemployment

Racial and ethnic residential segregation, particularly where the segregation stems from discrimination by government entities

Linguistic isolation

High housing cost burden and substandard housing

Distressed neighborhoods

High transportation cost burden and/or low transportation access

Disproportionate environmental stressor burden and high cumulative impacts

Limited water and sanitation access and affordability

Disproportionate impacts from climate change

High energy cost burden and low energy access

Jobs lost through energy transition

Access to healthcare

C. Ecological Value: Drought resiliency projects often provide environmental benefits in addition to water supply reliability benefits for other users. Ecological resiliency is crucial to sustain ecosystems that can respond to and recover from external stressors resulting from climate change and drought.

1. Does the project seek to improve ecological climate change resiliency of a wetland, river, or stream to benefit to wildlife, fisheries, or habitats? Do these benefits support and endangered or threatened species?

2. What are the types and quantities of environmental benefits provided, such as the types of species and the numbers benefited, acreage of habitat improved, restored or protected, or the amount of additional stream flow added? How were there benefits calculated?

3. Will the proposed project reduce the likelihood of a species listing of otherwise improve the species status?

Section E. Application Submission Information

E.1. Application Delivery Methods

Under no circumstance will proposals be accepted by email or facsimile. Proposals must be submitted by one of the following methods:

Electronic Submittal via Grants.gov - Grants.gov is an internet website that can be used to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. In order to electronically submit an application, you must complete the Grants.gov registration process. The registration process can take approximately 7-21 days to be completed; therefore, registration should be done in a sufficient amount of time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you receive your e-authentication credentials. Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov; however, electronic submittal of applications is not required. If submitting through the grants.gov website, submit only one original. For more information regarding applying via Grants.gov, please visit the “Get Registered” and “Apply for Grants” links at www.grants.gov.

Applicants have sometimes experienced significant delays when attempting to submit through Grants.gov. If you plan to use Grants.gov, you are encouraged to submit your application several days before the application deadline. If you are a properly registered Grants.gov applicant, and you encounter problems with the Grants.gov submission process, you must contact the Grants.gov Help desk to obtain a “Case Number.” This Case Number will provide evidence of your attempt to submit an application before the submission deadline.

Hard-Copy Submittal - Applications may be submitted by hard-copy. All originals of the hard-copy applications should be hand-delivered or mailed to:

Lindsey R. Nafts, Grants Officer Bureau of Reclamation Missouri Basin Regional Office

2021 4th Avenue North P.O. Box 36900 Billings, MT 59107-6900 Ph. (406) 247-7684 Mobile Ph: (406) 399-2810 Email: lnafts@usbr.gov

Regardless of the submittal method used, applicants are responsible for ensuring their applications are accepted and received by Reclamation by the established due date.

E.2. Application Content

Each applicant shall submit an application in accordance with the instructions contained in this section. The application must contain the following elements in order to be considered complete.

E.2.1 SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance

A fully completed form, signed by a representative legally authorized to commit the applicant to the performance of the project, must be included in the proposal.

Failure to submit a properly signed SF 424 may result in the elimination of the application from consideration.

E.2.2 SF 424A, SF 424B Budget and Assurances

E.2.2.1 Non-construction projects

An SF 424A Budget, and an SF 424B Assurances. The SF 424B must be signed by a representative legally authorized to commit the applicant to the performance of the project.

E.2.3 Title Page

Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed activity that indicates the nature of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name, address, phone number, and email address of the project manager.

E.2.4 Table of Contents

List all significant sections of the proposal.

E.2.5 Technical Proposal – Required Content

Each applicant must submit a technical proposal that consists of the information listed below.

Failure to include all required documentation may disqualify the applicant from consideration.

E.2.5.1 General Background

Discuss the general background of the organizational structure, including:

Water source with water right.

Association or nexus with a Reclamation Project or facility, or no association.

Water conveyance/delivery system (miles of conveyance), number of customers.

Applicant’s eligibility and contact information.

E.2.5.2 Purpose and Objective

Discuss the purpose and objective of the proposed activity, and the method used to calculate the estimated volume of water to be saved in acre-feet per year, if applicable.

E.2.5.3 Cost Estimate and Schedule

Discuss the significant tasks to be contracted out and significant tasks to be performed with the applicant’s workforce.

Provide discussion and calculations on how the costs were derived for the significant tasks.

Provide a total activity cost estimated table, itemizing activity costs for the significant tasks.

E.2.6 Activity Budget – Required Content

Each applicant must submit an activity budget consisting of the information listed below.

E.2.6.1 Direct Cost Budget Elements

Applicants shall include a narrative description of ALL the cost items included in the activity budget. The narrative explains items included in the proposed budget for the activity. The budget narrative must support the information listed on the SF-424A or SF-424C, as applicable. Below are some examples of the types of information that should be included in the budget narrative.

Personnel costs - define each position that will direct charge to this activity by title, salary or wage, amount of time estimated on the activity, and any fringe benefit costs.

Equipment Description and Hourly Rate - indicate whether the equipment is already owned, will be leased, or purchased. If you are using owned equipment, include an hourly rate and time estimates. The rates must reflect actual cost. You may use your rate calculation or the rate calculated in the US Army Corps of Engineers Equipment Ownership and Operating Expense Schedule for your region. If using your rate calculation, provide information justifying the estimate. If equipment purchase is recommended, discuss why purchase is preferred to lease or rental. Itemize costs of all equipment with a value of over $500.00.

Supplies and Materials - list the significant types of material and supplies (office, construction, etc.) that are to be purchased/used on this activity.

Travel Costs - include the purpose of the trip, destination, number traveling, and length of stay for each trip. If costs for travel are identified, be sure the purpose/need for travel is discussed in the activity narrative. Costs may include airfare, per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs – environmental compliance costs refer to costs incurred by Reclamation or the applicant in complying with environmental regulations.

Discuss what costs have been included, why they are needed, and how the costs were determined.

Other - any other expenses, such as those for reporting or contracting out, not included in the above categories, shall be listed in this category, along with a description of the item and what it will be used for. No profit or fee will be allowed in this category.

E.2.6.2 Indirect Cost Budget Elements

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

Any non-Federal entity that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in appendix VII to 2 CFR §200, paragraph D.1., may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. For further information on MTDC, refer to 2 CFR §200.68 available at www.ecfr.gov.

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

E.2.6.3 Cost Share Breakdown

Describe all partners/sponsors participating in the activity, and the contribution for each participant.

E.2.7 Environmental Compliance

Provide any required environmental compliance and/or regulatory compliance information relevant to the proposed project, including the status of any activities previously completed, or the need for future compliance activities before the commencement of the project activities.

E.2.8 Required Permits and Approvals

Provide any required permit and approval information relevant to the proposed project, including the status of previously acquired documents, or the need for future permits and approvals.

E.3. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Requirement

Applicants for Federal grants or cooperative agreements must provide a D&B DUNS number with every application. The number is to be included in the applicant’s SF-424 Application for Federal

Assistance.

If the applicant does not have a DUNS number, one may be obtained at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number Request Line at 1-866-705-5711 or by going to the DUNS Government Contractor and Grantee website at https://iupdate.dnb.com. Reclamation must have a DUNS number for payment processing purposes.

E.4. System for Award Management Registration Requirement

All grant applicants are required to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time of application, unless the applicant has an exemption under 2 CFR 25.110. Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during the time in which the applicant has an active Federal award or an application under consideration. For additional information, or to register, go to www.sam.gov/SAM.

E.5. Unnecessarily Elaborate Proposals

Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond those sufficient to present a complete and adequate response to this funding opportunity are not desired. Elaborate artwork, expensive paper and bindings, and expensive visual and other presentation aids, water management plans, newspaper articles or excessively long proposals are not necessary.

E.6. Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Application and Proposal

Any application received at the designated office mentioned in this NOFO after the specified time for receipt will not be considered.

Reclamation selected proposals for funding are not binding until both parties sign the final agreement. Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the agreement signature.

E.7. Retention/Disposition of Materials

Proposals submitted in response to this NOFO will not be returned but will be retained by Reclamation for official record purposes. Materials supplied to the applicant need not be returned but may be disposed of at the discretion of the applicant, unless otherwise specifically directed that the applicant return for auditing purposes.

Section F. Other Information

F.1. General Provisions

Awards made under this NOFO will:

Incorporate in full, or by reference, the regulations found at 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR §182 and §1401, 2 CFR §175.15, 2 CFR 25, Appendix A, 2 CFR 170, Appendix A, 31 U.S.C. 7501- 7507, 43 CFR 18, and the applicable parts from 43 CFR 12 found at 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 182.

Incorporate language for the right to inspect and evaluate work performed, assurances and certifications, covenants against contingent fees, and applicable language from Executive Order 13513 (Prohibition on Text Messaging and Using Electronic Equipment Supplied by the Government While Driving), Public Law 112-239 (Whistleblower Rights), and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.

Require registration with the Department of the Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system. ASAP is a recipient-initiated payment and information system designed to provide a single point of contact for the request and delivery of Federal funds.

ASAP is the only allowable method for request and receipt of payment used by Reclamation.

F.2. Conflicts of Interest

1. Applicability.

a. This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial assistance agreements.

b. In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by subrecipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR 200.318 apply.

2. Requirements.

a. Non-Federal entities must avoid prohibited conflicts of interest, including any significant financial interests that could cause a reasonable person to question the recipient's ability to provide impartial, technically sound, and objective performance under or with respect to a Federal financial assistance agreement.

b. In addition to any other prohibitions that may apply with respect to conflicts of interest, no key official of an actual or proposed recipient or subrecipient, who is substantially involved in the proposal or project, may have been a former Federal employee who, within the last one (1) year, participated personally and substantially in the evaluation, award, or administration of an award with respect to that recipient or subrecipient or in development of the requirement leading to the funding announcement.

c. No actual or prospective recipient or subrecipient may solicit, obtain, or use non-public information regarding the evaluation, award, or administration of an award to that recipient or subrecipient or the development of a Federal financial assistance opportunity that may be of competitive interest to that recipient or subrecipient.

3. Notification.

a. Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to the DOIs awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with 2 CFR 200.112, Conflicts of Interest.

b. Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by subrecipients.

4. Restrictions on Lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under this grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR Part 18 and 31 U.S.C. 13 52.

5. Review Procedures. The Grants Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

6. Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the

Government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR Part 180).

F.3. Data Availability

1. Applicability. DOI is committed to basing its decisions on the best available science and providing the American people with enough information to thoughtfully and substantively evaluate the data, methodology, and analysis used by DOI to inform its decisions.

2. Use of Data. The regulations at 2 CFR 200.315 apply to data produced under a Federal award, including the provision that the Federal Government has the right to obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data produced under a Federal award as well as authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes.

3. Availability of Data. The recipient shall make the data produced under this award and any subaward(s) available to the Government for public release, consistent with applicable law, to allow meaningful third-party evaluation and reproduction of the following:

a. The scientific data relied upon;

b. The analysis relied upon; and

c. The methodology, including models, used to gather and analyze data.

Appendix A Nebraska-Kansas Area Office Map