Foa_Content_of_R25AS00210 FINAL.pdf

Bureau of Reclamation

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program FY 2026

Funding Opportunity Number

R25AS00210

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Cost Sharing Requirement

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Program Description

Legislative Authority

Type of Award

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

Application Documents

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Review and Selection Process

Risk Review

AWARD NOTICES

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

Reporting

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: R25AS00210

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.078

Estimated Total Program Funding: $6,500,000

Expected Number of Awards: 7

Award Ceiling: $999,999

Award Floor: $300,000

Cost Sharing Required?

No Closing Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 4PM, MT, on the listed application due date.

Have Questions?

For questions regarding application and submission, contact the NOFO team at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov. Staff availability on the day of the NOFO closing will be limited.

For questions regarding applicant and project eligibility, programmatic or technical questions contact Chris Frans, cfrans@usbr.gov.

Please include the NOFO number R25AS00210 in the subject line of any email correspondence.

Executive Summary The Bureau of Reclamation’s Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program aims to improve the skill of water supply forecasts by enhancing snow monitoring using emerging technologies to complement existing monitoring techniques and networks. This program was authorized in December 2020 by P.L. 116-260, Sec. 1111.

This NOFO invites proposals from eligible applicants to conduct aerial LiDAR snow surveys to improve water supply forecasting. Strong applications should include partnerships with water management and forecasting agencies to share knowledge, use data in forecasts, and assess the usefulness of information for water management decisions. This initiative supports the Bureau of Reclamation's mission to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public by providing water managers with enhanced estimates of future water availability.

The Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program demonstrably advances Trump administration priorities, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14154 (January 20, 2025):

Unleashing American Energy (E.O. 14154) and Secretarial Order 3418, and aligns with other priorities and requirements, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14332 (August 7, 2025): Improving Oversight in Federal Grantmaking (E.O. 14332).

ELIGIBILITY

mailto:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov mailto:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov

Eligible Applicants State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Special district governments

Independent school districts

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Private institutions of higher education

Individuals

For profit organization other than small businesses

Small businesses

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility The program office will review all proposed projects to determine whether the application is an eligible activity under the NOFO and can proceed to merit review evaluation. Eligible projects must include the deployment of aerial LiDAR snow surveys to support water supply forecasting.

Aerial LiDAR snow survey flights must represent at least 80% of the request for federal funding.

Projects should be scoped to quantify benefits to water supply forecasts and water management, as compared to status quo operational snow monitoring and forecasting technologies.

Projects not eligible for funding under this NOFO include, but are not limited to:

• Projects deploying snow monitoring technologies outside of the Reclamation 17-State domain (AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY)

• Projects unrelated to snow monitoring or the use of snow data in water supply forecasts

• Projects focused on improving water supply forecasts outside of the Reclamation 17-

State domain (AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY)

Applicants can only request funding for work that is planned through September 2029.

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

No

Non-Federal cost share is not required but is strongly encouraged. All cost-share contributions must be non-Federal and comply with 2 CFR 200.306. Cost sharing can come from direct cash contributions, third-party in-kind contributions, or a combination of both. In-kind contributions may include equipment, supplies, and services directly benefiting the project.

However, third-party in-kind contributions used to meet cost-sharing requirements for other Federal awards cannot be counted for this NOFO's cost-share requirement. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 for regulations on valuing third-party in-kind contributions.

Cost share funding is an evaluation criterion (see the Merit Review section), and reported cost-share amounts will be verified. If the reported cost share cannot be confirmed, funding for the project may be changed or delayed. Therefore, it is crucial that reported cost share meets the outlined requirements.

Other sources of Federal funding generally cannot be counted towards the required cost-share, except where specific Federal statutes allow it. If it is determined that Federal funds cannot be used for the non-Federal cost-share, the related work may need to be excluded from the project, or those Federal funds will count towards the Federal share. Please identify any other Federal funding associated with the Project.

See the Budget Narrative section for information on reporting cost share funding in your application.

Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including cost share and third-party contributions.

Total Project Costs $500,000

Cost share x 35%

Applicant share of project costs $175,000

Federal share $325,000

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306

Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.

To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to complete registration.

• Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.

• Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you need, including during renewal.

• Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.gov Help page.

Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.

GRANTS.GOV

This program accepts applications through Grants.gov so once you receive your UEI return to Grants.gov to register with Grants.gov. Please allow 30 days to register and set up a Workspace in Grants.gov. See Submission Instructions section below for additional details.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• The Snow Water Supply Forecast Program seeks to improve water management through investments in snow monitoring technologies that can enhance the skill of water supply forecasts with which water management decisions are made. In particular, projects must include deployment of aerial LiDAR snow surveys and incorporation of those data into water supply forecasts. Each project should evaluate the enhanced snow monitoring activities through comparisons with status quo snowpack monitoring and improvement in water supply forecasting skill.

Program Description Reservoir operations and related water management decisions rely on estimates of current and future water availability. These estimates depend on technologies to observe basin conditions such as snowpack. In many Western basins, snowpack and subsequent snowmelt runoff constitutes a significant portion of the annual water supply. Accordingly, monitoring snowpack is of great interest to water managers and water users alike. Traditionally, basin snowpack information is based on a sparse network of observing stations across large watersheds. These networks provide high quality information at station locations but extrapolating that information to an entire watershed is a challenge. Remote sensing technologies have emerged to measure snowpack across larger spatial scales. This funding opportunity seeks projects that improve https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration water supply forecasting through enhanced snowpack monitoring with aerial LiDAR snow surveys. Aerial LiDAR snow surveys must comprise at least 80% of the request for Federal funding. Successful projects will demonstrate how enhanced snow monitoring activities compare to status quo snowpack monitoring and demonstrate potential benefits for water supply forecasting.

Certified Local Governments are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday (American250). This may include, but is not limited to, preservation planning, interpretation, public engagement, and rehabilitation projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.

Legislative Authority Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Authorization Act of 2020 Public Law 116-260, Section 1111(e)(3)

Type of Award Projects will be funded through CA (Cooperative Agreement).

Recipient should expect the Federal agency to have substantial involvement in the project.

This includes:

• collaboration and participation with the successful applicant in the management of the project and close oversight of the successful applicant’s activities to ensure that the program objectives are achieved, and

• possible oversight, including review, input, and approval at key interim stages of the project.

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

Prior to applying, applicants should review presidential actions found at:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ and DOI Secretary’s Orders found at:

https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order. By applying in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all currently effective and applicable executive orders and secretary’s orders, including but not limited to the Executive Order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the Executive Order and Secretary’s order titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed activities are consistent with the intent and requirements of these directives.

Application Documents Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below.

Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the form instructions on the Grants.gov Forms Repository.

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electronic equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form also represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying

Required from all applicants

SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs Required from all applicants

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Required if requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds and the applicant has used or plans to use funds other than Federal appropriated funds for lobbying related to the proposed project.

Project Abstract Summary (OMB 4040-0019). Must include, in plain language:

• Award purpose,

• Activities to be performed,

• Expected deliverables or outcomes,

• Intended beneficiaries, Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award)

Required from all applicants https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Current and Pending (Other) Support Note: This form is available on the DOI website. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Biographical Sketch Note: This form is available on the DOI website. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

Project Narrative The project proposal must be no longer than 12 pages, with a typeface no smaller than 11-point, and have at least 1-inch margins on all sides. The 12-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and vitae, but does not include the Budget Narrative or summary slides.

Application narrative requirements should include:

Title Page

The title page should provide a brief 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, address, e-mail address, and telephone of the project manager.

Table of Contents

The table of contents should include all major sections of the project proposal.

Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

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

• In one paragraph, state the problem/motivation for the project and how the proposed work addresses it.

• In one paragraph, summarize the project. Specify the work proposed, including how funds will be used to accomplish specific project activities and briefly identify how the proposed project contributes to accomplishing the goals and objectives of this NOFO.

Also include information on how project impacts/benefits will be assessed and what expansion/extension of the work to other regions might entail.

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

• Identify the proposed project location(s) including any field sites.

Project Location https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance

The project location should provide specific information on the area in which the applicant will work, potentially including a map showing the geographic location and a brief narrative. For example: the {project} is located in {state and county} approximately {distance} miles {direction, e.g., northeast} of {nearest town} in {township, range, and section}. If selected for funding, Reclamation may request additional detail regarding the applicant’s project location.

Motivation/Problem Statement

Describe the motivation for the proposed project or the problem to be addressed by the proposed project, including how the proposed approach or technology improves on current shortcomings.

Include information on water management decisions or activities that aim to be improved by this work and how those benefits/improvements will be assessed/quantified. Describe how the proposed work aligns with one or more of the objectives shown in the Program Goals section.

Prior Work and Results

Describe previous work, technology development, and/or technology deployment that supports/substantiates the proposed project. Identify relevant experience of key project team members for the proposed work.

Technical Approach and Project Activities

Describe the technical approach of the project. Include enough detail on the proposed technology or approach to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal. The applicant should identify potential challenges that may be faced throughout the proposed project activities, and mitigation strategies for these challenges. Describe in detail the tasks to be conducted, including the development of the final technical report. For each task, describe planned activities and expected outcomes and milestones. Provide the location(s) of activities for each task. As applicable, the applicant may provide figures or diagrams to support the description the proposed project and activities.

Work Plan and Schedule

Provide a work plan based on the technical approach and project activities. The work plan should include a schedule showing individual tasks with significant milestones identified for the work to be accomplished. Clearly and concisely convey this schedule using a table, Gantt chart, project network diagram, or any other visual format. Time for final report preparation should be included in the work plan. The final report will be posted publicly.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) Plan

Identify the proposed QA/QC protocols to be used throughout the project, including but not limited to data checks, peer review, instrument calibration, etc.

Responses to Evaluation Criteria

(See Merit Review Section for additional details, including a detailed description of each criterion and points associated with each.)

The responses to evaluation criteria portion of your application should clearly describe how the proposed project addresses each criterion (in the order presented) to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your application. It is not necessary to repeat information provided in other sections of the proposal. Rather than repeating information, provide a reference to other sections of the proposal.

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

Summary Slides

Please include no more than two Microsoft PowerPoint slides summarizing the proposed project.

The slides must be submitted in PDF format and will be used during the evaluation process. The summary slides don’t need to follow any template but must have the following information:

• Project title, Project Manager, and their institution/company if applicable

• A technology summary (briefly summarize any snow monitoring and/or forecasting technologies part of the proposed work)

• Summary of key tasks/activities

• Anticipated impact/benefit of the proposed work to water management decision

• making/activities

• Any key graphics (picture, illustration, charts, and/or tables)

• Requested Reclamation funds and any proposed non-Federal cost share (if applicable)

Budget Narrative Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.

Budget items must be:

• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied:

• De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).

• Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).

Data and Evaluation Costs: Applicant budgets may include costs related to data and evaluation as relevant per 2 CFR §200.455.

The budget narrative provides a written description of the costs included in each budget category on the SF-424A and how they were estimated. While the SF-424A gives the total cost for each https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 category of the budget, the budget narrative gives the item by item breakdown for each category and shows the calculations used to derive the costs. The budget description serves two purposes:

1) it explains how the costs were estimated, and 2) it justifies the need for the cost. See Attachment A for Budget Narrative Guidance. Attachment B is a suggested format for capturing budget details to support the Narrative.

Pre-award costs (defined at 2 CFR 200.458) are allowed, subject to Grant Officer approval. To be eligible, pre-award costs must be incurred after award selection. Pre-award costs are at the applicant’s risk. Successful applicants may submit requests for approval of pre-award costs to the awarding Grant Officer.

Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:

If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR 200.113.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

• A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity.

• Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected date of the funding decision.

Other Required Information Letters of Commitment or Support

Applicants should include letters of commitment from third-party cost share sources. Letters of commitment should identify the amount of funding committed, the date the funds are available, time constraints on the availability of funds, and any other funding contingencies. Letters of support from interested stakeholders supporting the proposed project are encouraged, if applicable. Reclamation will not consider letters of support received after the application deadline for this NOFO in evaluating an applicant’s proposed project. These letters do not count within the 12 page-maximum.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.458 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402#1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Grants.gov contains a complete application kit to submit a full application in response to this NOFO. Instructions for the Grants.gov application process are available here. Contact Grants Management Specialist Van Perry at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov if you are unable to access the application materials electronically.

Proposals received after the application deadline will not be considered unless it can be determined that the delay was caused by Reclamation or that there were technical issues with Grants.gov. To document a delay due to a technical issue in Grants.gov, you must furnish a Grants.gov helpdesk ticket number to the NOFO team that validates the delay. Difficulties related to an applicant's Grants.gov profile (e.g., incorrect organizational representative), uploading documents to Grants.gov, or an applicant's SAM.gov registration are not considered technical issues with the Grants.gov system.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 05/05/2026

Closing Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 4PM, MT, on the listed application due date.

Submission Instructions Apply Through Grants.gov To apply through Grants.gov, please follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide for Applicants. Before applying, ensure that at least one person at your organization is registered and has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Only the AOR can submit the application. If you need more users, they must create their own Grants.gov account. Follow these steps below to apply:

• Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

• Complete a Workspace: Invite participants to the workspace so you can collaborate on the application. Required applications forms are included in the Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Package and can be completed in the Workspace, unless noted otherwise in the Required Forms table above. Check for errors before submission.

• Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab

• Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application.

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants https://www.grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

The system generates a date and time stamp and sends it to the applicant’s AOR via email as proof of submission. Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not encrypt, zip, or password-protect any files. Only registered individuals in SAM as both a user and an AOR can submit applications. Please allow 30 days to register in Grants.gov.

Application System Technical Support: For Grants.gov technical registration and submission, downloading forms, and application packages, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800- 518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

The Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program will review applications to ensure that projects are eligible as described in the Eligibility Section.

The Grants Officer will remove an application if it does not include:

• Completed SF-424 and SF-424A forms

• SAM.gov registration, with a valid UEI (unless an exemption at 2 CFR 25.110 applies, see below)

• A project narrative

• A budget narrative

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR

25.205 for more information.

Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to this program.

If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in writing.

Merit Review An Application Review Committee (ARC), made up of experts in relevant disciplines, will review the technical merit of the application, based on the following evaluation criteria:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-25.200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205

Evaluation Criteria: Scoring Summary Maximum Points

A. Non-Federal cost share 25

B. Impacts and benefits for water management 15

C. Evaluation of impacts and benefits 10

D. Water management agency involvement 10

E. Integration into operational water supply forecasts 15

F. Schedule/workplan and QA/QC 5

G. Presidential and Department of Interior Priorities 20

Total 100

Evaluation Criterion A: Non-Federal Cost Share (25 points)

Non-Federal cost share points will be awarded for voluntarily committed non-Federal cost share.

A breakdown of these points by percentage of cost share for the total cost of the project is below.

Note: projects selected for award will have reported cost-share amounts verified. If reported cost share is found to be ineligible, there may be impacts to the award. Accordingly, please ensure reported cost share amounts are accurate and eligible. See Cost Sharing Requirement Section for guidance.

Project Non-Federal Cost Share Percentage Points 0% 0 1% - 4% 2 5% - 10% 5 11% - 20% 10 21-35% 15 36-49% 20 >= 50% 25

Evaluation Criterion B: Impacts and benefit for water management (15 points):

Describe how the proposed work is expected to result in enhanced snow monitoring and/or water supply forecast skill and the water yield management decisions/activities that are expected to benefit/improve as a result. Describe how the proposed work will enhance the prediction of water yield in the project domain. Elaborate on any specific water management challenges that the proposed work aims to address. Cite past work/literature to support the anticipated benefits.

Describe how outcomes of the proposed work could be expanded/extended to other geographic areas.

Evaluation Criterion C: Evaluation of impacts and benefits (10 points)

Describe how the water management benefits will be assessed/verified, including establishment of a baseline representing existing operational water supply forecast technologies. Describe the quantitative metrics to be used.

Evaluation Criterion D: Water Management Agency Involvement (10 Points)

Describe the level of engagement and role(s) of water management entity(ies) in the proposed activities.

Evaluation Criterion E: Integration into operational water supply forecasting (15 points)

Describe how the proposed work has a plan to work with an operational water supply forecasting entities to incorporate outcomes of the proposed work into operational forecasts used by water managers. Describe any activities that build technical expertise of water management agencies.

Points will be awarded on the basis of: (1) technical rigor/detail of the proposed plan, (2) level of engagement of operational forecasting entities and (3) the likelihood of successful technology transfer based on the proposed plan.

Evaluation Criterion F: Schedule/Workplan and QA/QC (5 points)

Provide a schedule with tasks and milestones that concisely summarizes the elements of the proposed work. It is suggested that applications use a Gantt chart or similar visual depiction of this information. Provide information on quality assurance and quality control practices that will be employed to ensure the technical and scientific integrity of the work. Points will be awarded based on (1) the quality and feasibility of the proposed schedule/workplan and (2) the extent to which appropriate QA/QC measures are included.

Evaluation Criterion G: Presidential and Department of Interior Priorities (20 points)

Up to 20 points may be awarded based on the extent that the project demonstrably:

• Advances the Trump Administration’s priorities, including E.O. 14154: Unleashing American Energy, justifies alignment with priorities and requirements in E.O. 14332:

Improving Oversight in Federal Grantmaking;

• Includes primary project elements that develop, demonstrate, and or implement artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that advance the Trump Administration and Department of Interior’s priorities for AI, including OMB M-25-21 Accelerating the Use of AI through Innovation, Governance, and Public Trust; S.O. 3444: Leading Interior’s Path to Artificial Intelligence Transformation;

• Aligns with Secretary Burgum’s strategic objectives, including those identified in S.O.s 3417: Addressing the National Energy Emergency, 3418 Unleashing American Energy, 3419 Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost-of-Living Crisis;

• Aligns with goals and objectives in the U.S. Department of the Interior FY 2026-2030 Strategic Plan; and

• Supports water management and enhanced operational flexibility in Reclamation States, with priority given to the Colorado River Basin, which is experiencing long-term drought conditions.

Please address only those priorities that are applicable to your project. All priorities will be given equal consideration. 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, advances, or otherwise demonstrates an enhancement of one or more of the priorities identified, and whether the connection to the stated priority (or priorities) is (are) well supported.

The Program will review eligibility and verify it meets the objective of the NOFO before applications are sent to the ARC. During the ARC review, Reclamation may contact applicants to request clarifications to the information provided, if necessary.

Review and Selection Process This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:

• figures are correct

• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives

• avoid obviously unallowable costs

• identify costs requiring prior approval

• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may choose to not make an award.

Initial Review: Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination); and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable executive and secretary orders, including the President’s executive order on Ending Radical and Wasteful

Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the executive order and Secretary order on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered nonresponsive and eliminated from further review.

After the merit review, Reclamation conducts a “red-flag” review of top-ranking applications.

During this review, Reclamation identifies any reasons a project would not be feasible or advisable, including environmental or cultural compliance, permitting, legal, financial, performance or other concerns. After the red-flag review, Reclamation conducts a “managerial review” of top-ranking applications. The managerial review prioritizes applications for selection based on the objectives of the NOFO. The review of applications will follow the requirements of E.O. 14332, such as ensuring review by senior appointees, and that selections demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities consistent with applicable law. Geographic dispersion, project types, applicant types, previous award history, and applicant success in implementing Gold Standard Science (E.O. 14303) may be considered during the review. Selections are finalized once all reviews are complete, and all applicants are notified.

Risk Review Prior to making an award, the applicant will be assessed for their level of risk per 2 CFR

200.206. This assessment includes the applicant's financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past award performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential for challenges. If an award will be made, special conditions may be applied to the award corresponding to the assessed risk. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $350,000), a review of the applicant's eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant's SAM.gov records will also be performed per 2 CFR 200.206.

A Reclamation Grants Officer conducts a detailed budget analysis and a business evaluation and responsibility determination. During this evaluation, the Reclamation Grants Officer will consider several factors, such as:

• Allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of proposed costs

• Financial strength and stability of the applicant

• Past performance, including satisfactory compliance with all terms and conditions of previous awards, such as environmental compliance, reporting requirements, and audit compliance

• Adequacy of personnel practices, procurement procedures, and accounting policies and procedures.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206

AWARD NOTICES

Notices of Federal Award are sent electronically via GrantSolutions or e-mail. These notices outline the terms, conditions, and payment instructions per 2 CFR 200.211. The Notice of Federal Award signed by an authorized Grants Officer is the legal instrument obligating financial assistance to a recipient. Any other prior notice is not an authorization to begin work. If the program allows pre-award costs per 2 CFR 200.458, beginning performance before receiving a Notice of Federal Award is at the applicant’s own risk.

Anticipated Project Start Date: 10/01/2026

Anticipated Project End Date: 09/30/2029

Reclamation anticipates contacting potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in late August 2025, subject to the timing and amount of final appropriations. Reclamation will contact award recipients individually to discuss the time frame for the completion of their agreement. A webinar will be held for successful applicants within 30 days following their notice of selection to review next steps and pre-Financial Assistance Agreement procedures.

Reclamation may post successful applications on a Reclamation website, after necessary redactions, in consultation with the successful applicant.

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements For award administration and national policy requirements, see the DOI General Terms and Conditions. Infrastructure projects require the use of American iron, steel, manufacture products, and construction materials per 2 CFR 184.

Public Access to Federally Funded Research

Projects selected for funding are required to make any resulting scholarly publications and associated data freely available without latency, in accessible formats. In support of making https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.211 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.458 https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 scholarly publications and the supporting data resulting from Federally funded research publicly accessible without an embargo on their free and public release, researchers can include reasonable costs associated with submission, curation, and management of publications and data, public access fees, and special handling instructions in research budgets. Scholarly publications always include peer-reviewed research articles or final manuscripts published in scholarly journals, and may include peer-reviewed book chapters, editorials, and peer-reviewed conference proceedings published in other scholarly outlets that result from Federally funded research.

Research data that are outside of this scope include data from secondary sources, partner data not funded by the Department of the Interior, data having sensitive characteristics, and data having restrictions on sharing.

Automated Standard Application for Payments Registration

All recipients must be registered with and willing to process all payments through the Department of Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system. All recipients with active financial assistance agreements with Reclamation must be enrolled in ASAP under the appropriate Agency Location Code(s) and UEI Number prior to the award of funds. If a recipient has multiple UEI numbers, they must separately enroll within ASAP for each unique UEI Number and/or Agency. If your entity is currently enrolled in the ASAP system with an agency other than Reclamation, you must enroll specifically with Reclamation in order to process payments. All of the information on the enrollment process for recipients, will be sent to you by ASAP staff if selected for award.

Approvals and Permits

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

Official Resolution

Prior to award, the recipient must provide an official resolution adopted by the organization’s governing body, or, for state government entities, an official authorized to commit the recipient to the financial and legal obligations of the financial assistance award. The official resolution verifies:

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

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

• That the organization will work with Reclamation to meet established deadlines

Geospatial Data

If you receive financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), recipient must follow these rules for geospatial data:

Follow Federal Standards: All geospatial data you collect or create must meet the standards set by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) or the Department of the Interior. This is required by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which is part of Public Law 115-254, specifically in Subtitle F (Geospatial Data), sections 751-759C (codified at 43 U.S.C. §§ 2801–2811).

Include Metadata: Your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files must include complete metadata. Metadata is information that describes the data, such as where it came from, how accurate it is, and how it should be used. This is to ensure that anyone using the data understands its context and quality.

Check for Existing Data: Before you start collecting new geospatial data, you need to check GeoPlatform.gov. This is to see if there is already existing geospatial data from federal, state, local, or private sources that can meet your needs and is available for free. If such data is available, you should use it instead of gathering new data.

These rules help ensure that geospatial data is reliable, high-quality, and that resources are used efficiently.

Intangible Property

Title to intangible property acquired under this agreement vests upon acquisition with the Recipient, however Reclamation reserves the right to obtain, publish, reproduce, or otherwise use and authorize others to use for Federal purposes in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200.315.

Real Property

Real property, equipment, and intangible property that is acquired or improved with a Federal award must be held in trust by the recipient as trustee for the beneficiaries of the project or program under which the property was acquired or improved, per 2 CFR §200.316. Title to real property acquired or improved under a Federal award will vest upon acquisition in the recipient.

Except as otherwise provided by Federal statutes or by the Federal awarding agency, real property will be used for the originally authorized purpose as long as needed for that purpose, during which time the recipient must not dispose of or encumber its title or other interests. When real property is no longer needed for the originally authorized purpose, the recipient must obtain disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency or pass- through entity.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Please note that any application submitted for funding under this NOFO may be subjected to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request (5 U.S.C. §552, as amended by P.L. No. 110-175), and as a result, may be made publicly available.

In response to a FOIA request for research data relating to published research findings produced under a Federal award that were used by the Federal Government in developing an agency action that has the force and effect of law, the Federal awarding agency must request, and the recipient must provide, within a reasonable time, the research data so that they can be made available to the public through the procedures established under the FOIA.

Reporting The recipient’s Notice of Award will detail all reporting requirements, including frequency, due dates, and instructions for requesting extensions. In general, but not limited to, recipients must:

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=2019&path=%2Fprelim%40title43%2Fchapter46&req=granuleid%3AUSC-2019-title43-chapter46&num=0&saved=L3ByZWxpbUB0aXRsZTQzL2NoYXB0ZXI0Ng%3D%3D%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0My1jaGFwdGVyNDY%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR8feb98c2e3e5ad2/section-200.315 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR8feb98c2e3e5ad2/section-200.316

• Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.

• Use the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) form for financial reporting,

• Monitor award activities and report on program performance per 2 CFR 200.329,

• Promptly notify the awarding program in writing of any issues, delays, or conditions impairing award objectives per 2 CFR 200.329(e),

• Disclose any conflicts of interest related to their award that arise during the award period per 2 CFR 1402.112,

• Report on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal government retains an interest per 2 CFR 200.330, and

• Report all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award per 2 CFR 200.113.

• Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per

Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.

• If the Federal share of the award is more than $100,000 and the recipient makes or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection to the award, disclose those activities using the Disclosure of Lobbying (SF-LLL) form per

43 CFR 18.100.

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) and 2 CFR 170 requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation, and information on all sub-awards, subcontracts and consortiums equal to or over $30,000 to SAM.gov.

Recipients will use the provided template and provide their final report in a Microsoft Word document. Recipients will address review comments from Reclamation in a timely manner for Reclamation to publish. Note that final project reports are public documents and will be made available on Reclamation’s website.

• Recipients of Reclamation awards must include the following information in performance reports:

o a comparison of actual accomplishments to the milestones established by the financial assistance agreement for the period, o the reasons why the project did not meet established milestones, if applicable, o the status of milestones not met from the previous reporting period, if applicable, o whether the project is on schedule and within the original…