Foa_Content_of_R25AS00279_Final.pdf

Bureau of Reclamation

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects

Funding Opportunity Number

R25AS00279

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: R25AS00279

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.507

Estimated Total Program Funding: $4,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 50

Award Ceiling: $125,000

Award Floor: $1,000

A total of up to $125,000 in Federal funds may be awarded to an applicant. To be considered a small-scale project, total project costs cannot exceed $250,000. The budget proposal must include the cost of all equipment, materials and supplies, and labor or contractual costs to complete the installation of the project.

Construction Start Date Limitation - Proposed projects should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to 12 months after the submission deadline.

Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Closing Date Explanation June 02, 2026 at 4:00 pm MDT

U.S. states and local governments may be required under Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs to submit their application to their State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. For more information, see the Intergovernmental Review SPOC List.

Have Questions?

For questions regarding application and submission, contact the NOFO team at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov.

For questions regarding applicant and project eligibility or application content, contact the Program Coordinator, Nickie McCann, nmcann@usbr.gov., 303-445-3733.

Please include the NOFO number R25AS00279 in the subject line of any email correspondence.

Executive Summary Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non- Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and other entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply and hydropower reliability. The WaterSMART 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). The goal of the WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects NOFO is to invite eligible entities to apply for funding to implement projects that conserve water and enhance water supply reliability in water delivery systems. It encourages the implementation of small-scale projects identified through prior planning efforts, such as canal lining, water delivery automation, flow measurement, and other projects that increase water efficiency.

https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/

ELIGIBILITY

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

Additional Information on Eligibility Eligible Applicants - Applicants eligible to receive an award under this funding opportunity are described below.

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 A applicants must be located in the Western United States or Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented; specifically: 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 U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

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 should include with their application a letter from the Category A partner stating that the Category A partner:

• Is acting in partnership with the applicant;

• Agrees to the submittal and content of the application; and

• Intends to participate in the project in some way, for example, by providing input, feedback, or other support for the project.

All Category B applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories identified above.

Note: Partners do not necessarily need to contribute cost share funding.

Ineligible Applicants:

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

• Federal Governmental entities

• Individuals

• Institutes of higher education

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

Yes

At the time of award, applicants must cost share at least 50 percent of the total project cost. For example, if the total project cost on the SF-424A is $250,000, the minimum amount of non- Federal cost share would be $125,000. All cost-share contributions must be from a non-Federal source and meet the requirements of 2 CFR 200.306.

Total Project Costs on the SF-424A $250,000 Minimum required cost share- 50% x 50% Applicant non-Federal cost share of project costs $125,000 Federal share $125,000

Note: This cost-sharing requirement is not applicable to American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands.[1]

[1] see Public Law 95-134, Title V, § 501 (1977) (codified at 48 U.S.C. 1469a), as amended by Public Law 96-205, Title V, § 601

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 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

Program Goals

• Through WaterSMART, 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.

The objective of the WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects NOFO is to invite eligible applicants to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on small-scale on-the-ground projects that seek to conserve, better manage, or otherwise make more efficient use of water supplies.

Program Description The WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects NOFO prioritizes projects that are supported by an existing water management and conservation plan, System Optimization Review, or other planning effort led by the applicant.

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 water management concerns.

Eligible Projects- Reclamation will provide funding for small-scale on-the-ground water efficiency projects which seek to implement work identified in an applicant’s water planning efforts. Eligible water conservation projects include:

• Canal Lining/Piping: Projects that line or pipe canals, resulting in conserved water.

Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing new proven lining materials or technology o Converting open canals to pipeline o Improving existing conveyance and delivery infrastructure

• Municipal Metering: Projects that install or upgrade meters including, but are not limited to, installing end-user water service meters, e.g., for a residential or commercial building unit. One-time purchase of software, equipment, and training for meter monitoring can be included.

• Irrigation Flow Measurement: Projects that improve measurement accuracy and result in reduced spills and over-deliveries to irrigators. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing weirs, flumes, ramps, etc. in open channels o Installing meters in pressurized pipes

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Automation (SCADA): Projects that install SCADA and/or automation components that provide water savings when irrigation delivery system operational efficiency is improved to reduce spills, over-deliveries, and seepage. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing SCADA components that allow for remote monitoring of irrigation delivery system conditions (flow rates, water elevations, controls devices openings, etc.)

o Installing automation components that allow for remote operation of delivery system control features (gates, valves, turnouts, etc.)

Note: This NOFO is not intended for projects to replace existing SCADA systems.

• Landscape Irrigation Measures: Projects that provide water savings by reducing outdoor water usage. These measures include turf removal, smart irrigation controllers and high-efficiency nozzles. These measures are typically promoted by water entities through rebates or direct-install programs, which are eligible for WaterSMART Grants funding. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Removing turf o Installation of drought tolerant landscaping o Installing Smart irrigation controllers o Installing high-efficiency nozzles (e.g., sprinkler heads)

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

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

• Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement: In accordance with Section 9504 of Secure Water Act, projects that are considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement (OM&R) are not eligible for funding under this NOFO. OM&R is described as system improvements that replace or repair existing infrastructure or function without providing increased efficiency or effectiveness of water distribution over the expected life of the improvement. Examples of ineligible OM&R projects include:

o Replacing malfunctioning components of an existing facility with the same components o Improving an existing facility to operate as originally designed o Performing an activity on a recurring basis, even if that period is extended (e.g., a

10-year interval) o Sealing expansion joints of concrete lining because the original sealer or the water stops have failed o Sealing cracks in canals and/or pipes, including those sealant projects intended to improve facilities with inherent design and construction flaws o Replacing broken meters with new meters of the same type o Replacing leaky pipes with new pipes of the same type o Completion of one-time leak detection surveys

• Water Reclamation, Reuse, and Desalination: Water reclamation, reuse, and desalination projects are not eligible for funding under this NOFO. Entities seeking funding for these types of projects should consider Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and Drought Response Program. See the WaterSMART Program webpage at www.usbr.gov\watersmart, for more information.

• Indoor Appliances and Fixtures: Projects that support the installation or directly install indoor appliances or fixtures such as toilets, shower heads, and similar devices.

• Injection Wells and Recharge Projects Primarily for Agricultural or Municipal Benefits: Injection wells and recharge projects primarily for agricultural or municipal benefits are not eligible. Applicants proposing such projects should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought, for more information.

• Water Purchases: Applications 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, fort more information.

• Land Purchase and Easements: Applications to use Federal funding for the purchase of land, or with the primary purpose to secure a permanent easement, are not eligible under this NOFO.

• Building Construction: Applications to construct a building are not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or to promote public awareness of water conservation).

• Pilot Projects: Applications 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.

• On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Improvements: Projects to conduct on-farm irrigation efficiency 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. This NOFO does not preclude projects located on private land. Some project components may occur on private land, including on agricultural land, if they are part of a project with broader benefits to ecological value or watershed health.

• New Conveyance Infrastructure for Municipal or Agricultural Water Delivery: A project that proposes to construct new conveyance to allow for the distribution of additional or new water supplies for municipal or agricultural use is not eligible.

Applicants proposing such projects should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought, for more information.

http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart http://www.usbr.gov/drought https://www.usbr.gov/drought/ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ https://www.usbr.gov/drought/

• Training, Education, and Outreach Activities: General education activities, general stakeholder outreach, the implementation of citizen science training programs, or general staff training are not eligible under this NOFO.

• Projects Receiving Other Federal Financial Assistance: Proposals for projects or activities that are funded under another Federal Financial Assistance agreement are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

Funding Amounts and Period of Performance - Applicants may request up to $125,000 in Federal funds for projects that can be completed within 2 years of award.

Construction Start Date Limitation - Proposed projects should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to 12 months after the submission deadline.

Collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service - Reclamation and NRCS collaborate to align program resources in areas of the West where mission areas overlap. This enhances the effectiveness of the agencies’ efforts to improve drought resiliency and water efficiency. Applicants under WaterSMART Grants receive additional consideration in the merit review process for delivery system improvements that complement on-farm improvements supported by NRCS, such as those funded through their Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Contingent on available appropriations, NRCS provides dedicated EQIP funding to support on-farm water efficiency improvements by producers served by water delivery systems improved through a WaterSMART Grant.

Under this NOFO, consideration will be given under Merit Review Criterion A—Project Benefits for proposals that describe on-farm efficiency work that is currently being completed or is anticipated to be completed in collaboration with NRCS in the area (e.g., with a direct connection to the district’s water supply). Please contact your local NRCS office for more information regarding NRCS assistance. You can find the contact information for your state NRCS office on the USDA’s website, https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/state-offices.

Multiple Applications - Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration under this funding opportunity, provided that the project scopes are not duplicative.

No more than one award will be made to a Category A applicant per application period under this NOFO. Category B applicants may receive multiple awards for separate projects with different Category A partners.

Technical Assistance - If the proposed project is selected, Reclamation may be able to provide technical assistance or services after award on a fee for service basis. Before applying, discuss the potential for technical assistance with Reclamation and include these costs in the budget. For more information, contact the Program Coordinator identified in the Have Questions section above.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/state-offices https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/state-offices

For more information regarding WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects, including previously funded projects and applications, visit https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/swep.

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 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.

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

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

Awards will be made through a grant or cooperative agreement, depending on the project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project. This may include collaboration or participation in the management of the project and/or review, input, and approval during implementation 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 Required from all applicants https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/swep https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement 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

SF-424A, Budget Information – Construction and Non- Construction Programs

Required for construction and non-construction projects

SF-429 (Cover Page & Attachment B), Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish Real Property

Note: The SF-429 forms are only available in the Grants.gov Forms Repository. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required if requesting to acquire, improve, or furnish real property.

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

SF-424A Budget Information

Reclamation uses the SF-424A for both construction and non-construction programs. The SF- 424A should be fully filled out, including both the costs that will be paid with Federal funds and those that will be paid with the non-Federal funds. In Section D of the SF-424A – Forecasted Cash Needs, applicants do not have to project cash needs by quarter. Instead include all costs in the first quarter of the first year and enter “0” in all other fields of Section E – Budget Estimates of Federal Funds Needed for Balance of the Project.

Project Abstract Summary 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

Failure to include a Project Abstract Summary will not result in removal of the proposal from consideration by Reclamation.

Project Narrative

The Project Narrative, including responses to the Merit Review Criteria shall be limited to a maximum of 15 consecutively numbered pages. If this section exceeds 15 pages, only the first 15 pages will be evaluated. The full application, including all attachments, should not exceed 40 pages. If the application exceeds 40 pages, only the first 40 pages will be considered in the merit review.

The font should 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.

The Project Narrative should include the components described below. Applicants should only describe the work that is reflected in the budget - do not include activities that are already complete or will be completed in a future phase.

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.

Table of Contents

List all major sections of the proposal in the table of contents.

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 Category B applicant. 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 application (see the Eligible Applicants section). See the Letter of Partnership section for additional information.

• A short paragraph project summary that provides the location of the project, a brief description of the work that will be carried out, any partners involved, expected benefits, how those benefits relate to the water management issues you plan to address, and what planning document and objective the project supports. This information will be used to create a summary of your project for Reclamation’s website if the project is selected for funding.

Example: The Newton Water Users Association, located in northern Utah, will upgrade the Jones Pipeline from 1.1 miles of transit pipe to high density polyethylene or polyynyl chloride pipe. The project will also upgrade meters and isolation valves at 14 of the 28 customer turnouts along the Jones Pipeline. The upgrade will reduce seepage losses and enable the Association and stakeholders to better manage the water supply. The project will also make the Jones Pipeline compatible with the recently pressurized main canal and will enable agricultural customers to make future on-farm irrigation improvements.

The project meets the goals of the Association’s Water Management and Conservation Plan in 2015.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project (month/year). Note: Proposed projects should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to 12 months after the submission deadline for the application period.

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

Project Location

Provide detailed information on the proposed project location or project area including a map showing the geographic location. For example, [project name] is located in [state and county] approximately [distance] miles [direction, e.g., northeast] of [nearest town]. The project latitude is [##°##’N] and longitude is [###°##’W].

Technical Project Description

Provide a comprehensive description of the technical aspects of your project, including the scope of work to be accomplished and the approach for the on-the-ground project. This description should provide detailed information about the project materials and equipment including what is currently installed and a description of the upgrade being made. Include in your description the necessary site preparation, removal of materials, motorized and rotating equipment required for installation, site laydown and mobilization areas, and areas impacted by construction. This section provides an opportunity for the applicant to provide a clear description of the technical nature and installation process of the project and to address any aspect of the project that reviewers may need additional information to understand. Please identify if any buildings, structures, or features associated with the project are listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (over 50 years of age).

Please do not include your project schedule and milestones here; that information is requested in response to the Merit Review Criterion C—Implementation and Results. In addition, please avoid discussion of the benefits of the project, which are also requested in response to merit review criteria. This section is solely intended to provide an understanding of the technical aspects of the project.

Merit Review Criteria

“The Merit Review Criteria” section provides a detailed description of each criterion and sub-criterion and points associated with each. The merit review criteria portion of the application should thoroughly address each criterion and sub-criterion in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate merit review of the proposal.

Copying and pasting the merit review criteria and sub-criteria in Project Narrative’s Merit Review Criteria into your applications is suggested to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

Letters of Support

Attach all support letters from interested stakeholders at the end of your application. Letters received after the application deadline will not be evaluated.

Letter of Partnership (Category B Applicants)

Category B applicants need to submit a Letter of Partnership from their eligible Category A partner, confirming their collaboration and agreement with the application. Ideally, this letter should be included with the application; however, if selected for an award, it must be received before the financial assistance agreement is finalized.

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).

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 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.

Applicants may include pre-award costs (defined at 2 CFR 200.458) in their budget estimate.

The estimate may only include costs that were or will be incurred after the posting date of this funding opportunity. Incurrence of pre-award costs are at the applicant’s risk. If selected, the pre-award costs will be reviewed and approved costs will be included in the financial assistance agreement.

Program Cost Restrictions:

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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.458

Proposal costs: The costs for preparing and submitting an application in response to this funding opportunity, including developing data necessary to support the proposal, are not eligible project costs and must not be included in the project budget.

Other project costs: The costs for the purchase of water or land, or to secure an easement other than a construction easement are not eligible project costs under this funding opportunity.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs:

Include costs in the budget for completing compliance activities for Federal environmental and cultural resources laws and regulations. Applicants may contact their local Reclamation office to discuss the compliance requirements and potential costs. If the project is selected for award, these costs will be reviewed for accuracy and adjusted as needed. See “Administration and National Policy Requirements” for additional detail.

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:

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.

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 Devin Baez at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov if you are unable to access the application materials electronically.

https://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html 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 https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants

Proposals received after the application deadline will not be considered unless it can be determined that the delay was caused by Reclamation or 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: 06/02/2026

Closing Date Explanation

June 02, 2026 at 4:00 pm MDT

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.

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.

Applicants can submit a hard copy application by U.S. Mail or express delivery to the addresses below.

By mail or United States Postal Service overnight services:

Bureau of Reclamation https://www.grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

Financial Assistance Operations Section Attn: NOFO Team P.O. Box 25007, MS 84-27133 Denver, CO 80225

By all other express delivery and courier services:

Bureau of Reclamation mail services Attn: NOFO Team Denver Federal Center Bldg. 67, Rm. 152 6th Avenue and Kipling Street Denver, CO 80225

Please notify the Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact listed in the “Basic Information” section on the submission date to confirm the hard copy submission.

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.

Reclamation 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.

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

Merit Review The merit review criteria should be addressed in the Project Narrative. Applications should thoroughly address each criterion and any sub-criterion in the order presented below.

Applications will be evaluated against the merit review criteria listed below.

Merit Review Criteria Scoring Summary Points A. Project Benefits 15 B. Planning Efforts Supporting the Project 25 C. Project Implementation 20 D. Nexus to Reclamation 5 E. Presidential and Department of Interior Priorities 20 F. Construction Priority 10 G. Cost-Share Priority 5 Total 100 Note: Projects may be prioritized to ensure balance among the program task areas and to ensure that the projects address this NOFO’s goals and objectives.

Merit Review Criterion A. Project Benefits (15 points) Up to 15 points may be awarded based upon evaluation of the benefits that are expected to result from implementing the proposed project. This criterion considers a variety of project benefits, including the significance of the anticipated water management benefits and the public benefits of the project. This criterion prioritizes projects that modernize existing infrastructure to address water reliability concerns, increasing water yield available for multiple beneficial uses and resolving water related conflict in the region.

If the work described in your application is a phase of a larger project, only discuss the benefits that will result directly from the work discussed in the Project Narrative and that is reflected in the budget, not the larger project.

Benefits to the Category A Applicant’s Water Delivery System: Describe the expected benefits to the Category A applicant’s water delivery system. Address the following:

Clearly explain the anticipated water management benefits to the Category A applicant’s water supply delivery system and water customers. Consider:

• Will the project result in more efficient management of the water supply?

• Where any conserved water as a result of the project will go and how it will be used?

Explain the significance of the anticipated water management benefits for the Category A applicant’s water delivery system and customers. Consider:

• Are customers not currently getting their full water right at certain times of year?

• Does this project have the potential to prevent lawsuits or water calls?

• What are the consequences of not making the improvement?

• Are customer water restrictions currently required?

• Other significant concerns that support the need for the project.

Broader Benefits: Describe the broader benefits that are expected to occur as a result of the project. Consider:

Will the project improve broader water supply reliability at sub-basin or basin scale?

• Will the proposed project increase collaboration and information sharing among water managers in the region? Please explain.

• Is the project in an area that is experiencing, or recently experienced, drought or water scarcity? Will the project help address drought conditions at the sub-basin or basin scale? Please explain.

• Will the proposed project benefit different sectors and economies within the geographic areas (e.g., benefits to agriculture, environment, recreation, and tourism)? Please explain.

• Will the project complement work being done in coordination with NRCS in the area (e.g., the area with a direct connection to the districts water supply)? Please explain.

Please note, on-farm improvements themselves are not eligible activities for funding under this NOFO. This criterion is intended to focus on how the WaterSMART Grant project will complement ongoing or future on-farm improvements. NRCS will have a separate application process for the on-farm components of selected projects that may be undertaken in the future, separate of the WaterSMART Grant project.

Merit Review Criterion B. Planning Efforts Supporting the Project (25 points) Up to 25 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposed on-the-ground project is supported by an applicant’s existing water management plan, water conservation plan, System Optimization Review, or identified as part of another planning effort led by the Category A applicant. This criterion prioritizes projects that are identified through local planning efforts and meet local needs. Note: Project specific planning and design for the project or other phases of the project are considered in Criteria C – Implementation.

Plan Description and Objectives: Is your project supported by a specific planning document or effort? If so, describe the existing plan. When was the plan developed? What is the purpose and objective of the plan?

Plan Development: Who developed the planning effort? What is the geographic scope of the plan? If the planning effort was not developed by the Category A applicant, describe the Category A applicant’s involvement in developing the planning effort.

Support for the Project: Describe to what extend the proposed project is supported by the identified plan. Consider:

• Is the project identified specifically by name and location in the planning effort?

• Is this type of project identified in the planning effort?

• Explain whether the proposed project implement a goal, objective, or address a need or problem identified in the existing planning effort?

• Explain how the proposed project has been determined as a priority in the existing planning effort as opposed to other potential projects/measures.

Merit Review Criterion C. Implementation and Results (20 points) Up to 20 points may be awarded based upon the extent to which the applicant is capable of proceeding with the proposed project upon entering into a financial assistance agreement.

Applicants that describe a detailed plan (e.g., estimated project schedule that shows the stages and duration of the proposed work, including major tasks, milestones, and dates) will receive the most points under this criterion.

• Describe the implementation plan for the proposed project. Please include an estimated project schedule that shows the stages and duration of the proposed work, including major tasks, milestones, and dates.

• Proposals with a budget and budget narrative that provide a reasonable explanation of project costs will be prioritized under this criterion.

• Describe any permits and agency approvals that will be required along with the process and timeframe for obtaining such permits or approvals.

• Identify and describe any engineering or design work performed specifically in support of the proposed project. What level of engineering design is the project currently? If additional design is required, describe the planned process and timeline for completing the design.

• Does the applicant have access to the land or water source where the project is located?

Has the applicant obtained any easements that are required for the project? If the applicant does not yet have permission to access the project location, describe the process and timeframe for obtaining such permission.

• Identify whether the applicant has contacted the local Reclamation office to discuss the potential environmental and cultural resource compliance requirements for the project and the associated costs. Has a line item been included in the budget for costs associated with compliance? If a contractor will need to complete some of the compliance activities, separate line items should be included in the budget for Reclamation’s costs and the contractor’s costs.

Merit Review Criterion D. Nexus to Reclamation (5 Points) Up to 5 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates a nexus between the proposed project and a Reclamation project or activity. Describe the nexus between the proposed project and a Reclamation project or activity, including:

Is the proposed project connected to a Reclamation project or activity?

If so, how? Please consider the following:

• Does the applicant have a water service, repayment, or operations and maintenance (O&M) contract with Reclamation?

• If the applicant is not a Reclamation contractor, does the applicant receive Reclamation water through a Reclamation contractor or by any other contractual means?

• Will the proposed work benefit a Reclamation Project area or activity?

Merit Review Criterion E. 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;