Bureau of Reclamation

Notice of Funding Opportunity

WaterSMART: Applied Science Grants

Funding Opportunity Number

R25AS00280

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: R25AS00280

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.557

Estimated Total Program Funding: $6,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 20

Award Ceiling: $400,000

Award Floor: $0

The Applied Science expects to make $6M available under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The Bureau of Reclamation anticipates 20 awards, with individual award amounts ranging from $0 to $400,000.

Funding is contingent upon annual appropriations and apportionment. To assist applicants in planning, the Bureau of Reclamation provides the following informational breakdown of anticipated availability:

FY 2024: Up to $3M

FY 2025: Up to $3M

Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Closing Date Explanation

First application July 8, 2026, at 5:00pm MDT

Second application : April 13, 2027, 5:00PM MDT

OMB Control Number:

Have Questions?

For questions regarding application submission, contact the Grants Officer, Matt Stonebridge MStonebridge@usbr.gov, 303-445-2029

For questions regarding applicant and project eligibility or application content, contact the Program Coordinator, Ms. Stephanie Hellekson, shellekson@usbr.gov, 720-799-3158.

Please include the NOFO number R25AS00280 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 local entities as they plan 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 Applied Science Grants (ASG) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to invite eligible entities to apply for funding to improve access to and use of hydrologic data, develop and improve water management tools, and improve hydrologic modeling and forecasting capabilities.

Water managers and reservoir operators rely on hydrologic data, modeling, and water supply forecasts to make decisions to meet future water demands. Water supply forecasts are estimates mailto:MStonebridge@usbr.gov mailto:shellekson@usbr.gov of current and future water supplies based on measured basin conditions (e.g., such as the quantity of upstream mountain snowpack). Results from these projects will be used by water managers to increase water supply reliability to meet water delivery requirements (e.g., compacts, decrees, etc.), provide flexibility in water operations to be more resilient during droughts, and enhance water supply forecasts to better predict floods and optimize limited water supplies. Example projects include improving operational models for irrigation water deliveries or reservoir operations, improving the use of snow monitoring technologies to enhance the skill of water supply forecasts, and improving data acquisition, data analysis, and data delivery, including the development of hydrologic databases.

The ASG NOFO will build on and complement projects funded under the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Funding Opportunity by providing funding for applicants to improve the integration of innovative snow measurement data into water supply forecasts.

ELIGIBILITY

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

Additional Information on Eligibility Category A Applicants:

• States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts;

• State, Regional, or local authorities whose members include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and

• other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

All Category A applicants must be located in the Western United States or United States Territories, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Category B Applicants:

Universities, nonprofit research institutions, nonprofit organizations, and Federally-funded research and development centers that are acting in partnership with the agreement of an entity described in Category A. All Category B applicants must be in the United States or the specific Territories identified above.

Ineligible Applicants:

Those not eligible include the following entities:

• Federal Governmental Entities

• Individuals

• Commercial/industrial organizations

• Private entities

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 $800,000, the minimum amount of non- Federal cost share would be $400,000, All cost-share contributions must be from a non-Federal source and meet the requirements of 2 CFR 200.306.

Total Project Cost on the SF-424A $800,000 Minimum required cost share 50% Applicant non-Federal cost share $400,000 Federal share $400,000

Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 50 percent of the total project costs. The total project cost is defined as the total allowable costs incurred under a Federal award and all required cost share and voluntary committed cost share contributions, including third-party contributions.

Cost share may be made through cash, costs contributed by the applicant, or third-party in-kind contributions. Third-party in-kind contributions include the value of non-cash contributions of property or services that benefit the federally assisted project and are contributed by non-Federal third parties, without charge. Cost-share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or state grants) should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award.

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

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

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

• 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 Applied Science Grants is to provide funding to non- Federal entities for the development of tools and information to support water management. Eligible projects include the development of modeling and forecasting tools, hydrologic data platforms, and new data sets.

Program Description Applied Science Grants provide water management tools for increased access to information and improved modeling and forecasting capabilities to help avoid water conflicts and improve our ability to meet a variety of water management objectives, including but not limited to: support for water supply reliability, forecasting skill, flexibility in water operations, water deliveries and drought management activities, and watershed health.

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 2 planning, interpretation, public engagement, and rehabilitation projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.

Eligible Projects To be eligible, Projects must:

• be for the use and benefit of water managers located in the following States or Territories:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin or Puerto Rico,

• be based on known and available (or “mature”) technologies and may not include the development of new or novel methods or technologies; and support one or more of the following water management objectives:

• increase water yield

• ensure water supply reliability

• improve water deliveries

• improve drought management https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

• flexibility in water operations

• enhance water supply forecast skill

• improve watershed health.

Proposed projects will be reviewed by the Program Office to determine whether the project is eligible for evaluation. Projects must support the types of water management objectives described in the bullets immediately above and may include but are not limited to:

Modeling: Eligible projects can include the development or enhancement of existing hydrologic models to improve management of water resources and include model validation and analysis of model produced data. Modeling tool projects should be for the improvement of water supply reliability and be developed for use by water managers to help meet constraints or requirements (e.g., water delivery, administrative, hydrologic scenarios, or endangered species requirements).

Projects may include improvements to the spatial and temporal resolution of a model, improvements to model calibration, enhancements to make a model more interactive and agile so that it can be used to answer specific questions as they arise, or other enhancements to modeling tools. Projects could include improvements to hydrologic models, reservoir operations models, or other types of water management models to understand natural processes. Projects may also include costs to obtain training on how to use new tools and software.

Forecasting: Eligible projects can include the development, improvement, or adaptation of forecasting tools and technologies to enhance management of water supplies and reservoir operations. Improving water supply forecasts can assist water managers to better predict the severity of droughts or floods and can improve estimates of water available for delivery from reservoirs to water users. Projects can include developing or adapting forecasting tools to meet the needs of water managers. Forecasting projects can be used to optimize operations and improve water management, including projects that support the use of forecast informed reservoir operations (FIRO), help water managers manage risks, and inform water allocation strategies, or even water marketing. Applicants are encouraged to explore whether there are existing data sets and forecast products that may be leveraged. Projects may also include costs to obtain training on how to use new tools and software. Note: Applicants must demonstrate how the forecast or data will be used to enhance management of water supplies and reservoir operations, for example, by using the tool in connection with an operations model.

Enhancing Water Supply Forecasting with Snow Measurement Data: Eligible projects can include enhancements of water supply forecasts using snow monitoring technologies. Projects should include the use of information from snow measurement technologies, such as aerial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) snow surveys, in snowpack volume estimation and water supply forecasting. Projects could include but are not limited to integration of snow survey data into hydrological or statistical forecast models. Note: Applicants must demonstrate how the forecast or data will be used to enhance management of water supplies. Conducting and collecting new snow measurements, such as aerial LiDAR surveys, is not an eligible activity under this NOFO but is eligible under Reclamation’s Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Funding Opportunity.

Data: Eligible projects can include improving access to and use of water resources data or developing new types of data to inform water management decisions. Eligible projects may include improvements to data acquisition, data analysis, and data delivery. Data acquisition projects may include incorporating or developing new or previously unavailable data, such as remote sensing imagery, hydrologic data acquired using unmanned aerial systems, collection of water quality and temperature data, or paleo reconstructions of naturalized flows, for example.

Projects may include developing hydrologic databases or decision support tools that resource managers can use to query or analyze data for to improve water management. Projects may also include improved data delivery, such as making data available to a broader audience, or improvements to make data systems compatible with existing systems (e.g., Federal or State databases). Projects may also include costs to obtain training on how to use new tools and software.

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

• projects to research and/or develop new and novel methods or technologies

• planning studies, such as feasibility studies, appraisal investigations, water marketing strategies, and drought contingency plans

• projects to develop or demonstrate tools and technologies supporting water reuse, water recycling, and desalination projects (e.g., projects that are eligible under the Desalination and Water Purification Research funding opportunity)

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

• construction projects to improve water management

• projects funded under other Federal grants: and

• projects that are collecting new snow measurements, such aerial LiDAR snow surveys.

Multiple Applications Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration under this funding opportunity, provided that the project scopes are not duplicative. Category B applicants may receive a maximum of up to 3 awards provided that the Category A partner entity for each project is different. In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple project components, and the components are interrelated or closely related, you should combine these in one application.

However, if the projects are only loosely related, you should submit them as separate applications.

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.

Required Project Components Applicants whose projects are selected for funding under this NOFO may be asked to participate in at least one Reclamation-sponsored webinar to discuss application of deliverables to management questions. In most cases, the webinar will be scheduled when the final report is ready to be submitted for Reclamation review. The presentation should inform Reclamation about project accomplishments, the final results of the identified tasks, and any lessons learned.

This presentation may be open to the public as a webinar and may be recorded and made available on the WaterSMART website.

Legislative Authority Section 9509 and 9504(b) of the Science and Engineering to Comprehensively Understand and Responsibly Enhance (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 grants or cooperative agreements as applicable to each project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project. Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

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

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

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

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 for non-construction projects

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: Required from all applicants 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

• Award purpose,

• Activities to be performed,

• Expected deliverables or outcomes,

• Intended beneficiaries, Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award) 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 narrative, including responses to the merit review criteria (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 20 consecutively numbered pages. If this section exceeds 20 pages, only the first 20 pages will be evaluated. The full application, including all attachments, should not exceed 100 pages. If the application exceeds 100 pages, only the first 100 pages will be considered in the evaluation.

The font should be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size should be 8½ by 11 inches, including charts, maps, and drawings. Margins should be standard 1-inch margins.

Oversized pages will not be accepted.

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

Title Page Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the applicant’s name and address and the project manager’s name and address, email address, and telephone number.

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.

• A one paragraph project summary that specifies the work proposed, including how funds will be used to accomplish specific project activities and briefly identifies how the proposed project contributes to accomplishing the goals of this NOFO.

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

Example: Oklahoma State University, with the support of the Lugert-Altus Irrigation District, the Kansas-Bostwick Irrigation District No. 2, and the Frenchman Cambridge Irrigation District, will incorporate remotely sensed soil moisture data with proven statistical techniques to create seasonal forecasts for rainfall dominated regions of the Great Plains. The project will use remote-sensed soil moisture data, North American Land Data Assimilation System, and NASA’s Soil Moisture Active-Passive Satellite. The seasonal forecast tools will inform surface water managers, support improved irrigation water supply management, and enhance the ability of reservoir operators to anticipate and respond to extreme events such as droughts and floods.

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

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

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

Applicant Category Please indicate whether you are a Category A applicant or a Category B applicant and provide a short narrative summary describing how you meet the eligibility requirements of that applicant category.

If you are a Category B applicant, briefly explain how you are acting in partnership with a Category A partner and provide a short narrative summary describing how your partnering entity meets the definition of a Category A entity. In addition, 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 and how they intend to participate in the project (see Eligible Applicants above). Category A partner letters must be submitted with the application for Category B applicants to be eligible.

Detailed Project Description: Provide a more comprehensive description of the technical aspects of your project, including the work to be accomplished and the approach to complete the work. This description should provide detailed information about the project, including your methodology and approach, and any models, data, and tools you are using, and the work to be conducted to complete the project. This section provides an opportunity for the applicant to provide a clear description of the technical nature of the project and the work to be performed and to address any aspect of the project that reviewers may need additional information to understand.

Goals: Discuss the preliminary goals and objectives of the project.

Please do not include your project schedule and milestones here; that information is requested in response to the Project Implementation criterion as described in the merit review criteria, Criterion C below. In addition, please avoid discussion of the benefits of the project, which are also requested in response to merit review criteria as described in Criterion A. This section is solely intended to provide an understanding of the technical aspects of the project and the work to be performed. Please note, if the work for which you are requesting funding is a phase of a larger project, please only describe the work that is reflected in the budget and exclude description of other activities or components of the overall project.

Project Location

Provide specific information regarding the proposed applied science project’s geographic area of focus (for example, the proposed project may focus on a particular watershed or basin, county, State, Territory, or another region). Include a map showing the geographic location of the project area in one of the following formats:

1. Shapefile (.shp)

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

3. PDF map (.pdf)

Data Management Practices Any spatially explicit data or tools developed in the performance of an award made under this NOFO must be developed in industry standard formats that are compatible with Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms.

Merit Review Criteria See the Merit Review section below for additional details, including a detailed description of each criterion and subcriterion and points associated with each. The merit review criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each criterion and subcriterion in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your proposal.

It is strongly suggested that applicants copy and paste the merit review criteria and subcriteria from the Merit Review Criteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

Letters of 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 NUMBER OF PAGES FOR THE TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION page-maximum.

Letter of Partnership (Category B Applicants) Category B applicants should submit a letter of partnership from the Category A partner, stating that they are acting in partnership with the applicant and agree to the submittal and content of 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. Additional information regarding applicant eligibility may be requested during the application review process.

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).

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.

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.

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 the posting date of this NOFO [and insert any additional programmatic requirements]. 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.

Program Cost Restrictions

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:

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.usbr.gov/main/offices.html

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.

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 Matt Stonebridge at MStonebridge@usbr.gov or, if you are unable to access the application materials electronically at:

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

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 help desk 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: 07/08/2026

Closing Date Explanation

First application: July 8, 2026, at 5:00pm MDT

Second application : April 13, 2027, 5:00PM MDT 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 mailto:MStonebridge@usbr.gov https://www.grants.gov/

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 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

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

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

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.

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. 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 technical project description and that is reflected in the budget, not the larger project.

Merit Review Criteria: Scoring Summary Points:

A. Water Management Challenge 20

B. Project Benefits 25

C. Project Implementation 20

D. Dissemination of Results 10

E. Presidential and Department of Interior Priorities 20 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

F. 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 the goals and objectives of the NOFO.

Merit Review Criterion A - Water Management Challenge(s) (20 points)

Up to 20 points may be awarded based on the identification of the water management challenge.

Applicants that demonstrate the severity of the water management challenge for the project will receive the most points under this criterion. Please respond and provide support for your responses to each of the following sub-criteria.

1. Describe the water management problem that the proposed project is trying to address.

Describe in detail the problem that is occurring within your project area.

2. Describe the severity of the problem to be addressed with supporting qualitative and quantitative details. For example, will your project address water supply shortfalls or uncertainties, the need to meet competing demands for water and the lack of reliable water supplies for municipal, agricultural, tribal, environmental or recreational water uses, water quality issues, complications arising from drought, conflicts over water, or other water management issues.

3. What are the consequences if the problem remains unaddressed.

Merit Review Criterion B - Project Benefits (25 points)

Up to 25 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the project will result in a tool or information that will benefit partners and stakeholders and the extent to which the tool and information will be used beyond project completion. Applicants that demonstrate clear benefit(s) for the project, including documentation and support for those benefits, and can explain how the project tool, information, or results will be readily applied will receive the most points under this criterion.

1. How will the project improve water management decisions? How does the project support one or more of the following water management objectives:

o increase water yield, o ensure water supply reliability, o improve water deliveries, o improve drought management, o increase flexibility in water operations, o enhance water supply forecast skill, o improve watershed health.

2. Describe, in detail, the benefits that can be expected to occur upon completion and implementation of the project and provide qualitative and quantitative support for your responses.

o Describe how the project was identified. Was the proposed project identified using a collaborative process with input from multiple and diverse partners and stakeholders? Was the project identified as a specific partner or stakeholder need?

Was it identified through a prior planning effort or previous work?

o Who will use the tool or data developed under this proposal, who else will benefit from it and how will they benefit from the project? Does someone benefit from the project without being a direct user of the tool or data developed? Support for this response could include but is not limited to letters from partners and stakeholders expressing support for the project and explaining how they will benefit.

o Describe how the tool, method, or information will be applied and when it will be applied. Will the tool or information be used immediately or will additional work need to be done before the tool will be used?

3. Describe if the results of your project will be applicable elsewhere. What additional work would need to be done to make the project results transferable to others?

4. Explain how your project complements other similar efforts in the area where the project is located. Will your project complement or add value to other, similar efforts in the area, rather than duplicate or complicate those efforts? Are there other similar efforts in the area that have used a similar methodology successfully which can be complimented?

Applicants should make a reasonable effort to explore and briefly describe and related ongoing projects. Consider efforts by any Federal, state, local agency, or non-governmental organizations.

5. Describe how the benefits will be assessed and verified. Is there a baseline or any quantitative metrics to use for comparison purposes. Describe or cite past work/literature to support the anticipated benefits.

6. Provide an estimate of the cost per acre-foot of water created, conserved, or delivered as a result of the proposed activity, if applicable.

Merit Review Criterion C - Project Implementation (20 points)

Up to 20 points may be awarded based upon the extent to which the applicant is capable of proceeding with the project upon entering into a financial assistance agreement. Applicants that describe a detailed work plan (e.g., estimated schedule that shows the stages and duration of the proposed work and identifies major tasks, milestones, and dates) and a budget that is appropriate for the work proposed and has a reasonable level of detail will receive the most points under this criterion. Your responses should reflect an understanding of the tasks required to complete the project within the required 2-year timeframe. Please respond and provide support for your responses to each of the following sub-criteria.

Describe your project implementation plan:

1. Briefly describe and provide support for the approach and methodology that will be used to meet the objectives of the project. Provide support for your chosen methodology, including use of any specific models, data, or tools, and why this is the best available approach.

2. Describe the work plan for implementing the proposed scope of work. Such plans may include, but are not limited to:

a. an estimated project schedule that shows the stages and duration of the proposed work,

b. milestones for each major task,

c. start and end dates for each task and milestones, and

d. costs for each task (proposals with a budget and budget narrative that provide a reasonable explanation of project costs will be prioritized), along with an indication of which partner or partners would provide nonfederal cost-share on a timely basis to allow the work to proceed expeditiously.

3. Provide a summary description of the products that are anticipated to result from the project These may include data, metadata, digital or electronic products, final reports, and publications. Note: using a table to list anticipated products is suggested.

4. Provide information on quality assurance / quality control practices that will be used to ensure the technical and scientific integrity of the tools or products.

5. Who will be involved in the project as project partners? What will each partner or stakeholder’s role in the project be? How will project partners and stakeholders be engaged in the project and at what stages? If you are a Category B applicant, be sure to explain how your Category A partners will be engaged in the project.

6. Identify staff with appropriate credentials and experience and describe their qualifications. Describe the process and criteria that will be used to select appropriate staff members for any positions that have not yet been filled. Describe any plans to request additional technical assistance from Reclamation or via a contract. Please answer the following:

1. Have the project team members accomplished projects similar in scope to the proposed project in the past either as a lead or team member?

2. Is the project team capable of proceeding with tasks within the proposed project immediately upon entering into a financial assistance agreement? If not, please explain the reason for any anticipated delay.

Merit Review Criterion D - Dissemination of Results (10 Points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded for proposals that can articulate how the results will be disseminated, transferred, and communicated directly with partners and resource managers within the Western United States. Please respond and provide support for your responses to each of the following sub-criteria. Note: All applicants whose projects are selected for funding will be expected to participate in at least one Reclamation-sponsored webinar to disseminate deliverable(s) and discuss ways to apply deliverables to management questions. Under this criterion, proposals will be evaluated based on other efforts, beyond the required webinar, that they will take to disseminate the results of their project.

Explain how project results will be disseminated, including:

Describe how the tools, frameworks, or analyses developed under the proposed scope of work will be disseminated, communicated, or made available to water resources managers who may be interested in the results. Describe a technology transfer plan for how the project will be used and adopted by others.

• If the applicant is the primary beneficiary of the project, explain how the project results will be communicated internally, and to interested partners and stakeholders and interested water resources managers in the area, if appropriate.

• If the applicant is not the primary beneficiary of the project (e.g., universities or research institutes), describe how project results will be coordinated and communicated to project partners and interested water resources managers in the area.

• Describe how the project results will be made available for others. What coordination is planned to ensure other water managers in the West can use the information to support water management objectives. What is the likelihood of successful use of the data or information shared.

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.