Foa_Content_of_R25AS00322_date revisions 3.12.26.pdf

Bureau of Reclamation

Notice of Funding Opportunity

WaterSMART: Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects

Funding Opportunity Number

R25AS00322

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: R25AS00322

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.504

Estimated Total Program Funding: $130,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 10

Award Ceiling: $130,000,000

Award Floor: $1,000

This NOFO will be used to allocate up to an additional $130 million in available funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58. A total of up to $130 million in Federal funds may be awarded to an applicant. Approximately 1 to 10 awards will be made, depending on the amount requested by each applicant and the amount of Federal funding made available.

The Federal funding amount is based on a maximum 25 percent of the total cost of planning, design, and construction activities completed after the date of Reclamation’s feasibility study review findings and within three years of the application’s submittal period deadline.

Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Closing Date Explanation May 13, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time

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, Maribeth Menendez, mmenendez@usbr.gov, 303-445-2094.

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 Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects funding opportunity is to invite eligible entities to apply for up to 25% Federal cost share for the planning, design, and construction of water recycling projects that have a total project cost greater than or equal to $500 million.

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

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.

• States, Tribes, municipalities, irrigation districts, water districts, wastewater districts; and any state, regional, or other organization with water or power delivery authority,

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

• An agency established under State law for the joint exercise of powers, or a combination of entities described above.

All applicants must be located in the Western United States; specifically: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

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

• Federal Governmental entities

• Foreign entities

• Individuals

• Institutes of higher education

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

Yes At the time of award, applications must cost share at least 75 percent of the total project cost. For example, if the total project cost on the SF-424A is $100 million, the minimum amount of non- Federal cost share would be $75 million. All cost-share contributions must be non-Federal in original source and meet the requirements of2 CFR 200.306.

Total Project Costs $10,000,000

Minimum required cost share- 75% x 75%

Applicant share of project costs $7,500,000

Federal share $2,500,000 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306

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

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 infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts.

The objective of the WaterSMART Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects NOFO is to invite eligible applicants to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on the planning, design, and construction of water recycling projects that have a total project cost greater than or equal to $500 million. Large-scale water recycling projects play an important role in helping communities develop local, drought-resistant sources of water supply by turning currently unusable water sources into a new source of water supply that is less vulnerable to drought.

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 Description The WaterSMART Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects NOFO prioritizes projects that create a more reliable water supply in a cost-effective manner, reduce existing water diversions, address environmental and water quality concerns, and promote collaborative partnerships. Projects will address growing water demands and resource challenges by providing new, drought-resistant, local water supplies that stretch existing supplies and reduce water importation.

Eligible Projects- Eligible projects are projects that reclaim and reuse municipal, industrial, domestic or agricultural wastewater or impaired groundwater or surface water and have a total project cost greater than or equal to $500 million. Applicants may apply for funding for planning, design, or construction activities, as described in more detail below. Collecting data and preparing documentation in support of environmental compliance reviews are also eligible project activities.

Planning - Eligible planning activities may include work that supports the development of a feasibility-level design and cost estimate for the selected project.

Feasibility-level cost estimates are typically based on data collected during site investigations that are of sufficient detail to allow the preparation of preliminary layouts and designs of the selected project. Planning activities may include but are not limited to:

o Preparation of appraisal and feasibility level cost estimates o Site specific investigations to gather design data o Pre-final design activities that contribute towards a feasibility-level design and cost estimate o Collect data and prepare documentation for environmental compliance reviews

Final Design and Value Engineering - Eligible final design activities begin after the feasibility-level planning stage and includes design activities required to reach 100% final design. Value Engineering activities, including the preparation of a Value Engineering Accountability Report, also are eligible project activities.

Construction - Applicants may also request funding for all phases of construction for Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects.

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

• Water recycling projects with a total project cost less than $500 million.

• Development of water recycling feasibility studies to meet the requirements

Reclamation’s Directives and Standards WTR 11-01, Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and Desalination Construction Program Feasibility Study Review Process, or the additional requirements established in WTR TRMR-128, Large-Scale Water Recycling Program Feasibility Study Review Process.

• Water reclamation projects that are solely ocean or brackish water desalination.

• Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement activities. 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 https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/temporary_releases/wtrtrmr-128.pdf 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)

Funding Amounts and Period of Performance - Applicants may request up to $130 million in Federal funds for project activities that take place after the date of Reclamation’s feasibility determination and within 3 years of award.

Multiple Applications - Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration under this funding opportunity, provided that the project scopes are not duplicative. In general, if an applicant is seeking funding for multiple project components, and the components are interrelated or closely related (e.g., projects that are physically and geographically linked), the applicant should combine these in one application. However, if the projects are only loosely related, an applicant should submit them as separate applications.

Technical Assistance

Technical assistance should be discussed with Reclamation staff prior to applying. By request, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award of the project. If you plan to receive Reclamation’s assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget. To discuss available assistance and associated costs, contact the Program Coordinator identified in the Have Questions section above.

For more information regarding WaterSMART Large Scale Water Recycling Projects, visit https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/largescale.html

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.

Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects

This program has Federal funding for infrastructure projects. Buy America preferences apply to Federal awards for infrastructure projects in the United States. Reference 2 CFR Part 184 - Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Project for further guidance.

This program has Federal funding for infrastructure projects. Buy America preferences apply to Federal awards for infrastructure projects in the United States. Reference 2 CFR Part 184 - Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Project for further guidance.

Projects funded under this NOFO are subject to the following Buy America preferences:

• All iron and steel products used in the project must be produced in the U.S., including beams, bars, rods, and tubing.

• All manufactured products must be made in the U.S., requiring substantial transformation and final assembly in the country.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/largescale.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184

• All construction materials, such as cement and concrete, must be sourced domestically.

Buy America preferences need to be taken into consideration when developing the project budget.

Legislative Authority Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Public Law (P.L.) 117-58, Section 40905

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.

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

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, theAuthorized 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 – Construction andNon-Construction Programs

Required forconstruction and 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).

Mustinclude, in plain language:

• Award purpose,

• Activities to be performed,

• Expected deliverables or outcomes,

• Intended beneficiaries, Subrecipient activities (if knownor 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

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18

Project Narrative

The Project Narrative, including responses to the Merit Review Criteria shall be limited to a maximum of 40 consecutively numbered pages. If this section of the application exceeds 40 pages, only the first 40 pages will be evaluated. The full application, including attachments, cannot exceed 125 pages. If the application exceeds 125 pages, only the first 125 pages will be considered in the evaluation.

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 and responses to the Merit Review Criteria should include the scope of the project as a whole, while budgets submitted under this NOFO may only include costs incurred after the date of Reclamation’s feasibility determination, and within three years from the application deadline for each submittal period under this NOFO. The Project Narrative should include the components described below.

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.

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

Example: The City of San Buenaventura (City) is implementing the VenturaWaterPure Program to augment the City’s potable water supplies with purified recycled water. The Program includes construction of treatment and conveyance facilities to produce up to 3,600 acre-feet per year of local recycled water. The City currently depends on limited local surface and groundwater supplies that are increasingly impacted by drought. The VenturaWaterPure Program will help the City become less vulnerable to drought conditions by creating a new source of local, drought-resistant recycled water supply. The project will divert tertiary-treated effluent from the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility, currently being discharged to the Santa Clara River Estuary, to a new advanced water purification facility to produce recycled water for potable reuse. Funding will be used to complete the design of the advanced water purification facility and advance the design of the membrane bioreactor and ultraviolet disinfection system.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project (month/year).

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

Project Location

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

Technical Project Description

The technical project description should describe the project in its entirety. This description shall have sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal. Provide a more comprehensive description of the technical aspects of your project, including the specific activities to be accomplished and the approach to complete the work.

The project description should also clearly indicate how the Project in its entirety fits within the Reclamation reviewed feasibility study.

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 of support received after the application deadline will not be evaluated.

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.

Feasibility Study costs: The costs for preparing and submitting water recycling feasibility studies to meet the requirements of Reclamation’s Directives and Standards WTR 11-01, Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and Desalination Construction Program Feasibility Study Review Process, or the additional requirements established in WTR TRMR- 128, Large-Scale Water Recycling Program Feasibility Study Review Process are not eligible project costs and must not be included in the project budget.

While the Project Narrative and responses to the Merit Review Criteria should include the scope of the project as a whole, budgets submitted under this NOFO may only include costs incurred after the date of Reclamation’s feasibility determination, and within three years from the application deadline for this NOFO. Applicants may include work:

• Planned within three years of the application’s submittal deadline. For example, if an application is submitted on May 13, 2026, work planned through May 13, 2029, may be included; and

• Eligible costs submitted for consideration must be for work conducted after the date of Reclamation’s feasibility study review findings for the project.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs:

Include costs in the budget for completing compliance activities for Federal environmental and cultural resources laws and regulations. Applicants should 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.

https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/temporary_releases/wtrtrmr-128.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/temporary_releases/wtrtrmr-128.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/temporary_releases/wtrtrmr-128.pdf 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

• 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.

Project Narrative The Project Narrative, including responses to the Merit Review Criteria shall be limited to a maximum of 40 consecutively numbered pages. If this section of the application exceeds 40 pages, only the first 40 pages will be evaluated. The full application, including attachments, cannot exceed 125 pages. If the application exceeds 125 pages, only the first 125 pages will be considered in the evaluation.

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 and responses to the Merit Review Criteria should include the scope of the project as a whole, while budgets submitted under this NOFO may only include costs incurred after the date of Reclamation’s feasibility determination, and within three years from the application deadline for each submittal period under this NOFO. The Project Narrative should include the components described below.

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).

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

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 date of Reclamation’s feasibility study review findings. Pre-award costs are determined to be necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work, and 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.

Feasibility Study costs: The costs for preparing and submitting water recycling feasibility studies to meet the requirements of Reclamation’s Directives and Standards WTR 11-01, Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and Desalination Construction Program Feasibility Study Review Process, or the additional requirements established in WTR TRMR-128, Large-Scale Water Recycling Program Feasibility Study Review Process are not eligible project costs and must not be included in the project budget.

While the Project Narrative and responses to the Merit Review Criteria should include the scope of the project as a whole, budgets submitted under this NOFO may only include costs incurred after the date of Reclamation’s feasibility determination, and within three years from the application deadline for this NOFO. Applicants may include work:

• Planned within three years of the application’s submittal deadline. For example, if an application is submitted on May 13, 2026, work planned through May 13, 2029, may be included; and

• Eligible costs submitted for consideration must be for work conducted after the date of Reclamation’s feasibility study review findings for the project.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs:

Include costs in the budget for completing compliance activities for Federal environmental and cultural resources laws and regulations. Applicants should 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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.458 https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/temporary_releases/wtrtrmr-128.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/temporary_releases/wtrtrmr-128.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html

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

Feasibility Study Review:

All applicants under this NOFO are requested to submit their Feasibility Study to Reclamation by April 13, 2026. Before funding may be awarded, Reclamation must review the Feasibility Study and determine that it meets the requirements in Reclamation’s Directives and Standards WTR 11-01, Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and Desalination Construction Program Feasibility Study Review Process, as well as the additional requirements established in WTR TRMR-128, Large-Scale Water Recycling Program Feasibility Study Review Process.

Design and Cost Estimating Review:

Projects that meet the requirements of WTR 11-01 and WTR TRMR-128 may request funding for any stage of project development. During the project performance period, for projects that include final design or construction, Reclamation may conduct a programmatic check-in to review additional design and cost estimating information. Documents requested for this review will vary depending on the stage of development of the project. Following is a description of the types of documents that may be requested for review:

• A design report that includes preliminary outline drawings of major features with the purpose of depicting layouts, process diagrams, and supporting cost estimates with unit prices, pay items, quantities, allowances, and assumptions.

• A “Basis of Design” document for final design stages that identifies technical design criteria, design codes, and site-specific design drawings that include plan, elevation, and section drawings.

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

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

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

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 05/13/2026

Closing Date Explanation

May 13, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time

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 https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants mailto:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov https://www.grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

• 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, United States Postal Service overnight services, 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.

An application will be removed 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) •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 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 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.

Merit Review Criteria Scoring Summary Points

A. Water Supply 30

B. Environment and Water Quality 10

C. Economic Benefits 20

D. Reclamation's Obligations and Watershed Perspective 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. Water Supply (30 points)

Subcriterion A.1. - Stretching Water Supplies

Points may be awarded based on the extent to which the project is expected to secure and stretch reliable water supplies. Consideration will be given to the amount of water expected to be made available by the project; the extent to which the project will reduce demands on existing water supplies and/or facilities and/or reduce, postpone, or eliminate the development of new water 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 supplies; and the performance measures that will be used to measure the benefits of the project to otherwise reduce water diversions.

• How many acre-feet of water are expected to be made available each year upon completion of the project? What percentage of the present and/or future annual demand in the project sponsor's service area will the project's reclaimed water be expected to provide upon project completion? The percentage should be based on the expected total service area demand, not just recycled water demand. Use the total expected capacity of the entire project upon completion, not just the water that will be produced by the activities that will be completed over the next 3 years.

• Will the project reduce, postpone, or eliminate the development of new or expanded non-recycled water supplies? Explain.

• Will the project alleviate pressure on existing water supplies and/or facilities? If so, please describe the existing water supplies, identify the supplies and/or facilities? If so, please describe the existing water supplies, identify the supplies and/or facilities that will be impacted and explain how they will be impacted by the project, including quantifications where applicable.

• What performance measures will be used to quantify actual benefits upon completion of the project?

Subcriterion A.2. - Contributions to Water Supply Sustainability

Points may be awarded for projects that contribute to a more reliable water supply. Consider:

• Will the project make water available to address a specific concern or range of concerns?

Consider the expected volume of acre-feet of water and/or the percentage of overall water supply to be made available by the project. Explain the specific concerns and their severity. Also, explain the expected role of the project in addressing those concerns.

Specific concerns may include, but are not limited to:

o Water supply shortages, water supply reliability for drought-stricken States and communities, groundwater depletion, water quality issues, impacts on the ecosystem and/or on fish and wildlife species, legal or contractual commitments or obligations, multi-state compact issues or international treaty issues, natural disasters that may impact water supply infrastructure, heightened competition for water supplies, availability of alternative supplies, and increasing cost of water supplies.

• Will the project help create additional flexibility to address drought? Will water made available by this project continue to be available during periods of drought? To what extent is the water made available by this project more drought resistant than alternative water supply options? Explain.

Merit Review Criterion B. Environment and Water Quality (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the project will improve surface, groundwater, or effluent discharge quality; will restore or enhance habitat for non-listed species;

or will provide water or habitat for federally listed threatened or endangered species. Indirect benefits of the project will also be considered under this criterion.

• Will the project improve the quality of surface water or groundwater? If so, how?

• Will the project improve effluent quality beyond levels necessary to meet State or Federal discharge requirements?

• Will the project improve flow conditions in a natural stream channel? If so, how?

• Will the project restore or enhance habitat for non-listed species? If so, how?

• Will the project provide water or habitat for federally listed threatened or endangered species? If so, how?

• Will the project reduce impacts on environmental resources from water projects owned or operated by Federal and State agencies, including through measurable reductions in water diversions from imperiled ecosystems. Explain.

Merit Review Criterion C. Economic Benefits (20 points)

Subcriterion C.1. - Cost Effectiveness

Points may be awarded based on the cost per acre-foot of water expected to be delivered upon completion of the project and how the cost of the project compares to a non-reclaimed water alternative. Please use costs related to the entire project, not just the cost of work over the next 3 years or the phase that is currently under development. Costs should be provided for the entire project described in the Reclamation approved feasibility study.

Reclamation will calculate the cost per acre-foot of water produced by the project using information provided by project sponsors. For a description of how this calculation is done, please see the Title XVI Frequently Asked Questions webpage at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/faq.html. Please provide the following information for this calculation:

• The total estimated construction costs, by year, for the project (include all previous and planned work) as shown in Table 1.

Table 1.—Estimated Construction Costs by Calendar Year

Year Construction Cost Year Construction Cost

1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5. 10.

• The total estimated or actual costs to plan and design the Project. Note: This should not include the cost to complete a feasibility study that meets the requirements of Reclamation’s Directives and Standards WTR 11-01, Title XVI Water Reclamation http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/faq.html https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf andReuse Program Feasibility Study Review Processor the additional requirements established in WTR TRMR-128, Large-Scale Water Recycling Program Feasibility Study Review Process.

• The estimated expected average annual operation and maintenance costs for the life of the Project. Please do not include periodic replacement costs in the operation and maintenance costs. Periodic replacement costs should be provided separately in response to (f) below. Note: this is an annual cost—not total cost.

• The year the project has or is expected to begin to deliver reclaimed water.

• The projected life (in years) that the project is expected to last. Note: this should be measured from the time the project starts delivering water.

• All estimated replacement costs by year as shown in Table 2. If there are multiple replacement costs in one (1) year, or at the same interval, please total them and put them on one line with the year or interval.

Table 2.—Replacement Costs by Year

Description of Replacement Requirement Year Cost

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

• The maximum volume of water (in acre-feet) expected to be produced annually upon completion of the Project. This volume of water must correspond to the costs provided above. If costs are only provided for a portion or phase of the project, then only the water produced by that same portion or phase of the project will be considered under this criterion.

Reclamation will calculate the cost per acre-foot for the project using the information requested above and compare it to the non-reclaimed water alternative, and any other water supply options that the applicant identifies to evaluate the cost effectiveness of the project. Please provide the following information for this comparison:

https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf

• A description of the conditions that exist in the area and projections of the future with, and without, the project.

• Provide the cost per acre-foot of other water supply alternatives that could be implemented by the non-Federal project sponsor in lieu of the project. This must include, but is not limited to, one non-reclaimed water alternative that would satisfy the same demand as the project. Other water supply alternatives beyond one non-reclaimed water alternative are not required but may be provided where available to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of the project.

• If available, provide the cost per acre-foot of one water supply project with similar characteristics to the project. This information does not have to be provided if it is not available.