Foa_Content_of_R26AS00017 Final.pdf

Bureau of Reclamation

Notice of Funding Opportunity

WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects

Funding Opportunity Number

R26AS00017

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Cost Sharing Requirement

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Program Description

Eligible Project Activities

Ineligible Project Activities

Legislative Authority

Type of Award

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

Application Documents

Program Cost Restrictions

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Criterion A. Project Benefits (35 points)

Criterion B. Project Planning and Support (15 points)

Criterion C. Readiness to Proceed (15 points)

Criterion D. Presidential and Department of the Interior Priorities (20 points)

Criterion E. Construction Priority (10 points)

Criterion F. Cost Share Priority (5 points)

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: R26AS00017

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.507

Estimated Total Program Funding: $60,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 30

Award Ceiling: $3,000,000

Award Floor: $50,000

This NOFO will allocate up to $60 million in available funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law 117-58. All entities may request up to $3 million in Federal funds for projects that can be completed within 3 years of award. Total project cost (including both Federal funding request and non-Federal cost share) should not exceed $6 million.

Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Closing Date Explanation

This funding opportunity will have two application deadlines. The first application period will close Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, and the second application period will close Wednesday, September 8th, 2027.

Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, 4:00pm MDT

And Wednesday, September 8th, 2027, 4:00pm MDT

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

Have Questions?

For questions regarding applicant and project eligibility or application content, contact the Program Coordinator, Katherine Tucker, ktucker@usbr.gov, (303) 445-2586.

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

Please include the funding opportunity number R26AS00017 in the subject line of any email correspondence.

https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf

Executive Summary The objective of the WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects funding opportunity is to invite eligible entities to apply for funding to implement projects per the authorizing language referenced above that benefit water resource management for multiple uses, including water conservation and efficiency projects, water infrastructure improvements, and river and watershed restoration. Projects that balance numerous community interests (agriculture, recreation, fisheries, power, etc.), were developed collaboratively, and provide significant watershed benefits will be prioritized under this funding opportunity.

This program demonstrably advances Trump administration priorities, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14154 (January 20, 2025): Unleashing American Energy (E.O.

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

ELIGIBILITY

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

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

Category A Applicants

• States, Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts;

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

• Other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

Category A applicants must be located in the Western United States or Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented; specifically: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Category B Applicants:

Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A.

All Category B applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories identified above under Category A Applicants. Applicants applying under this category should include a letter of support or other documentation demonstrating that they are acting in partnership with and with the agreement of the Category A entity. Reclamation may request additional information to verify that the applicant meets this requirement.

Category C Applicants:

Watershed groups as defined in the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Section 6001(6).

All Category C applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories identified above under Category A Applicants.

To be eligible, the watershed group must:

1. Be a grassroots, non-regulatory entity that addresses water availability and quality issues within the relevant watershed;

2. Capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources in the watershed;

3. Make decisions on a consensus basis; and

4. Represent a diverse group of stakeholders representing different water use sectors, including hydroelectric producers; livestock grazing; timber production; land development; recreation or tourism; irrigated agriculture; the environment; municipal water supplies; private property owners; Federal, state and local governments; Tribes;

and disadvantaged communities.

Applications submitted by watershed groups will be ranked separately from all other applications.

A watershed group is eligible to apply for 50-percent cost-shared funding without a Category A partner but must have a Category A partner to be eligible for 75-percent Federal funding.

Watershed groups requesting 75-percent Federal funding should include a letter of support or other documentation demonstrating that they are acting in partnership with and with the agreement of the Category A entity. Reclamation may request additional information regarding whether an applicant meets the definition of a watershed group during the application review process.

Ineligible Applicants

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

• Federal Governmental entities

• Individuals

• Institutes of higher education

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Generally, a 25 percent non-Federal cost share is required at the time of award. A watershed group is eligible to apply for 50-percent cost-shared funding without a Category A partner but must have a Category A partner to be eligible for 75-percent Federal funding. Watershed groups requesting 75-percent Federal funding should include a letter of support or other documentation demonstrating that they are acting in partnership with and with the agreement of the Category A entity.

For applicants seeking a 25% cost-share, if the total project cost is $4 million, the minimum amount of non-Federal cost share would be $1 million. All cost-share contributions must be from a non-Federal source and meet the requirements of 2 CFR 200.306.

Example Project Funding Breakdown:

Total Project Costs $4,000,000

Minimum required cost share-25% x 25%

Applicant share of project costs $1,000,000

Federal share $3,000.000

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

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

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

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

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

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

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

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

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

GRANTS.GOV

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help

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 Enhancing Water Resources Projects funding opportunity is to invite eligible entities to apply for funding to implement projects consistent with the authorizing statute, that benefit water resource management for multiple uses, including water conservation and efficiency projects, water infrastructure improvements, and river and watershed restoration projects. Projects that balance numerous community interests (agriculture, recreation, fisheries, power, etc.), were developed collaboratively, and provide significant watershed benefits are prioritized under this funding opportunity. Eligible projects include those that improve the timing or quantity of available water for the benefit of watershed health; improve water quality and temperature; or improve conditions and outcomes for fish and wildlife.

Program Description The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects funding opportunity supports projects that are collaboratively developed, provide benefits to multiple sectors, and result in an improvement to fish and wildlife habitat.

Projects at an advanced stage of design and engineering (generally 60% final design and above) are prioritized under the merit review criteria. A 60% design level could include technical study and design documentation supporting the preferred alternative in sufficient detail to be able to obtain the necessary permits and estimated funding required for project implementation.

Applicants with a project at only a conceptual level of design should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Planning and Project Design or WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program funding opportunities.

Certified Local Governments are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday (America250). This may include, but is not limited to, preservation planning, interpretation, public engagement, and rehabilitation projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.

Funding Amounts and Period of Performance. Category A and Category B applicants may request up to $3 million in Federal funds for projects that can be completed within 3 years of award.

Category C applicants (watershed groups) can request up to $3 million in funding for activities to be performed within 3 years of award, with no more than $1 million to be available per year.

Each year, Reclamation must determine whether a recipient has made sufficient progress on their https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration project to justify additional funding. Reclamation will review the required semi-annual performance reports to make this determination.

Geographical Limitation. All components of the project should be geographically linked (i.e., occurring within the same watershed). 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. Applications that do not conform to this limitation may be removed from consideration.

Construction Start Date Limitation. Proposed projects should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to 12 months after selections are announced. Selections for the first application period are anticipated to be announced in March 2027 and selections for the second application period are anticipated to be announced in March 2028. Applications for projects that do not conform to this limitation may be removed from consideration.

Monitoring Requirements. Projects that are intended to improve streamflows or aquatic habitat, and that are requesting $500,000 or more in Federal funding, must include information about plans to monitor the benefits of the project. In your response to Sub-criterion A.4. Project Monitoring, please describe the plan to monitor improved streamflows or aquatic habitat benefits over a five-year period once the project has been completed. Provide detail on the steps to be taken to carry out the plan.

Projects Occurring on Private Land. If all or part of the proposed project involves facilities or land that is owned by an individual or entity other than the applicant or Category A partner (if applicable), a letter from the land/facility owner consenting to the project should also be included in the application package.

Multiple Applications. Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration under this funding opportunity, provided that the project scopes are not duplicative. Category A entities are limited to a total of $3,000,000 in Federal funding per Application Period through this NOFO. Category B applicants may be considered for multiple awards up to a total of $9,000,000 per Application Period, if the Category A partners are different for each project selected.

Eligible Project Activities Reclamation will provide funding for on-the-ground projects that benefit water resource management for multiple uses, including water conservation and efficiency projects, water infrastructure improvements, and river and watershed restoration projects. Projects may include one or more of the following activities:

Water Supply Reliability: Activities to increase the volume of available water, reduce water loss, or better track and manage water, all with the purpose of increasing supply reliability for multiple uses. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Canal Lining or Piping

• Irrigation Flow Measurements

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) automation

Note: Water supply reliability actions must be coupled with a means of ensuring that the conserved water will be made available for beneficial instream use. This could include a formal mechanism to commit conserved water to instream flows (e.g., instream water right), a seasonal agreement to modify use at certain times of the year, or other types of assurances (e.g., Memorandum of Understanding between applicable water right holders and stakeholders).

Applicants with a water supply reliability project that does not have beneficial instream use as a primary purpose and/ or is not coupled with a formal mechanism to benefit instream uses should consider applying under the WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants or Drought Resiliency Projects funding opportunities.

Strategic Water Management: Water management changes or infrastructure improvements that will improve water supply reliability and provide in-stream benefits. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Point of diversion changes to increase in-stream water supplies in critical reaches

• Treating return flows to improve water quality

• Water storage to improve streamflow

• Improving the timing or volume of available flows at particular locations

Restoration: Activities to restore or improve in-stream habitat or adjacent riparian areas for the benefit of multiple system users, including fish and wildlife. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Restoration of aquatic, riparian, or floodplain habitat

• Restoration of lateral floodplain and/or wetland connectivity with a river channel

• Implementation of beaver dam analogs, post-assisted log structures, wetland construction for treatment of irrigation water or stormwater flows

• Water quality or temperature improvement actions

Monitoring Plans: Eligible activities include but are not limited to, development of a monitoring program, pre-construction monitoring to track baseline conditions, installation of monitoring equipment and up to twelve months post-construction monitoring to assess the success of the project and project outcomes. However, the costs for these activities shall not exceed 25 percent of the total project costs. Please note that long-term (i.e., more than twelve months) post-construction monitoring is considered normal operation and maintenance, and the costs are the responsibility of the applicant. However, a plan to monitor project outcomes for five years is required for projects that are intended to improve streamflow or aquatic habitat conditions.

Project Specific Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach: Outreach and engagement regarding final planning and construction processes with a diverse group of stakeholders such as municipal, agricultural, or recreational interest groups, environmental non-profits, landowners, Tribes, and state and local water management entities.

Invasives Species Treatment: Activities to remove invasive vegetation and/or removal of non-native or invasive fish species. Removal of non-native/ invasive species must be directly linked to watershed health. Treatment is limited to once per geographic footprint. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Treatment and removal of invasive vegetation (Tamarisk, Russian Olive, etc.)

• Electro-fishing or other means of removing non-native/ invasive fish

• Installation of barrier fencing or buffer vegetation

Please note: Projects that include removal of invasive vegetation must include revegetation with native species at the removal site OR must provide a clear explanation of why revegetation is not necessary for the specific ecosystem in which the project is located. Projects that include removal of non-native or invasive fish species must include measures to prevent reintroduction (e.g., fencing, fish barrier). We encourage applicants considering a project that includes removal of invasive species reach out the Program Coordinator identified in the Have Questions section above.

Fisheries Management: Activities to restore or improve fish passage, or benefit the general health of fisheries, including commercial, recreational, and Tribally important fisheries. These may include but are not limited to:

• Fish passage installations or modifications

• Fish ramp or ladder projects

• Removal of non-native fish or installation of exclusion infrastructure

• Fish habitat improvements (i.e. gravel augmentation for spawning habitat, etc.)

Forest Management: Forest management activities to protect water resources. Projects must have a clear nexus to water resources or water resources management. Reclamation can only provide funding for forest management activities one time per geographic footprint; additional treatments are considered operations and maintenance and are not eligible (see Section C.5.1.

Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement). Eligible activities include:

• Fuels Management – Fuels management to reduce the risk of severe wildland fire, through mechanical and/or chemical treatments.

• Post-Wildland Fire Restoration – Post-wildland fire restoration activities, including measures to stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and remove post-fire sedimentation; invasive species removal; planting and seeding native vegetation; forest stabilization; and reforestation. Projects that include removal of post-wildland fire sediment must also (1) implement revegetation/reforestation and erosion control techniques to reduce future sedimentation and (2) complete habitat restoration in any river or reservoir from which sediment is removed.

Ineligible Project Activities Project activities that are not eligible for funding under this funding opportunity include, but are not limited to:

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

On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Improvements. On-farm irrigation efficiency improvements are ineligible. Applicants interested in on-farm improvements should contact the U.S.

Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to investigate opportunities for Federal assistance. For more information on NRCS programs, including application deadlines and a description of available funding, please contact your local NRCS office or see www.nrcs.usda.gov for further contact information in your area. This does not preclude projects located on private land. Some project components may occur on private land, including on agricultural land, if they are part of a project with broader benefits to watershed health.

New Conveyance Infrastructure for Municipal or Agricultural Water Delivery. The construction of new conveyance to allow for the distribution of additional or new water supplies for municipal or agricultural use is ineligible.

Water & Land Purchases and Easements. Activities for the purchase or lease of water or land or to acquire an easement (other than a construction easement) are ineligible. Applicants seeking funding to purchase water in a drought emergency should request emergency drought assistance under Reclamation’s Drought Response Program.

Pilot Projects. Pilot studies to evaluate technical capability, economic feasibility, or viability for full-scale implementation or to test an unproven material or technology are ineligible.

Building Construction. The construction of a building (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or to promote public awareness of water conservation) is ineligible.

Removal and Prevention of Non-Fish Taxa, including Removal of Invasive Species.

Activities to remove or prevent the invasion or spread of invasive mussel species and other taxa (with the exception of invasive fish species) are ineligible. Reclamation provides funding for invasive mussel projects under Reclamation’s Integrated Pest Management and Invasive Species Program. Please contact Heidi McMaster, at hmcmaster@usbr.gov, for additional information.

Activities Subject to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act and Mine Remediation Projects. Activities that are required to comply with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), are ineligible. In general, mine remediation activities are not eligible for funding. However, some low-risk activities may be determined to be eligible under certain conditions. If your project includes remediation or restoration work in or around a mine site, please contact the Program Coordinator identified in the Have Questions section above.

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

Projects Receiving Other Federal Financial Assistance. Proposals for projects or activities that are funded under another Federal Financial Assistance agreement are ineligible. General staff training is also ineligible as a direct project activity.

For more information regarding WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resource Projects, including information on previously funded projects and applications, visit https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/ewrp/index.html.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/ewrp/index.html

Legislative Authority Section 9504(a) of the Secure Water Act, Subtitle F of Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.) 111-11 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 10364), as amended; Section 6002 of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Subtitle A of Title VI of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, P.L. 111-11 (16 1015); and Section 40907 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58.

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. This may include collaboration or participation in the management of the project and/or review, input, and approval during implementation of the project.

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement

SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs Required for construction 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). Must include, in plain language:

• Award purpose,

• Activities to be performed,

• Expected deliverables or outcomes,

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

Required from all applicants

SF-424A Budget Information

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

Project Abstract Summary

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

Project Narrative The Project Narrative, including responses to the Merit Review Criteria shall be limited to a maximum of 30 consecutively numbered pages. If this section exceeds 30 pages, only the first 30 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 merit review.

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

Oversized pages will not be accepted.

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

Title Page: Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, e-mail address, and telephone of the Project Manager.

Table of Contents: List all major sections of the proposal in the table of contents.

Executive Summary: The executive summary should include:

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

• Please indicate whether you are a Category A, B, or C applicant. If you are a Category B or C applicant, please identify the Category A partner and briefly explain how you are acting in partnership.

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

Example: Trout Unlimited and the Middle Colorado Agriculture Collaborative will upgrade, relocate, or combine six diversion structures to remove instream barriers to fish passage in the Elk Creek west of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. These upgrades will open approximately five miles of aquatic habitat in Elk Creek to fish passage, The project is also anticipated to improve stream morphology, increase instream flows, and benefit irrigators by increasing the operational capabilities of the diversions and reducing transmission losses of vital irrigation water. This project supports the goals of the 2020 Middle Colorado Integrated Water Management Plan, which was developed in collaboration with the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Colorado Basin Roundtable, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the GarPit Conservation District, and the Middle Colorado Watershed Council.

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

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

• Whether or not the proposed project is located in a river basin that is adversely impacted by a Reclamation water project.

• Whether or not the proposed project is for the purpose of meeting existing environmental mitigation or compliance obligations under Federal or state law. If so, identify the mitigation or compliance requirement and how the proposed grant project will meet this requirement.

Project Location: Provide detailed information on the proposed project location or project area including a map showing the geographic location. For example, [project name] is located in [state and county] approximately [distance] miles [direction, e.g., northeast] of [nearest town].

The project latitude is [##°##’N] and longitude is [###°##’W].

Technical Project Description: Provide a comprehensive description of the technical aspects of your project, including the scope of work to be accomplished and the approach for the on-the-ground project. This description should provide detailed information about the project materials and equipment including what is currently installed and a description of the upgrade being made. Include in your description the necessary site preparation, removal of materials, motorized and rotating equipment required for installation, site laydown and mobilization areas, and areas impacted by construction. This section provides an opportunity for the applicant to provide a clear description of the technical nature and installation process of the project and to address any aspect of the project that reviewers may need additional information to understand.

Please identify if any buildings, structures, or features associated with the project are listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (over 50 years of age).

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

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

Applicants are encouraged to copy and paste the Merit Review Criteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

Letters of Support: Attach all letters of support from interested stakeholders at the end of your application. Letters received after the application deadline will not be evaluated. Letters of support will not be counted towards page limits.

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).

bookmark://Merit_Review 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

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

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

The budget narrative provides a written description of the costs included in each budget category on the SF-424A and how they were estimated. While the SF-424A gives the total cost for each 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 narrative 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 budget 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 funding opportunity.

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.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs. Include costs in the budget for completing compliance activities for state and 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.

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.

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.

Monitoring Cost Limitation. The costs to develop a monitoring program, conduct pre-construction monitoring to track baseline conditions, purchase and install monitoring equipment, and to conduct up to twelve months post-construction monitoring shall not exceed 25 percent of the total project cost.

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

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 https://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR 200.113.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

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

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

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

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

Other Required Information Letters of Commitment: Applicants should include letters of commitment from third-party cost share sources. Letters of commitment should identify the amount of funding committed, the date the funds are available, time constraints on the availability of funds, and any other funding contingencies.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Grants.gov contains a complete application kit to submit a full application in response to this funding opportunity. Instructions for the Grants.gov application process are available here.

Contact Alisha James 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 funding opportunity 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: 09/08/2027

Closing Date Explanation

This funding opportunity will have two application deadlines. The first application period will close Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, and the second application period will close Wednesday, September 8th, 2027.

Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, 4:00pm 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 https://www.grants.gov/

And Wednesday, September 8th, 2027, 4:00pm MDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you submit a hard copy application, we encourage you to reach out to the Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact listed in the “Basic Information” section before 2:00 PM MT on the submission date to confirm that your application has been received.

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.

Applications will be removed if they do not include:

• Completed SF-424 and SF-424A forms

• SAM 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 Applications will be evaluated against the merit review criteria listed below. Responses to the criteria should be included in the Project Narrative. Applicants should thoroughly address each criterion and any sub-criteria in the order presented below.

Merit Review Criteria Scoring Summary Points:

Criterion A. Project Benefits 35

Criterion B. Project Planning and Support 15

Criterion C. Readiness to Proceed 15

Criterion D. Presidential and Department of the 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

Criterion E. Construction Priority 10

Criterion F. Cost Share Priority 5

Total 100

General Recommendations for Responding to Merit Review Criteria

Applications that include clear documentation and/or support for each of the responses will receive the most points. This should include qualitative information and quantitative data, such as citations to relevant studies or statistics, sampling data and observations, photographic evidence, relevant analyses, and other applicable support.

Criterion A. Project Benefits (35 points) Up to 35 points may be awarded based on an evaluation of the extent to which the project is expected to benefit multiple sectors and watershed health. Responses should describe the anticipated benefits, include quantified projections of those benefits, and, if applicable, the metrics that will be used to evaluate progress or determine success.

Note: If the work proposed for WaterSMART funding is one phase of a larger phased project, please only describe the benefits stemming from the work described in the Technical Project Description section of the Project Narrative.

Sub-Criterion A.1. Benefits to Multiple Users, Stakeholders, & Interests (15 points)

Identify the water users, stakeholders, and other interests in the basin that will benefit from the proposed project. Explain how they will benefit from the project and the scale and significance of the anticipated benefits.

Projects that directly benefit multiple users/ sectors, and/or provide significant and quantifiable benefits will receive the most points under this sub-criterion.

Address the following as applicable:

• Will the project benefit multiple sectors and/or water users?