FOA.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Upper Colorado Region

FY 2017

Funding Opportunity Announcement No.BOR-UC-17-F002

Paradox Valley Unit Brine Reduction Demonstration Testing

Fiscal Year 2017

Mission Statement The mission of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

Reclamation has financial assistance available in the form of cooperative agreements and is accepting applications for the demonstration testing of technologies that can reduce the Paradox Valley Unit brine to a solid product suitable for landfill disposal. Applications are now being accepted from entities wishing to receive financial assistance for on-site technology demonstration testing.

Information regarding Reclamation’s Western Colorado Area Office and the Paradox Valley Unit may be viewed at:

http://www.usbr.gov/uc/wcao/ http://www.usbr.gov/uc/wcao/progact/paradox/

The text of applicable authorities can be found at:

• Public Law 93-320 at http://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/pao/pdfiles/crbsalct.pdf

• Public Law 104-20 at http://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/pao/pdfiles/crbsalct.pdf

• Public Law 110-246 at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW- 110publ246/html/PLAW-110publ246.htm

• CFDA at https://www.cfda.gov/index?s=program&mode=list&tab=list

Information on Grant Application Writing can be found at:

• http://www.grants.gov http://www.usbr.gov/uc/wcao/ http://www.usbr.gov/uc/wcao/progact/paradox/ https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-110publ246/html/PLAW-110publ246.htm https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-110publ246/html/PLAW-110publ246.htm http://www.grants.gov/

Synopsis

Federal Agency Name:

Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region, Salt Lake City, Utah

Funding Opportunity Title:

Paradox Valley Unit Brine Reduction Technology Demonstration Testing

Announcement Type:

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-UC-17-F002

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.509

Dates: Application due date: March 10, 2017

Eligible Applicants: 2 C.F.R. 200.69 Non-Federal Entity. Non-Federal entity means a state, local government, Indian tribe, institution of higher education (IHE), or nonprofit organization that carries out a Federal award as a recipient or sub-recipient. Note: For-profit organizations may apply, but NO profit will be paid on this award.

Recipient Cost Share:

None required.

Federal Funding Amount:

Approximately $500,000.00 Subject to availability of funds. Funding amount and number of awards will be determined based on the value and merit of proposals received.

Total Amount of Funding Available for Award:

If additional funds may become available additional awards may be made.

Acronyms and Abbreviations

AOR Authorized Organization Representatives ARC Application Review Committee CCR Central Contractor Registration CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CPA Certified Public Accountant DUNS Data Universal Number System EA Environmental Assessment E-Biz POC E-Business Point of Contact EIN Employer Identification Number EIS Environmental Impact Statement ESA Endangered Species Act FAQ Frequently Asked Question FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FY Fiscal Year GO Grants Officer GOTR Grants Officer Technical Representative IRS Internal Revenue Service MST Mountain Standard Time NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act O&M Operation and Maintenance OM&R Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement OMB Office of Management and Budget PVU Paradox Valley Unit ROD Record of Decision SAM System for Award Management SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition SF Standard Form SOR System Optimization Review TIN Taxpayer Identification Number

Table of Contents Synopsis Acronyms and Abbreviations Section I -- Program Description A. Background B. FOA Objective C. Eligible Projects D. Program Authority Section II -- Award Information

A. Project Funding Limitations B. Reclamation Responsibilities C. Award Date Section III -- Eligibility Information A. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Requirement . 11 B. Eligible Applicants C. Cost Share Requirements and Guidelines D. Project Schedule Section IV -- Application Information and Submission Instructions A. Application Checklist B. Agency Contacts - for Inquiries Concerning Application Delivery Instructions C. Application Delivery Methods D. Application Submission Date and Time E. Technical Application Content Section V -- Application Review Information A. Review, Evaluation and Selection Process B. Other Factors C. Right to Reject Section VI -- Award Administration Information A. Award Notices B. Award Document C. Reporting Requirements and Distribution Section VII -- Other information A. Use and Disclosure of Proposal Information B. Patent Rights

Section I -- Program Description

Reclamation has financial assistance available in the form of cooperative agreements for the demonstration testing of technologies that can reduce the Paradox Valley Unit (PVU) brine to a solid product suitable for landfill disposal. Applications are now being accepted from those entities wishing to receive financial assistance for on-site technology demonstration testing. The following sections provide background information on the PVU and describe the types of projects sought under this FOA.

A. Background

The PVU was constructed to assist in meeting the objectives and standards of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 (P.L. 80-845) and the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act of 1974, as amended and supplemented (P.L. 93-320). The Salinity Control Act authorizes the construction, operation, and maintenance of works in the Colorado River Basin to control the salinity of water delivered to users in the United States and Mexico.

The PVU is located along the Dolores River in the Paradox Valley of Montrose County, Colorado, about ten miles east of the Colorado-Utah state line. The Dolores River is a major tributary to the Colorado River. The Paradox Valley was formed from the collapse of a salt anticline (dome). The PVU is designed to prevent this natural salt load from entering the river and degrading the water quality of the main stem of the Colorado River.

The PVU currently intercepts 200 gpm of 260,000 mg/l brine and diverts it to a 16,000’ deep injection well for disposal. The injection rate has been curtailed during the 20 year life of the well due mainly to induced seismic activity associated with the injection process. At the current rate, Reclamation prevents approximately 100,000 tons per year from entering the Colorado River system. The current collection well field is capable of producing 400 gpm. However salinity control benefits may decrease when pumping in excess of 300 gpm. Therefore, the goal is to control up to 170,000 tons per year, or 300 gpm. The unit is one of the most effective salinity control projects in the Colorado River Basin and provides about ten percent of the total salinity control in the Colorado River.

A water quality analysis of the PVU brine is provided in Attachment 1.

Because the existing brine injection well may be nearing the end of its useful life, Reclamation is considering multiple alternatives for addressing long-term, sustainable management of the saline brine.

One of the long-term alternatives being considered is implementation of a technology capable of reducing the brine to a solid waste product that is suitable for landfill disposal. The production of potable water is not a project requirement or goal.

PVU brine water has a high total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration of approximately 260,000 mg/L.

By comparison, seawater typically has a TDS of 35,000 mg/L, and reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate from a seawater desalination facility may have a TDS concentration around 70,000 to 100,000 mg/L.

Therefore, the project requirements and evaluation criteria were tailored to the high source water TDS, which is an uncommon initial salinity level for many desalination or brine management processes. PVU brine also contains hydrogen sulfide (H2S) which is dangerous to human and wildlife health when inhaled, and is also corrosive to processing equipment. Typical dissolved H2S concentrations average 80 mg/L.

Disposal of the approximately 170,000 tons of salt per year that would be generated from a full scale brine reduction process is being considered in another study. While Reclamation recognizes the significance of the amount of salt that will be generated, this alternative is still a candidate for consideration.

B. FOA Objective

The objective of this FOA is to provide funding for the evaluation of technologies that have the capability of reducing the PVU brine to a solid product suitable for landfill disposal. To ensure future decisions on salt disposal strategies at PVU are based on high-quality, objective scientific and technical information, Reclamation wishes to conduct on-site, demonstration scale testing of one or more brine reduction technologies. Demonstration testing of a brine reduction process is to be conducted in order to gather information sufficient to evaluate the technology to meet long-term brine management needs at PVU.

The testing will be conducted at PVU, which is located along the Dolores River in the Paradox Valley in Montrose County, Colorado, about ten miles east of the Colorado-Utah state line. Please see Attachment 2 for information on the available test site at PVU.

The proposed testing should provide the information necessary to fully evaluate implementation of the technology at the full-scale and the long term potential of the proposed process for brine reduction at the PVU. The outcome should include an assessment of the suitability of the technology for reducing PVU brine to a solid for landfill disposal and the information necessary to present the brine reduction technology as an alternative in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) document. This includes items such as process operation requirements, energy requirements, chemical requirements, process consumables, labor requirements, final solid product composition, residual liquid stream chemistry (if applicable), any foreseeable environmental considerations and permitting requirements, a site plan, process drawings, and a 30% design and cost estimate for a 300 gpm facility with capital and operation, maintenance and replacement (OM&R) costs.

Because of the high concentration of H2S in the Paradox brine applicants should also identify a H2S management approach. Previous work has investigated H2S removal strategies, see Attachment 3 (“Treatment Options Bench Testing Report”). Applicants may utilize the approaches presented in this report or propose an alternative H2S removal technology to be demonstrated along with the brine reduction technology.

An important evaluation criteria for technologies tested is the lifecycle cost of the technology. Other key criteria include the land area requirement for implementing the technology, the amount of energy required, and the potential for utilization of renewable energy to cost effectively offset grid-supplied energy requirements. If renewable energy is to be included in the final cost analysis or proposal then those renewable sources must be incorporated into the demonstration project process. To the extent that renewable energy technologies can benefit your project, include them.

This FOA is a result of previous Request for Information (RFI), vendor surveys, and a technology evaluation study. Based on previous results, on-site testing is being conducted to demonstrate technology performance. Information from previous RFIs has been used as a basis for defining the demonstration testing phase. Past responses are not sufficient to be considered for future activities.

Information gathered during the demonstration testing will be used to evaluate the brine reduction technology alternative in the EIS for NEPA compliance. The EIS analysis includes several alternatives.

Should the EIS outcome lead to implementation of the brine reduction alternative, applicants will not be precluded from competing for future awards, provided that:

1. There shall be no commitments for or enforceable promises for future work to any recipients of this FOA or other related funding agreements allowing such recipients to: a) assist with further preparation of the EIS; or b) financial benefit from any decisions made on the EIS.

2. Recipients of this or other related funding opportunities shall not have any participation in the EIS evaluation process; and

3. Any recipient of this FOA or other related funding opportunities with any conflicts of interest shall be disqualified from preparing the EIS.

C. Eligible Projects

To be eligible for financial assistance under this FOA, the proposed activity must be a demonstration of an integrated approach to H2S management and brine reduction processes at the PVU site. H2S off-gassing to the atmosphere will not be allowed. The integrated process must reduce PVU brine to a non-hazardous solid product suitable for landfill disposal. To be suitable for landfill disposal, the solid product must not contain any free liquids, as determined by EPA method 9095 (Paint Filter Liquids Test).

Research and development on novel technologies are not considered under this FOA. Only technologies that are commercial-ready and have demonstrated successful past performance with high salinity brines will be considered.

Projects shall consist of the following elements:

Element 1: Site layout and testing logistics (including utility connections and energy monitoring). Identify process equipment needed for demonstration testing of H2S management and brine reduction technologies and transport equipment to the PVU site. Reclamation review and approval required. (See Attachment 2 for site description).

Element 2: Test plan development: Develop a draft test plan, for Reclamation review and comment prior to the start of testing. The test plan shall include equipment operating conditions (flow rates, pressures, chemical composition, etc.). The test plan shall describe the type and frequency of data to be collected. In addition to process operating conditions, data shall also be gathered on chemical and energy inputs to the system, as well as other process consumables, such as cartridge filters.

Element 3: Safety plan based on site layout, process configuration and testing plan. Reclamation review and approval required.

Element 4: NEPA/Environmental compliance: Applicants shall adhere to Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as applicable, and shall obtain all required approvals and permits. This includes preparing appropriate demonstration test related NEPA documentation for review and approval by the Bureau of Reclamation, including cultural and natural resource surveys, evaluation of impacts and compliance with the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Threatened and Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regulations, and other applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.

The NEPA process must be complete prior to initiating the proposed demonstration project.

Element 5: Equipment start-up and shakedown: Install equipment at the test site; including process water connections and power connections. Once the equipment is installed, the Contractor shall start-up the process equipment and ensure that each component works as intended and that the process is performing adequately and is expected to perform as intended during the testing period.

Element 6: Demonstration testing period: Conduct demonstration testing for a duration sufficient to meet the objectives of the demonstration testing (as stated in section 1.B). The system should run continuously under operating conditions representative of long-term operation of the full-scale system.

Element 7: Demobilization: Disconnect all process water and power connections and removal all equipment, materials, chemicals, and process residuals from the test site. Disposal of chemicals or process residuals shall be done in accordance with all applicable regulations. The test site shall be restored to the original pre-testing condition.

Element 8: Data analysis and final report: The report should fully document all testing conducted in accordance with the test plan and the testing results. At a minimum, the report should include projected process operational requirements, power requirements, chemical requirements, labor requirements, final solid product composition, liquid residual chemistry (if applicable), and any foreseeable environmental considerations and permitting requirements.

Element 9: 30% design with process drawings and a cost estimate including capital and operation, maintenance and replacement (OM&R) costs for a 300 gpm facility. (Separate deliverable, may be made publically available). The cost estimate should be based on information and data obtained during the demonstration testing. This testing should provide sufficient information to permit the preparation of preliminary layouts and designs from which approximate quantities for each kind, type, or class of material, equipment, or labor may be obtained. These estimates are used to assist in the selection of a preferred plan, to determine economic feasibility of a project, and to support seeking construction funding from Congress. The cost estimate should show a 10 percent allowance for unlisted items and 25 percent for contingencies. All estimates should be for the construction costs of the proposed facility.

Allowance for design and contract management costs should be included in separate line items. An example spreadsheet for evaluating capital, O&M, and replacement costs will be provided to the selected recipients.

D. Program Authority

In June 1974, Congress enacted the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act, Public Law (P.L.) 93- 320 (Salinity Control Act), which directed the Secretary of the Interior to proceed with a program to enhance and protect the quality of water available in the Colorado River for use in the United States and Republic of Mexico. In 1975, the Environmental Protection Agency approved water quality standards developed by the seven Colorado River Basin States in response to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972. The standards included numeric criteria for three stations on the main stem of the lower Colorado River - below Hoover Dam, below Parker Dam, and at Imperial Dam - and a Plan of Implementation to control salinity increases.

P.L. 104-20 of July 28, 1995, amended the Salinity Control Act, and authorizes the Secretary, acting through Reclamation, to implement a Colorado River Basin-wide Salinity Control Program (Basin-wide Program). The Secretary may carry out the purposes of this legislation directly, or make grants, enter into contracts, memoranda of agreement, commitments for grants, cooperative agreements, or advances of funds to non-Federal entities under such terms and conditions as the Secretary may require.

P.L. 110-246 amended the Salinity Control Act, authorized the Basin States Program (BSP), and authorized Reclamation, through the BSP, to take advantage of new, cost-effective opportunities to control salinity anywhere in the Basin. Moneys collected into the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund and the Upper Colorado (UC) River Basin Fund (Basin Funds) from a surcharge on power produced at Reclamation facilities are used to control salt by providing grants, grant commitments, or advance funds to Federal or non-Federal entities under such terms and conditions as the Secretary may require. The moneys are used to fund cost effective measures and associated works to reduce salinity from saline springs, leaking wells, irrigation sources, industrial sources, erosion of public and private land, and other sources.

Section II -- Award Information

A. Project Funding Limitations

The total amount of funding for all cooperative agreements awarded as a result of this request for applications is approximately $500,000, contingent upon appropriations. Funding amount and number of awards will be determined based on the value and merit of proposals received. Additional funds might become available during the fiscal year, at which time ranked applications that did not make the initial cut may be funded according to ranking, based upon Program priority.

B. Reclamation Responsibilities

Project awards will be made through cooperative agreements. It is anticipated that Reclamation will have substantial involvement in each funded project. Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

• Close oversight during the testing activities to ensure that the program objectives are being achieved.

• Provide review, input, and approval for each project element described in section I.C. Key stages include the following:

o Site layout and testing logistics o NEPA/Environmental compliance documentation o Test plan o Safety plan o Equipment startup o Changes to operating conditions during testing o Data analysis, and reporting.

• Review, input, and approval of draft and final deliverables including the final report.

o 2 deliverables Final demonstration testing report 30% design for 300 gpm facility

• Provide results of previous Reclamation investigations and activities related to PVU. (ex. landfill disposal information, H2S removal study). See Attachments.

• Access to testing site, power, connection to brine water supply, emergency shutdown. See Attachment 2.

C. Award Date

It is expected that potential award recipients will be contacted as soon as possible following proposal evaluations. The target award date is June 3, 2017.

Section III -- Eligibility Information

A. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Requirement

Applicants must provide a D&B DUNS number on their application. If you do not have a DUNS number, one may be obtained at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number Request Line at 1-866-705-5711, or by going to the DUNS Government Contractor and Grantee website at:

https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

B. Eligible Applicants

Any responsible source, including individual, institutions of higher education, commercial or industrial organizations, private entities, public entities (including state and local), non-profit organizations, or Indian Tribal Governments. Non-profit organizations may apply, but no profit will be paid on this award.

Those not eligible include the following entities:

• Federal governmental agencies

• Foreign entities

C. Cost Share Requirements and Guidelines

No cost share is required in association with this funding announcement; however, cost share is encouraged. Cost sharing may be made through cash or in-kind contributions from the applicant, or third party partners. List all partners and their percentage of contributed funds.

The applicant’s proposal shall include a funding plan that describes how the non-Reclamation share of the costs will be obtained. Reclamation will make a determination of financial capability based on the funding plan submitted.

All cost sharing must be in accordance with the criteria set forth in 2 C.F.R. 200.306, as applicable.

During the activity, indirect costs which are incurred and will not be recovered may be included as part of your cost-share. In-kind contributions will be counted in-lieu of cash.

D. Project Schedule

The final report for study Elements 1-9 must be completed by December 31, 2017. Reclamation retains the right to extend the grant or cooperative agreement to no more than 5 years.

Section IV -- Application Information and Submission Instructions

Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications electronically through:

http://www.grants.gov

All forms are available through grants.gov at: http://www.grants.gov. Applications will only be accepted via grants.gov, U.S. mail delivery, or express mail delivery.

A. Application Checklist

The following table contains a summary of the information that you are required to submit with your application for financial assistance by 5:00 p.m. MST, on March 10, 2017. All standard forms are contained in the full announcement published at http://www.grants.gov.

√ What to submit Page Standard Form (SF)- 424 Application 16 E.1 Standard Form (SF)-424A Budget 16 E.2 Assurances

• Form SF424B OR

• Form SF424D, as applicable

16 E.3

Title page

• Applicant’s Names, Addresses, Phone Numbers, & Email Address

• Funding Category

17 E. 4

Technical Proposal

• Scope of Work

• Narrative / Executive Summary

• Process description

• Activity Schedule with Planned

Project Timeline

17 E. 5

a. – c.

Elements

(1) – (9)

Project Budget Proposal:

• General Requirements

• Budget Proposal

• Budget Narrative

• Budget Forms SF-424A or SF-424C

(as applicable)

18 E. 6

a. – c.

Elements

(1) – (9)

Funding Plan / Environmental / Provisions 22 E. 8-10

B. Agency Contacts - for Inquiries Concerning Application Delivery Instructions

There will be no pre-application conference. Organizations or individuals interested in submitting applications in response to this announcement may direct application submittal questions by calling or emailing the Grants Management Specialists prior to March 1, 2017.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www./

DIRECT QUESTIONS

TO

REQUEST PAPER

COPIES OF

DOCUMENTS FROM

APPLICATION DELIVERY ADDRESSES

BY POSTAL SERVICE BY EXPRESS

SERVICE

Bureau of Reclamation Attn: Ossie Taylor Mail Code: UC-822 125 South State St., Room 8100 Salt Lake City, UT 84138 Phone: (801) 524-3806 E-mail: otaylor@usbr.gov

Bureau of Reclamation Attn: Ossie Taylor Mail Code: UC-822 125 South State St., Room 8100 Salt Lake City, UT 84138 Phone: (801) 524-3806 E-mail: otaylor@usbr.gov

Bureau of Reclamation Attn: Ossie Taylor Mail Code: UC-822 125 South State St., Room 8100 Salt Lake City, UT 84138 Phone: (801) 524-3806 E-mail: otaylor@usbr.gov

Bureau of Reclamation Attn: Ossie Taylor Mail Code: UC-822 125 South State St., Room 8100 Salt Lake City, UT 84138 Phone: (801) 524-3806 E-mail: otaylor@usbr.gov

For Technical Inquiries about Your Application

Organizations or individuals may direct technical questions by calling or emailing the Grants Officer’s Technical Representative. All technical questions shall be submitted by March 1, 2017.

See Table below for contact information:

Grants Officer’s Technical Representative

DIRECT TECHNICAL QUESTIONS TO

Bureau of Reclamation Attn: Frederick Busch, P.E.

Western Colorado Area Office 445 West Gunnison Ave., Suite 221

Grand Junction, CO 81501-5711 Phone 970-248-0653 e-mail fbusch@usbr.gov

C. Application Delivery Methods

Applications may be submitted by one of the following methods only:

• Electronic Submittal via Grants.gov - Grants.gov is an internet website that can be used to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. In order to electronically submit an application, you must complete the Grants.gov registration process. The registration process can take approximately two weeks to be completed; therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you receive your e-authentication credentials. Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov; however, electronic submittal of applications is not required. If submitting through the grants.gov website, submit only one original. For more information regarding submitting an applications via Grants.gov, please visit the “Get Registered” and “Apply for Grants” links at www.grants.gov.

Applicants have sometimes experienced significant delays when attempting to submit through Grants.gov. If you plan to use Grants.gov, you are encouraged to submit your application several days prior to the application deadline. If you are a properly registered Grants.gov applicant, and you encounter problems with the Grants.gov submission process, you must contact the Grants.gov Help desk to obtain a “Case Number.” This Case Number will provide evidence of your attempt to submit an application prior to the submission deadline.

• Hard-Copy Submittal - Applications may be submitted by hard-copy. All originals of the hard-copy applications should be hand delivered or mailed to the contact listed on page 12 and received by the deadline of 5:00 p.m. MST on March 10, 2017. Applicants using traditional mail shall submit 3 original and a disk copy of all application documents.

If an applicant wishes to submit a hard-copy as a back-up to the electronic submission, both will be accepted. If the submissions differ, the latter one received prior to the funding period closing date will prevail unless the applicant specifies otherwise. Regardless of the submittal method used, applicants are responsible for ensuring their applications are accepted and received by Reclamation by the established due date. It is the discretion of the applicant in the method of application delivery chosen.

The chosen method of delivery will not impact or determine award or non-award.

Please see Table 1 on the next page for instructions on how to get registered in grants.gov.

Table 1. Checklist for Registering Your Organization in Grants.gov

Step Actions to Take Purpose Time Required √ 1: Obtain

Data Universal Number System

(DUNS)

Number

Has my organization identified its DUNS number?

Ask the grant administrator, chief financial officer, or authorizing official of your organization to identify your DUNS number.

If your organization does not know its DUNS number or needs to register for one, visit Dun & Bradstreet at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/display HomePage.do

The Federal government has adopted the use of DUNS numbers to track how Federal grant money is allocated.

DUNS numbers identify your organization

Same Day. You will receive DUNS number information online.

2: Register With System for Award Management

(SAM)

This is a FREE service.

Has my organization registered with the CCR?

Ask the grant administrator, chief financial officer, or authorizing official of your organization if your organization has registered with SAM.gov.

All applicants must be registered in the SAM prior to award under this FOA.

The SAM and instructions for registration are located at http://www.sam.gov. All applicants must maintain an active SAM with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or

Registering with the SAM.gov is required for organizations to use Grants.gov.

If your organization already has an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), then you should allow seven - ten business days to complete the entire SAM registration.

The EIN and TIN will come from the Internal Revenue http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do http://www.sam.gov/ an application under consideration. Service (IRS)

If your organization does not have an EIN or TIN, then you should allow two weeks for obtaining the information from the IRS when requesting the EIN or TIN via phone or Internet. The additional number of days needed is a result of security information that needs to be mailed to the organization.

3: User-name and Password

Have the AORs who officially submit applications on behalf of your organization completed their profile with Grants.gov to create their username and password?

To create a username and password, AORs must complete their profile on Grants.gov. AORs will need to know the DUNS number of the organization for which they will be submitting applications to complete the process.

After your organization registers with the CCR, AORs must wait one business day before they can complete a profile and create their usernames and passwords on Grants.gov.

An AOR username and password serves as an "electronic signature" when submitting a Grants.gov application.

Same Day. After the AOR has completed their profile they will be prompted to create a username and password that will allow the user to login and check their approval status immediately.

4: AOR

Authorization

Has the E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC) approved AORs to submit applications on behalf of the organization?

When an AOR registers with Grants.gov to submit applications on behalf of an organization, that organization's E-Biz POC will receive an email notification.

The email the AOR submitted in the profile will be the email used when sending the automatic notification from Grants.gov to the E-Biz POC with the AOR copied on the correspondence.

Only the E-Biz POC can approve AORs.

This allows the organization to authorize specific staff members or consultants/gran t writers to submit grants.

Only those who have been authorized by the E-Biz POC can submit applications on behalf of the organization

This depends on how long it takes the E-Biz POC to login and approve the AOR, once the approval is completed the AOR can immediately submit an application.

5: Track AOR Status

What is your AOR Status? To verify that the organization’s E-

Logging in to check your AOR status is

AORs can also login to track their AOR status using their username and password (obtained in Step 3) to check if they have been approved by the E-Biz

POC.

Biz POC has approved the

AOR.

instantaneous. The approval process to become an AOR depends on how long it takes the E- Bix POC to login and approve the

AOR.

*Note: Your organization needs to renew your SAM registration once a year. You will not be able to move on to Step 3 until you have renewed your SAM registration. This renewal may take up to 10 business days.

D. Application Submission Date and Time

Application submission date deadline:

• 5:00 p.m. MST on March 10, 2017.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered unless it can be determined that the delay was caused by Federal government mishandling or by the Grants.gov application system.

E. Technical Application Content

Each applicant shall submit an application in accordance with the instructions contained in this section.

Do not include a cover letter or company literature/brochure. All pertinent information must be included in your Technical and Activity Budget Proposal in accordance with the formats described in this section.

Your application should consist of three elements: Technical proposal, budget narrative, and funding plan. Use the submittal checklist to make sure you submit everything requested in this announcement.

The technical proposal shall be limited to fifty (50) 8-1/2 inch X 11 inch pages, excluding any required forms stated in these instructions, single-spaced on one side of the page. The font used shall be easily readable and shall be between 10 and 12 points. Applications will be prescreened for compliance to the 50-page limit. The Application (SF-424), Budget Information (SF-424A), and Assurances (SF- 424B) will not be counted in the 50-page limit. All pages shall be consecutively numbered, including pages with tables and exhibits.

The application must include the following elements in order to be considered complete:

1. SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance This fully completed form must be signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

2. SF-424A Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs This form must be completed and reflect the proposed budget components and budget schedule.

Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424A may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

3. SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs This form must be signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project shall be included. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424B may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

*Note: The SF-424, SF-424A, & SF-424B forms may be obtained at http://www.grants.gov.

4. 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, telephone, and fax numbers of the project manager.

5. Technical Proposal

a. Executive Summary. Clearly discuss key elements of proposal including a brief description of the proposed technology, testing approach, and the funding request. Please limit to 1 page.

b. Background and Introduction. Describe the current status of the technology supporting the proposed work. Address the following issues:

• What is the proposed solution for reduction of PVU brine? What unit operations will comprise the process to be tested?

• Provide a comprehensive background on the proposed solution based on experience and what is reported in literature. If appropriate, identify specific projects and locations where this technology has been successfully employed.

• What technical risks are associated with the proposed solution? Have similar projects been conducted by you or elsewhere? How successful have they been?

• Discuss why the proposed solution is suitable for the PVU project and should be considered for on-site testing.

c. Technical Approach. Discuss the approach (high level overview) that will be used to accomplish the proposed work. The applicant’s understanding will be established not only by the proposed approach, but also by anticipating and/or identifying various problems and assessment of the severity of each problem.

(1) Scope of Work. Describe in detail the tasks to be conducted, including reporting. For each task describe what studies and tests you plan to conduct, what equipment you will need, what data you plan to collect, and what you will do with the data. Describe the kind of staff and the number of staff hours required for each task. Ensure that Scope of Work addresses each of the project elements identified in Section 1.C.

(2) Schedule. Provide a schedule based on the tasks described in the Scope of Work showing individual tasks with significant milestones identified for the work to be accomplished, including time for the preparation, submission, and approval of required data and reports.

Provide this in a table, Gantt chart, project network diagram, or any other visual format.

(3) Project Management. Show the proposed organization to manage the work, its relationship to the applicant’s overall corporate structure, and the function and responsibilities of any subcontractors. Include an estimate of the extent of anticipated subcontracting together with a list of items or work to be subcontracted.

(4) Key Personnel Qualifications. Provide the following information on personnel:

• Identification of Project Manager assigned to perform the work.

• Identification of key personnel, including consultants, to be assigned for direct work on the project and as direct technical supervision, along with the nature of each individual’s involvement and estimated work hours by task.

• A statement of assurance that the proposed personnel will be available for work on this agreement.

• A list of alternative personnel to be used in the event proposed personnel are not available as planned.

• A brief resume limited to 1 page maximum (to include education, experience, accomplishments, and other pertinent information) for key personnel named.

(5) Applicant Experience and Past Performance. Provide a list of projects similar in scope and magnitude to the work required under this FOA which the applicant has completed. For each project, include:

• Name of the project

• Description of the work including items such as treatment capacity of the process, basic chemical composition of the treated water, treatment process end products, etc.

• Name and address of the acquiring government agency or commercial customer, and the name(s) and telephone number(s) of references from the acquiring agency or customer who may be contacted for further information. If a previous Reclamation funded project, include the agreement number and Grants Officer Technical Representative.

(6) Equipment Information. List the equipment that is available for use on this agreement and equipment that will need to be acquired to carry out the proposed work. List and justify any special equipment that is required and indicate the extent to which the work can be accomplished without it. Information on alternative sources considered for the equipment shall also be included. Also include applicable renewable energy equipment if part of the proposed treatment process.

(7) Quality Assurance and Quality Control. Provide a description of proposed procedures for Quality Assurance and Quality Control protocols to be used throughout the project including statistical data analysis, peer review, instrument calibration, etc.

6. Budget Proposal

a. General Requirements. Include a budget with the estimated project costs. Include the value of in-kind contributions, if any, of goods and services and sources of funds provided to complete the project. The proposal must clearly delineate between Reclamation and applicant contributions.

b. Budget Proposal Format. The budget shall include detailed information on the categories listed below. Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items, including the cost of work to be provided by contractors. Lump sum costs are not acceptable in any category.

Additionally, applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the budget.

It is strongly advised that applicants use the budget format shown in table 2 at the end of this section or a similar format that provides this information.

c. Budget Narrative Format. Submission of a budget narrative is mandatory. An award will not be made to any applicant who fails to fully disclose this information. The Budget Narrative provides a discussion of, or explanation for, items included in the budget proposal. You must provide a basis for and detailed support for each cost element; i.e., did the rate come from quotes; historical documentation modeling; an engineer estimate; or some other methodology?

Listed below are examples of the types of information to include in the budget narrative.

(1) Salaries and Wages. Indicate program manager and other key personnel by name and title. Other personnel may be indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries and wages, estimated hours or percent of time, and rate of compensation proposed. All labor estimates, including any proposed subcontractors, shall be allocated to specific tasks as outlined in the recipient’s technical proposal description. Labor rates and proposed hours shall be displayed for each task. Clearly identify any proposed salary increases and the effective date.

Generally, salaries of administrative and/or clerical personnel should be included as a portion of the stated indirect costs. If these salaries can be adequately documented as direct costs, they may be included in this section; however, a justification should be included in the budget narrative.

(2) Fringe Benefits. Indicate rates/amounts, what costs are included in this category, and the basis of the rate computations. Indicate whether these rates are used for application purposes only or whether they are fixed or provisional rates for billing purposes. Federally approved rate agreements are acceptable for compliance with this item.

(3) Travel. Include purpose of trip, destination, number of persons traveling, length of stay, and all travel costs including airfare (basis for rate used), per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation.

(4) Equipment. Itemize costs of all equipment having a value of over $500 and include information as to the need for this equipment. If equipment is being rented, specify the number of hours and the hourly rate.

(5) Materials and Supplies. Itemize supplies by major category, unit price, quantity, and purpose, such as whether the items are needed for office use, testing, or construction.

(6) Contractual. Identify all work that will be accomplished by sub-recipients, consultants, or contractors, including a breakdown of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each task. If a sub-recipient, consultant, or contractor is proposed and approved at time of award, no other approvals will be required. Any changes or additions will require a request for approval.

(7) Other. Any other expenses not included in the above categories shall be listed in this category, along with a description of the item and what it will be used for. No profit or fee will be allowed.

(8) Indirect Costs. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable OMB circular cost principles (see Section III C., “Cost Sharing Requirement”) for the recipient’s organization. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

If you have separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and general and administrative costs, each rate shall be shown. You should propose rates for evaluation purposes, which will be used as fixed or ceiling rates in any resulting award. Include a copy of any federally approved indirect cost rate agreement.

If you do not have a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement, or if you use unapproved rates, explain why and include the computational basis for the indirect expense pool and corresponding allocation base for each rate. Information on “Preparing and Submitting Indirect Cost Proposals” is available from Interior, the National Business Center, and Indirect Cost Section, at https://www.doi.gov/ibc.

Normally design, construction management, cultural resources or NEPA are not indirect charges.

(9) Total Cost. Indicate total amount of project costs, including the Federal and non-Federal Cost-share amounts.

7. Budget Form. In addition to the above-described budget information, the applicant must complete an SF-424A, Budget Information–Non-construction Programs, or an SF-424C, Budget Information–Construction Programs. These forms are available at http://www.grants.gov

Please see Table 2 on next page for a “Sample Budget Proposal Format.”

https://www.doi.gov/ibc

Table 2 – Sample Budget Proposal Format

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION

COMPUTATION

TOTAL COST RECIPIENT

FUNDING

RECLAMATION

FUNDING $/Unit and

Unit Quantity

SALARIES AND WAGES

Positions

FRINGE BENEFITS

TRAVEL

Mileage From/To Lodging Per Diem Rental Vehicle

EQUIPMENT

Type & Supplier

SUPPLIES/MATERIALS

Cost/Unit, Units & Supplier

CONTRACTUAL/1

CONSTRUCTION

ENVIRONMENTAL AND

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE2

OTHER

TOTAL DIRECT COSTS

INDIRECT COSTS - __%3

TOTAL PROJECT COSTS4

1 Sub-Contracts should be broken out into specific line items. Lump sum estimates are not acceptable. Applicants should attach a separate detailed budget for each line item to adequately address all budget items.

2 Environmental and regulatory compliance should be included only if the project involves any surface-disturbing activities that could affect the surrounding environment.

3 Negotiated indirect cost rate through the National Business Center.

4All costs must be allowable in accordance with 2.C.F.R.200 Subpart E Cost Principles.

8. Funding Plan

• Outline the funding plan for your project, this would list all partners and contributors;

• Please include a point of contact for all sources of funds, name, address and phone number;

• Percentage contributed per partner; and

• Type of contribution i.e. in-kind services, labor (include labor rates) or supplies (how much and how many), or cash.

9. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance for Demonstration Testing

Applicants shall adhere to Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as applicable, and shall obtain all required approvals and permits. This includes preparing appropriate demonstration test related NEPA documentation for review and approval by the Bureau of Reclamation, including cultural and natural resource surveys, evaluation of impacts and compliance with the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Threatened and Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regulations, and other applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. The NEPA process must be complete prior to initiating the proposed demonstration project.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs. All environmental compliance documents and activities associated with the demonstration testing will be performed by the applicant (or a consultant) and reviewed by Reclamation.

You must include a line item in your budget for environmental compliance activities, including preparation of the appropriate documentation for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). For example, if the demonstration project will involve any disturbances to the surrounding environment, such as clearing brush to perform a survey, installing monitoring equipment on an existing structure that would alter that structure, discharges to waters of the United States, stockpiling solid waste byproducts prior to disposal, disposal of solid waste in any areas other than an authorized landfill, emissions, etc., then completion of NEPA documentation and environmental compliance will be required. In the application review and selection process, Reclamation will consider whether the applicant has budgeted appropriately for environmental compliance, taking into consideration the amount budgeted and the applicants responses to the criteria set forth below, in Section IV.C., “Environmental and Regulatory Compliance.”

Environmental compliance shall include adherence to all Federal, state, and local laws,…