FOA No. BOR-GP-18-F001.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Region Nebraska-Kansas Area Office 2018

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-GP-18-F001

Water Conservation Field Services Program Nebraska–Kansas Area Office Financial Assistance for Fiscal Year 2018

Mission Statements

The U.S. Department of the Interior protects America’s natural resources and heritage, honors our cultures and tribal communities, and supplies the energy to power our future.

The mission of the Bureau 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.

Cover photo: Jackson Lake Dam, Wyoming in 2014.

Synopsis

Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Great Plains Region, Nebraska-Kansas Area Office

Funding Opportunity Title: Water Conservation Field Services Program: Financial Assistance for Fiscal Year 2018

Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-GP-18-F001

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.530

Dates: Application due date:

June 15, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

Eligible Applicants: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the geographic area covered by the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office.

Recipient Cost Share: 50 percent or more of total project costs.

Federal Funding Amount: Up to $50,000 per agreement for projects that can be completed within 2 years.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

Approximately 2 agreements

Application Checklist

The following table contains a summary of the information that you are required to submit with your application.

What to submit

Required content

Form or format

When to submit

Mandatory Federal Forms:

Application for Federal Financial Assistance

Budget Information

Assurances

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

See Sec. E.2.1 and Sec. E.2.2

SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-424D and SF-LLL forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Technical proposal: See Sec. E.2.3 Page 15 * Project Budget: See Sec. E.2.4 Page 17 * Duns and Bradstreet

(DUNS)

See Sec. E.3 Page 18 ***

System for Award Management (SAM)

See Sec. E.4 Page 18 ***

* Submit materials with your application.

** Document should be submitted with your application; however, please refer to the applicable section of the FOA for extended submission date.

*** Should be completed prior to the application deadline; however, please refer to the applicable section of the FOA for extended completion date.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations Department U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FOIA Freedom of Information Act FY fiscal year GO Grants Officer P.L. Public Law Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation RRA Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 SAM System of Award Management SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition SPOC Single Point of Contact U.S.C. United States Code WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow WCFSP Water Conservation Field Services Program

Contents

Page Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information A.2. Objective of Funding Opportunity Announcement A.3. Statutory Authority A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding B.2. Project Funding Limitations B.3. Cost Sharing Requirements B.4. Assistance Instrument

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Eligible Projects C.4. Length of Projects

Section D. Application Review Information D.1. Evaluation Criteria for Designing Water Management Improvements D.2. Evaluation Criteria for Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies

Section E. Application Submission Information E.1. Application Delivery Methods E.2. Application Content E.3. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Requirement E.4. System for Award Management Registration Requirement E.5. Unnecessarily Elaborate Proposals E.6. Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Application and/or Proposal E.7. Retention/Disposition of Materials E.8. Grants.gov

Section F. Other Information F.1. General Provisions

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information

Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with states, tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply reliability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts. Working together with our stakeholders, WaterSMART supports the Department of the Interior’s priorities, including:

• Creating a conservation stewardship legacy;

• Utilizing our natural resources;

• Restoring trust with local communities;

• Striking a regulatory balance;

• Modernizing our infrastructure.

Reclamation established the Water Conservation Field Services Program (WCFSP) in 1996 to proactively encourage water conservation in the operations of recipients of water from Federal water projects and to assist agricultural and urban water districts in preparing and implementing water conservation plans in accordance with the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (RRA). Through the WCFSP, which is managed by each of Reclamation’s regional offices, Reclamation makes cost-shared financial assistance available for the development of water conservation plans and design of water management improvements, identifying water management improvements through System Optimization Reviews, and improving the understanding of water conservation technologies through demonstration activities.

For further information on the WaterSMART Program, please see www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART.

A.2. Objective of Funding Opportunity Announcement

The objective of this FOA is to invite states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the geographic area covered by the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office (NKAO) to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing water conservation planning with Reclamation to make more efficient use of existing water supplies.

http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/

A.3. Statutory Authority

This FOA is issued under the authority of 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).

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities

The WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects FOA provides cost-shared financial assistance for small-scale water management projects (up to $75,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Reclamation has developed a streamlined selection and review process to reflect the small-scale nature of these projects.

The WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants FOA provides cost-shared financial assistance for larger water conservation projects (up to $1 million in Federal funding for each project) resulting in quantifiable and sustained water savings.

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Project Funding

The amount of funding available for awards under this FOA will depend on final FY 2018 appropriations and the demand for funding under this and other elements of the Water Conservation Field Services Program. This FOA will be canceled if FY 2018 appropriations are insufficient to support new awards.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations

The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) for any Project shall not exceed 50 percent of the total costs. A maximum of $50,000.00 in Federal funding may be allocated to proposals awarded funding under this FOA.

B.3. Cost Sharing Requirements

Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 50 percent or more of the total project costs. Cost sharing may be made through cash or in-kind contributions or donations from the applicant or third-party partners. Cost share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or state grants) should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award.

B.3.1. Cost Share Regulations

All cost-share contributions must meet the applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 CFR Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov.

B.3.2. Donations and In-Kind Contributions

Donations and in-kind contributions constitute the value of noncash contributions that benefit a federally assisted project. Contributions may be in the form of real property, equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project or program. The cost or value of donations and in-kind contributions that have been or will be relied on to satisfy a cost-sharing or matching requirement for another Federal financial assistance agreement, a Federal procurement contract, or any other award of Federal funds may not be relied on to satisfy the cost-share requirement for an award under this FOA.

http://www.ecfr.gov/

The exception to this requirement is where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for such program can be applied to matching or cost sharing requirements of other Federal programs, such as awards to tribal organizations under P.L. 93-638, as amended.

Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 for regulations regarding the valuation of donations and in-kind contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

B.4. Assistance Instrument

Awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project. Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

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

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

http://www.ecfr.gov/

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants

Under P.L. 111-11, Section 9502, an eligible applicant is a state, tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority. In addition, applicants must be located within the geographic area of the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office.

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

• Federal governmental entities

• Institutions of higher education

• Individuals

• 501(c)(4) organizations

• 501(c)(6) organizations

C.2. Eligible Projects

C.2.1. Designing Water Management Improvements

Design of improvement projects such as pipelines, canals, water measurement structures, or other water management improvement projects. Upon completion of prior planning efforts (e.g., Water Management and Conservation Planning, System Optimization Review) to identify solutions for water management issues, this activity provides funding to design identified water management improvement projects. This activity includes the necessary preparatory work in the design process, such as surveying, and gathering pertinent site specific information (e.g., hydraulic head, soil testing, determine seepage and conveyance losses). Eligible subtasks include peer-review for the design, modelling and development of cost estimates, including the costs for regulatory compliance activities (e.g., environmental and cultural), and the identification of regulatory requirements (i.e., permits). The land/title acquisition, and environmental/cultural resources compliance work is not eligible.

Examples of eligible design activities include, but are not limited to:

● Design for conversion of an open conveyance system (e.g., canal and laterals) to a closed conveyance system.

● Design of weirs, flumes, ramps, and other irrigation flow measurement devices in an open channel or on pressurized pipe systems.

● Design of control structures for an irrigation system (e.g., check, drop, and division structures) with or without automation components.

● Design of advanced meters with communication capabilities in a system resulting in better distribution, sequencing and demand management.

● Design of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and automation components intended to improve water delivery systems, and to reduce spills, over-deliveries, and seepage.

C.2.2. Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies

Demonstration activities are those that include the installation or application of a particular technology in a new way, or in a new setting, with the intent of reporting the results to others for wider adoption. These activities should demonstrate innovative technologies, both hardware and software, to increase understanding of newer water management methods and best practices that have been previously used in a limited scale or available only a proprietary basis.

Demonstration of Technologies is a logical step upon completion of prior planning efforts to identify solutions for improving capacity development of the applicants to adopt digital infrastructure applications in managing water.

Examples of eligible technologies include, but are not limited to:

● Demonstrate the state-of-art use of geographic information system and communication devices to better spatially manage while monitoring water distribution systems.

● Demonstrate prototype SCADA systems for efficient determination of demand estimates and also streamline supply functions.

● Demonstrate aerial mapping of canal seepage, investigate dam operations, and vegetation over irrigated areas and small watershed.

C.3. Ineligible Projects

Proposals for the development of planning studies are not eligible for funding under this FOA. This includes proposals for the development of appraisal investigations, feasibility studies, special studies, drought contingency plans, Basin Studies, or studies authorized under the Title XVI Water Recycling and Reuse Program, through P.L.102-575, as amended (43 USC 390h et seq.), or under the Rural Water Program, pursuant to the Rural Water Supply Act of 2006, P.L.109-451 (www.usbr.gov/ruralwater/).

Proposals for on-the-ground construction activities are not eligible for funding under this FOA.

http://www.usbr.gov/ruralwater/

C.4. Length of Projects

In general, projects funded under this FOA should be completed within two (2) years of award.

Section D. Application Review Information

D.1. Evaluation Criteria for Designing Water Management Improvements

The evaluation criteria should be addressed in the technical proposal section of the application. Applications should thoroughly address each criterion and any subcriterion in the order presented below. Applications will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria listed below.

D.1.1. Evaluation Criterion A- Association with Reclamation Project Water Supplies (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates a nexus between the proposed project and a Reclamation project.

D.1.2. Evaluation Criterion B- Extent to which applicant’s Water Management Plan is complete and updated (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the applicant has provided justification that a required (e.g., RRA, state law) water management plan is complete and updated. If an applicant is not required to have a plan in place, then an applicant will describe the absence of a statutory or regulatory requirement.

D.1.3. Evaluation Criterion C- Extent to which the proposed design is related to a water management improvement project identified in a previous planning effort led by the applicant (20 points)

Up to 20 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal describes the development of a design related to a project identified in a previous planning effort (e.g., Water Management and Conservation Plan, System Optimization Review).

D.1.4. Evaluation Criterion D- Extent to which the proposed activity will result in the applicant to be better suited to implement a project expected to improve water management and modernize existing water delivery infrastructure (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal demonstrates that the proposed water management project will position the applicant to be better situated to modernize their existing water delivery infrastructure and improve water management upon completion of the design and implementation of the project.

D.1.5. Evaluation Criterion E- Reasonableness of Cost (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal provides detail and justification of the costs and the reasonableness of those costs.

D.1.6. Evaluation Criterion F- Extent to which Federal funding would promote completion of an activity that might otherwise be delayed or postponed (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates that the requested Federal funding would promote completion of the project that otherwise would be delayed or postponed.

D.1.7. Evaluation Criteria G- Amount and sources of non-Federal funding (i.e., cost-share) (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal describes the amount of non-Federal cost-share along with detail regarding those sources (e.g., in-kind, cash, loans).

D.1.8. Evaluation Criteria H- Integrated Groundwater and Surface Water Use (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposed design will enable the applicant to seek and implement projects to better manage the integrated groundwater and surfacewater resources.

D.1.9. Evaluation Criteria I- Department of the Interior Priorities (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates that the project supports the Department of the Interior priorities.

Please address those priorities that are applicable to your project. It is not necessary to address priorities that are not applicable to your project. A project will not necessarily receive more points simply because multiple priorities are addressed. Points will be allocated based on the degree to which the project supports one or more of the priorities listed, and where the connection to the priority(ies) is well supported in the proposal.

1. Creating a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy

Roosevelt

a. Utilize science to identify best practices to manage land and water resources and adapt to changes in the environment;

b. Examine land use planning processes and land use designations that govern public use and access;

c. Revise and streamline the environmental and regulatory review process while maintaining environmental standards.

d. Review DOI water storage, transportation, and distribution systems to identify opportunities to resolve conflicts and expand capacity;

e. Foster relationships with conservation organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands;

f. Identify and implement initiatives to expand access to DOI lands for hunting and fishing;

g. Shift the balance towards providing greater public access to public lands over restrictions to access.

2. Utilizing our natural resources

a. Ensure American Energy is available to meet our security and economic needs;

b. Ensure access to mineral resources, especially the critical and rare earth minerals needed for scientific, technological, or military applications;

c. Refocus timber programs to embrace the entire ‘healthy forests’ lifecycle;

d. Manage competition for grazing resources.

3. Restoring trust with local communities

a. Be a better neighbor with those closest to our resources by improving dialogue and relationships with persons and entities bordering our lands;

b. Expand the lines of communication with Governors, state natural resource offices, Fish and Wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, Tribes, and local communities.

4. Striking a regulatory balance

a. Reduce the administrative and regulatory burden imposed on U.S.

industry and the public;

b. Ensure that Endangered Species Act decisions are based on strong science and thorough analysis.

5. Modernizing our infrastructure

a. Support the White House Public/Private Partnership Initiative to modernize U.S. infrastructure;

b. Remove impediments to infrastructure development and facilitate private sector efforts to construct infrastructure projects serving American needs;

c. Prioritize DOI infrastructure needs to highlight:

1. Construction of infrastructure;

2. Cyclical maintenance;

3. Deferred maintenance.

D.2. Evaluation Criteria for Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies

The evaluation criteria should be addressed in the technical proposal section of the application. Applications should thoroughly address each criterion and any subcriterion in the order presented below. Applications will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria listed below.

D.2.1. Evaluation Criterion A- Association with Reclamation Project Water Supplies (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates a nexus between the proposed project and a Reclamation project.

D.2.2. Evaluation Criterion B- Extent to which applicant’s Water Management Plan is complete and updated (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the applicant has provided justification that a required (e.g., RRA, state law) water management plan is complete and updated. If an applicant is not required to have a plan in place, then an applicant will describe the absence of a statutory or regulatory requirement.

D.2.3. Evaluation Criterion C- Reasonableness of Cost (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal provides detail and justification of the costs and the reasonableness of those costs.

D.2.4. Evaluation Criterion D- Extent to which the proposed activity will demonstrate innovative conservation technologies for improving water use efficiency (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the applicant has described the innovative conservation technology including: applied research to benefit the development of new technologies; demonstrating a specific conservation technology; or innovative application of an existing technology with the intent of evaluating results.

D.2.5. Evaluation Criterion E- Extent to which Federal funding would promote completion of an activity that might otherwise be delayed or postponed (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates that the requested Federal funding would promote completion of the project that otherwise would be delayed or postponed.

D.2.6. Evaluation Criteria F- Amount and sources of non-Federal funding (i.e., cost-share) (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal describes the amount of non-Federal cost-share along with detail regarding those sources (e.g., in-kind, cash, loans).

D.2.7. Evaluation Criteria G- Likelihood that any environmental and cultural resources issues associated with the proposal can be addressed at low cost and in a timely manner (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal describes an implementation plan that addresses mitigating environmental and cultural resources issues in a low cost and timely manner.

D.2.8. Evaluation Criteria H- Extent to which the proposal demonstrates a sound implementation strategy (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal describes an implementation plan identifying key resources (e.g., technical expertise, equipment) and the necessary steps for successful demonstration of the conservation technology.

D.2.9. Evaluation Criteria I- Applicant’s strategy for monitoring performance and reporting and disseminating results (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the applicant has described a strategy to evaluate and assess the results from the demonstration project, and make that information available to the larger, interested community.

The applicant should describe interested stakeholders of the conservation technology, immediate beneficiaries, and the strategy of engaging and informing these interested parties on the methodology/process and ultimate results.

D.2.10. Evaluation Criteria J- Department of the Interior Priorities (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates that the project supports the Department of the Interior priorities.

Please address those priorities that are applicable to your project. It is not necessary to address priorities that are not applicable to your project. A project will not necessarily receive more points simply because multiple priorities are addressed. Points will be allocated based on the degree to which the project supports one or more of the priorities listed, and where the connection to the priority(ies) is well supported in the proposal.

1. Creating a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy

Roosevelt

a. Utilize science to identify best practices to manage land and water resources and adapt to changes in the environment;

b. Examine land use planning processes and land use designations that govern public use and access;

c. Revise and streamline the environmental and regulatory review process while maintaining environmental standards.

d. Review DOI water storage, transportation, and distribution systems to identify opportunities to resolve conflicts and expand capacity;

e. Foster relationships with conservation organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands;

f. Identify and implement initiatives to expand access to DOI lands for hunting and fishing;

g. Shift the balance towards providing greater public access to public lands over restrictions to access.

2. Utilizing our natural resources

a. Ensure American Energy is available to meet our security and economic needs;

b. Ensure access to mineral resources, especially the critical and rare earth minerals needed for scientific, technological, or military applications;

c. Refocus timber programs to embrace the entire ‘healthy forests’ lifecycle;

d. Manage competition for grazing resources.

3. Restoring trust with local communities

a. Be a better neighbor with those closest to our resources by improving dialogue and relationships with persons and entities bordering our lands;

b. Expand the lines of communication with Governors, state natural resource offices, Fish and Wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, Tribes, and local communities.

4. Striking a regulatory balance

a. Reduce the administrative and regulatory burden imposed on U.S.

industry and the public;

b. Ensure that Endangered Species Act decisions are based on strong science and thorough analysis.

5. Modernizing our infrastructure

a. Support the White House Public/Private Partnership Initiative to modernize U.S. infrastructure;

b. Remove impediments to infrastructure development and facilitate private sector efforts to construct infrastructure projects serving American needs;

c. Prioritize DOI infrastructure needs to highlight:

1. Construction of infrastructure;

2. Cyclical maintenance;

3. Deferred maintenance.

Section E. Application Submission Information

E.1. Application Delivery Methods

Under no circumstance will proposals be accepted by email or facsimile.

Proposals must be submitted by one of the following methods:

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:

Lindsey R. Nafts Grants Officer Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Regional Office 2021 4th Avenue North P.O. Box 36900 Billings, MT 59107-6900 Ph. (406) 247-7684

Regardless of the submittal method used, applicants are responsible for ensuring their applications are accepted and received by Reclamation by the established due date.

http://www.grants.gov/

E.2. Application Content

Each applicant shall submit an application in accordance with the instructions contained in this section. The application must contain the following elements in order to be considered complete.

E.2.1. SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance

A fully completed form, signed by a representative legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project, must be included in the proposal.

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

E.2.2. SF 424A, SF 424B, SF 424C, and SF 424D Budget and Assurances

E.2.2.1 Non-construction projects

An SF 424A Budget, and an SF 424B Assurances. The SF 424B must be signed by a representative legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project.

E.2.2.2 Construction projects

An SF 424C Budget and an SF 424D Assurances. The SF 424D must be signed by a representative legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project.

E.2.3. Technical Proposal – Required Content

Each applicant must submit a technical proposal that consists of the information listed below. Failure to include all required documentation may disqualify the applicant from consideration.

E.2.3.1. General Background

Discuss the general background of the organizational structure, including:

• Water source with water right.

• Association or nexus with a Reclamation Project or facility, or no association.

• Water conveyance/delivery system (miles of conveyance), number of customers.

• Applicant’s eligibility and contact information.

E.2.3.2. Purpose and Objective

Discuss the purpose and objective of the proposed activity, and the method used to calculate the estimated volume of water to be saved in acre-feet per year, if applicable.

E.2.3.3. Cost Estimate and Schedule

• Discuss the major tasks to be contracted out, and major tasks to be performed with applicant’s work force.

• Provide discussion and calculations on how the costs were derived for the major tasks.

• Provide a total activity cost estimated table, itemizing activity costs for the major tasks.

E.2.4. Activity Budget – Required Content

Each applicant must submit an activity budget consisting of the information listed below.

E.2.4.1. Direct Cost Budget Elements

Applicants shall include a narrative description of ALL the cost items included in the activity budget. The narrative provides an explanation of items included in the proposed budget for the activity. The budget narrative must support the information listed on the SF-424A or SF-424C, as applicable. Below are some examples of the types of information that should be included in the budget narrative.

• Personnel costs - define each position that will direct charge to this activity by title, salary or wage, amount of time estimated on the activity, and any fringe benefit costs.

• Equipment Description and Hourly Rate - indicate whether the equipment is already owned, will be leased, or purchased. If you are using owned equipment, include hourly rate and time estimates. The rates must reflect actual cost. You may use your own rate calculation or the rate calculated in the US Army Corps of Engineers Equipment Ownership and Operating Expense Schedule for your region. If using your own rate calculation, provide information justifying the estimate. If equipment purchase is recommended, discuss why purchase is preferred to lease or rental.

Itemize costs of all equipment purchased having a value of over $500.00.

• Supplies and Materials - list the major types of material and supplies

(office, construction, etc.) that are to be purchased/used on this activity.

• Travel Costs - include the purpose of the trip, destination, number traveling, and length of stay for each trip. If costs for travel are identified, be sure the purpose/need for travel is discussed in the activity narrative.

Costs may include airfare, per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation.

• Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs – environmental compliance costs refer to costs incurred by Reclamation or the applicant in complying with environmental regulations. Discuss what costs have been included, why they are needed, and how the costs were determined.

• Contingencies - funding for contingencies will only be considered in association with construction projects/activities. Proposals for construction contingency funding at a rate greater than 10% will not be accepted.

• Other - any other expenses, such as those for reporting or contracting out, 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 on other

E.2.4.2. Indirect Cost Budget Elements

Indirect costs can only be included in the activity budget if one of the following applies.

• Federally approved indirect cost rate - the applicant has a federally approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. A copy of the approved agreement must be attached to this proposal.

• De Minimis Rate - an applicant that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate may elect to include a de minimis rate of up to 10 percent of the modified total direct costs (MTDC), as outlined in 2 CFR 200.414.

Additional information on MTDC can be found at 2 CFR 200.68.

E.2.4.3. Cost Share Breakdown Describe all partners/sponsors participating in the activity, and the contribution for each participant.

E.3. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Requirement

Applicants for Federal grants or cooperative agreements must provide a D&B DUNS number with every application. The number is to be included in the applicant’s SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance.

If the applicant does 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://eupdate.dnb.com/requestoptions/government/ccrreg/. Reclamation must have a DUNS number for payment processing purposes.

E.4. System for Award Management Registration Requirement

All grant applicants are required to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time of application, unless the applicant has an exemption under 2 CFR 25.110. Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during the time in which the applicant has an active Federal award or an application under consideration. For additional information, or to register, go to www.sam.gov.

E.5. Unnecessarily Elaborate Proposals

Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond those sufficient to present a complete and effective response to this funding opportunity are not desired. Elaborate art work, expensive paper and bindings, and expensive visual and other presentation aids, water management plans, newspapers articles or excessively long proposals are not necessary.

E.6. Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Application and/or Proposal

Any application received at the designated office mentioned in this FOA after the specified time for receipt will not be considered.

Reclamation selected proposals for funding are not binding until both parties sign the final agreement. Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time prior to agreement signature.

https://eupdate.dnb.com/requestoptions/government/ccrreg/ http://www.sam.gov/

E.7. Retention/Disposition of Materials

Proposals submitted in response to this FOA will not be returned, but will be retained by Reclamation for official record purposes. Materials supplied to the applicant need not be returned, but may be disposed of at the discretion of the applicant, unless otherwise specifically directed that the applicant return for auditing purposes.

E.8. Grants.gov

The applicant may choose to submit an electronic appliance through Grants.gov at www.grants.gov. Note that submission of an application electronically requires prior registration through Grants.gov, which may take 7-21 days. See registration instructions at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered_sp.

Applicants have sometimes experienced significant delays when attempting to submit applications through Grants.gov. If the application is submitted through Grants.gov, the applicant is encouraged to submit the application several days prior to the application deadline.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered_sp

Section F. Other Information

F.1. General Provisions

Awards made under this FOA will:

• Incorporate in full, or by reference, the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) regulations found at 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR §182 and §1401, 2 CFR §175.15, 2 CFR 25, Appendix A, 2 CFR 170, Appendix A, 31 U.S.C. 7501-7507, 43 CFR 18, and the applicable parts from 43 CFR 12the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) regulations found at 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 182.

• Incorporate language for the right to inspect and evaluate work performed, assurances and certifications, covenants against contingent fees, and applicable language from Executive Order 13513 (Prohibition on Text Messaging and Using Electronic Equipment Supplied by the Government While Driving), Public Law 112-239 (Whistleblower Rights), and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.

• Require registration with the Department of the Treasury

Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system.

ASAP is a recipient initiated payment and information system designed to provide a single point of contact for the request and delivery of Federal funds. ASAP is the only allowable method for request and receipt of payment used by Reclamation.

B.4. Assistance Instrument

C.4. Length of Projects