FY 2017 Feasibility FOA 10.25.2016-FINAL.pdf

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-17-F003

WaterSMART:

Development of Feasibility Studies under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program for Fiscal Year 2017

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Policy and Administration Denver, Colorado

October 2016

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: El Paso Water Utilities recycled water facility.

Synopsis

Synopsis

Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Policy and Administration

Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART: Development of Feasibility Studies under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program (FY) 2017

Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-DO-17-F003

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.504

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. D.4)

Eligible Applicants:

(See FOA Sec. C.1)

Application due date:

Thursday, January 5, 2017 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

State, regional, or local authorities; Indian tribes or tribal organizations; or other entities such as a water district, wastewater district, or rural water district. Applicants must be located in the Western United States or United States Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended or Hawaii.

Recipient Cost Share:

(See FOA Sec. C.2)

50 percent or more of total study costs.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

Funding Group I: Up to $150,000 per agreement for a study up to 18 months.

Funding Group II: Up to $450,000 in Federal funds for a study that can be completed within 36 months.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

It is expected that most awards will be made for studies in Funding Group I and only a very small number of awards will be made for studies in Funding Group II.

i

This page is intentionally left blank.

Application Checklist

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 Assistance

Budget Information

Assurances

See Sec. D.2.2.1 SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms may be obtained at http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 Page 9 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 Page 9 *

Technical proposal:

Executive summary

Study description

Evaluation criteria

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. E.1

Pages 21 to 23

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 10 *

Required permits or approvals

See Sec. D.2.2.6 Page 10 *

Official Resolution See Sec. D.2.2.7 Page 10 **

Study Budget:

Funding plan and letters of commitment

Budget proposal

Budget narrative

See Sec. D.2.2.8

See Sec. D.2.2.8

See Sec. D.2.2.8

See Sec. D.2.2.8

Pages 11 to 16

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 Page 16 ***

* 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 by application deadline; however, please refer to the applicable section of the FOA for extended completion date.

iii http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments

ARC Application Review Committee

CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CPA certified public accountant

D&S Directives and Standards

DUNS Data Universal Number System

FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement

FY fiscal year

GO Grants Officer

Interior U.S. Department of the Interior

P.L. Public Law

Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation

SAM System of Award Management

Title XVI Act Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, as amended

Title XVI Program Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse program

U.S.C. United States Code

WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow v

Contents

Contents

Page Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information

A.2. Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Objective

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. Assistance Instrument

Section C: Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants

C.2. Cost-Sharing Requirements

C.3. Eligible Studies

Section D: Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

D.4. Submission Date and Time

D.5. Intergovernmental Review

D.6. Funding Restrictions: Pre-award Costs

D.7. Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) Registration

Section E: Application Review Information

E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria

E.2. Review and Selection Process

E.3. Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)

E.4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

F.1. Federal Award Notices

F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F.3. Reporting—Requirements and Distribution

F.4. Releasing Applications

Section G: Agency Contacts

G.1. Reclamation Financial Assistance Management Contact

G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact

Attachment

Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Feasibility Study Review Process Duirectives and Standards vii

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Program Information The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Interior) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) program establishes a framework to provide Federal leadership and assistance on the efficient use of water, integrating water and energy policies to support the sustainable use of all natural resources, and coordinating the water conservation activities of various Interior bureaus and offices. Through this program, Interior is working to achieve a sustainable water strategy to meet the Nation’s water needs.

The Bureau of Reclamation’s (Reclamation) Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse program (Title XVI Program) is an important part of WaterSMART. As authorized by Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, as amended (Title XVI Act), Reclamation works to identify and investigate opportunities to reclaim and reuse wastewater and naturally impaired ground and surface water in the 17 Western States and Hawaii. For purposes of the Title XVI Program, a water reclamation and reuse project is a project that reclaims and reuses municipal, industrial, domestic, or agricultural wastewater and naturally impaired ground water and/or surface waters. Reclaimed water can be used for a variety of purposes, such as environmental restoration, fish and wildlife, ground water recharge, municipal, domestic, industrial, agricultural, power generation, or recreation. Water reclamation and reuse is an essential tool in stretching the limited water supplies in the Western United States.

Water reclamation and reuse feasibility studies help states, tribes, and local communities tackle water supply challenges. Feasibility studies funded under the Title XVI Program support the development of water reclamation and reuse projects to supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reclamation and reuse, thereby improving efficiency, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply.

Water reclamation and reuse projects provide growing communities with new sources of clean water while promoting water and energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

For further information on the WaterSMART Program and the Title XVI Program, see www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART.

A.2. Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Objective The objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to invite applicants to cost share the development of new water reuse feasibility studies. For the purpose of this FOA, the term “feasibility” applies only to feasibility under the Title XVI Program and feasibility study reports funded under this FOA must be developed to meet the requirements of a feasibility study as defined by Section 1604 of the Title XVI Act and further described in in Reclamation’s Directives and Standards. For further information on the requirements of a Title XVI feasibility study, see Reclamation Manual Directives and Standards, Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Feasibility Study Review Process (WTR 11-01) (Reclamation Feasibility Study D&S), available at www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf and included as an attachment to this FOA.

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

Water reclamation and reuse project sponsors have communicated to Reclamation that developing feasibility studies that meet Title XVI program requirements is an effective way for them to investigate water reclamation and reuse opportunities, even where Federal funding is not available beyond planning efforts. This FOA makes planning support available for new water reclamation and reuse projects; however, Reclamation and the Department of the Interior cannot support the congressional authorization of new Title XVI Projects or extensions of existing authorized cost ceilings at the current time.

A.3. Statutory Authority This FOA is issued under the authority of section 1604 of Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, as amended (43 United States Code [U.S.C.] 390h-2).

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities WaterSMART: Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Funding: Through this FOA, funding is available for planning, design, and construction of Title XVI Projects specifically authorized for funding under Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, as amended (43 U.S.C. 390h through 390h-39).

WaterSMART: Water Reclamation Research under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program: Through this FOA, research that supports the application of commercially available water reclamation and reuse technologies is funded jointly by Reclamation and state, regional, or local authorities; Indian tribes or tribal organizations; or other entities such as water districts, wastewater districts, or rural water districts in the Western United States or United States Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended, or Hawaii.

Desalination and Water Purification Research and Development: Research and Laboratory Studies: Through this FOA, funding is available for laboratory scale research studies to determine the viability of a novel process, new materials, or process modifications in conjunction with individuals, institutions of higher education, commercial or industrial organizations, private entities, public entities (including state and local), and Indian tribal governments.

Desalination and Water Purification Research and Development: Pilot Projects:

Through this FOA, funding is available for pilot projects to test a novel process at a larger scale to determine the technology viability in conjunction with individuals, institutions of higher education, commercial or industrial organizations, private entities, public entities (including state and local), and Indian tribal governments.

Desalination and Water Purification Research and Development: Demonstration Projects – Through this FOA, funding is available for demonstration projects to determine the technical, practical, and economic ability of a novel process to assist with technology commercialization in conjunction with individuals, institutions of higher education, commercial or industrial organizations, private entities, public entities (including state and local), and Indian tribal governments.

Section B: Award Information

Section B: Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding The President’s fiscal year (FY) 2017 budget request includes $21.5 million for the Title XVI Program. It is estimated that up to $1,000,000 will be available for development of new water reclamation and reuse feasibility studies under this FOA. Applications submitted under this FOA also may be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2017 or thereafter. Please refer to www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/Title for updated funding information.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) of any one proposed study shall not exceed 50 percent of the total study costs.

Generally, the non-Federal share of study costs must be expended at the same or greater rate as the federal share of study costs. Applicants are invited to submit proposals under one of the two Funding Groups described below. It is expected that the majority of awards will be made for studies in Funding Group I compared to studies in Funding Group II.

Note: For the purposes of this FOA, the terms “project” and “study” are used interchangeably and refer to the applicant’s proposed feasibility study.

B.2.1. Funding Group I

Up to $150,000 in Federal funds provided through this FOA will be available for feasibility studies that are relatively small in scope or can otherwise meet Title XVI Program requirements with less Federal funding.

B.2.2. Funding Group II

Up to $450,000 in Federal funds provided through this FOA will be available for feasibility studies that are relatively larger in scope, encompass a regional scale, or otherwise need more Federal funding to meet Title XVI Program requirements.

B.3. Assistance Instrument Awards will be made through a grant or cooperative agreement as applicable to the selected project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project.

Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

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

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

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

At the request of the recipient, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award of an agreement. If you would like to receive Reclamation technical assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget. To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact your local Reclamation office, listed at www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html.

http://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html

Section C: Eligibility Information

Section C: Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants Applicants eligible to receive an award under this FOA include state, regional, or local authorities; Indian tribes or tribal organizations; or other entities such as a water district, wastewater district, or rural water district. Applicants must be located in the Western United States or United States Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended or Hawaii.

C.2. Cost-Sharing Requirements Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 50 percent or more of the total feasibility study costs. Cost sharing may be made through cash or in-kind contributions 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. Please see Section D.2.2.7. Official Resolution and Section D.2.2.8. Study Budget: Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost sharing requirements.

C.2.1. Cost Share Regulations

All cost share contributions must meet the applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov.

C.2.2. In-Kind Contributions

In-kind contributions constitute the value of noncash contributions that benefit a federally assisted project. These 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 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; except 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 Public Law (P.L.) 93-638, as amended. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 for regulations regarding the valuation of in-kind donations and contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

http://www.ecfr.gov/

C.3. Eligible Studies

C.3.1. Eligible Studies

Proposals for the development of a new water reclamation or reuse feasibility study designed to meet the requirements of a feasibility study as defined under the Reclamation Feasibility Study Directives and Standards (D&S) are eligible for funding under this FOA.

This includes studies that evaluate sources and uses of reclaimed water, including but not limited to municipal, industrial, domestic, or agricultural wastewater, as well as naturally impaired ground or surface waters, including stormwater, seawater, or brackish water.

Specific feasibility study content requirements are described in Section 4 of the Reclamation Feasibility Study D&S. This is available on Reclamation’s website at www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf and is included as an attachment to this FOA.

C.3.2. Ineligible Studies

Projects not eligible for funding under this FOA include, but are not limited to:

• Proposals for the development of a feasibility study or project that is not designed to meet the requirements of a feasibility study as defined under the Reclamation Feasibility Study D&S.

• Proposals for development of one or more components of a feasibility study or subgroups of an interconnected regional scale study that would not result in a completed feasibility study within the timeframe listed in this FOA.

• Feasibility studies that previously have been completed, submitted for review, or are the subject of an existing financial assistance agreement with Reclamation (even where another party is conducting the study).

• Proposals for the development of appraisal studies.

• Proposals that include ground disturbing activity or construction.

• Research activities eligible under the WaterSMART: Water Reclamation Research under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program for Fiscal Year 2017, FOA No. BOR-DO-17-F004.

C.3.3. Length of Studies

The length of time to complete a feasibility study is determined by the Funding Group for which the study is proposed. The funding groups and respective timeframes are listed below:

• Feasibility studies in Funding Group I should be completed and submitted to Reclamation within 18 months of award

• Feasibility studies in Funding Group II be completed and submitted to Reclamation within 36 months of award.

Section D: Application and Submission Information

Section D: Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package This document contains all information, forms, and electronic addresses required to obtain the information required for submission of an application.

If you are unable to access this information electronically, you can request paper copies of any of the documents referenced in this FOA by contacting:

By mail: Bureau of Reclamation Financial Assistance Operations Section Attn: Matthew Reichert Mail Code: 84-27852 P.O. Box 25007

Denver, Colorado 80225

By e-mail: mreichert@usbr.gov

By telephone: 303-445-3865

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission All applications must conform to the requirements set forth below.

D.2.1. Application Format and Length

The total application package shall be no more than 40 consecutively numbered pages. If an application exceeds 40 pages, only the first 40 pages will be evaluated. The font shall be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ by 11 inches, including charts, maps, and drawings. Oversized pages will not be accepted. The technical proposal and evaluation criteria section shall be limited to a maximum of 20 pages. The SF-424 forms, letters of project support, and official resolution will not be considered in the total page count.

Applications will be prescreened for compliance to the page number limitations.

D.2.2. Application Content

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

• Mandatory Federal Forms o SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance o SF-424A, Budget Information—Non-construction Programs mailto:mreichert@usbr.gov o SF-424B, Assurances—Non-construction Programs

SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms may be obtained at apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15.

• Title page

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to 20 pages) o Executive summary o Study description o Evaluation criteria

• Required permits or approvals

• Letters of project support (will not count toward the page limitation)

• Official resolution (will not count toward the page limitation)

• Study budget o Funding plan and letters of commitment o Budget proposal o Budget narrative

D.2.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms The application must include the following standard Federal forms. SF-424, SF 424A, and SF-424B forms may be obtained at apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15.

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

SF-424 Budget Information

A fully completed SF-424A, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs, must be submitted with the application.

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

D.2.2.2. 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.

D.2.2.3. Table of Contents List all major sections of the proposal in the table of contents.

D.2.2.4. Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (20 pages maximum) includes:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Study description

(3) Evaluation criteria

Executive Summary The executive summary should include:

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

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

State the length of time and estimated completion date for the feasibility study.

This time period should not include Reclamation review of the feasibility study report.

Study Description The study description should describe the work in detail, including specific activities that will be accomplished. This description should have sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal. The study description should address the requirements of a Title XVI feasibility study described in Section 4.B of the Reclamation Feasibility Study D&S. This is available at www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf and is included as an attachment to this FOA (the requirements are found on pages 4 through 11).

Evaluation Criteria

(See Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria for additional details, including a detailed description of each criterion and subcriterion and points associated with each.)

The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each criterion and subcriterion in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your proposal.

It is suggested that applicants copy and paste the evaluation criteria and subcriteria in Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed

D.2.2.5. Letters of Support Please include letters from interested stakeholders supporting the proposed feasibility study. To ensure your proposal is accurately reviewed, please attach all letters of support/ partnership letters as an appendix. (Note: this will not count against the application page limit.) Letters of support received after the application deadline for this FOA will not be considered in the evaluation of the proposed feasibility study.

D.2.2.6. Required Permits or Approvals Applicants must state in the application whether any permits or approvals are required and explain the plan for obtaining such permits or approvals.

D.2.2.7. Official Resolution Include an official resolution adopted by the applicant’s board of directors or governing body, or, for state government entities, a signed statement from an official authorized to commit the applicant to the financial and legal obligations associated with receipt of a financial assistance award under this FOA, verifying:

• The identity of the official with legal authority to enter into an agreement

• The board of directors, governing body, or appropriate official who has reviewed and supports the application submitted

• The capability of the applicant to provide the amount of funding and/or in-kind contributions specified in the funding plan

• That the applicant will work with Reclamation to meet established deadlines for entering into a grant or cooperative agreement

An official resolution the requirements set forth above is mandatory. If the applicant is unable to submit the official resolution by the application deadline because of the timing of board meetings or other justifiable reasons, the official resolution may be submitted up to 30 days after the application deadline.

D.2.2.8. Study Budget The study budget includes:

(1) Funding plan and letters of commitment

(2) Budget proposal

(3) Budget narrative

Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment Describe how the non-Federal share of study costs will be provided. Reclamation will use this information in making a determination of financial capability.

Feasibility study funding provided by a source other than the applicant shall be supported with letters of commitment from these additional sources. This is a mandatory requirement. Letters of commitment shall identify the following elements:

• The amount of funding commitment

• The date the funds will be available to the applicant

• Any time constraints on the availability of funds

• Any other contingencies associated with the funding commitment

Commitment letters from third party funding sources should be submitted with your project application. If commitment letters are not available at the time of the application submission, please provide a timeline for submission of all commitment letters. 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.

Reclamation will not make funds available for an award under this FOA until the recipient has secured non-Federal cost-share. Reclamation will execute a financial assistance agreement once non-Federal funding has been secured or Reclamation determines that there is sufficient evidence and likelihood that non-Federal funds will be available to the applicant subsequent to executing the agreement.

The funding plan must include all project costs, as follows:

• How you will make your contribution to the cost-share requirement, such as monetary and/or in-kind contributions and source funds contributed by the applicant (e.g., reserve account, tax revenue, and/or assessments).

• Describe any project expenditures that have been incurred or may be incurred before the anticipated award date that you may seek to include as project costs. For each cost, identify:

o The project expenditure and the amount o Whether the expenditure is or will be in the form of in-kind services or donations o The date of cost incurrence o How the expenditure benefits the project

• Provide the identity and amount of funding to be provided by funding partners, as well as the required letters of commitment.

• Describe any funding requested or received from other Federal partners.

Note: other sources of Federal funding may not be counted towards the cost-share unless otherwise allowed by statute.

• Describe any pending funding requests that have not yet been approved, and explain how the project will be affected if such funding is denied.

Please include the following chart (Table 1) to summarize all funding sources.

Denote in-kind contributions with an asterisk (*).

Table 1.—Summary of Non-Federal and Federal Funding Sources

FUNDING SOURCES AMOUNT

Non Federal Entities

1.

2.

3.

Non-Federal Subtotal

Other Federal Entities

1.

2.

3.

Other Federal Subtotal

REQUESTED RECLAMATION FUNDING

Budget Proposal The budget proposal should include detailed information on the categories listed below and must clearly identify all study costs. Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors. The budget proposal should also include any in-kind contributions of goods and services that will be provided to complete the study. It is strongly advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown below on Table 2 or a similar format that provides this information. If selected for award, successful applicants must submit detailed supporting documentation for all budgeted costs. Costs associated with Reclamation’s review of the feasibility study report should not be included.

Table 2.—Sample Budget Proposal Format

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION COMPUTATION Quantity Type

TOTAL

COST $/Unit Quantity

Salaries and Wages Employee 1 $ Employee 2 $ Employee 3 $ Fringe Benefits Full-Time Employees $ Part-Time Employees $ Travel Trip 1 $ Trip 2 $ Equipment Item A $ Item B $

Supplies and Materials Item A $ Item B $

Contractual/Construction

Contractor A $ Contractor B $ Other Other $

TOTAL DIRECT COSTS $

Indirect Costs Type of rate percentage $base $

TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS $

Budget Narrative 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. Include the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services and donations that will be provided to complete the study. The types of information to describe in the narrative include, but are not limited to, those listed in the following subsections. Costs, including the valuation of in-kind contributions and donations, must comply with the applicable cost principles contained in 2 CFR Part §200, available at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (www.ecfr.gov).

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. The labor rates should identify the direct labor rate separate from the fringe rate or fringe cost for each category. All labor estimates, including any proposed subcontractors, shall be allocated to specific tasks as outlined in the recipient’s study description. Labor rates and proposed hours shall be displayed for each task.

Include estimated hours for compliance with reporting requirements, including final performance report and evaluation. Please see Section F.3.2. Program Performance Reports for information on types and frequency of reports required.

Clearly identify any proposed salary increases and the effective date.

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

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.

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.

Equipment

Itemize costs of all equipment having a value of over $5,000 and include information as to the need for this equipment, as well as how the equipment was priced if being purchased for the agreement. If equipment is being rented, specify the number of hours and the hourly rate. Local rental rates are only accepted for equipment actually being rented or leased for the project. If equipment currently owned by the applicant is proposed for use under the proposed project, and the cost to use that equipment is being included in the budget as in-kind cost share, provide the rates and hours for each piece of equipment owned and budgeted.

These should be ownership rates developed by the recipient for each piece of equipment. If these rates are not available, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineer’s recommended equipment rates for the region are acceptable. Blue book, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other data bases cannot be used.

Materials and Supplies

Itemize supplies by major category, unit price, quantity, and purpose, such as whether the items are needed for office use, research, or construction. Identify how these costs were estimated (i.e., quotes, past experience, engineering estimates, or other methodology).

Contractual

Identify all work that will be accomplished by subrecipients, 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 subrecipient, consultant, or contractor is proposed and approved at the time of award, no other approvals will be required. Any changes or additions will require a request for approval. Identify how the budgeted costs for subrecipients, consultants, or contractors were determined to be fair and reasonable.

Other Expenses

Any other expenses not included in the above categories shall be listed in this category, along with a description of the item and why it is necessary. No profit or fee will be allowed.

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs that will be incurred and which will not otherwise be recovered, may be included as part of the applicant’s project budget. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable cost principles for the recipient’s organization. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

If the applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and general and administrative costs, each rate should be shown. The applicant 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 a federally approved indirect rate agreement is not available, provide supporting documentation for the rate. This can include a recent recommendation by a qualified certified public accountant (CPA) along with support for the rate calculation. Please note that the applicant will need to obtain a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement within one year of award.

If the applicant has never received a Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, the budget may include a de minimis rate of up to 10 percent of modified total direct costs. For further information on modified total direct costs, refer to 2 CFR §200.68, available at www.ecfr.gov.

If the applicant does not have a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement and is proposing a rate greater than the de minimis 10 percent rate, 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 Services, at www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost- services.

Total Costs

Indicate total amount of project costs, including the Federal and non-Federal cost share amounts.

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

All applicants (unless the applicant has an exception approved by Reclamation under 2 CFR §25.110[d]) are required to:

(i) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;

(ii) Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and

(iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

Meeting the requirements set forth above is mandatory. If the applicant is unable to complete registration by the application deadline, the Data Universal Number System (DUNS) and SAM registration must be initiated within 30 days after the application deadline in order to be considered for selection and award.

Reclamation will not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the http://www.ecfr.gov/ http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services

Reclamation is ready to make an award, Reclamation may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

D.4. Submission Date and Time Application submission date deadline:

January 5, 2017, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

Proposals received after the application deadline will not be considered unless it can be determined that the delay was caused by Federal Government mishandling.

Please note that any application submitted for funding under this FOA may be subjected to a Freedom of Information Act request (5 USC Section 552, as amended by P.L. No. 110-175), and as a result, may be made publicly available.

Following awards of funding, Reclamation will post all successful applications on the Reclamation website, www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title after conducting any redactions determined necessary by Reclamation, in consultation with the recipient.

D.4.1. Application Delivery Instructions

Applications may be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) or hard copies may be submitted to either one of the following addresses. Under no circumstances will applications received through any other method (such as email or fax) be considered eligible for award.

By mail: Bureau of Reclamation Acquisition Operations Branch Attn: Matthew Reichert Mail Code: 84-27852 P.O. Box 25007 Denver, Colorado 80225

By express delivery: Bureau of Reclamation mail services Attn: Matthew Reichert Denver Federal Center Bldg. 67, Rm. 152 6th Avenue and Kipling Street Denver, Colorado 80225

By courier services: Bureau of Reclamation Attn: Matthew Reichert Denver Federal Center Bldg. 56, Rm. 1000 6th Avenue and Kipling Street Denver, Colorado 80225 http://www.grants.gov/ http:Grants.gov www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title

D.4.2. Instructions for Submission of Project Application

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

D.4.2.1. Applications Submitted by Mail, Express Delivery or Courier Services

Please follow these instructions to submit your application by mail, express delivery, or courier services.

• Applicants shall submit one copy of all application documents for hardcopy submissions. Only use a binder clip for documents submitted.

Do not staple or bind application documents.

• Hard copy applications may be submitted by mail, express delivery, or courier services to the addresses identified in this FOA.

• Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package and may result in the application being rejected or not funded.

This does not apply to letters of support, funding commitment letters, or official resolutions.

• Faxed and emailed copies of application documents will not be accepted.

• Do not include a cover letter or company literature/brochure with the application. All pertinent information must be included in the application package.

D.4.2.2. Applications Submitted Electronically If the applicant chooses to submit an electronic application, it must be submitted through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov). Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications for funding electronically through www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. Applicant resource documents and a full set of instructions for registering with Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) and completing and submitting applications online are available at:

www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

• Please note that submission of an application electronically requires prior registration through Grants.gov, which may take 7 to 21 days. Please see registration instructions at www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for grants.html. In addition, please note that the Grants.gov system only accepts applications submitted by individuals that are registered in SAM as both a user and an Authorized Organizational Representative.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http:Grants.gov

• Applicants sometimes have experienced significant delays when attempting to submit applications through Grants.gov. If you plan to submit your application through 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 encounter problems with the Grants.gov application 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.

Regardless of the delivery method used, you must ensure that your proposal arrives by the date and time deadline stated in this FOA. Applications received after this date and time due to weather or express delivery/courier performance will not be considered for award. Late applications will not be considered unless it is determined that the delay was caused by Federal Government mishandling or by a problem with the Grants.gov application system.

D.4.2.3. Acknowledgement of Application Receipt.

If an application is submitted by mail, express delivery, or courier, Reclamation will notify you in writing that your application was received and whether it was received prior to the deadline identified in the FOA.

If an application is submitted through Grants.gov, you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of the application from Grants.gov. In addition, Reclamation will notify you in writing that your application was successfully downloaded from Grants.gov.

D.5. Intergovernmental Review This FOA is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

D.6. Funding Restrictions: Pre-award Costs Project pre-award costs that have been incurred prior to the date of award may be submitted for consideration as an allowable reimbursable expense or as non- Federal cost share. In no case will pre-award costs incurred prior to July 1, 2016 be considered for reimbursement or cost-share purposes.

Reclamation will review the proposed pre-award costs to determine if they are allowable in accordance with the authorizing legislation and applicable cost principles. To be considered allowable, any pre-award costs proposed for consideration under the new awards must comply with all applicable requirements under this FOA.

http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov

D.7. Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) Registration

All applicants must also be registered with and willing to process all payments through the Department of Treasury ASAP system. All recipients with active financial assistance agreements with Reclamation must be enrolled in ASAP under the appropriate Agency Location Code(s) and the Data Universal Number System (DUNS) Number prior to the award of funds. If a recipient has multiple DUNS numbers they must separately enroll within ASAP for each unique DUNS Number and/or Agency. All of the information on the enrollment process for recipients, including the enrollment initiation form and the enrollment mailbox can be found at www.usbr.gov/mso/aamd/asap.html.

Note that if your entity is currently enrolled in the ASAP system with an agency other than Reclamation, you must enroll specifically with Reclamation in order to process payments.

http://www.usbr.gov/mso/aamd/asap.html

Section E: Application Review Information

E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each of the following criteria and subcriteria in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your proposal. Note: it is suggested that applicants copy and paste the below criteria and subcriteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

Applications will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria listed below. The evaluation criteria will be applied to the feasibility study as a whole. Proposals, therefore, should describe the feasibility study in its entirety.

Please note, if the work described in your application is a phase of a larger project, please only discuss the benefits that will result directly from the work discussed in your application and that is reflected in the budget, not the overall project.

E.1.1. Evaluation Criterion 1—Statement of Problems and Needs (10 points)

Points will be awarded based on the presence of watershed-based water resource management problems and needs for which water reclamation and reuse may provide a solution. Describe in detail the water resource management problems and needs in the area and explain how water reclamation and reuse may address those problems and needs. Additional consideration will be given to proposals that explain how the problems and needs in the area may be impacted by climate change, and/or if the feasibility study will include climate change information in the supply and demand projections used.

E.1.2. Evaluation Criterion 2—Water Reclamation and Reuse Opportunities (15 points)

Points will be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal demonstrates that the feasibility study will explore opportunities for water reclamation and reuse in the study area.

1. Describe how the feasibility study will investigate potential uses for reclaimed water (e.g., environmental restoration, fish and wildlife, groundwater recharge, municipal, domestic, industrial, agricultural, power generation, and recreation).

2. Describe the potential water market available to use any recycled water that might be produced upon completion of a water reuse project, as well as potential methods to stimulate recycled water demand and/or methods to eliminate obstacles for use of reclaimed water.

3. Describe the sources of water that will be investigated for potential reclamation, including impaired surface and ground waters.

E.1.3. Evaluation Criterion 3—Description of Potential Alternatives (15 points)

Points will be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal demonstrates that the feasibility study will develop descriptions of water supply alternatives, including a proposed water reuse project and other water supply alternatives.

1. Describe the objectives that all alternatives will be designed to meet. What other water supply alternatives will be investigated as part of the feasibility study?

2. Provide a general description of the proposed project that will be the subject of a feasibility study.

3. Describe alternative measures or technologies for water reclamation, distribution, and reuse that will be investigated as part of the feasibility study.

E.1.4. Evaluation Criterion 4—Stretching Water Supplies (15 points)

Points will be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal demonstrates that the feasibility study will address activities that will help to secure and stretch water supplies.