FY 2021 Applied Science Grants NOFO - FINAL.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R21AS00289

WaterSMART-Applied Science Grants for Fiscal Year 2021

U.S. Department of the Interior February 2021

Mission Statements The Department of the Interior conserves and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and other information about natural resources and natural hazards to address societal challenges and create opportunities for the American people, and honors the Nation’s trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities to help them prosper.

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: WSR-88D Doppler radar at New Underwood, South Dakota. Courtesy of NASA.

Synopsis

Synopsis

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

Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART: Applied Science Grants

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity Number: R21AS00289

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.557

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Proposals received before April 21, 2021, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) will be considered for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 funding.

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Category A: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts; state, regional, or local authorities whose members include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

All Category A applicants must be located in the Western United States or United States Territories, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Category B: Universities, nonprofit research institutions, and nonprofit organizations that are acting in partnership and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A.

All Category B applicants must be in the United States or the specific Territories identified above.

Recipient Cost Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

50 percent or more of total project costs.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Up to $200,000 per agreement for a project that can be completed within 2 years.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded’:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

It is anticipated that approximately 8 - 12 agreements may be funded under this NOFO.

Estimated Amount of Funding Available for Award:

(See NOFO Sec B.1)

Reclamation will make approximately $1.5 million of the President’s FY 2021 budget for the Basin Study Program available for the development of Applied Science Tools under this NOFO in FY 2021.

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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 Financial Assistance

Budget Information

Assurances

See Sec. D.2.2.1 Standard Form (SF)-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and SF-LLL forms may be obtained at:

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

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 Page 15 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 Page 15 *

Technical proposal:

Executive summary

Project description

Project location

Evaluation criteria

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. E.1.

Project Budget:

Funding plan

Budget proposal

Budget narrative

See Sec. D.2.2.7

See Sec. D.2.2.7

See Sec. D.2.2.7

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 17 *

Required permits or approvals

See Sec. D.2.2.6 Page 17 *

Letters of Funding Commitment

See Sec. D.2.2.8 Page 23

Official Resolutions See Sec. D.2.2.9 Page 24 **

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 Page 24 ***

* Submit materials with your application.

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

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

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

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act CWMP Cooperative Watershed Management Program Department U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement ESA Endangered Species Act FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FOIA Freedom of Information Act FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY Fiscal Year GIS Geographic Information System MDT Mountain Daylight Time NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity OM&R operations, maintenance, and replacement P.L. Public Law Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation ROD Record of Decision SAM System of Award Management SECURE Science and Engineering to Comprehensively Understand and Responsibly Enhance U.S.C. United States Code USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow WIIN Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation v

Contents

Contents Page

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Program Information A.2. Objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity 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 Projects C.4. Required Project Components

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 D.4. Submission Date and Time D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Automated Standard Application for Payments Registration

Section E. Application Review Information E.1. Evaluation Criteria E.2. Review and Selection Process E.3. Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System 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. Conflicts of Interest F.5. Data Availability F.6. Releasing Applications F.7. Reporting Subaward And Executive Compensation Information

Section G. Agency Contacts G.1. Financial Assistance Contact G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact

Section H. Other Information H.1. Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations H.2. Background on Federal Environmental and Cultural Resource Laws vii

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations. Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to support stakeholder efforts to stretch scarce water supplies and avoid conflicts over water.

Through WaterSMART Applied Science Grants, Reclamation provides cost-shared financial assistance to States, Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority, universities, nonprofit research institutions, and nonprofit organizations for projects to develop hydrologic information and water management tools and improve modeling and forecasting capabilities. Increased access to information and improved modeling and forecasting capabilities will help avoid water conflicts and improve our ability to meet a variety of water management objectives, including: support for water supply reliability, management of water deliveries, water marketing activities, drought management activities, conjunctive use of ground and surface water, water rights administration, ability to meet endangered species requirements, watershed health, conservation and efficiency, and other water management objectives.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) supports projects to develop hydrologic information and water management tools and improve modeling and forecasting capabilities to increase water supply reliability.

Applied Science Grants are a component of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Basin Study Program. For more information on the WaterSMART Basin Study Program, please see www.usbr.gov/watersmart/bsp/index.html.

A.2. Objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity The objective of this NOFO is to invite eligible non-Federal entities to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on applied science projects to develop hydrologic information and water management tools and improve modeling and forecasting capabilities. Results from these projects will be used by water managers to increase water supply reliability, provide flexibility in water operations, and improve water management. Project results must be readily applicable by water managers, resulting in tools and information that can be used to support: water supply reliability, management of water deliveries, water marketing activities, drought management activities, conjunctive use of ground and surface water, water rights administration, ability to meet endangered species requirements, watershed health, conservation and efficiency, and other water management objectives.

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

A.3. Statutory Authority This NOFO is issued under the authority of Section 9509 (Research Agreement Authority) of the Science and Engineering to Comprehensively Understand and Responsibly Enhance (SECURE) Water Act, Subtitle F of Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.) 111-11 (42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 10364), as amended.

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities Reclamation provides funding for water management projects through several programs under WaterSMART. Through WaterSMART Grants, Reclamation provides three funding opportunities. The Water and Energy Efficiency Grants focus on projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and projects that increase hydropower use. The Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Grants provide funding for small-scale water management projects (up to $75,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Through Water Marketing Strategy Grants, Reclamation provides support for entities exploring actions that can be taken to develop or facilitate water marketing or water marketing activities.

Through the Drought Response Program, Reclamation provides funding to help build resilience to drought. Through Drought Contingency Planning, Reclamation supports the development of drought contingency plans with participation from a diverse set of stakeholders. Reclamation also provides funding for Drought Resiliency Projects supported by an existing drought contingency plan to build long-term resilience to drought.

In addition, through the Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP), Reclamation provides funding to watershed groups to encourage diverse stakeholders to form local solutions to address their watershed management needs.

Reclamation provides funding through Phase I of the CWMP for watershed group development, restoration planning, and watershed management project design and through Phase II for the implementation of watershed management projects.

Through the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program, authorized by P.L. 102-575 in 1992, Reclamation provides financial and technical assistance to local water agencies for water reclamation and reuse research and the planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse projects. For information on the NOFOs listed here, please visit the WaterSMART Program website:

www.usbr.gov/watersmart.

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

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Project Funding Approximately $1.5 million is available for this NOFO. This NOFO may be canceled if appropriations are insufficient to support new awards. Applications submitted under this NOFO may also be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2021 or subsequently. Updated funding information is available at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/appliedscience/index.html.

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

Generally, the non-Federal share of project costs must be expended at the same or greater rate as the Federal share of project costs.

Up to $200,000 in Federal funds per agreement provided through this NOFO will be available for projects that generally should be completed within 2 years from the date of award.

B.3. Assistance Instrument Project awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements as applicable to each project. A cooperative agreement is likely to be required where additional oversight by Reclamation is warranted due to uncertainties about the level of involvement of stakeholders, or where Reclamation facilities, operations, or data are included in the project. In general, the determination of when a cooperative agreement will be required will be made on a project-by-project basis.

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 (e.g., oversight to support appropriate stakeholder involvement, or collaboration with Reclamation on projects involving Reclamation facilities, operations, or data).

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

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

At the request of the recipient, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award of the project. For example, Reclamation staff with expertise in hydrologic modeling, reservoir operations, or the management of hydrologic data could be contracted to assist you with implementation of your project if selected for funding.

If you seek technical assistance from Reclamation, you must account for these costs in your proposed budget. To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact the program coordinator identified in Section G. Agency Contacts.

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants Applicants eligible to receive an award under this NOFO include:

1. Category A:

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

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

• Other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

To be eligible, Category A applicants must also be located in one of the following States or Territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

2. Category B: Universities, nonprofit research institutions, federally funded research and development centers, and non-profit entities (including 501[c][3] organizations) that are acting in partnership with and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A. Category B applicants must include with their application a letter from the Category A partner, stating that they commit to participate in the project and agree to the submittal and content of the proposal. A letter of participation must demonstrate that the partner intends to participate in the project in some way, for example, by providing input, feedback, or other support for the project. Note: partners do not necessarily need to contribute cost-share funding.

All Category B applicants must be in the United States or the specific Territories identified above.

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

• Individuals

• Commercial/industrial organizations

• Private entities

• 501(c)(4) Nonprofit organizations

• 501(c)(6) Organizations

C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 50 percent or more of the total project costs. The total project cost is defined as the total allowable costs incurred under a Federal award and all required cost share and voluntary committed cost share contributions, including third-party contributions.

Cost share may be made through cash, costs contributed by the applicant, or third-party in-kind contributions. Third-party in-kind contributions are the value of non-cash contributions of property or services that benefit the federally assisted project and are contributed by non-Federal third parties without charge. 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.2.2.9. Official Resolution and Section D.2.2.7. Project Budget for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost-sharing requirements.

Other sources of Federal funding may not be counted towards the required cost share. 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. If it is determined that the Federal funding cannot be applied towards the non-Federal cost share, the work associated with the funding may be removed from the proposed project.

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 the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, www.ecfr.gov.

C.2.2. Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

Third-party in-kind contributions may be in the form of equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the proposed project. The cost or value of third-party 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 NOFO. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 Contributions and Donations for regulations regarding the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

http://www.ecfr.gov/

C.3. Eligible Projects Reclamation will provide funding for applied science projects to develop or improve hydrologic information, water management tools, and modeling and forecasting capabilities. Results from these projects will be used by water managers to increase water supply reliability, provide flexibility in water operations, and improve water management. To be eligible, projects must:

• be designed for use by water managers located in the following states or territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin and Puerto Rico;

• be based on known and available (or “mature”) technologies and may not include the development of new or novel methods or technologies; and

• support one or more of the following water management objectives:

o water supply reliability, o improved management of water deliveries, o water marketing activities, o drought management activities, o conjunctive use of ground and surface water, o water rights administration, o ability to meet endangered species requirements, o watershed health, o conservation and efficiency, or o other improvements to water supply reliability.

C.3.1. Eligible Project Types

Projects must support the types of water management objectives described in the bullets immediately above and may include but are not limited to:

1. Projects to enhance modeling capabilities to improve water supply reliability and increase flexibility in water operations. Modeling tools can improve water supply reliability and flexibility by providing an accurate representation of the physical system and more reliable information about water availability. This information can be used by water managers to help meet constraints or requirements (e.g., endangered species, administrative, or water delivery requirements). Projects may include improvements to the spatial and temporal resolution of a model, improvements to model calibration, enhancements to make a model more interactive and agile so that it can be used to answer specific questions as they arise or other enhancements to modeling tools. Projects could include improvements to hydrologic models, reservoir operations models, or other types of water management models.

2. Projects to improve or adapt forecasting tools and technologies to enhance management of water supplies and reservoir operations. Reliable forecasts are an important water management tool that can be used to optimize operations and improve water management, manage risks, and inform water allocation strategies, or even water marketing. Projects can include the development or adaptation of forecasting tools to meet the needs of water managers. Projects may also include the adaptation of existing forecasts to better meet operational needs. Applicants are encouraged to explore whether there are existing data sets and forecast products that may be leveraged. Note: Applicants must demonstrate how the forecast or data will be used to enhance management of water supplies and reservoir operations, for example, by using the tool in connection with an operations model.

3. Projects to improve access to and use of water resources data or to develop new types of data to inform water management decisions. The availability of quality assured, quality controlled hydrologic data is critical to inform water management decisions. Eligible projects may include improvements to data acquisition, data analysis, and data delivery. Data acquisition projects may include the incorporation or development of new or previously unavailable data, such as remote sensing imagery, hydrologic data acquired using unmanned aerial systems, or paleo reconstructions of naturalized flows, for example. Projects may include the development of hydrologic databases or decision support tools that resource managers can use to query or analyze data for the purposes of improving water management. Projects may also include improved data delivery, such as making data available to a broader audience, or improvements to make data systems compatible with existing systems (e.g., Federal or State databases).

C.4. Required Project Components Applicants whose projects are selected for funding under this NOFO may be asked to participate in at least one Reclamation-sponsored webinar to discuss application of deliverables to management questions. In most cases, the webinar will be scheduled when the final report is ready to be submitted for Reclamation review.

The presentation should inform Reclamation about project accomplishments, the final results of the identified tasks, and any lessons learned. This presentation may be open to the public as a webinar and may be recorded and made available on the WaterSMART website.

C.4.1. Ineligible Projects

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

• projects to research and/or develop new and novel methods or technologies;

• planning studies, such as feasibility studies, appraisal investigations, water marketing strategies, and drought contingency plans;

• projects to develop or demonstrate tools and technologies supporting water reuse, water recycling, and desalination projects (e.g., projects that are eligible under the Desalination and Water Purification Research funding opportunity);

• projects considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement

(OM&R);

• construction projects to improve water management; and

• projects funded under other Federal grants.

C.4.2. Length of Projects

Projects funded under this NOFO should be completed within 2 years 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 NOFO by emailing the Financial Assistance Support Section staff at SHA-DRO-FAFOA@usbr.gov.

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 technical proposal and evaluation criteria section (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 20 consecutively numbered pages. If this section exceeds 20 pages, only the first 20 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. Margins should be standard 1-inch margins. Oversized pages will not be accepted.

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

Excess pages will be removed and not considered in the evaluation of the proposed project.

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 o SF-424B Assurances o SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)

These forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.

• Title page mailto:SHA-DRO-FAFOA@usbr.gov

• Table of contents

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

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

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance (as applicable to the project)

• Required permits or approvals (if applicable to the project)

• Letters of support for the project and letters of participation (will not count towards the page limitation)

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

It is highly recommended that application packages be structured in the order identified above.

D.2.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms The application must include the following standard Federal forms.

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 with the application. 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 shall be included.

Questions regarding whether to use SF-424B should be referred to the Grants Management Point of Contact under Agency Contacts. 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, email 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) include:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Technical project description

(3) Project location

(4) Evaluation criteria

Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

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

• Please indicate whether you are a Category A applicant or a Category B applicant. If you are a Category B applicant, briefly explain how you are acting in partnership with a Category A partner. (Note: Category B applicants must include a letter from the Category A partner confirming that they are partnering with the applicant and agree to the submittal and content of the proposal. See Section C.1.

Eligible Applicants).

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

Example: Oklahoma State University, with the support of the Lugert-Altus Irrigation District, the Kansas-Bostwick Irrigation District No. 2, and the Frenchman Cambridge Irrigation District, will incorporate remotely sensed soil moisture data with proven statistical techniques to create seasonal forecasts for rainfall dominated regions of the Great Plains. The project will use remote-sensed soil moisture data, North American Land Data Assimilation System, and NASA’s Soil Moisture Active-Passive Satellite. The seasonal forecast tools will inform surface water managers, support improved irrigation water supply management, and enhance the ability of reservoir operators to anticipate and respond to extreme events such as droughts and floods.

• The length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project.

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

Technical Project Description

Provide a more comprehensive description of the technical aspects of your project, including the work to be accomplished and the approach to complete the work. This description should provide detailed information about the project, including materials and equipment and the work to be conducted to complete the project. This section provides an opportunity for the applicant to provide a clear description of the technical nature of the project and to address any aspect of the project that reviewers may need additional information to understand.

Please do not include your project schedule and milestones here; that information is requested in response to the Project Implementation criterion below. In addition, please avoid discussion of the benefits of the project, which are also requested in response to evaluation criteria. This section is solely intended to provide an understanding of the technical aspects of the project.

Project Location

Provide specific information regarding the proposed applied science project’s geographic area of focus (for example, the proposed project may focus on a particular watershed or basin, county, State, Territory, or other region. Include a map showing the geographic location of the project area in one of the following formats:

1. Shapefile (.shp)

2. KMZ/KML (.kmz or .kml) aka Google Earth File

3. PDF map (.pdf)

Data Management Practices

Any spatially explicit data or tools developed in the performance of an award made under this NOFO must be developed in industry standard formats that are compatible with Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms.

Evaluation Criteria

See Section E.1. 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. Evaluation Criteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed

D.2.2.5. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance (as applicable to the project)

Please answer the questions from Section H.1. Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations in this section.

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.

Note that improvements to Federal facilities that are implemented through any project awarded funding through this NOFO must comply with additional requirements. The Federal government will continue to hold title to the Federal facility and any improvement that is integral to the existing operations of that facility.

Please see P.L. 111-11, §9504(a)(3)(B). Reclamation may also require additional reviews and approvals prior to award to ensure that any necessary easements, land use authorizations, or special permits can be approved consistent with the requirements of 43 CFR §429, and with the requirement that the development will not impact or impair project operations or efficiency.

D.2.2.7. Project Budget The project budget includes:

(1) Funding plan and letters of funding commitment

(2) Budget proposal

(3) Budget narrative

Budget proposals must not include costs that are anticipated to be incurred prior to the date of selection. Please refer to section E.4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date.

Please note that the costs for preparing and submitting an application in response to this NOFO, including the development of data necessary to support the proposal, as well as costs to prepare and publish academic journal articles are not eligible project costs under this NOFO and must not be included in the project budget.

Funding Plan and Letters of Funding Commitment

Describe how the non-Federal share of project costs will be obtained. Reclamation will use this information in making a determination of financial capability.

Project funding provided by a source other than the applicant shall be supported with letters of funding commitment from these additional sources. Letters of funding 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 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 NOFO until the recipient has secured the non-Federal cost share. Reclamation will execute a financial assistance agreement once the 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.

Please identify the sources of the non-Federal cost-share contribution for the project, including:

• Any monetary contributions by the applicant towards the cost-share requirement and source of funds (e.g., reserve account, tax revenue, and/or assessments).

• Any costs that will be contributed by the applicant.

• Any third-party in-kind costs (i.e., goods and services provided by a third party).

• Any cash requested or received from other non-Federal entities.

• Any pending funding requests (i.e., grants or loans) that have not yet been approved and explain how the project will be affected if such funding is denied.

Budget Proposal The total project cost is the sum of all allowable items of costs, including all required cost sharing and voluntary committed cost sharing, including third-party contributions, that are necessary to complete the project (Table 1).

The budget proposal should include detailed information on the categories listed below and must clearly identify all items of cost, including those that will be contributed as non-Federal cost share by the applicant (required and voluntary), third-party in-kind contributions, and those that will be covered using the funding requested from Reclamation, and any requested pre-award costs.

Table 1. —Total Project Cost Table

SOURCE AMOUNT

Costs to be reimbursed with the requested Federal funding $

Costs to be paid by the applicant $

Value of third-party contributions $

TOTAL PROJECT COST $

Unit costs must be provided for all budget items, including the cost of services or other work to be provided by consultants and contractors. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the procurement standards for Federal awards found at 2 CFR §200.317 through §200.326 before developing their budget proposal. If you have any questions regarding your budget proposal or eligible costs, please contact the grants management specialist identified in Section G. Agency Contacts.

It is also strongly advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown below in 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. It is not necessary to include separate columns indicating which cost is being contributed as non-Federal cost share or which costs will be reimbursed with Federal funds.

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 $ Equipment Item A $ Item B $ Item C $ Supplies and Materials Item A $ Item B $ Contractual/Construction Contractor A $ Contractor B

Table 2. —Sample Budget Proposal Format

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION COMPUTATION Quantity Type

TOTAL

COST $/Unit Quantity

Third-Party In-Kind Contributions Contributor A $ Contributor 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. 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 third-party in-kind contributions, must comply with the applicable cost principles contained in 2 CFR §200, available at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (www.ecfr.gov).

Salaries and Wages Indicate the project manager and other key personnel by name and title. The project manager must be an employee or board member of the applicant. Other personnel should 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 must identify the direct labor rate separate from the fringe rate or fringe cost for each position. All labor estimates must be allocated to specific tasks as outlined in the applicant’s technical project description. Labor rates and proposed hours shall be displayed for each task.

The budget proposal and narrative should include estimated hours for compliance with reporting requirements, including the final financial and performance reports.

Please see Section F.3. Reporting Requirements and Distribution information on types and frequency of reports required.

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

Identify the rates/amounts, what costs are included in this category, and the basis of the rate computations. Federally approved rate agreements are acceptable for compliance with this item.

Travel

Identify the purpose of each anticipated 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. Note: travel costs incurred by contractors should not be included in this section but can be included in the contract cost estimate.

Equipment

If equipment will be purchased, itemize all equipment valued at or greater than $5,000. For each item, identify why it is needed for the completion of the project and how the equipment was priced. Note: if the value is less than $5,000, the item should be included under materials and supplies.

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. If the applicant intends to use their own equipment for the purposes of the project, the proposed usage rates should fall within the equipment usage rates outlined by the United States Army Corps of Engineers within their Construction Equipment Ownership and Operating Expense Schedule (EP 1110-1-8) at www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer- Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38/.

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 (e.g., quotes, past experience, engineering estimates, or other methodology).

Contractual Identify all work that will be accomplished by 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. For each proposed contract, identify the procurement method that will be used to select the consultant or contractor and the basis for selection. Please note that all procurements with an anticipated aggregate value that exceeds the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (currently $250,000) must use a competitive procurement method (see 2 CFR §200.320 – Methods of procurement to be followed). Only contracts for architectural/engineering services can be awarded using a qualifications-based procurement method. If a qualifications-based procurement method is used, profit https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38/ https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38/ must be negotiated as a separate element of the contract price. See 2 CFR §200.317 through §200.326 for additional information regarding procurements, including required contract content.

Third-Party In-Kind Contributions Identify all work that will be accomplished by third-party contributors, 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. Third-party in-kind contributions, including contracts, must comply with all applicable administrative and cost principles criteria, established in 2 CFR §200, available at www.ecfr.gov, and all other requirements of this NOFO.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs (as applicable to the project) Prior to awarding financial assistance, Reclamation must first ensure compliance with Federal environmental and cultural resources laws and other regulations (“environmental compliance”). Every project funded under this program will have environmental compliance activities undertaken by Reclamation and the recipient.

Depending on the potential impacts of the project, Reclamation may be able to complete its compliance activities without additional cost to the recipient. Where environmental or cultural resources compliance requires significant participation by Reclamation, costs incurred by Reclamation will be added as a line item to the budget during development of the financial assistance agreement and cost shared accordingly (i.e., withheld from the Federal award amount). Any costs to the recipient associated with compliance will be identified during the process of developing a final project budget for inclusion in the financial assistance agreement.

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 are costs incurred by the applicant for a common or joint purpose that benefit more than one activity of the organization and are not readily assignable to the activities specifically benefitted without undue effort. Costs that are normally treated as indirect costs include, but are not limited to, administrative salaries and fringe benefits associated with overall financial and organizational administration, operation and maintenance costs for facilities and equipment, and payroll and procurement services. If indirect costs will be incurred, identify the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable cost principles for the applicant’s organization. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

https://gov.ecfr.io/cgi-bin/ECFR

Any non-Federal entity that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in appendix VII to 2 CFR §200, paragraph D.1., may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. For further information on MTDC, 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 the Department’s Interior Business Center, Office of Indirect Cost Services, at www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services.

D.2.2.8. Letters of Support and Letters of Participation Please include letters from interested stakeholders supporting the proposed project.

Letters of support should explain the need of the tool, and how stakeholders will benefit from the applied science project. To ensure your proposal is accurately reviewed, please attach all letters of support/partnership letters as an appendix.

Letters of support received after the application deadline for this NOFO will not be considered in the evaluation of the proposed project.

Category B Applicants, including universities, non-profit research institutes, and federally sponsored research institutes, are required to include one letter of participation by a partner that meets the eligibility requirements for Category A applicants, as explained in Section C1. Eligibility Information. The letter of participation must demonstrate that the partner intends to participate in the project in some way, for example, by providing input, feedback, or other support (this does not necessarily need to include the contribution of cost share funding by the partner). To ensure your proposal is accurately reviewed, please attach the letter of participation (if applicable) as an appendix to the application. Note: applications submitted by Category B applications that do not include a letter of participation will not be reviewed.

D.2.2.9. Official Resolution Include an official resolution adopted by the applicant’s board of directors or governing body, or, for State government entities, an official authorized to commit the applicant to the financial and legal obligations associated with receipt of a financial assistance award under this NOFO, 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; and

• that the applicant will work with Reclamation…