FY 22 EWRP NOFO final-508_revised.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior August 2021

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R22AS00026

WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects for Fiscal Year 2022

Mission Statements

The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated Island Communities.

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: Boise Project, Arrowrock Division. View of the South Fork Boise River near the Pine Bride north of Anderson Ranch Reservoir. July 21, 2020 (Reclamation/Kirsten Strough).

Synopsis i

Synopsis Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Water Resources and Planning Office

Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity Number: R22AS00026

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.507

Dates: (See NOFO Sec. D.4) Application due date: Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 4PM MST

Eligible Applicants: (See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Category A applicants: States, Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts; State, regional, or local authorities, the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

All 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 applicants: Nonprofit conservation organizations, including watershed groups as defined in the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Section 6001, 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 the Category A partner: (1) is acting in partnership with the applicant; (2) agrees to the submittal and content of the application; and (3) 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. A watershed group is eligible to apply for 50% cost-shared funding without other partners but must include a Category A partner to be eligible for 75% Federal funding.

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

Category C applicants: Nonprofit conservation organizations submitting an application for a project to improve the condition of a natural feature such as wetlands on Federal land without a Category A partner must demonstrate that entities described in Category A from the applicable service area have been notified and do not object to the project.

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

Recipient Cost Share: (See NOFO Sec. C.3)

25 percent or more of total project costs.

Applicants must meet requirements listed in Section C.3. Cost Sharing Requirements.

Federal Funding Amount: (See NOFO Sec. B.2)

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

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B)

Approximately 15-20 projects contingent upon available Federal appropriations and demand for this NOFO and other WaterSMART Activities.

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Application Checklist iii

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

√ What to submit Required content Form or format When to submit

Mandatory Federal Forms:

Application for Federal Financial Assistance Budget Information Assurances Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

See Sec. D.2.2.1 SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-424D and SF-LLL forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf- 424-family.html

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 See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 15 *

Project location See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 16 *

Technical project description See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 16 *

Performance measures See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 16 *

Evaluation criteria See Sec. E.1 Page 29 *

Project Budget: *

Funding plan See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 17 *

Budget proposal See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 18 *

Budget narrative See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 21 *

Environmental and cultural resources compliance See Sec. H.1. Page 51 *

Required permits or approvals See Sec. D.2.2.7 Page 24 *

Letters of support and partnership See Sec. D.2.2.9 Page 24 *

Official Resolution See Sec. D.2.2.10 Page 24 **

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 Page 25 ***

* 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 initiation date.

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

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Acronyms and Abbreviations v

Acronyms and Abbreviations ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 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 E.O. Presidential Executive Order ESA Endangered Species Act EWRP Environmental Water Resources Projects FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FOIA Freedom of Information Act FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY fiscal year OM&R operations, maintenance, and replacement MTDC modified total direct costs NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity NRCS Natural Resource Conservation Service P.L. Public Law SAM System of Award Management Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation U.S.C. United States Code USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow

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Contents vii

Contents Page

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description Program Information Objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity Statutory Authority Other Related Funding Opportunities

Section B. Award Information Total Project Funding Project Funding Limitations Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance Assistance Instrument

Section C. Eligibility Information Eligible Applicants C.1.1. Ineligible Applicants

Watershed Group Definition Cost Sharing Requirements C.3.1. Cost Share Regulations C.3.2. Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

Eligible Projects C.4.1. Eligible Projects C.4.2. Eligibility of Training, Education and Outreach Activities C.4.3. Ineligible Projects C.4.4. Construction Start Date Restrictions C.4.5. Length of Projects

Section D. Application and Submission Information Request Application Package Content and Form of Application Submission D.2.1. Application Format and Length D.2.2. Application Content

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management Submission Date and Time D.4.1. Application Delivery Instructions D.4.2. Instructions for Submission of Project Application

Intergovernmental Review Automated Standard Application for Payments Registration

Section E. Application Review Information Evaluation Criteria E.1.1. Evaluation Criterion A—Project Benefits (35 points) E.1.2. Evaluation Criterion B—Collaborative Project Planning (25 points) E.1.3. Evaluation Criterion C—Stakeholder Support (15 points) E.1.4. Evaluation Criterion D—Readiness to Proceed (10 Points) E.1.5. Evaluation Criterion E—Performance Measures (5 points) E.1.6. Evaluation Criterion F—Presidential and Department of the Interior Priorities (10 points)

Review and Selection Process E.2.1. Initial Screening E.2.2. Application Review Committee E.2.3. Red-Flag Review E.2.4. Managerial Review E.2.5. Pre-Award Clearances and Approvals

Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement No. R22AS00026 viii

Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date

Section F. Federal Award Administration Information Federal Award Notices Administrative and National Policy Requirements F.2.1. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance F.2.2. Approvals and Permits F.2.3. Requirements for Agricultural Operations under P.L. 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(B) F.2.4. Title to Improvements P.L.111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D) F.2.5. Operation and Maintenance Costs under P.L.111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(E)(iv) F.2.6. Liability under P.L.111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(F) F.2.7. Intangible Property (2 CFR Part 200.315) F.2.8. Freedom of Information Act F.2.9. Requirements for Agricultural Operations under P.L. 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(B) F.2.10. Title to Improvements P.L. 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D)

Reporting—Requirements and Distribution F.3.1. Financial Reports F.3.2. Interim Performance Reports F.3.3. Final Performance Reports

Conflicts of Interest F.4.1. Applicability F.4.2. Requirements F.4.3. Notification F.4.4. Restrictions on Lobbying F.4.5. Review Procedures F.4.6. Enforcement

Data Availability F.5.1. Applicability F.5.2. Use of Data F.5.3. Availability of Data

Releasing Applications Section G. Agency Contacts

Financial Assistance Contact Program Coordinator Contact

Section H. Other Information Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations Background on Federal Environmental and Cultural Resource Laws H.2.1. National Environmental Policy Act H.2.2. National Historic Preservation Act H.2.3. Endangered Species Act

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description 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 in support of the Department’s priorities. Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with states, tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply sustainability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts. WaterSMART’s Environmental Water Resources Projects (EWRP) provide support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and aligned with other priorities, such as those identified in E.O. 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. Environmental Water Resources Projects also support the goals of the Interagency Drought Relief Working Group established in March 2021 and the National Drought Resiliency Partnership.

Drought conditions across the Western United States impact a wide range of communities and sectors, including agriculture, cities, Tribes, the environment, recreation, hydropower producers, and others. The West is experiencing its worst drought this century—historic in both duration and severity—threatening to kill crops, spark wildfires, and harm public health. As of July 2021, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that more than 93% of the land in nine of the Western states is in drought conditions, and nearly 60% of the area is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. Through WaterSMART, Reclamation provides financial assistance to water managers for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the western United States.

WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects is a new category of funding to support projects focused on environmental benefits and that have been developed as part of a collaborative process to help carry out an established strategy to increase the reliability of water resources.

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

Objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity

The objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to invite eligible applicants (Section C.1. Eligible Applicants) to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on Environmental Water Resources Projects, including water conservation and efficiency projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and benefit ecological values; water management or infrastructure improvements to mitigate drought-related impacts to ecological values; and watershed management or restoration projects benefitting ecological values that have a nexus to water resources or water resources management.

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

Statutory Authority

This NOFO is issued under the authority of Section 9504(a) of the Secure Water Act, Subtitle F of Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.) 111-11 (42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 10364), as amended; the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. 661-666c, as delegated to Reclamation in Departmental Manual 255 DM 1.1B; and Section 6002 of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Subtitle A of Title VI of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, P.L. 111-11 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 10364).

Other Related Funding Opportunities

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 that increase water supply flexibility and improve water management to build long term resilience to drought and are supported by an existing drought contingency plan.

Through Water and Energy Efficiency Grants, Reclamation provides financial assistance to support projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings, implement renewable energy components, and support broader sustainability benefits.

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. The Environmental Water Resources Projects NOFO will provide funding to implement watershed management projects, a category of projects previously funded through Phase II of the CWMP.

Please contact the Program Coordinator identified in Section G. Agency Contacts with questions regarding which NOFO is the best fit for your project.

For information on the NOFOs listed here, please visit the WaterSMART Program website at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/.

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information Total Project Funding

Reclamation plans to allocate a significant portion of available WaterSMART funding to this NOFO, as part of an overall approach to prioritize WaterSMART projects that are expected to result in environmental benefits. Reclamation will determine the final amount of funding available for award under this NOFO once final FY 2022 appropriations are made.

Approximately 15-20 awards are anticipated. However, the amount of funding available for awards and the number of projects selected for funding under this NOFO depend on the demand for funding under this and other elements of the WaterSMART Program. Applications submitted under this NOFO may also be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2023 or subsequently.

Project Funding Limitations Up to $2,000,000 in Federal funds may be awarded over the period of performance. Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration. In general, no more than $2,000,000 will be awarded to any one applicant under this NOFO. However, Category B applicants may be considered for multiple awards of up to $2,000,000 per project if the Category A partners are different.

The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) of any one proposed project shall not exceed 75 percent of the total project 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.

Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance All projects selected for funding under this NOFO will be required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other Federal environmental and cultural resource laws and other regulations. Please contact your local Reclamation office to discuss the potential compliance requirements and associated costs (see Section D.2.2.5.3.8. Project Budget:

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs for additional information).

Assistance Instrument Project awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements as applicable to each 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.

• 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 the project. If you receive Reclamation’s assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget.

To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact the program coordinator identified in Section G. Agency Contacts.

Section C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

Applicants eligible to receive an award under this NOFO include:

Category A applicants:

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

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

• Other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

All 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, or Puerto Rico.

Category B applicants: Nonprofit conservation organizations, including watershed groups as defined in the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Section 6001 (see Section C.2.

Watershed Group Definition), 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 the Category A partner:

1) is acting in partnership with the applicant;

2) agrees to the submittal and content of the application; and

3) 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. In addition, a watershed group is eligible to apply for 50 percent cost-shared funding without other partners but must include a Category A partner to be eligible for 75 percent Federal funding.

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

Category C applicants: Nonprofit conservation organizations submitting an application for a project to improve the condition of a natural feature such as wetlands on Federal land without a Category A partner must demonstrate that entities described in Category A from the applicable service area have been notified and do not object to the project.

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

C.1.1. Ineligible Applicants Those not eligible include, but are not limited to, the following entities:

• Federal Governmental entities

• Individuals

• Commercial/industrial organizations

• Private entities

• Institutes of higher education

• 501(c)(4) Nonprofit organizations

• 501(c)(6) Organizations

Watershed Group Definition

A “watershed group,” as defined in Section 6001(6) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act (see Section A.3. Statutory Authority for full citation):

• is a grassroots, non-regulatory entity that addresses water availability and quality issues within the relevant watershed,

• is capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources in the watershed,

• makes decisions on a consensus basis, and

• represents a diverse group of stakeholders, including hydroelectric producers, livestock grazing, timber production, land development, recreation or tourism, irrigated agriculture, the environment, municipal water supplies, private property owners, Federal, state and local governments, tribes, and disadvantaged communities.

A disadvantaged community, as defined in Section 6001(2) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, means a community (including a city, town, county, or reasonably isolated and divisible segment of a larger municipality) with an annual median household income that is less than 100 percent of the statewide annual median household income for the State in which the community is located, according to the most recent decennial census. See Section 6001(6) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act for the statutory definition of a “watershed group.

Cost Sharing Requirements

Projects that fit one of the eligible project types AND meet the requirements listed in this section are eligible for up to 75 percent Federal cost-share contribution. To qualify for this cost-share, the application must demonstrate that the project meets the following requirements:

• The project must increase water supply reliability for ecological values. This may include projects that improve the timing or quantity of water available; improve water quality or temperature; or that improve stream or riparian conditions for the benefit of plant and animal species, fish and wildlife habitat, riparian areas, or ecosystems. This does not exclude projects expected to result in benefits to multiple sectors, such as projects or project components that benefit ecological values AND agricultural, municipal, tribal, or recreational water uses.

• The project must be developed as part of a collaborative process by: (1) a watershed group (as defined in section 6001 of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act); or

(2) by a water user and one or more stakeholders with diverse interests; and,

• The majority of project benefits must be for the purpose of advancing one or more components of an established strategy or plan to increase the reliability of water supply for consumptive and non-consumptive ecological values.

Applications who meet these requirements must be capable of cost sharing 25 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.

For projects that do not meet the requirements necessary to qualify for 75 percent Federal cost-share contribution, applicants must be capable of cost sharing 50 percent or more of the total project costs. Applicants will be notified prior to selection if their project is being considered for award but does not qualify for the 75 percent Federal cost-share contribution.

Such applicants will be given an opportunity to commit to a 50 percent non-Federal cost-share contribution or withdraw their application. The application review committee (see Section E.2.2.

Application Review Committee) will determine whether each application qualifies for 75 percent Federal cost-share contribution based on responses to the evaluation criteria (see Section E.1.

Evaluation Criteria).

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.2.2.5.1. Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment and Section D.2.2.9. Official Resolution 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.3.1. 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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse

C.3.2. 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 Part 200.434 Contributions and donations for regulations regarding the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

Eligible Projects

C.4.1. Eligible Projects To be eligible under this funding opportunity, one of the primary purposes of the project must be to benefit ecological values that have a nexus to water resources management, including projects that benefit plant and animal species, fish and wildlife habitat, riparian areas, and ecosystems that are supported by rivers, streams, and other water sources, or that are directly influenced by water resources management. This may include but is not limited to: projects that improve the timing or quantity of water available; improve water quality and temperature; or that improve stream or riparian conditions for the benefit of plant and animal species, fish and wildlife habitat, riparian areas, and ecosystems. This does not exclude projects that include benefits to multiple sectors, including projects that benefit ecological values AND agricultural, municipal, tribal, or recreation water uses.

The project types identified below are eligible for funding under this NOFO. Other projects that are similar to the types listed below may be submitted for consideration and will be allowed to the extent that they are consistent with program authorization and goals.

If you are seeking funding for multiple projects and the projects are interrelated or closely related (e.g., a project to restore and enhance floodplains and a water management project that are physically and geographically linked), you should combine these in one application. However, if the projects are only loosely related, you should submit them as separate applications

Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to:

1. Water conservation and efficiency projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and benefit ecological values. Please note that for projects including an improvement to conserve irrigation water, an agreement will not be awarded unless the applicant agrees to the terms of Section 9504(a)(3)(B) of P.L. 111-11. See Section F.2.3.

Requirements for Agricultural Operations under P.L. 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D).

These projects may include but are not limited to:

• Canal lining or piping

• Irrigation flow measurements

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Automation http://www.ecfr.gov/

• Municipal and industrial water use efficiency improvements that benefit ecological values.

• Other conservation and efficiency projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and benefit ecological values.

2. Water management or infrastructure improvements to mitigate drought-related impacts to ecological values. To be eligible under this category, projects must provide benefits directly related to the impacts of drought or potential drought. These projects include, but are not limited to:

• Installing and/or modifying fish screens, ladders, bypasses, and modifications to water intakes (e.g., selective or lowered intakes).

• Improving fish hatcheries (e.g., coolers, holding pens, transport, disease control, or prevention).

• Water management changes or infrastructure improvements that will improve water supply reliability and habitat during drought, conditions (e.g., develop tools to evaluate water supplies and stream conditions in real time for improved timing of releases, upgrading a headgate to improve water supply reliability, new diversion location downstream of critical temperature control points, treating return flows during low flow events to improve water quality, water storage for subsequent release to improve streamflow);

• Salinity or temperature control projects to benefit ecological values (e.g., salinity barriers, temperature curtains, dam temperature shutters, or powerplant bypass structures), and to aerate ecologically sensitive areas where dissolved oxygen levels are low.

3. Watershed management or restoration projects benefitting ecological values that have a nexus to water resources or water resources management. To be eligible under this category, projects must have a nexus to water resources or water resources management. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to:

• improving stream channel structure and complexity;

• improving channel/floodplain connectivity;

• protecting and stabilizing stream and riverbanks;

• reducing erosion;

• removing invasive species and restoring vegetation;

• watershed management or restoration projects influencing water temperature or improving the timing or volume of available flows at particular locations to improve aquatic conditions;

• stream restoration to improve groundwater recharge and riparian habitat;

• restoring backwater/floodplain areas (for larval and juvenile fish and other wildlife species) to enhance and maintain rearing as well as feeding and foraging habitats.

• restoring natural wetlands, construction or improving wetlands for treatment of irrigation water or stormwater flows, or improving other natural features to reduce water supply and demand imbalances or the risk of drought or flood; and

• other watershed management projects that will address water supply needs, water quality concerns, and restoration needs in the watershed.

Note: Projects may include some monitoring, mapping, and modeling activities to support the primary on-the-ground project components. However, costs for these activities should not exceed 30 percent of the total project cost.

C.4.2. Eligibility of Training, Education and Outreach Activities To be considered eligible activities, all stakeholder outreach activities must be directly linked to the proposed on-the-ground project. General education activities, the implementation of citizen science training programs, or general staff training are not eligible under this NOFO.

C.4.3. Ineligible Projects Projects not eligible for funding under this NOFO include scientific research and the project types identified immediately below.

C.4.3.1. Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement In accordance with Section 9504 of the Secure Water Act, projects that are considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement (OM&R) are not eligible for funding under this NOFO. OM&R is described as system improvements that replace or repair existing infrastructure or function without providing increased efficiency or effectiveness of water distribution over the expected life of the improvement. Examples of ineligible OM&R projects include:

• replacing malfunctioning components of an existing facility with the same components;

• improving an existing facility to operate as originally designed;

• performing an activity on a recurring basis, even if that period is extended (e.g., 10-year interval);

• sealing expansion joints of concrete lining because the original sealer or the water stops have failed;

• sealing cracks in canals and/or pipes, including those sealant projects intended to improve facilities with inherent design and construction flaws;

• replacing broken meters with new meters of the same type;

• replacing leaky pipes with new pipes of the same type; and

• completion of one-time leak detection surveys.

Applicants that have questions regarding OM&R are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator (see Section G. Agency Contacts) prior to the application deadline for further information.

C.4.3.2. Water Reclamation, Reuse and Desalination Water reclamation, reuse, and desalination projects are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

Entities seeking funding for these types of projects should consider Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and Drought Response Program. If you have questions about a water reclamation, reuse, or desalination project please contact Ms. Amanda Erath at 303-445-2766 or aerath@usbr.gov.

C.4.3.3. Groundwater Recharge Infrastructure Projects Infrastructure based groundwater recharge projects are not eligible. Applicants proposing such projects should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/ drought, for more information.

C.4.3.4. Water Purchases Applications to use Federal funding to purchase water are not eligible under this NOFO.

Applicants seeking funding to purchase water in a drought emergency should request emergency drought assistance under Reclamation’s Drought Response Program.

For more information about the requirements for receiving emergency drought assistance, please see www.usbr.gov/drought or contact the Program Coordinator (see Section G. Agency Contacts).

C.4.3.5. Land Purchase and Easements A project that proposes using Federal funding for the purchase of land, or with the primary purpose to secure an easement, is not eligible under this NOFO.

C.4.3.6. Building Construction Applications to construct a building are not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or to promote public awareness of water conservation).

C.4.3.7. Pilot Projects Applications to conduct a pilot study to evaluate technical capability, economic feasibility, or viability for full-scale implementation or to test an unproven material or technology are not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO.

C.4.3.8. On-Farm Improvements Projects to conduct on-farm improvements are not eligible under this NOFO. Applicants interested in on-farm improvements should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to investigate opportunities for Federal assistance. For more information on NRCS programs, including application deadlines and a description of available funding, please contact your local NRCS office or see www.nrcs.usda.gov for further contact information in your area.

C.4.3.9. Projects Receiving Other Federal Financial Assistance Projects or activities that are funded under another Federal Financial Assistance agreement are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

mailto:aerath@usbr.gov https://www.usbr.gov/drought/ https://www.usbr.gov/drought/ https://www.usbr.gov/drought/ http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

C.4.3.10. New Conveyance Infrastructure A project that proposes to construct new conveyance to allow for the distribution of additional or new water supplies is not eligible. Applicants proposing such projects should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought, for more information.

C.4.3.11. Mine Remediation Projects Projects to complete remediation activities in or around a mine site are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

C.4.3.12. Projects to Adhere to Specific Regulatory Requirements Projects or elements of projects addressing specific regulatory requirements mandated by a state or Federal agency action or a court order, and project components that are required to comply with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), are not eligible for funding under this program. However, funding may be used to support more general activities, including recovery actions under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). For more information, contact the program coordinator listed in Section G. Agency Contacts, prior to the application deadline.

C.4.4. Construction Start Date Restrictions Proposed projects shall have a construction start date that is no sooner than September 1, 2022, for funding under this NOFO.

C.4.5. Length of Projects In general, proposed projects should be completed within 3 years of award. Reclamation will determine the capability of an applicant to complete the proposed project within the timeframe identified in the application.

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Section D. Application and Submission Information

Section D. Application and Submission Information

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 Notice of Funding Opportunity staff at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov.

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 criteria section (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 35 consecutively numbered pages. If this section of the application exceeds 35 pages, only the first 35 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 above page number limitation. 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-424 Budget Information (A Form, as applicable to the project and can be used for construction or non-construction) o SF-424 Assurances (B or D Form, as applicable to the project) 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

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to 35 pages):

o Executive summary o Project location mailto:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov o Technical project description o Performance measures o Evaluation criteria

• Project budget:

o Funding plan and letters of commitment o Budget proposal o Budget narrative

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance

• Required permits or approvals

• Letters of project support

• Official resolution

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 must be submitted with the application. An SF- 424A can used for construction and non-construction projects.

SF-424 Assurances A SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs, or an SF-424D Assurances for 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 or SF- 424D should be emailed to the Notice of Funding Opportunity Team staff at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424B or SF-424D may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities A fully completed and signed SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities is required if the applicant has made or agreed to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action. Note—this form cannot be submitted by a contractor or other entity on behalf of an applicant.

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 application 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) Project location

(3) Technical project description

(4) Performance measures

(5) 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, Category B applicant, or

Category C applicant. If you are a Category B applicant, please briefly explain how you are acting in partnership with a Category A partner. Note: If you are a Category B applicant, you must include a letter from the Category A partner confirming that they are partnering with you and agree to the submittal and content of the application (see Section C.1. Eligible Applicants). If you are a Category C applicant, please submit documentation to demonstrate that Category A entities in the service area have been notified and do not object to the project. See Section D.2.2.8. Letters of Support and Letters of Partnership for additional information regarding documentation requirements.

• A one-paragraph project summary that provides the location of the project, a brief description of the work that will be carried out, any partners involved, concerns in your project area, and how this project is expected to help alleviate impacts of those conditions, and identification of any planning documents that support the project. This information will be used to create a summary of your project for our website if the project is selected for funding.

Example: The Eagle Creek Watershed Council, in conjunction with Trout Unlimited, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Buckhorn Valley Metropolitan District, will improve instream flows in Abrams Creek, southwest of Eagle, Colorado. Abrams Creek, which supports a core conservation population of Green-Lineage cutthroat trout, suffers from low flows, affecting habitat for the trout and other aquatic species. The Council will pipe a 21,790 linear feet section of the JPO ditch and use the approximately 300 acre-feet of saved water for instream use. This increase to base flows in Abrams creek will benefit the target trout species, as well as other aquatic resources. This project, supported by the Eagle Creek Watershed Plan, has been endorsed by numerous elected officials, conservation groups, government agencies, and water users.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project including the construction start date (mm/yr). Note: proposed projects should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to September 1, 2022.

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

Project Location Provide specific information on the proposed project location or project area, including a map showing the geographic location. For example, [project name] is located in [county and state] approximately [distance] miles [direction, e.g., northeast] of [nearest town]. The project latitude is {##°##’N} and longitude is {###°##’W}.

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.

Please note, if the work for which you are requesting funding is a phase of a larger project, please only describe the work that is reflected in the budget and exclude any descriptions of other activities or components of the overall project.

Performance Measures All applicants are required to provide a brief summary describing the performance measure that will be used to quantify actual benefits upon completion of the project. Quantifying project benefits is an important means to determine the relative effectiveness of various water management efforts, as well as the overall effectiveness of the project. Please describe the performance measures for your project within the evaluation criteria section of your application (see Section E.1.5. Evaluation Criterion E—Performance Measures). Program funding may be used to establish a monitoring and data management plan or to install necessary equipment to monitor progress. However, program funding may not be used to measure performance after project construction is complete (these costs are considered normal operation and maintenance costs and are the responsibility of the applicant).

Evaluation Criteria 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 application.

See Section E.1. Evaluation Criteria for additional details, including a detailed description of each criterion and sub criterion and points associated with each.

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. Project Budget The project budget includes:

(1) Funding plan and letters of commitment

(2) Budget proposal

(3) Budget narrative

If the proposed project is selected, a Grants Officer will review the proposed pre-award costs to determine if they are consistent with program objectives and are allowable in accordance with the authorizing legislation. Proposed pre-award costs must also be compliant with all applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 CFR Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov, and all other requirements of this NOFO. In no case will costs incurred prior to July 1, 2021, be considered for inclusion in the proposed project budget for FY 2022 funding.