fy13-titlexvi-authproj-foa-final.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior Policy and Administration

Bureau of Reclamation Denver, Colorado October 2012

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. R13SF80002

WaterSMART:

Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Funding for Fiscal Year 2013

Mission Statements

The 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.

U.S. Department of the Interior

Denver, Colorado October 2012

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. R13SF80002

WaterSMART:

Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Funding for Fiscal Year 2013

Synopsis iii

Synopsis

Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Funding Opportunity Title:

WaterSMART: Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013

Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Funding Opportunity Number:

R13SF80002

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.504

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. IV.B)

Application due date: December 12, 2012 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)

Eligible Applicants:

(See FOA Sec. III.A)

Sponsors of water reclamation and reuse projects specifically authorized for funding under Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, as amended (43 U.S.C. 390h through 390h-39).

Recipient Cost Share:

(See FOA Sec. III.D)

75 percent or more of total project costs.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. II.B)

Reclamation anticipates providing no more than $4,000,000 per applicant, subject to funding capability and amount remaining under the appropriations ceiling for each authorized project. Depending on final appropriations and interest in this FOA, Reclamation may consider awarding more than $4,000,000 per applicant or may consider a smaller funding amount.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. II.B)

Approximately 5–10 awards, depending on available funding and the amount requested by each applicant.

Estimated Amount of Funding Available for Award:

(See FOA Sec. II.A)

The President’s FY 2013 budget request includes $15.3 million proposed for this Title XVI funding opportunity.

The amount of funding available for award is dependent on final FY 2013 appropriations. This FOA will be canceled if FY 2013 appropriations are insufficient to support new awards. Applications submitted under this FOA also may be considered if other funding becomes available for the Title XVI Program in FY 2013 or thereafter. Please refer to <http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/Title> for updated funding information.

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

Application Checklist v

Application Checklist

The following table contains a summary of the information that you are required to submit with a Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse application.

√ What to submit Required Content and

Form or Format When to Submit

Cover page Form SF 424, available at:

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

Assurances Form SF 424B or SF 424D, as applicable, available at:

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

Title page Page 12–13

Table of contents Page 13

Technical proposal: Pages 13–20

Executive Summary Page 13

Technical project description

Evaluation criteria

Environmental compliance

Required permits and approvals

Pages 13 Pages 13-19

Page 19-20

Project budget proposal: Pages 20–21

Budget form Form SF 424A or SF 424C, as applicable, available at: <http://apply07.grants.gov/ apply/FormLinks?family=15>

Description of expenditures planned through September

Funding plan Pages 20-21

Submit materials with your application by December 12, 2012.

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

Acronyms and Abbreviations vii

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ESA Endangered Species Act

FAQ Frequently Asked Question

FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement

FY fiscal year

GO Grants Officer

Interior U.S. Department of the Interior

MST Mountain Standard Time

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

OMB Office of Management and Budget

Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation

SAM System for Award Management

Title XVI Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse program

USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

U.S.C. United States Code

WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow

Contents ix

Contents

Page

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description I.A. WaterSMART: Title XVI Water Reclamation and

Reuse Program Construction Activities

I.B. Objective of Funding Opportunity Announcement I.C. Program Authority I.D. Frequently Asked Questions

Section II. Award Information II.A. Total Funding II.B. Project Funding Limitations

II.C. Reclamation Responsibilities II.D. Award Date

Section III. Eligibility Information III.A. Eligible Applicants III.B. Eligible Projects

III.C. Eligible Funding Requests III.D. Cost-Sharing Requirement

III.D.1. Cost-Share Regulations

III.D.2. In-Kind Contributions

III.D.3. Pre-Award Costs III.D.4. Indirect Costs

III.E. Environmental Compliance

III.F. Other Requirements III.F.1. Laws, Permits, and Approvals

III.F.2. System of Award Management

Section IV. Application and Submission Information IV.A. Address to Request Application Package IV.B. Application Submission Date and Time IV.C. Application Delivery Instructions

IV.D. Instructions for Submission of Project Application

IV.D.1. Applications Submitted by Mail

IV.D.2. Applications Submitted Electronically IV.D.3. Application Format and Length IV.D.4. Application Content

SF-424 Application Cover Page SF-424 Assurances Title Page Table of Contents

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. R13SF80002 x

Page

Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria Technical Proposal: Executive Summary

Technical Proposal: Technical Project Description Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria Technical Proposal: Environmental Compliance Technical Proposal: Required Permits or Approvals Description of Expenditures Planned Through

September 2015 Funding Plan

Section V. Application Review Information V.A. Section Review and Selection Process

V.A.1. First-Level Screening V.A.2. Second-Level Evaluation (Technical Review)

V.A.3. Third-Level Evaluation (Managerial Review) V.A.4. Pre-Award Clearances and Approvals

Section VI. Award Administration Information VI.A. Award Notices VI.B. Award Document

VI.C. Reporting Requirements and Distribution VI.C.1. Financial Reports VI.C.2. Program Performance Reports

Section VII. Agency Contacts

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

I.A. WaterSMART: Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Construction Activities

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Interior) WaterSMART (Sustain and

Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) program establishes a framework to provide Federal leadership and assistance on the efficient use of water, integrating water and energy policies to support the sustainable use of all natural resources, and coordinating the water conservation activities of various Interior bureaus and offices. Through the program, Interior is working to achieve a sustainable water strategy to meet the Nation’s water needs.

The Bureau of Reclamation’s (Reclamation’s) Title XVI Water Reclamation and

Reuse program (Title XVI) is an important part of WaterSMART. For purposes of the Title XVI program, a water reuse project is a project that reclaims and reuses municipal, industrial, domestic, or agricultural wastewater and naturally impaired groundwater and/or surface waters. Reclaimed water can be used for a variety of purposes, such as environmental restoration, fish and wildlife, ground water recharge, municipal, domestic, industrial, agricultural, power generation, or recreation. Water reuse is an essential tool in stretching the limited water supplies in the Western United States.

Title XVI projects develop and supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reuse, thereby improving efficiency, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply. Title XVI projects provide growing communities with new sources of clean water while promoting water and energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

For further information on the WaterSMART Program and Title XVI, see

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

I.B. Objective of Funding Opportunity Announcement

Under Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, Reclamation works to identify and investigate opportunities to reclaim and reuse wastewaters and naturally impaired ground and surface water in the 17 Western States and Hawaii. Title XVI also provides authority for Reclamation to provide up to the lesser of 25 percent of, or the Federal appropriations ceiling (typically $20 million) for the cost of planning, design, and construction of specific water recycling projects. The objective of http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/ this FOA is to invite sponsors of congressionally authorized Title XVI projects to request cost-shared funding for the planning, design, and/or construction of those authorized projects.

I.C. Program Authority

This FOA is issued under the authority of Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, as amended (43 United States Code [U.S.C.] 390h through 390h-39).

I.D. Frequently Asked Questions

A list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about WaterSMART and this FOA can be found online at < http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/Title>. The list of FAQs will be updated periodically during the application period.

Section II. Award Information

Section II. Award Information

II.A. Total Funding

The President’s fiscal year (FY) 2013 budget request includes $15.3 million proposed for this Title XVI funding opportunity. The amount of funding available for award is dependent on final FY 2013 appropriations. This FOA will be canceled if FY 2013 appropriations are insufficient to support new awards.

Applications submitted under this FOA also may be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2013 or thereafter. Please refer to

<http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/Title> for updated funding information.

II.B. Project Funding Limitations

The Federal share of an authorized Title XVI project (Reclamation’s share plus any other sources of Federal funding), including any funding provided as a result of this funding opportunity, shall not exceed 25 percent of the total project cost.

The amount of funding available for award is dependent on final FY 2013 appropriations. Reclamation anticipates providing no more than $4,000,000 per applicant or the amount remaining under the appropriations ceiling for the applicant’s authorized project if less than $4,000,000. Depending on final appropriations and interest in this FOA, Reclamation may consider awarding more than $4,000,000 per applicant or may consider a smaller funding amount.

II.C. Reclamation Responsibilities

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 the following:

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 that 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 such costs in your budget. To discuss assistance available and these costs, contact your local Reclamation office, which can be identified at

<http://www.usbr.gov/main/regions.html>.

II.D. Award Date

Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in April, 2013, or later depending upon the date of final FY 2013 appropriations. Within one to three months after that date, financial assistance agreements will be awarded to applicants that successfully complete all pre-award reviews and clearances.

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

Section III. Eligibility Information

III.A. Eligible Applicants

Sponsors of water reclamation and reuse projects specifically authorized for funding under Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, as amended (43 United States

Code [U.S.C] 390h through 390h-39) are eligible to apply for funding under this

FOA.

III.B. Eligible Projects

Water reclamation and reuse projects specifically authorized for funding under

Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, as amended (43 U.S.C. 390h through 390h-39) are eligible for funding under this FOA. To date, 53 projects have been specifically authorized under Title XVI and 2 other projects have been undertaken through the general authority of section 1605(a) of Public Law 102-575. Other projects that are the subject of pending authorizing legislation are eligible for funding if such legislation is signed into law by December 12, 2012 (the application deadline for this FOA). Under this FOA, funding is available for the planning, design, and/or construction of those specifically authorized projects.

Funds for construction activities will not be disbursed until all Title XVI pre-construction activities have been met for that project including: (1) a determination by Reclamation that a feasibility study for the project meets the requirements of Title XVI; (2) complete compliance with the National

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental requirements; (3) an approved determination of the project sponsor’s financial capability to provide the necessary non-Federal cost share; and (4) an executed financial assistance agreement between Reclamation and the applicant. Please note that some applicants may be exempt from the items (1) and (3) listed above.

Evaluation criteria listed in Section IV.D.5 “Application Content” of this FOA will be applied to the authorized Title XVI project as a whole, or where there is more than one project sponsor, the applicant’s component of the project.

Proposals, therefore, should describe the authorized Title XVI project in its entirety or, for authorized projects that have more than one project sponsor, the component of the project that your entity is responsible for planning, designing, and constructing.

If a project is not part of a feasibility study previously determined by Reclamation to meet the requirements of Title XVI, , a feasibility study must be submitted for

Reclamation review by December 12, 2012 (the application deadline for this

FOA). In addition, it must be possible for Reclamation to make a determination that the feasibility study meets Title XVI requirements by March 31, 2013. (Note:

some projects authorized prior to 1996 are exempt from this requirement.)

III.C. Eligible Funding Requests

Sponsors of authorized Title XVI projects are invited to request funding for planning, design, and/or construction of an authorized Title XVI project, including work that has already been completed without Federal funding, as well as work planned through September 30, 2015. Only project sponsors that submit a funding request in response to this FY 2013 funding opportunity announcement will be considered for FY 2013 funding.

Although the evaluation criteria listed in section IV.D.5 of this FOA will be applied to the authorized Title XVI project as a whole, funding requests submitted under this FOA must be based on the expenditures planned to be incurred by

September 30, 2015.

Applicants must provide a description of planning, design, and construction activities that are planned through September 30, 2015, including any work previously completed that is the basis for a request for Federal funding under this

FOA. Applicants must also provide a cost estimate for these activities. See

Section IV.D.5, “Funding Plan” for details.

III.D. Cost-Sharing Requirement

Applicants must be willing to cost share 75 percent or more of the total project costs. Prior to any construction funding, Reclamation must make a determination that the applicant has the financial capability to provide necessary non-Federal cost share for the project.

III.D.1. Cost-Share Regulations

All cost-share contributions must meet the criteria established in the Office of

Management and Budget’s (OMB) administrative and cost principles circulars that apply to the applicant. These circulars are available at

<http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars>.

III.D.2. In-Kind Contributions

In-kind contributions constitute the value of noncash contributions that benefit a federally assisted project. These contributions may be in the form of real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable property, as well as the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project or program. The cost or value of in-kind contributions that have been or will be relied on to satisfy a cost-sharing or matching requirement for another http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars

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 Title XVI projects.

III.D.3. Pre-Award Costs

Project pre-award costs that have been incurred prior to the date of award may be submitted for consideration as long as they were incurred after the enactment of the Title XVI project’s congressional authorization.

III.D.4. Indirect Costs

Indirect costs that will be incurred during the development or construction of a project, which will not otherwise be recovered, may be included as part of the applicant’s project budget. Indirect costs are those: (1) incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one cost objective and (2) not readily assignable to any one cost objective. If the applicant proposes indirect costs in the budget, then the applicant must either supply a copy of a current federally-negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or obtain an agreement within one year of award.

For further information on indirect costs, refer to the applicable OMB cost principles circular referenced above and available at

<http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars>.

III.E. Environmental Compliance

All projects being considered for award funding will require compliance with

NEPA before any ground disturbing activity may begin. Compliance with all applicable State, Federal, and local environmental, cultural, and paleontological resource protection laws and regulations is also required. These may include, but are not limited to, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), consultation with potentially affected tribes, and consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office.

Reclamation will be the lead Federal agency for NEPA compliance and will be responsible for evaluating technical information and ensuring that natural resources, cultural, and socioeconomic concerns are appropriately addressed. As the lead agency, Reclamation is solely responsible to determine the appropriate level of NEPA compliance. Further, Reclamation is responsible to ensure that findings under NEPA and consultations, as appropriate, will support

Reclamation’s decision on whether to fund a project. Environmental compliance costs are part of an applicant’s cost share.

Under no circumstances may an applicant begin any ground-disturbing activities

(including grading, clearing, and other preliminary activities) on a project before http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars environmental compliance is complete and Reclamation explicitly authorizes work to proceed. This pertains to all components of the proposed project, including those that are part of the applicant’s non-Federal cost share.

Reclamation will provide a successful applicant with information once environmental compliance is complete. An applicant that proceeds before environmental compliance is complete may risk forfeiting Reclamation funding under this FOA.

III.F. Other Requirements

III.F.1. Laws, Permits, and Approvals

Applicants shall adhere to Federal, State, territorial, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as applicable, and shall obtain all required approvals and permits.

Applicants also shall coordinate and obtain approvals from site owners and operators.

III.F.2. System of Award Management

All applicants must be registered in the Sytem of Award Management (SAM) prior to receiving Federal funding under this FOA. Instructions for registration for SAM are located at <https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM>. All applicants must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during the time it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration.

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.A. Address to Request Application Package

This document contains all information, forms, and electronic addresses required to obtain the information required for submission of an application.

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

By mail:

Bureau of Reclamation

Financial Assistance Services

Attn: Michelle Maher

Mail Code: 84-27850

P.O. Box 25007

Denver, CO 80225

E-mail: mmaher@usbr.gov

Phone: 303-445-2025

IV.B. Application Submission Date and Time

Application submission date deadline:

December 12, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)

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

Please note that any application submitted to Reclamation for funding may be subjected to a Freedom of Information Act request (5 U.S.C. § 552, as amended by Public Law No. 110-175) and, as a result, may be made publicly available. In addition, successful applications may be made publicly available and may be posted on Reclamation’s Web site.

IV.C. Application Delivery Instructions

Applications may be submitted electronically through <http://www.grants.gov> or hard copies may be submitted as follows. Under no circumstances will applications received through any other method (such as email or fax) be considered eligible for award.

By mail:

Bureau of Reclamation

Acquisitions Operations Group

Attn: Michelle Maher

Mail Code: 84-27810

Express delivery/mail services:

Attn: Michelle Maher

Mail Code: 84-27810

Denver Federal Center th

Avenue and Kipling Street

Telephone: 303-445-2025

IV.D. Instructions for Submission of Project Application

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

IV.D.1. Applications Submitted by Mail

Applicants shall submit an original and one copy of all application documents for hardcopy submissions. Each document should be clearly identified as the “ORIGINAL” or as a “COPY.”

Please only staple or binder clip submitted documents.

Hard copy applications may be submitted by mail or express methods to the addresses listed in section IV.C, above.

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

http://www.grants.gov/

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

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

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

IV.D.2. Applications Submitted Electronically

If the applicant chooses to submit an electronic application, it must be submitted through Grants.gov at <http://www.grants.gov>. Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications for funding electronically through

<http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp>. Applicant resource documents and a full set of instructions for registering with Grants.gov and completing and submitting applications online are available at:

<http://www.grants.gov/applicants/resources.jsp>.

Please note that submission of an application electronically requires prior registration through Grants.gov, which may take 7–21 days. Please see registration instructions at <http://www.grants.gov/applicants/ get_registered.jsp>.

Applicants sometimes have experienced significant delays when attempting to submit applications through Grants.gov. If you plan to submit your application through Grants.gov, you are encouraged to submit your application several days prior to the application deadline. If you are a properly registered Grants.gov applicant and encounter problems with the Grants.gov application submission process, you must contact the

Grants.gov Help Desk to obtain a “case number.” This case number will provide evidence of your attempt to submit an application prior to the submission deadline.

Regardless of the delivery method used, you must ensure that your proposal arrives by the deadline date and time stated in section IV.B., above. Late applications will not be accepted unless it is determined that the delay was caused by Federal Government mishandling or by a problem with the Grants.gov application system.

IV.D.3. Application Format and Length

The total application package shall be no more than 75 consecutively numbered pages. If an application exceeds 75 pages, only the first 75 pages will be evaluated. The font shall be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8 ½ inches by 11inches, except for an occasional larger size for http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp http://www.grants.gov/applicants/resources.jsp http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp charts, maps, or drawings. The Technical Proposal section shall be limited to a maximum of 50 pages.

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

IV.D.4. Application Content

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

SF-424 Core Form–Application cover page

SF-424 B or D Form–Assurances

Title page

Table of contents

Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria (limited to 50 pages) o Executive summary o Technical project description o Evaluation criteria o Environmental compliance o Required permits and approvals

Project budget proposal o SF-424A or C Form o Description of expenditures planned through September 2015 o Funding Plan

SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-424C, and SF-424D forms may be obtained at

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

SF-424 Application Cover Page

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

SF-424 Assurances

A SF-424B and SF-424D–Assurances, signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project shall be included. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424B or SF-424D form may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

Title Page

Provide the title of the authorized Title XVI project Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, e-mail address, telephone, and fax numbers of the project manager. If the authorized Title XVI project previously has been funded by Reclamation, indicate the financial assistance agreement number.

Table of Contents

List all major sections of the technical proposal in the table of contents.

Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria

The technical proposal (50 pages maximum) includes: (1) the Executive

Summary, (2) Technical Project Description (3) Evaluation Criteria,

(4) Environmental Compliance, and (5) Required Permits and Approvals.

To ensure accurate and complete scoring of your application, your proposal should address each evaluation subcriterion as it applies to the entire authorized Title XVI project or the applicant’s component where there is more than one project sponsor, in the order presented here. Where applicable, the point value is indicated. Please note minor changes in the information needed to address some criteria.

Technical Proposal: Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

The date, applicant name, city, county, and State

The amount of water that will be reclaimed or reused by the project

A one-paragraph project summary

Technical Proposal: Technical Project Description

The technical project description should provide a brief summary of the authorized Title XVI project or, where there is more than one project sponsor, the applicant’s entire component of the authorized project. If a feasibility study for the project has been approved by Reclamation, information contained in the study also may be referenced here.

Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each of the following criteria and subcriteria in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your proposal. The criteria and subcriteria must be applied to the entire authorized project or, where there is more than one project sponsor, to the applicant’s entire component of the authorized project.

(Note: it is suggested that applicants copy and paste the below criteria and subcriteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed). The Evaluation Criteria comprise 200 points.

Evaluation Criterion 1: Water Supply

Subcriterion No. 1a. Stretching Water Supplies—35 points

Points will be awarded based on the extent to which the project is expected to secure and stretch water supplies. Consideration will be given to the amount of water expected to be made available by the project and the extent to which the project will reduce demands on existing facilities and otherwise reduce water diversions.

1. How many acre-feet of water are expected to be made available each year upon completion of the project? Please use the total project water savings, not just the cost of work through September 30, 2015.

2. Will the project reduce, postpone, or eliminate the development of new or expanded nonrecycled water supplies?

3. How significantly will the demand on existing Federal water supplies be reduced? List the expected reduction to Federal water supply demand (in acre-feet) and the amount of water currently supplied directly or indirectly by a Federal facility to the project sponsor.

Provide calculations.

4. How will the project reduce diversions from natural watercourses or withdrawals from aquifers? Responses should be specific (including number of acre-feet) and should include the percentage by which diversions or withdrawals will be reduced.

5. What performance measures will be used to quantify actual benefits upon completion of the project?

Subcriterion No.1b. Contributions to Water Supply Sustainability—20 points

Points will be awarded for projects that contribute to a more sustainable water supply.

1. Will the project make water available to address a specific concern

(e.g., water supply shortages due to climate variability, and/or heightened competition for limited water supplies)? Consider the number of acre-feet of water to be made available and explain the specific concern and the role of the project in addressing that concern.

2. Will water made available by this project continue to be available during periods of drought? To what extent is the water made available by this project more drought-resistant than alternative water supply options? Explain.

Evaluation Criterion 2: Status of Project

Subcriterion No. 2a. Progress Toward Completion of an Authorized Title XVI

Project—20 points

Points will be awarded for projects that will bring an authorized Title XVI project to completion (i.e., to full Federal funding levels) or close to completion.

1. How much Federal funding has been provided for the authorized

Title XVI project to date?

2. How much Federal funding is necessary to fully satisfy the authorized

Federal cost-share?

Subcriterion No. 2b. Readiness to Proceed—10 Points

Points will be awarded based on the extent to which the project is ready to proceed, including consideration of the following:

1. What is the status of necessary environmental compliance measures?

o When is environmental compliance expected to be complete?

Provide a detailed schedule of all environmental compliance activities and a schedule that indicates when construction is expected to begin.

2. What is the status of required State and Federal permits for the project?

o When are all required permits expected to be obtained?

Evaluation Criterion 3: Environment and Water Quality—30 Points

Points will be awarded based on the extent to which the project will improve surface, ground water, or effluent discharge quality will restore or enhance habitat for nonlisted species or will provide water or critical habitat for federally listed threatened or endangered species:

1. Will the project improve the quality of surface or ground water? To what extent will the project improve effluent quality beyond levels necessary to meet state or Federal discharge requirements?

2. Will the project improve flow conditions in a natural stream channel?

Will the project restore or enhance habitat for nonlisted species? If so, how?

3. Will the project provide water or habitat for federally listed threatened or endangered species? If so, how?

Evaluation Criterion 4: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency—25 Points

Points will be awarded based on the extent to which the project incorporates the use of renewable energy and/or addresses energy efficiency:

1. Will the project include installing low-impact hydroelectric, solar-electric, wind energy, or geothermal power systems or other facilities that enable use of these or other renewable energy sources to provide power to components of the project? Are any energy recovery devices or processes included in the project? Provide the amount of energy expected to be generated through renewable energy sources (in kilowatt hours). What percentage of the project’s total energy consumption will be provided by installing renewable energy components?

2. If the project does not itself include renewable energy, will the project facilitate power generation in the water delivery system by making more water available? If so, explain the relationship between this project and any potential renewable energy improvements in the water delivery system.

3. Will completion of the project lead to a reduction in energy consumption as compared to current water supply options?

o Provide calculations and describe assumptions and methodology.

o Will the project include any innovative components to reduce energy consumption or to recover energy?

4. How does the project’s energy consumption compare to other water supply options that would satisfy the same demand as the project?

Evaluation Criterion 5: Cost per Acre-Foot of Water and Other Project Benefits— 25 Points

Points will be awarded based on the cost per acre-foot of water expected to be delivered upon completion of the project and other benefits of the project.

Please use costs related to the entire authorized project, not just the cost of work through September 30, 2015.

1. Reclamation will calculate the cost per acre-foot of the project using information provided by project sponsors. Please provide the following information for this calculation:

(a) The total estimated construction costs, by year, for the project

(include all previous and planned work).

Calendar

Year Construction

Cost Calendar

Year Construction

Cost

1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5. 10.

(b) The total estimated or actual costs to plan and design the project

(note this should include the cost to complete a Title XVI feasibility study).

(c) The average annual operation and maintenance costs for the life of the project (note this is an annual not total cost).

(d) The year the project will begin to deliver recycled water.

(e) The projected life (in years) that the project is expected to last (note this should be measured from the time the project starts delivering water).

(f) All estimated replacement costs, by year.

(f) all estimated replacement costs, by year; and

DESCRIPTION OF REPLACEMENT

REQUIREMENT YEAR COST

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

(g) The maximum volume of water (in acre-feet) that will be produced upon completion of the project.

2. Comparison of the cost per acre-foot of the project to the cost per acre-foot of one alternative (i.e., nonrecycled water option) that would satisfy the same demand as the proposed project. Provide the cost per acre-foot for one nonrecycled water alternative that would satisfy the same demand.

3. Some Title XVI project benefits may be difficult to quantify. Describe any economic benefits of the project that are not captured by the cost per acre-foot analysis or that are difficult to quantify.

Evaluation Criterion 6: Reclamation’s Obligations and Benefits to Rural or Economically Disadvantaged Communities

Subcriterion No. 6a. Legal and Contractual Water Supply Obligations—10 Points

Points will be awarded for projects that help to meet Reclamation’s legal and contractual obligations.

1. Does the project help fulfill any of Reclamation’s legal or contractual obligations such as providing water for Indian tribes, water right settlements, river restoration, minimum flows, legal court orders, or other obligations? Explain.

Subcriterion No. 6b. Benefits to Rural or Economically Disadvantaged

Communities —10 Points

Points will be awarded based on the extent to which the project serves rural communities or economically disadvantaged communities in rural or urban areas.

1. Does the project serve a rural or economically-disadvantaged community? (A rural community is defined as a community with fewer than 50,000 people.)

2. Are any economically-disadvantaged communities within the project sponsor’s service area?

Evaluation Criterion 7: Watershed Perspective —15 points

Points will be awarded based on the extent to which the project promotes or applies a watershed perspective by implementing an integrated resources management approach, implementing a regional planning effort, or forming a collaborative partnership with other entities.

A watershed perspective generally means an approach to planning directed at meeting the needs of geographically dispersed localities across a region or a watershed that will take advantage of economies of scale and foster opportunities for partnerships. This approach also takes into account the interconnectedness of water and land resources, encourages the active participation of all interested groups, and uses the full spectrum of technical disciplines in activities and decision-making.

1. Does the project implement a regional or State water plan or an integrated resource management plan? Explain.

2. Does the project promote collaborative partnerships to address water-related issues? Explain.

Technical Proposal: Environmental Compliance

To allow Reclamation to assess the probable environmental impacts and costs associated with each application, all applicants must respond to the following list of questions focusing on the requirements of the NEPA, ESA, and NHPA. Please answer the following questions to the best of your knowledge. If any question is not applicable to the project or if necessary environmental compliance has been completed, please explain.

If you have any questions, please contact your regional or area Reclamation office

(see <http://www.usbr.gov/main/regions.html>) with questions regarding environmental compliance issues.

1. Will the project impact the surrounding environment (i.e., soil [dust], air, water [quality and quantity], animal habitat, etc.)?

o Please briefly describe all earth-disturbing work and any work that will affect the air, water, or animal habitat in the project area.

o Please also explain the impacts of such work on the surrounding environment and any steps that could be taken to minimize the impacts.

2. Are you aware of any species listed or proposed to be listed as a Federal endangered or threatened species, or designated Critical Habitat in the project area? If so, how would they be affected by activities associated with the proposed project?

3. Are there wetlands or other surface waters inside the project boundaries that potentially fall under Federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction as “waters of the United States?” If so, please describe and estimate any impacts the project may have.

4. Are there any known archeological sites in the proposed project area? If so, please describe and estimate any impacts the project may have.

5. Will the project have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority populations? If so, please describe and estimate any impacts the project may have.

6. Will the project limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites or result in other impacts on tribal lands? If so, please describe and estimate any impacts the project may have.

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

7. Will the project contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area? If so, please describe and estimate any impacts the project may have.

Under no circumstances may an applicant begin any ground-disturbing activities

(including grading, clearing, and other preliminary activities) on a project before environmental compliance is complete and Reclamation explicitly authorizes work to proceed. This pertains to all components of the proposed project, including those that are part of the applicant’s non-Federal cost share.

Reclamation will provide a successful applicant with information once environmental compliance is complete. An applicant that proceeds before environmental compliance is complete may risk forfeiting Reclamation funding under this FOA.

Technical Proposal: 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.

Description of Expenditures Planned Through September 2015

The evaluation criteria listed in section IV.D. of this FOA will be applied to the entire authorized Title XVI project. Applicants also must provide a description of planning, design, and construction activities that are planned through

September 30, 2015, including a description of activities that have previously been completed without Federal funding that are the basis for a request for

Federal funding under this FOA. Applicants also must provide a cost estimate for these activities.

Funding Plan

Please include the following chart (table 1) to summarize your non-Federal and other Federal funding sources for that portion of the project that will be completed by September 30, 2015. Denote in-kind contributions with an asterisk (*).

In addition to the Funding Plan noted in table 1, please provide information specific to funds expended to date for the entire project scope and proposed expenditures through September 2015 that notes both Federal and non-Federal funds.

Please note that a full budget proposal will be required for project proposals chosen for funding under the FOA. Refer to Section V.A.3, “Third-Level

Evaluation (Managerial Review),” for further information.

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

Funding Sources Funding Amount Non-Federal Entities

1.

2.

3.

Non-Federal Subtotal:

Other Federal Entities

1.

2.

3.

Other Federal Subtotal:

Requested Reclamation Funding:

Total Project Funding:

Section V. Application Review Information

Section V. Application Review Information

V.A. Section Review and Selection Process

The Government reserves the right to reject any and all applications that do not meet the requirements of this FOA or are outside the scope of the Title XVI

Program. Awards will be made for projects most advantageous to the

Government. The evaluation process will be comprised of three steps described in the following subsections.

V.A.1. First-Level Screening

All applications will be screened to ensure that:

The application meets the requirements of the FOA package identified in sections IV.D.4. and IV.D.5., including submission of technical proposal, funding plan, letter(s) of commitment, and related forms.

The applicant meets the eligibility requirements stated in this document.

An application must pass all First-Level Screening criteria to be forwarded for further consideration at the Second-Level Evaluation phase.

V.A.2. Second-Level Evaluation (Technical Review)

Evaluation criteria will comprise 200 points of the total evaluation weight as stated in section IV.D.5.

Applications will be scored against the evaluation criteria by an Application

Review Committee (ARC), made up of experts in relevant disciplines selected from across Reclamation.

V.A.3. Third-Level Evaluation (Managerial Review)

Management will prioritize projects to ensure the total amount of all awards does not exceed available funding levels and to ensure that the projects meet the scope and priorities of the WaterSMART program and Title XVI. Positive or negative past performance by the applicant and any partners in previous working relationships with Reclamation may be considered.

As part of the evaluation, the prioritized project sponsors will be contacted by

Reclamation and requested to submit a full budget proposal, budget narrative, and supporting documentation for costs associated with the portion of the project that will be completed by September 2015. The total costs must match the requested funding noted on the SF424 and SF424C submitted with the applicant’s original proposal. Cost-share and funding commitment documentation also may be requested during this level of evaluation.

V.A.4. Pre-Award Clearances and Approvals

After completion of the third-level evaluation, Reclamation will notify applicants whose proposals have been selected for award consideration and will forward their applications to the appropriate Reclamation regional or area office for completion of environmental compliance.

The local Reclamation office will also complete a business evaluation and determination of responsibility. During these evaluations, the Grants Officer

(GO) will also consider several factors which are important, but not quantified, such as:

Pre-award clearances, determinations, reviews, and approvals.

Allowability and allocability of proposed costs.

Past performance, including satisfactory compliance with all terms and conditions of previous awards, such as environmental compliance issues, reporting requirements, proper procurement of supplies and services, and audit compliance.

Adequacy of personnel practices, procurement procedures, and accounting policies and procedures, as established by applicable OMB circulars.

If the results of all pre-award reviews and clearances are satisfactory, an award of funding will be made once the agreement is finalized (approximately 1–3 months from date of initial selection). If the results of pre-award reviews and clearances are unsatisfactory, consideration of funding for the project may be withdrawn.

Section VI. Award Administration Information

Section VI. Award Administration Information

VI.A. Award Notices

Successful applicants will receive, by electronic or regular mail, a notice of award.

VI.B. Award Document

If the applicant is awarded a financial assistance agreement as a result of this

FOA, the proposed project and other relevant information from the application will be referenced in the agreement. The agreement document must be signed by a Reclamation GO before it becomes effective.

VI.C. Reporting Requirements and Distribution

If the applicant is awarded an agreement as a result of this FOA, the applicant will be required to submit the following types of reports during the term of the agreement.

VI.C.1. Financial Reports

SF-425, Federal Financial Report, on a semiannual basis.

VI.C.2. Program Performance Reports

Quarterly reports.

Final report (please note final reports are public documents and will be made available on Reclamation’s Web site).

If mitigation is required to lessen environmental impacts, the applicant may, at Reclamation’s discretion, be required to report on progress and completion of these commitments. Reclamation will coordinate with the applicant to establish reporting requirements and intervals accordingly.

Section VII. Agency Contacts

Section VII. Agency Contacts

There will be no pre-application conference. Organizations or individuals interested in submitting applications in response to this FOA may direct questions to Reclamation in writing. Questions may be submitted to the attention of

Michelle Maher, GO, as follows:

By mail:

Bureau of Reclamation

Financial Assistance Services

Attn: Michelle Maher

Mail Code: 84-27850

Overnight delivery:

Attn: Michelle Maher

Mail Code: 84-27850

Denver Federal Center, Bldg. 67 Rm. 152 th

Avenue and Kipling Street

By e-mail:

mmaher@usbr.gov