fy15 drought resiliency foa final-508.pdf

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. R15AS00046

WaterSMART:

Drought Resiliency Project Grants for Fiscal Year 2015

U.S. Department of the Interior Policy and Administration

Bureau of Reclamation Denver, Colorado May 2015

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

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

WaterSMART:

Drought Resiliency Project Grants for FY 2015

U.S. Department of the Interior Policy and Administration

Bureau of Reclamation Denver, Colorado May 2015

Synopsis

Synopsis

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

Funding Opportunity Title:

WaterSMART: Drought Resiliency Project Grants for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015

Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Funding Opportunity Number:

R15AS00046

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.514

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. IV.B.1)

Application due date: June 25, 2015, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)

Eligible Applicants:

(See FOA Sec. III.A)

States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the western United States or United States Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended

Recipient Cost Share:

(See FOA Sec. III.E)

50 percent or more of project costs

Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. II.B)

Up to $300,000 per applicant

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

9-10 projects

Total Amount of Funding Available for Award:

(See FOA Sec II.A)

Approximately $2 to $3 million will be available for drought resiliency projects under this FOA, depending on demand for other program funding opportunities. Any awards are subject to a determination by Reclamation that awards can be made consistent with all program requirements.

Applications submitted under this FOA may also be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2015 or subsequently.

iii

Application Checklist

Application Checklist

The following table contains a summary of the information that you are required to submit with a Drought Resiliency Project Grant application.

√ What to Submit Required Content and

Form or Format When to Submit

Application for Federal Assistance

Form SF 424, available at <http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15>

Assurances Page 25

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

Title Page Page 25 *

Table of Contents Page 25 *

Technical Proposal:

1. Executive Summary

2. Background Data

3. Technical Project Description

4. Evaluation Criteria

5. Performance Measures

Page 26-27

Pages 27 and 39-44

Environmental Compliance

Pages 27–29 and 49-54 *

Drought Plan If applicable *

Required Permits or Approvals

Page 29 **

Letters of Project Support

Page 29-30 *

Official Resolution Page 30 **

Project Budget:

1. Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment

2. Budget Proposal

3. Budget Narrative

4. Budget Form

Page 30-32

Page 33-37

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

* Submit materials with your application by June 25, 2015, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)

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

v

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ALC Agency Location Code(s)

ARC Application Review Committee

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments

CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CE Categorical Exclusion

CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist

Climate Strategy Climate Change Adaptation Strategy

CWA Clean Water Act

DUNS Data Universal Number System

EA Environmental Assessment

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

ESA Endangered Species Act

ET evapotranspiration

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement

FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact

Framework Drought Response Program Framework

FY fiscal year

GO Grants Officer

Interior U.S. Department of the Interior

LOPP Lease of Power Privilege

MST Mountain Standard Time

NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service vii

WaterSMART: Drought Resiliency Project Grants for FY 2015

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

OM&R operations, maintenance, and replacement

P.L. Public Law

Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation

SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

SAM System for Awards Management

U.S. United States

USC United States Code

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow viii

Contents

Page

Synopsis ............................................................................................................. iii

Application Checklist.......................................................................................... v

Acronyms and Abbreviations .......................................................................... vii

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

I.A Drought Response Program

I.B Objective of This FOA

I.C Program Authority

I.D Other Related Funding Opportunities

Section II: Award Information

II.A Total Project 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.B.1 Task A – Increasing the Reliability of Water Supplies through Infrastructure

Improvements

III.B.2 Task B – Projects to Improve Water Management through Measurement, Modeling, and Tools

III.B.3 Task C –Projects that Facilitate the Sale, Transfer or Exchange of Water

III.B.4 Task D – Projects that Provide Protection for Fish, Wildlife, and the

Environment

III.C Ineligible Projects

III.C.1 Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement (OM&R)

III.C.2 Water Conservation Projects

III.C.3 Title XVI Water Recycling and Reuse

III.C.4 Water Purchases

III.C.5 Building Construction

III.C.6 Pilot Projects

III.D Length of Projects

III.E Cost-Sharing Requirements

III.E.1 Cost-Share Regulations

III.E.2 In-Kind Contributions

III.E.3 Pre-Award Costs

III.E.4 Indirect Costs

III.F Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

III.G Reporting Requirements

III.H Requirements for Agricultural Operations under P.L. 111-11, Section

9504(a)(3)(B)

III.I Other Requirements

III.I.1 Title to Improvements P.L.111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D)

III.I.2 Operation and Maintenance Costs under P.L.111-11, Section

9504(a)(3)(E)(iv)

III.I.3 Liability under P.L.111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(F)

In General

Tort Claims Act

III.I.4 System for Awards Management (SAM) and Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) Registration

Section IV: Application and Submission Information

IV.A Address to Request Application Package ix

IV.B Application Submission

IV.B.1 Submission Date and Time

IV.B.2 Application Delivery Instructions

IV.C Instructions for Submission of Project Application

IV.C.1 Applications Submitted by Mail or Express Delivery

IV.C.2 Applications Submitted Electronically

IV.C.3 Application Format and Length

IV.D Application Content

IV.D.1 Required Forms

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

SF-424 Assurances

IV.D.2 Title Page

IV.D.3 Table of Contents

IV.D.4 Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria

Executive Summary

Background Data

Technical Project Description

Evaluation Criteria

Performance Measures

IV.D.5 Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

IV.D.6 Existing Drought Contingency Plan

IV.D.7 Required Permits or Approvals

IV.D.7 Letters of Support

IV.D.8 Official Resolution

IV.D.9 Project Budget

Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment

Budget Proposal

Budget Narrative

Budget Form

IV.E Funding Restrictions

Section V: Application Review Information

V.A Technical Proposal – Evaluation Criteria

V.A.1 Evaluation Criterion A – Project Benefits (40 points)

V.A.2 Evaluation Criterion B – Drought Planning and Preparedness (20 points)

V.A.3 Evaluation Criterion C – Severity of Actual or Potential Drought Impacts

(20 points)

V.A.4 Evaluation Criterion ' – Nexus to Reclamation (15 points)

V.A.5 Evaluation Criterion (– Project Implementation (5 points)

V.B Review and Selection Process

V.B.1 Initial Screening

V.B.2 Application Review Committee (ARC) Review

V.B.3 Red-Flag Review

V.B.4 Managerial Review

V.C Pre-Award Clearances and Approvals

Section VI: Award Administration Information

VI.A Award Notices

VI.B Award Document

VI.C Releasing Applications

VI.D Reporting Requirements and Distribution

VI.D.1 Financial Reports

VI.D.2 Program Performance Reports

Section VII: Agency Contacts

Section VIII: Other Information

VIII.A Overview of Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

Requirements

VIII.B Review within the Application Evaluation Process x

VIII.C Review of Initially Recommended Projects

VIII.D Overview of Relevant Environmental Laws

VIII.D.1 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

VIII.D.2 National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)

VIII.D.3 Endangered Species Act (ESA)

Tables

1 Summary of Non-Federal and Federal Funding Sources

2 Sample Funding Sources Format

3 Sample Budget Proposal Format xi

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

I.A Drought Response Program

Many areas in the west are currently experiencing unprecedented drought conditions. While droughts are common in the western United States (U.S.), there is growing evidence that climate change is causing longer and more frequent droughts in some areas.1 Drought directly impacts the Bureau of Reclamation’s (Reclamation) ability to deliver water and power to contractors, central to Reclamation’s mission. As the Nation’s largest wholesale water supplier, Reclamation must support our customers, stakeholders, and partners in building resiliency to drought and climate change.

Reclamation has developed a new Drought Response Program to improve our ability to assist States, tribes, and local governments to prepare for and address drought in advance of a crisis. The Drought Response Program is funded under the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Interior) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program. The Drought Response Program supports a proactive approach to drought by providing assistance to water users to (1) develop and update comprehensive drought contingency plans Drought Contingency Plans, (2) implement projects that will build long-term resiliency to drought (Drought Resiliency Projects), and (3) implement emergency response actions.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) supports Drought Resiliency Projects that will build long-term resiliency to drought and reduce the need for emergency response actions.

For further information on the Drought Response Program, please see www.usbr.gov/drought/.

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

I.B Objective of This FOA

The objective of this FOA is to invite States, tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on Drought Resiliency Projects that will increase the reliability of water supply; improve

1 The Third National Climate Assessment, published by the U.S. Global Change Research Program in 2014, links climate change to increased droughts in the western States.

http://nca2014.globalchange.gov.

http:http://nca2014.globalchange.gov www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART www.usbr.gov/drought water management; implement systems to facilitate the voluntary sale, transfer, or exchange of water; and provide benefits for fish, wildlife, and the environment to mitigate impacts caused by drought. Drought Resiliency Project Grants support implementation of the President’s June 2013 Climate Action Plan and Reclamation’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (Climate Strategy), available at www.usbr.gov/climate/docs/ClimateChangeAdaptationStrategy.pdf.

Projects carried out through Drought Resiliency Project Grants can increase water management flexibility, making our water supply more resilient, and thereby helping to prepare for and address the impacts of drought and climate change.

Proposals submitted under this FOA must demonstrate that the proposed project is supported by an existing drought planning effort. It is a well-established principle that proactively identifying resiliency projects through drought planning, in advance of a crisis, is far more cost effective than emergency response. As stated on the National Drought Mitigation Center website, http://drought.unl.edu/:

One frequently cited estimate from FEMA2 is that “mitigation” – taking steps ahead of time to prevent known impacts from a natural disaster – saves $4 for every $1 expended. Planning ahead is generally seen as more efficient and more effective than measures taken in crisis mode.

Drought researchers have found that after-the-fact assistance to farmers, for example, is expensive and doesn’t necessarily reach the right people.

The requirement that proposed projects are supported by an existing drought plan will help ensure that projects funded under this FOA are well thought out, have public support, and have been identified as the best way to address vulnerabilities to drought.

I.C Program Authority

This FOA is issued under the authority of Section 9504(a) of the Secure Water Act, Subtitle F of Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.)111-11 (42 United States Code (USC) 10364). (For more information visit www.usbr.gov/drought/.)

I.D Other Related Funding Opportunities

A separate FOA for Drought Contingency Planning will be posted on Grants.gov (www.grants.gov/) concurrently with this FOA. The Drought Contingency Planning FOA includes financial assistance provided under the Drought Response Program on a 50/50 cost-share basis, to develop a drought contingency plan or to update an existing plan. Additionally, projects focused on water conservation, such as canal lining or piping to conserve water, landscape irrigation measures, 2 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

http:www.grants.gov http:Grants.gov www.usbr.gov/drought http:http://drought.unl.edu www.usbr.gov/climate/docs/ClimateChangeAdaptationStrategy.pdf turf replacement, and rebate programs to promote the installation of high efficiency appliances, are eligible for funding under Reclamation’s WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grant FOA, and are not eligible for funding under this FOA.

Section II. Award Information

Section II: Award Information

II.A Total Project Funding

Approximately $2 to $3 million will be available for Drought Resiliency Project Grants under this FOA. The actual amount will be determined based on demand for this and other program funding opportunities. Any awards are subject to a determination by Reclamation that awards can be made consistent with all program requirements. Applications submitted under this FOA may also be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2015 or subsequently.

Updated funding information is available at www.usbr.gov/drought.

II.B Project Funding Limitations

Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration. However, no more than $300,000 will be awarded to any one applicant under this FOA.

The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) of any one proposed project shall not exceed 50 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.

Up to $300,000 in Federal funds per applicant will be available through this FOA to implement projects that will build long-term resiliency to drought. A more detailed description of eligible projects is included in Section III.B – Eligible Projects.

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:

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 your local Reclamation office, listed at www.usbr.gov/main/ regions.html.

II.D Award Date

Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in July 2015 or slightly later if necessary. Within one to two months after that date, financial assistance agreements will be awarded to applicants that successfully pass all pre-award reviews and clearances.

www.usbr.gov/main

Section III: Eligibility Information

III.A Eligible Applicants

Under P.L. 111-11, Section 9502, an eligible applicant is a State, tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority.

Applicants must also be located in the western U.S. or Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented;

specifically: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands.

Those not eligible include the following entities:

Federal Governmental entities Institutions of higher education Individuals

III.B Eligible Projects

Reclamation will provide funding for projects that build long-term resilience to drought and reduce the need for emergency response actions through this Drought Resiliency Projects Grants FOA. Drought resiliency can be defined as the capacity of a community to cope with and respond to drought. Under this FOA, Reclamation will fund projects that will build resiliency to drought by:

Increasing the reliability of water supplies Improving water management Facilitating the voluntary sale, transfer, or exchange of water Providing benefits for fish and wildlife and the environment.

Eligible projects and examples are further defined in Section III.B.

Resiliency projects are intended to decrease vulnerabilities and costs of drought by giving water managers flexibility in times of low water supply. These types of projects are generally beyond routine water management activities or activities required by State law for conservation and efficiency. Resiliency projects also help avoid the need for emergency response actions, such as water hauling programs and temporary infrastructure. Projects funded under this FOA must have ongoing benefits to build long-term resilience to drought, even if they also address an immediate drought concern.

Projects funded under this FOA are intended to improve the ability of water managers to continue to deliver water and power during a drought, consistent with Reclamation's mission. Projects to conduct on-farm improvements or projects to assist individual landowners or businesses are not eligible under this FOA. Applicants interested in on-farm improvements should contact the U. S.

Department of Agriculture (USDA) 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 visit www.nrcs.usda.gov for further contact information in your area.

Under this FOA, Reclamation will prioritize projects supported by an existing drought planning effort. Drought contingency planning efforts frequently identify potential projects or needs to improve resiliency to drought. These can include mitigation actions or tools that will improve water management flexibility; or improve access to critical water supply information that will help water managers build resiliency and avoid a crisis during drought. In support of a proposal submitted under this FOA, applicants must demonstrate that the proposed project meets a need or project identified in an existing drought plan.

Tasks A-D, below, describe project categories eligible for funding under this FOA. Applications may include any one, or a combination, of the types of projects described in Tasks A-D. In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple projects (for example, a Task A project and a Task C project) and the projects are interrelated or closely related, they should be combined in one application. One phase of a larger project may be eligible for funding under this program, so long as the phase proposed for funding will generate benefits to address drought resiliency, independent of completion of additional phases.

Other projects that are similar to those tasks listed below may be submitted for consideration and will be allowed to the extent that they are consistent with program authorization and goals. All projects must be able to be completed within two years from the date that a financial assistance agreement is signed, including all associated environmental compliance work. Accordingly, this program is focused on smaller-scale improvements that can be accomplished within the time-frames and funding limit of the program.

Please note that an agreement will not be awarded for an improvement to conserve irrigation water unless the applicant agrees to the terms of Section 9504(a)(3)(B) of P.L.111-11. See Section III.H – Requirements for Agricultural Operations under P.L. 111-11, Section 904(a)(3)(B). , of this FOA for further information.

http:www.nrcs.usda.gov

III.B.1 Task A – Increasing the Reliability of Water Supplies through Infrastructure Improvements

Even small investments in infrastructure can improve resiliency to drought conditions by increasing water management flexibility and providing alternative sources of water supply. For example, construction of new surface water intakes and new conveyance system components—such as pipes or pumping plants—can provide water managers with much needed options to deliver water from alternative sources, or support voluntary transfers of water during drought.

Likewise, aquifer recharge facilities can support water banking in wet years for use in dry years and sustainable conjunctive use programs. Please note that all projects must be able to be completed within the two-year time frame, including completion of associated environmental compliance activities.

Task A projects include, but are not limited to:

System modifications or improvements.—Projects that will increase flexibility of water conveyance and deliveries, facilitating access to water supplies in times of drought. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Construction or modification of surface water intakes to access supplies when water levels are low (i.e., at dead pool), or to allow access at different locations o Construction of new conveyance system components (pipelines, canals, pumping plants, etc.), to increase flexibility to deliver water from different sources, to facilitate voluntary water marketing, or to deliver water from alternative sources o Construction of interties between water conveyance systems to increase options for water deliveries o Installation of barriers or other facilities to prevent saltwater intrusion into surface supplies

Storing water and/or recharging groundwater supplies.—Projects that enable the capture or storage of additional water supplies that can be made available during drought. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Developing or expanding small-scale surface water storage facilities such as off-stream storage ponds o Installing water towers and storage tanks to store water for municipal and domestic use o Installing recharge ponds or injection wells to increase recharge of surplus, inactive, or reclaimed water. Recharged water can serve multiple purposes such as sustainable conjunctive use in times of drought, deterring salt water intrusion into freshwater aquifers, and limiting additional land subsidence

Developing alternative sources of water supply.—Projects that develop alternative water supplies to build resiliency to the impacts of drought.

Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Constructing wells to provide back-up water supplies during times of drought o Constructing extraction wells at groundwater banks to improve extraction and return capabilities during dry years o Constructing or expanding small-scale water treatment facilities to treat impaired groundwater, municipal wastewater, stormwater runoff, for environmental, agricultural, or potable purposes o Constructing stormwater capture and reuse systems o Installing residential grey water and rain catchment systems

III.B.2 Task B – Projects to Improve Water Management through Measurement, Modeling, and Tools

Task B projects are intended to help provide entities with water use information and tools to monitor the onset of drought, detect different levels of drought that may trigger certain drought mitigation and response actions, and to identify potential strategies to address drought. Projects include, but are not limited to the following:

Installing water measurement equipment and monitoring instrumentation devices to accurately track water supply conditions (e.g., water service meters, stream flow measurement structures, flow meters, well level instruments, reservoir level monitors). Projects may include, but are not limited to:

o Projects that improve measurement accuracy. (e.g., installing weirs, flumes, ramps, etc. in open channels and installing meters in pressurized pipes) o Installing dual municipal meters to track indoor versus outdoor water use, allowing water purveyors to control or discourage landscape irrigation and other outdoor uses in times of drought o Installation and/or modification of monitoring equipment associated with stream flow measurement devices, water level sensors, etc.

Developing water management and modeling tools to help communities evaluate options and implement strategies to address drought o Developing online decision support tools to help communities identify alternative water supplies or water management options in times of drought. For example, Reclamation has partnered with the State of Oklahoma to develop a drought tool familiarizing users with alternative sources of supply, treatment processes, distribution options, short term equipment solutions for treatment, and permitting requirements, see www.owrb.ok.gov/drought/DroughtTool.pdf.

o Developing new models or improving existing models for analyzing and predicting drought conditions. Such models should be based on proven methods to analyze drought frequency, duration, and intensity, as opposed to research type efforts.

o Developing water budgets and tiered pricing programs that incentivize decreased consumptive use. Tiered pricing can be paired with water budgets to reward customers who use less water by charging lower rates for water in a lower tier. For example, Tier I pricing can include a relatively low price for indoor water use within a budgeted amount (e.g., 55 gallons per person per day). Reasonable water use above that amount – assumed to be for outdoor use – would be included within Tier 2 pricing at a higher cost than Tier 1. Tier 3 would establish an even higher price for all water use that exceeds the total water budget.

o Real-time operational modeling to track supply conditions and demands. Modeling can be used to analyze different operational scenarios to optimize pumping capacities, evaluate user restrictions, water delivery needs, etc., and determine how to best meet other compliance standards such as temperature control points, water quality, or Endangered Species Act (ESA) related requirements.

o Assessing water quality with respect to the level of drought to determine appropriate measures to protect water quality for fish and wildlife, agriculture and human consumption (e.g., water quality testing, constructing groundwater monitoring wells).

III.B.3 Task C –Projects that Facilitate the Sale, Transfer or Exchange of Water

Task C includes projects that facilitate water marketing between willing buyers and sellers to redistribute water supplies in order to meet other existing needs or uses (e.g., agricultural, municipal, dedication to in-stream flows). Projects include, but are not limited to the following:

www.owrb.ok.gov/drought/DroughtTool.pdf

Developing a water marketing tool or program that would provide a mechanism for willing participants to buy, sell, lease, or exchange water to avoid or reduce water conflicts o Developing a water market or water marketing program o Developing a database or internet systems to link buyers and sellers o Establishing a mechanism to determine transfer priorities throughout a region or basin o Developing water market reports including quantity and pricing data o Creating or expanding long-term environmental compliance programs.

Note: Projects that simply include the sale of conserved water to an existing customer are not considered water marketing projects under this task area.

III.B.4 Task D – Projects that Provide Protection for Fish, Wildlife, and the Environment

These projects seek to mitigate or minimize the potential drought-related impacts to ecosystems and to provide a sustainable environment for those species that are most vulnerable to periods of deficient water supplies. Please note that projects that provide benefits for fish and wildlife and the ecosystems they inhabit or utilize must be directly related to the impacts of drought or potential drought.

Projects include, but are not limited to the following:

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

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

Improving habitat, including restoring habitat to pre-drought conditions.

Examples of projects include, but are not limited to:

o Projects that will increase stream flow to levels that are biologically compatible for threatened or endangered species in low-flow areas (e.g., by changing the timing or location of diversions) o Projects that strive to maintain biologically compatible parameters through the control of salinity (e.g., salinity barriers) or temperature (e.g., temperature curtains or powerplant bypass structures), and to aerate ecologically sensitive areas where dissolved oxygen levels are low o Restoring stream banks, managing and enhancing native vegetation, and installing stream flow deflectors in order to enhance pool and riffle habitats o Developing tools to evaluate and collect appropriate reservoir and stream flow levels to establish a baseline that can be used to evaluate and address ecological health and minimize adverse effects o Collecting in-stream habitat data to establish a baseline that can be used to evaluate and address ecological health o Restoring backwater/floodplain areas (for larval and juvenile fish and other wildlife species) to enhance and maintain rearing, and feeding and foraging habitats

III.C Ineligible Projects

Projects not eligible for funding under this FOA include scientific research, water hauling, education and outreach, land fallowing, cover cropping, and reimbursement for economic losses resulting from drought. Emergency drought response projects that provide temporary benefits, including projects involving temporary facilities (e.g., temporary pipes and pumps), and projects expected to increase the total irrigated acreage or consumptive use of an applicant are also not eligible for funding. Projects for drought contingency plans are not eligible under this FOA but may be eligible for funding under Reclamation’s WaterSMART Drought Contingency Planning FOA.

Other projects that are not eligible for funding under this FOA include:

Projects considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement

Water Conservation Projects

Projects that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI project under P.L.102-575, as amended (43 USC 390h et seq.)

Water purchases

Construction of buildings for administration purposes

Pilot projects

More explanation regarding these types of ineligible projects is included immediately below.

III.C.1 Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement

(OM&R)

In accordance with Section 9504 of the Secure Water Act, projects that are considered normal OM&R are not eligible for funding under this FOA. 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

Replacing broken meters with new meters of the same type

Replacing leaky pipes with new pipes of the same type

Applicants that have questions regarding OM&R are encouraged to contact Ms. Avra Morgan at 303-445-2906 or aomorgan@usbr.gov prior to the application deadline for further information.

III.C.2 Water Conservation Projects

In order to avoid overlap with Reclamation’s existing WaterSMART Grants program, projects primarily focused on water conservation are not eligible under this FOA, including:

Lining or piping canals to conserve water

Installing landscape irrigation measures

Turf replacement

Rebate programs to promote the installation of high efficiency appliances

Water conservation projects may be eligible for funding under Reclamation’s WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grant FOA. Projects that will result in water conservation as a secondary consideration, such as water meters, are mailto:aomorgan@usbr.gov eligible under this FOA, so long as they are consistent with the eligible projects described in Tasks A-D. Please contact Ms. Avra Morgan at 303-445-2906 or aomorgan@usbr.gov for further information.

III.C.3 Title XVI Water Recycling and Reuse

Title XVI is Reclamation’s Water Recycling and Reuse Program focused on identifying and investigating opportunities to reclaim and reuse wastewaters and naturally impaired ground and surface water. In general, this FOA is not intended for large scale water recycling and reuse projects. Note, however, that small-scale improvements that relate to an existing water recycling facility (that is not an authorized Title XVI project) may be considered eligible for funding.

Any projects or project elements that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI project of P.L.102-575, as amended (43 USC 390h et seq.), are not eligible for funding under this FOA. In addition, if a project sponsor is likely to seek funding for the activity through the Title XVI Program in the future (e.g., seeking congressional funding for the project or preparing a Title XVI feasibility study that describes the activity as part of a proposed Title XVI project) that activity should be pursued under the Title XVI Program instead of this FOA.

Please contact Ms. Avra Morgan at 303-445-2906 or aomorgan@usbr.gov for further information.

For additional information on the Title XVI Program, please visit: www.

usbr.gov/WaterSMART/title/.

III.C.4 Water Purchases

Proposals to use Federal funding for the purchase of water are not eligible under this FOA. 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/.

III.C.5 Building Construction

Proposals to construct a building are not eligible for Federal funding under this FOA (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or to promote public awareness of water conservation).

www.usbr.gov/drought

III.C.6 Pilot Projects

Proposals 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

FOA.

III.D Length of Projects

In general, proposed projects should be completed within two years of award.

Applications for projects requiring more time will be considered for funding only under limited circumstances.

III.E Cost-Sharing Requirements

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

Reclamation will not execute a financial assistance agreement or make funds available for a Drought Resiliency Project Grant until non-Federal funding is secured or Reclamation determines that there is sufficient evidence and likelihood that non-Federal funds will be available to the applicant subsequent to executing the agreement. Funding commitment letters must be submitted in accordance with Section IV.C – Instructions for Submission of Project Application and contain the information stated at Section IV.D.8 – Project Budget, subsection Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment.

III.E.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.

III.E.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 http:www.ecfr.gov 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 Drought Resiliency Project Grant applications. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR 200.434 for regulations regarding the valuation of in-kind donations and contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

III.E.3 Pre-Award Costs

Project pre-award costs that have been incurred prior to the date of award may be submitted for consideration as an allowable reimbursable expense. In no case will pre-award costs incurred prior to July 1, 2014 be considered for cost-share purposes.

For example, such costs might include design or construction plans and environmental compliance costs directly supporting the proposed project.

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

III.E.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:

Incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one cost objective

Not readily assignable to any one cost objective

If the applicant has never received a Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, proposals may elect to include a de minimis rate of up to 10 percent of modified total direct costs. Otherwise, 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 the award.

For further information on indirect costs and modified total direct costs, refer to 2 CFR Part 200 available at ww.ecfr.gov.

http:ww.ecfr.gov

III.F Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

All projects being considered for award funding will require compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (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 (CWA), 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 for determining 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 and cultural resources compliance costs are considered project costs. These costs will be considered in the ranking of applications.

Under no circumstances may an applicant begin any ground-disturbing activities (e.g., grading, clearing, and other preliminary activities) on a project before environmental and cultural resources 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 such compliance is complete. An applicant that proceeds before environmental and cultural resources compliance is complete may risk forfeiting Reclamation funding under this FOA.

III.G Reporting Requirements

Recipients are required to report on the status of their project on a regular basis.

Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in the recipient being removed from consideration for funding under future funding opportunities. See Section VI.D – Reporting Requirements and Distribution for information on types and frequency of reports required.

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

In accordance with Section 9504(a)(3)(B) of P.L.111-11, grants and cooperative agreements under this authority will not be awarded for an improvement to conserve irrigation water unless the applicant agrees to both of the following conditions:

Not to use any associated water savings to increase the total irrigated acreage of the eligible applicant

Not to otherwise increase the consumptive use of water in the operation of the eligible applicant, as determined pursuant to the law of the State in which the operation of the eligible applicant is located

III.I Other Requirements

Applicants shall adhere to Federal, State, Territorial, tribal, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as applicable, and shall obtain all required approvals and permits. Applicants shall also coordinate and obtain approvals from site owners and operators.

III.I.1 Title to Improvements P.L.111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D)

If the activities funded through an agreement awarded under this FOA result in a modification to a portion of a federally owned facility that is integral to the existing operations of that facility, the Federal government shall continue to hold title to the facility and the improvements thereto. Title to improvements, P.L.111 11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D) that are not integral to existing water delivery operations shall reside with the project sponsor.

III.I.2 Operation and Maintenance Costs under P.L.111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(E)(iv)

The non-Federal share of the costs for operation and maintenance of any infrastructure improvement funded through an agreement awarded under this FOA shall be 100 percent.

III.I.3 Liability under P.L.111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(F)

In General

Except as provided under Chapter 171 of Title 28, USC (commonly known as the Federal Tort Claims Act), the U.S. shall not be liable for monetary damages of any kind for any injury arising out of an act, omission, or occurrence that arises in relation to any facility created or improved through an agreement awarded under this FOA, the title of which is not held by the U.S..

Tort Claims Act

Nothing in this section increases the liability of the U.S. beyond that provided in Federal Tort Claims Act.

III.I.4 System for Awards Management (SAM) and Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) Registration

All applicants must be registered in SAM prior to award under this FOA.

Instructions for registering in SAM are located at www.sam.gov/portal/public/ SAM. All applicants must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times while they have an active Federal award or an application under consideration.

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

www.usbr.gov/mso/aamd/asap.html www.sam.gov/portal/public

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 Management Branch Attn: Ms. Irene M. Hoiby Mail Code: 84-27852 P.O. Box 25007

Denver, CO 80225

By email: ihoiby@usbr.gov

By telephone: 303-445-2025

IV.B Application Submission

IV.B.1 Submission Date and Time

Application submission date deadline:

June 25, 2015, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

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

Please note that any application submitted to Reclamation for Drought Resiliency Project Grant funding may be subjected to a Freedom of Information Act request (5 USC Section 552, as amended by P.L. No. 110-175), and as a result, may be made publicly available. Following awards of funding, Reclamation will post all successful applications on the Reclamation website, www.usbr.gov/drought/ after conducting any redactions determined necessary by Reclamation, in consultation with the recipient.

mailto:ihoiby@usbr.gov

IV.B.2 Application Delivery Instructions

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

By mail: Bureau of Reclamation Acquisition Operations Branch Attn: Ms. Irene M. Hoiby Mail Code: 84-27852 P.O. Box 25007 Denver, CO 80225

Mail Code: 84-27852 Denver Federal Center, Bldg. 56, Rm. 1000 6th Avenue and Kipling Street Denver, CO 80225

IV.C Instructions for Submission of Project Application

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

IV.C.1 Applications Submitted by Mail or Express Delivery

Please follow these instructions to submit your application 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.”

Only binder clip documents submitted.

Hard copy applications may be submitted by mail or express methods to the addresses listed in Section IV.B.2 – Application Delivery Instructions, above.

http:www.grants.gov

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

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

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

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

IV.C.2 Applications Submitted Electronically

If the applicant…