fy16 titlexvi authproj foa.pdf

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

Denver, Colorado October 2015

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. R16-FOA-DO-003

WaterSMART:

Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Funding for Fiscal Year 2016

Mission Statements

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

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

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

Denver, Colorado October 2015

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. R16-FOA-DO-003

WaterSMART:

Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Funding for Fiscal Year 2016

Synopsis iii

Synopsis

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

(Reclamation), Policy and Administration

Funding Opportunity Title:

WaterSMART: Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016

Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Funding Opportunity Number:

R16-FOA-DO-003

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.504

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. IV.B)

Application due date: December 10, 2015 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 United States Code [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. Note that awards may be significantly smaller than the amount requested, depending on final appropriations and interest in this FOA. If program funding is sufficient, Reclamation may also consider awards of more than $4,000,000 per applicant.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. II.B)

Approximately 5 to 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 2016 budget request includes $20 million proposed for the Title XVI Program. The amount of funding available for award depends on final FY 2016 appropriations.

This FOA will be canceled if FY 2016 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 2016 or thereafter. For updated funding information, please refer to <http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/Title>.

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 13 1

Table of contents Page 13 1

Technical proposal: Pages 13–20 1

• Executive summary Page 13

• Technical project description

Page 13 1

• Evaluation criteria Pages 13–22

• Environmental compliance

Pages 14-15

• Required permits and approvals

Project budget proposal: Pages 15 -16 1

• 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

Page 15 1

• Funding plan Pages 15 -16 1

1 Submit materials with your application by December 10, 2018.

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 ALC Agency Location Code ARC Application Review Committee ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act DUNS Data Universal Number System ESA Endangered Species Act FAQs frequently asked questions 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 Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation SAM System for Award Management Title XVI Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse program U.S.C. United States Code WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow

Contents ix

Contents Page

Synopsis ................................................................................................ iii Application Checklist .............................................................................. v Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................... vii 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 (SAM) and

Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) Registration

Section IV. Application and Submission Information IV.A. Address to Request Application Package 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 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 Cover Page SF-424 Assurances

IV.D.2 Title Page IV.D.3 Table of Contents IV.D.4 Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. R15AS00009 x

Executive Summary Technical Project Description Evaluation Criteria Environmental Compliance Required Permits or Approvals Description of Expenditures Planned Through September 2018

IV.D.5 Funding Plan Section V. Application Review Information

V.A Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria V.A.1 Evaluation Criterion 1: Water Supply

Subcriterion No. 1a - Stretching Water Supplies (35 points) Subcriterion No.1b - Contributions to Water Supply Sustainability (20 points)

V.A.2 Evaluation Criterion 2: Status of Title XVI Project Subcriterion No. 2a. - Progress Toward Completion of Title XVI Project (20 points) Subcriterion No. 2b. Readiness to Proceed (10 Points)

V.A.3 Evaluation Criterion 3: Environment and Water Quality (30 Points)

V.A.4 Evaluation Criterion 4: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (25 Points)

V.A.5 Evaluation Criterion 5: Cost per Acre-Foot of Water and Other Project Benefits (25 Points)

V.A.6 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) Subcriterion No. 6b - Benefits to Rural or Economically Disadvantaged Communities (10 Points)

V.A.7 Evaluation Criterion 7: Watershed Perspective (15 points)

V.B Review and Selection Process V.B.1 Initial Screening V.B.2 Application Review Committee (ARC) Review V.B.3 Managerial Review V.B.4 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 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) Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse program (Title XVI Program) 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, groundwater 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 and are an important part of the Department’s implementation of the President’s June 2013 Climate Action Plan and the November 1, 2013, Executive Order, Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change. Through water reuse, Title XVI projects increase water management flexibility, making our water supply more resilient and thereby helping to prepare for the impacts of climate change.

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 (Title XVI), Reclamation works to identify and investigate opportunities to reclaim and reuse wastewater and naturally impaired ground and surface water in the 17 Western States and Hawaii.

Title XVI also provides authority for Reclamation to provide up to the lesser of http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/

Announcement No. R16-FOA-DO-003

25 percent of, or the Federal appropriations ceiling (typically $20 million), for the cost of planning, designing, and constructing specific water recycling projects.

The objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (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) 2016 budget request includes $20 million proposed for this Title XVI FOA. The amount of funding available for award is dependent on final FY 2016 appropriations. This FOA will be canceled if FY 2016 appropriations are insufficient to support new awards. Applications submitted under this FOA also may be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2016 or thereafter. for updated funding information, please refer to <http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/Title>.

II.B. Project Funding Limitations The Federal share of aTitle XVI Project (i.e., Reclamation’s share plus any other sources of Federal funding), including any funding provided as a result of this FOA, shall not exceed 25 percent of the total Title XVI Project cost. The amount of funding available for award is dependent on final FY 2016 appropriations.

Reclamation anticipates providing no more than $4,000,000 per applicant, subject to funding capability and amount remaining under the appropriations ceiling for each Title XVI Project. Note that awards may be signicantly smaller than the amount requested, depending on final appropriations and interest in this FOA. If program funding is sufficient, Reclamation may also consider awards of more than $4,000,000 per applicant.

II.C. Reclamation Responsibilities Awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements as applicable to each Title XVI 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 financial assistance agreement. 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/offices.html>.

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

II.D. Award Date Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in June 2016 or later, depending upon the date of final FY 2016 appropriations. Within 1 to 3months after that date, financial assistance agreements will be awarded to applicants that successfully complete all pre-award reviews and clearances.

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

III.B. Eligible Projects Title XVI Projects specifically authorized for funding under Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, as amended (43 U.S.C. 390h through 390h-39) 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 10, 2015 (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 pre-construction activities have been met for that Title XVI 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 items (1) and (3) listed above.

Evaluation criteria listed in Section IV.D - Application Content of this FOA will be applied to the Title XVI Project as a whole, or when there is more than one project sponsor, the applicant’s component of the Title XVI Project. Proposals, therefore, should describe the Title XVI Project in its entirety or, for Title XVI Projects that have more than one sponsor, the component of the Title XVI 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, and the funding requested will be used for construction activities, a feasibility study must be submitted for Reclamation review by December 10, 2015 (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 April 30, 2016. (Note: some Title XVI Projects authorized prior to 1996 are exempt from this requirement.)

III.C. Eligible Funding Requests Sponsors of Title XVI Projects are invited to request funding for planning, design, and/or construction of a Title XVI Project, including work that has already been completed without Federal funding, as well as work planned through September 30, 2018. Only Title XVI Project sponsors that submit a funding request in response to this FY 2016 FOA will be considered for FY 2016 funding.

Although the evaluation criteria listed in Section V.A - Technical Proposal:

Evaluation Criteria 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, 2018.

Applicants must provide a description of planning, design, and construction activities that are planned through September 30, 2018, including any work previously completed that is the basis for a request for Federal funding under this FOA (Project Activities). 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 Title XVI Project costs. Prior to disbursing any construction funding, Reclamation must make a determination that the applicant has the financial capability to provide necessary non-Federal cost share for the Title XVI Project.

III.D.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 <http://www.ecfr.gov>.

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.ecfr.gov/

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. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR 200.434 for regulations regarding the valuation of in-kind donations and contributions, available at <http://www.ecfr.gov>.

III.D.3. Pre-Award Costs Project pre-award construction 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:

• 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 <http://www.ecfr.gov>.

III.E. Environmental Compliance All Project Activities 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 (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 for ensuring 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 Project Activities (including grading, clearing, and other preliminary activities) before environmental compliance is complete and Reclamation explicitly authorizes work to proceed. This pertains to all components of the Proposed Activities, 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 (SAM) and Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) Registration

All applicants must be registered in SAM prior to receiving Federal funding under this FOA. Instructions for registration for SAM are 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.

All applicants must also be registered with and process all payments through the Deaprtment 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) (ALC) and the Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number prior to the award of funds. If recipients have 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: <http://www.usbr.gov/mso/aamd/asap.html>. Note that if your organization is currently enrolled in the ASAP system with an agency other than Reclamation, you must enroll specifically with Reclamation to be eligible for award.

https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM http://www.usbr.gov/mso/aamd/asap.html

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

IV.A. Address to Request Application Package This document contains all the 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: Mike Dieterich Mail Code: 84-27852 P.O. Box 25007 Denver, CO 80225

By email: mdieterich@usbr.gov

By telephone: 303-445-2484

IV.B. Application Submission

IV.B.1 Submission Date and Time Application submission date deadline:

• December 10, 2015, 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.

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.

Following awards of funding, Reclamation will post all successful applications on the Reclamation website after any redactions determined necessary by Reclamation, in consultation with the recipient.

mailto:mdieterich@usbr.gov

IV.B.2 Application Delivery Instructions Applications may be submitted electronically through <http://www.grants.gov>, or hardcopies 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 Acquisition Operations Branch Attn: Mike Dieterich Mail Code: 84-27810 P.O. Box 25007 Denver, CO 80225

By express delivery/mail or courier services:

Bureau of Reclamation Attn: Mike Dieterich Mail Code: 84-27810 Denver Federal Center, Bldg. 67, Rm. 152 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

• 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 submitted documents.

• Hardcopy applications may be submitted by mail or express methods to the addresses listed in Section IV.B.2, above.

• 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, and official resolutions.

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

http://www.grants.gov/

• 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 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/apply-for-grants.html>.

• Please note that submission of an application electronically requires prior registration through Grants.gov, which may take 7 to 21 days. Please see registration instructions at <http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html>.

• 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.1, 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.C.3 Application Format and Length The total application package shall be no more than 75 consecutively numbered, single-sided 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 8½ by 11 inches, including charts, maps, and drawings. Large-scale charts, maps, and drawings that cannot be reproduced on an office copier will be discarded and not considered in the review of the proposal. The technical proposal section shall be limited to a maximum of 50 pages.

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

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

IV.D. Application Content The application must include the following elements to be considered complete:

• SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

• SF-424 Assurances (B or D Form, as applicable to the Project Activities)

• 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-424 Budget (A or C Form, as applicable to the Project

Activities) o Description of expenditures planned through September 30, 2018 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>.

IV.D.1 Required Forms

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 or SF-424D Form – 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.

IV.D.2 Title Page Provide the title of the Title XVI Project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name, address, email 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.

IV.D.3 Table of Contents List all major sections of the technical proposal in the table of contents.

IV.D.4 Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (50 pages maximum) includes:

(1) the executive summary, (2) technical project description, (3) evaluation criteria, (4) environmental compliance, and (5) required permits and approvals.

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 Activities summary

Technical Project Description

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

Evaluation Criteria

(See Section V – Application Review Information for additional details, including a detailed description of each criterion and subcriterion and points associated with each.)

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

It is suggested that applicants copy and paste the evaluation criteria and subcriteria in Section V – Application Review Information into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed

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 NEPA, ESA, and NHPA. Please answer the following questions to the best of your knowledge. If any question is not applicable to the Project Activities, 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/offices.html> with questions regarding environmental compliance issues.

1. Will the Project Activities 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 Activities?

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 Activities may have.

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

5. Will the proposed Project Activities 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 Activities 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 Activities may have.

7. Will the Project Activities 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 Activities may have.

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

Under no circumstances may an applicant begin any ground-disturbing Project Activities (including grading, clearing, and other preliminary activities) before environmental compliance is complete and Reclamation explicitly authorizes work to proceed. This pertains to all components of the Project Activities, 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.

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 2018

The evaluation criteria listed in Section V.A. of this FOA should be applied to the entire Title XVI Project. Applicants also must provide a description of the Project Activities that are planned through September 30, 2018, including a description of Project 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 the Project Activities.

IV.D.5 Funding Plan Please include the following chart (table 1) to summarize your non-Federal and other Federal funding sources for the Project Activities that will be completed by September 30, 2018. 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 Project Activities and proposed expenditures through September 30, 2018 that notes both Federal and non-Federal funds.

Please note that a full budget proposal will be required for Title XVI Project proposals chosen for funding under this FOA. Refer to “Section V.B.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 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 Title XVI Project or, when there is more than one project sponsor, to the applicant’s entire component of the Title XVI Project (unless otherwise specified). Note: it is suggested that applicants copy and paste the below criteria and subcriteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed. Applications will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria (listed below) which total 200 points.

V.A.1 Evaluation Criterion 1: Water Supply

Subcriterion No. 1a - Stretching Water Supplies (35 points)

Points will be awarded based on the extent to which the Title XVI 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 Title XVI 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 Title XVI Project? Please use the total Title XVI Project water savings, not just projected water savings for the Project Activites that will be completed by September 30, 2018.

2. Will the Title XVI Project reduce, postpone, or eliminate the development of new or expanded non-recycled 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 Title XVI Project?

Subcriterion No.1b - Contributions to Water Supply Sustainability (20 points)

Points will be awarded for Title XVI Projects that contribute to a more sustainable water supply.

1. Will the Title XVI 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. Explain the specific concern and its severity. Also explain the role of the Title XVI Project in addressing that concern and the extent to which the Project will address it.

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

V.A.2 Evaluation Criterion 2: Status of Title XVI Project

Subcriterion No. 2a. - Progress Toward Completion of Title XVI Project (20 points)

Points will be awarded for Project Activities that will bring a 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 Title XVI Project to date?

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

3. Will the funding requested under this FOA satisfy the Federal cost share?

Subcriterion No. 2b. Readiness to Proceed (10 Points)

Points will be awarded based on the extent to which the Project Activities that will be completed with the requested funding are ready to proceed. Where funding is being requested for construction, the following will be considered:

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 Activities?

o When are all required permits expected to be obtained?

V.A.3 Evaluation Criterion 3: Environment and Water Quality (30 Points)

Up to 30 points will be awarded based on the extent to which the Title XVI Project will improve surface, groundwater, 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 Title XVI Project improve the quality of surface or groundwater? To what extent will the project improve effluent quality beyond levels necessary to meet State or Federal discharge requirements?

2. Will the Title XVI 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 Title XVI Project provide water or habitat for federally listed threatened or endangered species? If so, how?

V.A.4 Evaluation Criterion 4: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (25 Points)

Up to 25 points will be awarded based on the extent to which the Title XVI Project incorporates the use of renewable energy and/or addresses energy efficiency:

1. Will the Title XVI 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 Title XVI Project’s total energy consumption will be provided by installing renewable energy components?

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

3. Will completion of the Title XVI 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 Title XVI Project include any innovative components to reduce energy consumption or to recover energy?

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

V.A.5 Evaluation Criterion 5: Cost per Acre-Foot of Water and Other Project Benefits (25 Points)

Up to 25 points will be awarded based on the cost per acre-foot of water expected to be delivered upon completion of the Title XVI Project and other benefits of the project. Please use costs related to the entire Title XVI Project, not just the cost of work through September 30, 2018.

1. Reclamation will calculate the cost per acre-foot of water produced by the Title XVI 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 Title XVI 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 Title XVI 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 Title XVI Project (note: this is an annual not total cost)

(d) The year the Title XVI Project will begin to deliver recycled water

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

(f) All estimated replacement costs by year

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 Title XVI Project

2. Comparison of the cost per acre-foot of the Title XVI 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. Reclamation will compare the cost per acre-foot that it calculates using the information requested in question No. 1 to the cost per acre-foot for the nonrecycled water alternative provided by the project sponsor.

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. Points will be awarded based on the potential economic impact of the project-related benefits.

V.A.6 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)

Up to 10 points will be awarded for projects that help to meet Reclamation’s legal and contractual obligations.

1. Does the Title XVI 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)

Up to 10 points will be awarded based on the extent to which the Title XVI Project serves rural communities or economically disadvantaged communities in rural or urban areas.

1. Does the Title XVI 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 rural or economically disadvantaged communities within the Title XVI Project sponsor’s service area?

V.A.7 Evaluation Criterion 7: Watershed Perspective (15 points) Up to 15 points will be awarded based on the extent to which the Title XVI 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 decisionmaking.

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

2. Does the Title XVI Project promote collaborative partnerships to address water-related issues? Explain.

V.B 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.B.1 Initial Screening All applications will be screened to ensure that:

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