FY17 CalFed FOA FINAL 12.15.16.docx

Header for this page Section VIII. Other Information

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-MP-17-F001

Bay-Delta Restoration Program: CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region

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.

Synopsis

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. IV.B) Application due date: February 28, 2017, 1:00 p.m. PST

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 $750,000 per agreement for a project up to 2 years

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. II.B) Approximately 3-10, depending on requested funding amounts for selected projects and final Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 appropriations.

Estimated Amount of Funding Available for Award:

(See FOA Sec II.A) The President’s FY 2017 budget includes a request for $3 million in CALFED Grant funding, through Bay-Delta Restoration Program. Reclamation will determine the amount of funding available for award for this CALFED Grant FOA once final FY 2017 appropriations have been made. Any awards are subject to a determination by Reclamation that FY 2017 appropriations are available and 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 2017 or subsequently.

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

Technical proposal:

Budget proposal:

Form SF 424A or SF 424C, as applicable

* Submit materials with your application by February 28, 2017, 1:00pm PST.

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

Application Checklist v Acronyms and Abbreviations

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. R14AS80001

Acronyms and Abbreviations vii Contents Page

Tables Page

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-MP-17-F001

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description I.A Water Use Efficiency Grants Reclamation is a participating agency in the Bay-Delta Restoration Program. The CALFED Bay-Delta Program Final Programmatic EIS/EIR was released July 21, 2000, and the Record of Decision (ROD) was published August 28, 2000. As described in these documents, the Bay-Delta Restoration Program includes strategies to address ecosystem health, water supply reliability and water quality. Water use efficiency is a critical element in the successful implementation of the Bay-Delta Restoration Program.

Reclamation is posting a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for cost share funding for water use efficiency and conservation activities. To be eligible for financial assistance, a proposed activity must have a defined relationship to the California Bay-Delta.

Reclamation has authority to provide financial assistance to entities with water or power delivery authority, including water districts and irrigation districts. Applicants with water or power delivery authority may seek funding under this FOA.

I.B Objective of Funding Opportunity Announcement The objective of this FOA is to invite States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) on projects emphasizing water use efficiency and conservation activities that result in benefits for the California-Bay Delta. For FY17, if the applicant has already committed to accomplish the project as part of another agreement, then the project will not be eligible for funding under this FOA. Projects will be selected through a competitive process that will focus on achieving the outcomes identified in this FOA.

This FOA does not support research to reduce the cost of desalination through membrane process research and development studies, thermal process research and development studies, and non-traditional/alternative desalination process research and studies; and water recycling and reuse studies. For more information regarding these programs within Reclamation, visit the Water Treatment and Engineering and Research Group website at www.usbr.gov/pmts/water/desalination/index.html. New funding opportunities under these programs will be announced at www.grants.gov.

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 111-11 (42 United States Code 10364).

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

Section II: Award Information II.A Total Project Funding Up to $3.0 million is estimated to be available for award under this FOA through Bay-Delta Restoration Program funding. Bay-Delta Restoration Program funding is limited to projects within the CALFED Solution Area. For the geographic extent of the CALFED Solution Area please refer to the map available at www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/grants/index.html.

II.B Project Funding Limitations Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration by each applicant, however, no more than $750,000 per project, and $1.5M per recipient, will be awarded under this FOA.

The Federal share (i.e., 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. It is expected that funds will be awarded no later than September 15, 2017, contingent on appropriations.

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 David T. White, Program Coordinator, at dwhite@usbr.gov.

II.D Award Date Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in May 2017, or slightly later if necessary, based on the enactment of FY 2017 appropriations. Within one to four months after that date, financial assistance agreements will be awarded to applicants that successfully pass all pre-award reviews and clearances.

Section II. Award Information

Section III: Eligibility Information III.A Eligible Applicants Under P.L. 111-11, Section 9504, an eligible applicant is a State, Indian tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority.

Applicants must be located in the CALFED solution area. For the geographic extent of the CALFED Solution Area please refer to the map available at www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/grants/index.html.

Those not eligible include the following types of entities:

· Federal governmental entities

· Institutions of higher education

· Individuals III.B Eligible Projects Projects should seek to conserve and use water more efficiently, protect endangered and threatened species, and result in quantifiable and sustained water savings or improved water management.

The Bay-Delta Restoration Program: CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants (Program) will fund feasible urban and agricultural projects that improve ecosystem health, including protection of endangered and threatened species, water supply reliability or water quality of the California Bay-Delta through water use efficiency and conservation that result in qualtifiabe and sustained water savings or improved water management.

Grants or cooperative agreements for improvement projects to conserve irrigation water will only be provided if the eligible applicant agrees not to (1) use any associated water savings to increase the total irrigated acreage of the eligible applicant; and/or (2) otherwise increase the consumptive use of water in the operation of the eligible applicant.

Proposals may include any type of implementation, demonstration, or pilot water use efficiency or conservation projects that have benefits to the California Bay-Delta. Projects that only consist of research or feasibility studies, planning or education will not be funded.

Priority will be given to projects that can be completed within 24 months of the date of award.

Examples of previously funded projects and a successful project application can be found at www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/about.html.

Applications may include any one, or a combination, of the types of projects below. In general, if an applicant is seeking funding for multiple projects and those projects are interrelated or closely related, they should be combined in one application. Conversely, if the projects can be completed independently and are easily separated or phased, they should be applied for separately.

Applicants may submit multiple project proposals; however, no more than $750,000 will be awarded per proposal, and no more than $1.5M per recipient.

Note: During Third-Level Evaluation (Managerial Review, see Section V.B.4.) Reclamation will review the results of the Second-Level Evaluation (Technical Review, see Section V.B.2.) and may prioritize projects to ensure that multiple Task Areas are represented among the projects selected for funding.

III.B.1 Task A – Water Conservation Projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings or improved water management include, but are not limited to:

Canal Lining/Piping: Projects that line or pipe canals, resulting in conserved water. Projects include, but are not limited to:

Installing new proven lining materials or technology Converting open canals to pipeline Constructing conveyance improvements, turnouts, pipelines, or intertie systems

Municipal Metering: Projects that install meters, resulting in measureable water savings. Projects include, but are not limited to:

Installing water service meters Installing distribution systems meters associated with production and/or leakage quantification

Irrigation Flow Measurement: Projects that improve measurement accuracy and result in reduced spills and over-deliveries to irrigators. Projects include, but are not limited to:

Installing weirs, flumes, ramps, etc. in open channels Installing meters in pressurized pipes

SCADA and Automation: Projects that install supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and/or automation components that provide water savings when irrigation delivery system operational efficiency is improved to reduce spills, over-deliveries, and seepage. Projects include, but are not limited to:

Installing SCADA components that allow for remote monitoring of irrigation delivery system conditions (flow rates, water elevations, controls devices openings, etc.)

Installing automation components that allow for remote operation of delivery system control features (gates, valves, turnouts, etc.)

Groundwater Recharge: Projects that provide savings when surface water storage evaporation is reduced and/or surface runoff is intercepted for recharge. Projects include, but are not limited to:

Installing recharge ponds Installing surface runoff interception systems Removing impervious surfaces

Small-scale Water Recycling and Water Reuse: Small-scale projects that reclaim and reuse wastewaters or naturally impaired groundwater and surface water. Congressionally authorized projects under Title XVI program are not eligible. The Title XVI program is decribed in Section III.C.2. Water reuse and recycling projects eligible under this FOA include, but are not limited to:

· Implementing small-scale improvements to an existing water recycling facility

· Small-scale projects that develop and supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reuse

Landscape Irrigation Measures: Projects that provide water savings by reducing outdoor water usage. These measures include turf removal, Smart irrigation controllers (weather or soil-moisture based) and high-efficiency nozzles (sprinkler heads). These measures are typically promoted by water entities through rebates or direct-install programs. Projects include, but are not limited to:

Removing turf Installing Smart irrigation controllers Installing high-efficiency nozzles (e.g., sprinkler heads)

High-Efficiency Indoor Appliances and Fixtures: Projects that promote installation of high-efficiency indoor appliance and fixtures to provide water savings for municipal water entities where there is significant potential for replacing existing non-efficient indoor appliances and fixtures. This is typically promoted by water entities through rebates or direct-install programs. Projects include, but are not limited to:

Installing high-efficiency clothes washers, dishwashers, faucets, etc.

III.C Ineligible Projects Projects that are not eligible for funding under this FOA include those not specifically described in Section III.B. Examples of ineligible projects include, but are not limited to, the following:

III.C.1 Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement (OM&R) Projects that are considered normal OM&R are not eligible. 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 David T. White, Program Coordinator, at 916-978-5208 for further information.

III.C.2 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 water recycling and reuse projects, however, 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 Public Law 102-575, as amended (43 United States Code 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. Applicants may contact David T. White, Program Coordinator, at 916-978-5208 for further information.

For additional information on the Title XVI Program, please visit: <www.usbr.gov/CALFED/title>.

III.D Length of Projects There is a preference for projects that can be completed by December 31, 2019, however, applications for projects requiring more than 2 years will be considered if the applicant can demonstrate that there will be measureable on-the-ground accomplishments each year. The completion timeline only applies to tasks outlined in the scope of the executed financial assistance agreement.

III.E Cost-Sharing Requirement 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 make funds available for financial assistance under this program until the recipient has secured the necessary non-Federal cost-share. Reclamation will execute a financial assistance agreement once non-Federal funding has been secured or Reclamation determines that there is sufficient evidence and likelihood that non-Federal funds will be available to the applicant subsequent to executing the agreement. 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.9. 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 proposed 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 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 financial assistance under this program. 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 October 1, 2016, 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. Direct costs for the preparation of the application and support documentation are not allowable under this FOA and subsequent awards.

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>.

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

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 part of an applicant’s cost share. These costs will be considered in the ranking of applications.

Under no circumstances may an applicant begin any ground-disturbing activities (including 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, including any necessary determinations solely within Reclamation’s purview. An applicant that proceeds before environmental and cultural resources compliance is complete may risk forfeiting Reclamation funding under this FOA.

III.G Requirements for Agricultural Operations Under Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(B) In accordance with Section 9504(a)(3)(B) of Public Law 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.H Other Requirements Applicants shall adhere to Federal, State, Territorial, 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.H.1 Title to Improvements [Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D)] If the activities funded through an agreement awarded under this FOA result in a modification to a federally owned facility, or any portion thereof, the Federal government shall continue to hold title to the facility and the improvements thereto.

III.H.2 Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Costs Under Public Law 11111, Section 9504(a)(3)(E)(iv) The non-Federal share of the costs for O&M of any infrastructure improvement funded through an agreement awarded under this FOA shall be 100 percent.

III.H.3 Liability Under Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(F) Except as provided under chapter 171 of Title 28, United States Code (commonly known as the “Federal Tort Claims Act”), the United States 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 United States.

Tort Claims Act Nothing in this section increases the liability of the United States beyond that provided in “Federal Tort Claims Act.”

III.H.4 System for Awards Management and Automated Standard Application for Payments Registration All applicants must be registered in the System for Awards Management (SAM) prior to award under this FOA. Instructions for registering for 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 Automated Standard Application for Payments (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 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.

III.H.5 Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) Section III. Eligibility Information

Reclamation, prior to making a Federal award with a total Federal estimated amount greater than the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000.00), is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313). Applicants, at their option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in FAPSIIS. Reclamation will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205, Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

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:

Mid-Pacific Region / MP-3829 Attn: Ms. Leanne Henderson 2800 Cottage Way Sacramento CA 95825

Application submission date deadline:

· February 28, 2017, 1:00 p.m. PST

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 CALFED Grant funding may be subjected to a Freedom of Information Act request (5 United States Code § 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 as needed.

IV.B.2 Application Delivery Instructions Applications may be submitted electronically through <www.grants.gov> or hard copies may be submitted to the following address. Under no circumstances will applications received through any other method (such as email or fax) be considered eligible for award.

Mid-Pacific Region / MP-3829 Attn: Ms. Leanne Henderson 2800 Cottage Way Sacramento CA 95825

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 Courier or Express Delivery/Mail Services Please follow these instructions to submit your application by courier or express delivery/mail services.

Applicants shall submit one original hard copy of the application and attachments for submission.

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., above.

In addition to hard copy documents, please submit a copy of your application on a CD in Microsoft Office as well as .pdf format. File attachments of spreadsheet in Excel format shall also be provided, if applicable.

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.

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 <www.grants.gov>. Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications for funding electronically through <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: <www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp>

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 <www.grants.gov/ applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp>.

Applicants have sometimes 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 date and time deadline stated in Section IV.B.1. Application Submission Date and Time, 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 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 x 11 inches including maps and charts. The technical proposal and evaluation criteria section shall be limited to a maximum of 30 pages. The SF-424 forms are not considered in the total page count.

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

IV.C.4 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) Title page Table of contents Technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to 30 pages) Executive summary Background data Technical project description Evaluation criteria

· Conservation Benefits

· Water Benefits in Relation to Bay-Delta Supply

· Environmental Benefits

· Technical/Scientific Merit

· Cost Effective Budget and Project Costs

· Performance Measures and Project Monitoring

· Ability to Implement the Proposed Project

· Water Management Plan Performance measures Environmental and cultural resources compliance determination plan Required permits or approvals Letters of project support Official resolution Verification of ASAP account Verification SAM account Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) Project budget

· Funding plan and letters of commitment Budget proposal

· Budget narrative

· Budget Form SF-424A or SF-424C as applicable to project

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 The application must include the following standard Federal forms.

SF-424 Application For Federal Assistance 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 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration. < http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 > SF-424 Assurances A SF-424B – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs or an SF-424D – Assurances – Construction Programs, signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project shall be included. Questions regarding whether to use SF-424B or SF-424D should be referred to Ms. Leanne Henderson at lhenderson@usbr.gov. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424B or SF-424D may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration. < http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 > IV.D.2 Title Page Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the FOA number, name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, e-mail address, telephone, and facsimile numbers of the project manager.

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

IV.D.4 Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (30 pages maximum) includes: (1) the executive summary, (2) background data, (3) technical project description, (4) evaluation criteria and (5) performance measures. To ensure accurate and complete scoring of your application, your proposal should address each subcriterion in the order presented here.

IV.D.4.1 Executive Summary The executive summary should include:

The date, applicant name, city, county, and state The name of the proposed project A one paragraph project summary that specifies the work proposed, including how project funds will be used to accomplish specific project activities and briefly identifies how the proposed project contributes to accomplishing the goals of this FOA (see Section III.B. Eligible Projects) The Bay-Delta Restoration Fund Program Goal(s) for which the proposed project is consistent and contributes toward accomplishing.

· List the following amounts, in acre-feet:

· The average annual water supply

· The estimated amount of water saved after the project is completed

· The estimated amount of water better managed after the project is completed State the length of time and estimated completion date for the project Whether or not the project is located on a Federal facility IV.D.4.2 Background Data Provide a map of the area showing the geographic location of the proposed project. The map should easily identify the project area and major geographic features including roads, streams, reservoirs, towns, canals, laterals, and irrigated lands.

As applicable, describe the source of water supply, the water rights involved, current water uses (e.g., agricultural, municipal, domestic, or industrial), the number of water users served, and the current and projected water demand. Also, identify potential shortfalls in water supply. If water is primarily used for irrigation, describe major crops and total acres served.

In addition, describe the applicant’s water delivery system as appropriate. For agricultural systems, please include the miles of canals, miles of laterals, and existing irrigation improvements (e.g., type, miles, and acres). For municipal systems, please include the number of connections and/or number of water users served and any other relevant information describing the system.

Describe the applicant’s relationship to the California Bay-Delta and quantify the average amount of the applicant’s water supply received from the Delta over the last five years. Discuss the applicant’s ability to manage or influence the District’s runoff to the Bay-Delta, including diversions or exports. Discuss how benefits from this project will directly enhance the Bay-Delta, e.g., conserved water results in a decrease in Delta diversions.

Identify any past working relationships with Reclamation. This should include the date(s), description of prior relationships with Reclamation, agreement number(s), and a description of the project(s).

Describe any other relevant background information.

IV.D.4.3 Technical Project Description Describe the work, in detail, including specific activities that will be accomplished as a result of this project. This description shall have sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal.

Provide an estimated project schedule demonstrating the stages and duration of the proposed work, including major milestones and dates. Discuss any deviations from the proposed October 1, 2017, start date and 27month project duration.

Briefly describe and summarize any engineering plans, designs, and analyses prepared in connection with the proposed project.

IV.D.4.4 Consistency with State or Local Water Plan State whether or not the proposed project is consistent with the state or local water plan. If yes, identify the applicable plan(s). If no, state why the proposed project should be considered for funding under this FOA.

If the applicant is an agricultural district, state whether the applicant has a water management plan (WMP) endorsed by AWMC or approved by Reclamation. Please provide the year of the last plan and annual update.

If the applicant is an urban district, state whether the applicant has a WMP approved by CUWCC or Reclamation. Please provide the year of the last plan and annual update.

State whether or not the proposed project contributes to a Best Management Practice (BMP) identified in the applicant’s WMP.

IV.D.4.5 Bay-Delta Demonstrated Results Explain how this project will benefit the California Bay-Delta and achieve specific Bay-Delta Restoration Fund objectives for ecosystem restoration, water supply reliability, and water quality.

Describe the degree to which the proposed project increases conservation and/or efficiency overall, and the degree to which it increases conservation and/or efficiency with regard to any individual facilities (e.g., headgate or canal), and the life expectancy of the project. In your response, please include the following information in acre feet:

(a) For proposals that conserve water, the yearly amount of water conserved and the fate of the conserved water (i.e., remains in stream, used for other purposes, etc.).

(b) For projects involving improvements to individual facilities (e.g., a head gate, canal or ditch), state the average annual water supply that runs through the effected facility and the estimated water savings or quantities that will be better managed or managed differently, as a result of facility improvement.

(c) For proposals that improve water management through measurement, automation, or irrigation management, etc., state the yearly amount of water expected to be better managed.

Provide the following information regarding project benefits:

(a) Identify all direct project benefits to the Bay-Delta (e.g., amount of water conserved, water quality, improvement of instream flows, etc.); indicate the number of years such benefits will continue (e.g., the life of any physical improvements, and/or the term of any contractual arrangements); and whether such benefits will occur year-round, or only during certain months of the year (if so, state which months of the year).

(b) Identify any indirect benefits such as increased carryover storage, increased irrigation season during drought, improved reliability of water supply. If the time period that such benefits will continue is different from the time period indicated above in response to (a), please explain.

(c) Discuss other benefits from the proposed project which are not included above. Any expected benefits that cannot be quantified should be described in a detailed narrative.

(d) Provide documentation and support for how estimates of direct project benefits and any indirect project benefits were made (i.e., calculations, measurements, and references).

(e) Identify the percentage of the applicant’s water supply that originates from the Bay-Delta watershed.

IV.D.4.6 Need for the Project and Community Involvement Explain the need for the proposed project. Include:

(a) The urgency of the project;

(b) The negative consequences or potential impacts if not implemented;

(c) Other information relevant to the need of the proposed project.

Describe any public outreach that the applicant has provided to the groups or individuals that may be affected by the project. Include how other local agencies might be involved in the project, third party impacts, and any opposition to the proposed project.

IV.D.4.7 Evaluation Criteria The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each criterion and subcriterion in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your proposal.

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

IV.D.5 Performance Measures All CALFED Grant applicants are required to propose a detailed method (or “performance measure”) of quantifying the actual benefits of their project once it is completed. Actual benefits are defined as water actually conserved, marketed, or better managed, as a direct result of the project. Quantifying project benefits is an important means to determine the relative effectiveness of various water management efforts, as well as the overall effectiveness of CALFED Grants. For projects that are funded under this FOA, recipients must include a project water savings analysis with the final project report.

IV.D.6 Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance To allow Reclamation to assess the probable environmental and cultural resources impacts and costs associated with each application, all applicants must respond to the following list of questions focusing on the NEPA, ESA, and NHPA requirements. Please answer the following questions to the best of your knowledge. If any question is not applicable to the project, please explain why.

If you cannot answer the question because you have yet to conduct the necessary research, please include a schedule showing when such research and the subsequent analysis will occur. Additional information about environmental compliance is provided in Section IV.D.4. Project Budget under the discussion of “Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs,” and in Section VIII.B. Overview of Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance Requirements.

If you have any questions, please contact your regional or area Reclamation office (see <http://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html>) with questions regarding ESA compliance issues. You may contact David T. White, Program Coordinator, at 916-978-5208 for further information.

1) Will the project impact the surrounding environment (e.g., soil [dust], air, water [quality and quantity], animal habitat)? Please briefly describe all earth-disturbing work and any work that will affect the air, water, or animal habitat in the project area. 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 threatened or endangered species, or designated critical habitat in the project area?