FY19 CalFed FOA Final.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region Sacramento, California February 2019

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-MP-19-F002

Bay-Delta Restoration Program:

CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants

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 iii

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

Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region Funding Opportunity Title:

Bay-Delta Restoration Program: CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants

Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-MP-19-F002

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:

15.507

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. IV.B)

Proposals received before March 18, 2019, 1:00 p.m.

Pacific Standard Time (PST) will be considered for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 funding. Proposals received after March 18, 2019, 1:00 p.m. PST and before December 2, 2019, 1:00 p.m. PST will be considered for FY 2020 funding, contingent upon appropriations.

Eligible Applicants:

(See FOA Sec. III.A)

Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the CALFED Solution area within the State of California.

Recipient Cost Share:

(See FOA Sec. III.E)

Non-Federal Sources: At least 50% of cost.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. II.B)

Up to $500,000 per agreement.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. II.B)

Approximately 3-4, each fiscal year, depending on requested funding amounts for selected projects and appropriations.

Estimated Amount of Funding Available for Award:

(See FOA Sec II.A)

$1.5 million in CALFED Grant funding through Bay- Delta Restoration Program for FY 2019. If additional funding becomes available in FY 2019, additional projects may be funded beyond the $1.5 million. FY 2020 award availability will be updated when appropriation information is released.

Application Checklist v

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

√ What to submit Form or format When to submit

Cover page Form SF 424, available at:

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?f amily=15

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

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?f amily=15

Title page Page 18 *

Table of contents Page 18 *

Technical proposal: *

• Executive summary Page 18

• Background data Page 19 *

• Technical project description Page 19 *

• Evaluation criteria Page 21 *

Environmental compliance Page 21 *

Required permits and approvals Page 23 *

Official Resolution Page 23 **

ASAP Verification Page 17 *

SAM Verification Page 17 *

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Page 17 *

Project Budget

• Funding Plan and

Commitment letters

Budget proposal:

• Funding Table Page 25 *

• Budget narrative Page 27 *

• Budget form Page 26 Form SF 424A or SF 424C, as applicable

* Submit materials with your application by March 18, 2019, 1:00pm PST for the first application submittal period. For the second application submittal period, submit materials with your application by December 2, 2019.

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

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

Acronyms and Abbreviations vii

Acronyms and Abbreviations AF Acre Feet AFY Acre Feet Per Year ARC Application Review Committee ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act Department U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement ESA Endangered Species Act FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY Fiscal Year GO Grants Officer NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration O&M Operation and Maintenance OM&R Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement PST Pacific Standard Time Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation ROD Record of Decision SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition SAM System for Award Management SOR System Optimization Review SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WIIN Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation

Contents ix

Contents Page

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description I.A Water Use Efficiency Grants I.B Objective of Funding Opportunity Announcement I.C Program Authority

Section II: Award Information II.A Total Project Funding II.B Project Funding Limitations II.C Reclamation Responsibilities II.D Award Date

Section III: Eligibility Information III.A Eligible Applicants III.B Eligible Projects III.C Ineligible Projects III.D Length of Projects III.E Cost-Sharing Requirement III.F Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance III.G Requirements for Agricultural Operations Under Public Law 111-11, Section

9504(a)(3)(B) III.H Other Requirements

Section IV: Application and Submission Information IV.A Address to Request Application Package IV.B Application Submission IV.C Instructions for Submission of Project Application IV.D Application Content IV.E Funding Restrictions

Section V: Application Review Information V.A Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria V.B Review Process V.C Selection Process

Section VI: Award Administration Information VI.A Award Notices VI.B Award Document VI.C Releasing Applications VI.D Water Savings Validation VI.E Reporting Requirements and Distribution VI.F Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters

Section VII: Agency Contacts Section VIII: Other Information

VIII.A CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants: Performance Measures VIII.B Overview of Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance Requirements 49

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description I.A Water Use Efficiency Grants The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is a participating agency in the Bay- Delta Restoration Program. The CALFED Bay-Delta Program Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Environmental Impact Review 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.

The goals (objectives) of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program include, but are not limited to:

• Goal 1: Reduce existing irrecoverable losses, increasing the overall volume of available water;

• Goal 2: Achieve multiple state-wide benefits;

• Goal 3: Preserve local flexibility; and

• Goal 4: Build on existing water use efficiency programs.

Please visit www.calwater.ca.gov/content/Documents/ROD.pdf for a complete description of CALFED’s water use efficiency goals and objectives.

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.

Through this FOA, Reclamation provides funding for projects that increase water reliability and improve water management, including the use of expanded technologies and improved capabilities consistent with the goals of the October 19, 2018, Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West.

I.B Objective of Funding Opportunity Announcement

The objective of this FOA is to invite eligible applicants to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on projects emphasizing water use efficiency and conservation activities that result in benefits for the California- Bay Delta. This FOA covers two application submittal periods; FY 2019 closes March 18, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. PST, and FY 2020 is open from March http://www.calwater.ca.gov/content/Documents/ROD.pdf

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-MP-18-F002

18, 2019, after 1:00 p.m. PST, and closes December 2, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. PST.

During each submittal period, 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.

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 II. Award Information

Section II: Award Information II.A Total Project Funding For FY 2019, up to $1.5 million is available for award under this FOA through the Bay-Delta Restoration Program. Funding in FY 2020 is contingent upon appropriations, and this FOA will be updated accordingly as the appropriation information becomes available. Project funds are limited to eligible applicants within the CALFED Solution Area. See Section III.A for more information.

II.B Project Funding Limitations Up to $1.5 million in Federal funds will be available for award in FY 2019, with up to $500,000 per project. Reclamation encourages entities to apply for any level of funding up to $500,000. Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration by each applicant; however, no more than $500,000 per project, and $1 million per recipient during a single application submittal period, will be awarded under this FOA.

The combined Federal share (i.e., Reclamation’s share plus any other sources of Federal funding) of any one (1) 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.

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 Anna Sutton, Program Coordinator, at asutton@usbr.gov.

II.D Award Date Reclamation expects to notify potential award recipients on or around June 2019 for FY 2019 applications and on or around April 2020 for FY 2020 applications.

Notification letters will also be sent to unsuccessful applicants during the same time frame. One to three months after notification, financial assistance agreements will be awarded to applicants that successfully pass all pre-award reviews and clearances.

Section VI. Award Administration Information

Section III: Eligibility Information III.A Eligible Applicants Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations 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 https://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/docs/calfed-solution-area.pdf.

Those not eligible include the following types of entities:

• Federal governmental entities.

• Institutions of higher education.

• Individuals.

• 501(c)4 organizations.

• 501(c)6 organizations.

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

Proposals may include any type of implementation, demonstration, 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 two years from the date of award.

For examples of previously funded projects, please contact Anna Sutton at asutton@usbr.gov.

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 into one application. Conversely, if https://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/docs/calfed-solution-area.pdf 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 $500,000 will be awarded per proposal, and no more than $1 million per recipient in any given application submittal period.

Projects that result in quantifiable and reliable 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:

o Installing new proven lining materials or technology.

o Converting open canals to pipeline.

o Constructing conveyance improvements, turnouts, pipelines, or intertie systems.

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

o Installing water service meters.

o 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:

o Installing weirs, flumes, ramps, etc. in open channels.

o Installing meters in pressurized pipes.

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Automation: Projects that install 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:

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

o 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 o Installing recharge ponds.

o Installing surface runoff interception systems.

o 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. Water reuse and recycling projects eligible under this FOA include, but are not limited to:

o Implementing small-scale improvements to an existing water recycling facility.

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

See Section III.C.2 for eligibility limitations on water recycling and water reuse projects.

• Landscape Irrigation Measures: Projects that provide water savings by reducing outdoor water usage. These measures are typically promoted by water entities through rebates or direct-install programs. Projects include, but are not limited to:

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

III.C Ineligible Projects Examples of ineligible projects include, but are not limited to the type of projects described in Sections III.C.1, III.C.2, and III.C.3 below.

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.

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

• Replacing broken meters with new meters of the same type.

• Replacing leaky pipes with new pipes of the same type.

Applicants that have questions regarding OM&R are encouraged to contact Anna Sutton, Program Coordinator, at 916-978-5214 for further information.

III.C.2 Water Reclamation, Recycling, and Reuse

Any project or project elements that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI Water Reclamation or Reuse Project are ineligible for funding under this FOA. A list of congressionally authorized Title XVI projects can be found at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html.

Any project or project elements that are part of a water desalination or recycling project eligible for funding under section 4009(a) or 4009(c) of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, Public Law 114-322 are ineligible for funding under this FOA. A list of eligible WIIN projects can be found at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/feasibility.html.

If a water desalination or recycling project has a total estimated project cost of more than $5 million, that project is ineligible under this FOA and should be pursued under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program or the WaterSMART Desalination Planning and Construction Program. This restriction applies to phases or project elements of a desalination or recycling project that are part of a larger project with a total estimated project cost of more than $5 million.

If you are unclear whether your project is part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI project or a project eligible under section 4009(a) or (c) of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, please contact Amanda Erath at aerath@usbr.gov or 303- 445-2766.

III.C.3 High-Efficiency Indoor Appliance and Fixture Installation http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/feasibility.html mailto:aerath@usbr.gov

A project that includes the installation of high-efficiency indoor appliances and fixtures, including toilets and urinals, whether through rebates, direct install, or by other means, is not eligible for funding under this FOA.

III.D Length of Projects Projects should be completed within 2 years of Reclamation signing the financial assistance agreement. For FY 2019 applications, projects should be completed by December 31, 2021. For FY 2020 applications, projects should be completed by December 31, 2022.

Applications for projects requiring more than two years will be considered if the applicant can demonstrate that there will be measurable progress toward the project schedule each year. The completion timeline only applies to tasks outlined in the scope of the financial assistance agreement signed by successful applicants and Reclamation.

III.E Cost-Sharing Requirement Applicants must be able to cost share at least 50 percent 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 may approve an award prior to an applicant securing non-Federal cost-share funds if Reclamation determines that there is sufficient evidence and likelihood that non-Federal funds will be available to the applicant by the start of the project. 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 criteria established in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 2 CFR 200, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments.

III.E.2 In-Kind Contributions

In-kind contributions constitute the value of non-cash 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 CALFED Grant applications. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR 200.434 for regulations regarding the valuation of in-kind donations and contributions.

III.E.3 Pre-Award Costs

Applicants that incur costs prior to Reclamation’s signing the financial assistance agreement may request Reclamation include such pre-award costs when calculating the total project cost and the applicant’s non-federal cost-share. Any pre-award costs proposed for consideration must comply with all applicable requirements under this FOA.

For FY 2019 applicants, Reclamation may consider costs incurred since July 1, 2018. For FY 2020 applicants, Reclamation may consider costs incurred since July 1, 2019. Applicants may request Reclamation consider costs incurred prior to these dates.

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 ten percent (10%) 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 (1)-year of the award. For further information on indirect costs and modified total direct costs, refer to 2 CFR Part 200.

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 111-11, 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 (100%).

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

III.H.4 System Registration

III.H.4.a. System for Award Management (SAM) All applicants must be registered in SAM prior to award under this FOA. Instructions in 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.

Applicants must include a screen shot of their SAM account in the application package.

III.H.4.b. Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) ASAP is a Recipient-initiated payment and information system designed to provide a single point of contact for the request and delivery of Federal funds. All applicants must also be registered with and willing to process all payments through the Department of Treasury, ASAP system. All recipients with active financial assistance agreements with Reclamation must be enrolled in ASAP under the appropriate Agency Location Code(s) and the Data Universal Number System (DUNS) Number prior to the award of funds. If a recipient has multiple DUNS numbers they must separately enroll within ASAP for each unique DUNS Number and/or agency. All of the information on the enrollment process for recipients, including the enrollment initiation form and the enrollment mailbox, can be found at www.usbr.gov/mso/aamd/asap.html.

https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM http://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.

Applicants must include a screen shot of their ASAP account in the application package.

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:

Beverly S. Breen Grants Officer E-mail: bbreen@usbr.gov

IV.B Application Submission

IV.B.1 Submission Date and Time

The date deadlines for submitting an application are:

• March 18, 2019, 1:00 p.m. PST for FY 2019 funding

• December 2, 2019, 1:00 p.m. PST for FY 2020 funding

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

IV.B.2 Application Delivery Instructions

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application electronically through www.grants.gov or hard copies may be submitted to the following address.

By mail or express delivery/mail services:

Bureau of Reclamation

Mid-Pacific Region Attn: Beverly S. Breen 2800 Cottage Way, Room E-1815 Sacramento, CA 95825-1898 http://www.grants.gov/

IV.C Instructions for Submission of Project Application Each applicant shall submit an application in accordance with the instructions contained in this section.

Note: 2 CFR 200.319, Competition.

(a) All procurement transactions must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards of this section. In order to ensure objective contractor performance and eliminate unfair competitive advantage, contractors that develop or draft specifications, requirements, statements of work, or invitations for bids or requests for proposals must be excluded from competing for such procurements.

IV.C.1 Applications Submitted Electronically

• Applicants may submit their application electronically through Grants.gov at www.grants.gov.

• Please note that submission of an application electronically requires prior registration through Grants.gov, which may take seven (7) to twenty-one (21) days.

Applicants have occasionally experienced significant delays when attempting to submit their application thought Grants.gov. If an applicant plans to submit an application through Grants.gov, they are encouraged to submit 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 Grants.gov Help Desk to obtain a Case Number. The Case Number will provide evidence of your attempt to submit an application prior to the submission deadline.

IV.C.2 Applications Submitted by Mail

• If the applicant chooses to submit an application by mail, please submit one (1) hardcopy of the entire application document.

• In addition to the hardcopy document, please submit a copy of your application on a

USB flash drive in Microsoft Word format, and Excel spreadsheets where applicable.

• Do not use comb, spiral or adhesive methods to bind the documents. Use only binder clips.

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

http://www.grants.gov/

• Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package and may result in the application being rejected or not funded. Do not include a cover letter or company literature/brochure with the application. All pertinent information must be included in the application package.

Regardless of the delivery method used, the applicant must ensure that their proposal arrives by the deadlines stated in Section IV.B.1 above. No applications will be accepted under this FOA after December 2, 2019. 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 Technical Proposal shall be limited to a maximum of thirty (30) pages. The total application package shall be no more than seventy-five (75) consecutively numbered pages.

If an application exceeds seventy-five (75) pages, only the first seventy-five (75) pages will be evaluated. The font shall be at least twelve (12) point in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ x 11 inches, except for an occasional larger size for charts, maps and drawings.

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 Cover Page

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

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)

• Verification of ASAP account

• Verification SAM account

• Title page

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal (limited to 30 pages) and evaluation categories:

o Executive summary o Background data o Technical project description o Evaluation criteria:

Conservation Benefits Water Benefits in Relation to Bay-Delta Supply Environmental Benefits Performance Measures and Project Monitoring Ability to Implement the Proposed Project Project Planning Department of Interior Priorities

• Environmental and cultural compliance

• Required permits or approvals

• Letters of project support (do not submit separately)

• Official Board Resolution

• Project budget:

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

IV.D.1 Required Forms

The application must include the following standard Federal forms.

SF-424 Application For Federal Assistance 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 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-424 Assurances (B or D Form, as applicable to the project) - 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 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration. http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) Complete and sign SF-LLL the “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form.

ASAP Registration All applicants must maintain an ASAP registration with current information at all times while they have an active Federal award or an application under consideration. Please provide verification of an open and active ASAP account.

SAM Registration 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. Please provide verification of an open and active SAM account.

http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15 http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1

A screen shot of your SAM account submitted with your application will be considered verification.

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 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 in the table of contents.

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, and (4) Evaluation Criteria. To ensure accurate and complete scoring of your application, your proposal should address each sub criterion in the order presented here. Where applicable, the point value is indicated.

IV.D.4.1 Technical Proposal: 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).

• List the following amounts, in acre feet (AF):

o The average annual water supply.

o The estimated amount of water saved after the project is completed.

o 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 Technical Proposal: Background Data

Provide a map of the area showing the geographic location of the proposed project. For linear projects such as canal lining or piping, please delineate project start and end points.

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 and other sources over each of 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, Assistance Agreement Number(s), and a description of the project(s).

Describe any other relevant background information.

IV.D.4.3 Technical Proposal: 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.

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

Bay-Delta Demonstrated Results

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

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 or multiple components of the project. In your response, please include the following information in AF:

(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 headgate, canal or ditch), state the average annual water supply that runs through the affected 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). If the benefit is intermittent, state the likelihood of occurrence, in terms of number of years the benefit is likely to occur (ex. 4 years out of 10 during drought periods).

(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 average annual water supply by source over the most recent five (5) years and which source(s) that originate from the Bay-Delta watershed.

Need for the Project and Community Involvement

Explain the need for the proposed project. Include:

o The urgency of the project.

o The negative consequences or potential impacts if not implemented.

o 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.4.4 Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each criterion in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your proposal. (See Section V for more information regarding proposal evaluation criteria.)

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

IV.D.5 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. Information regarding the NEPA process can be found at: https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_overview.php

Regional or area Reclamation offices are available to answer questions regarding NEPA compliance issues. You may contact Anna Sutton, Program Coordinator, at 916-978-5214 or asutton@usbr.gov for further information.

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.

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.

https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_overview.php

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? If so, would they be affected by any activities associated with the proposed project? For a listing of endangered or threatened species in your area, please visit https://www.fws.gov/endangered or contact your Regional or Area Office of Reclamation.

3) Are there wetlands or other surface waters inside the project boundaries that potentially fall under Clean Water Act jurisdiction as “waters of the United States?”

If so, please describe and estimate any impacts the project may have.

4) When was the water delivery system constructed?

5) Will the project result in any modification of or effects to, individual features of an irrigation system (e.g., head gates, canals, or flumes)? If so, state when those features were constructed and describe the nature and timing of any extensive alterations or modifications to those features completed previously.

6) Are any buildings, structures, or features in the irrigation district listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places? Applicants will need to contract with a private cultural resources management professional (http://www.chrisinfo.org/), or make arrangements through Reclamation’s grant administrator for Reclamation’s Cultural Resources personnel to determine what, if any, previous cultural resource surveys have been conducted in the project area. A cultural resources specialist at your local Reclamation office or the State Historic Preservation Office can assist in answering these questions.

7) Are there any known archeological sites in the proposed project area?

8) Will the project have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority populations?

9) Will the project limit access or ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites or result in other impacts on Tribal lands?

10) Will the project contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area?

11) Will the proposed budget include a line item for environmental compliance analysis costs? If so, what is that amount? If not, why not?

Note: If mitigation is required to lessen environmental impacts, the applicant may, at Reclamation’s discretion, be required to report on progress and completion of these https://www.fws.gov/endangered http://www.chrisinfo.org/ commitments. Reclamation will coordinate with the applicant to establish reporting requirements and intervals accordingly.

Under no circumstances may an applicant begin any ground-disturbing activities (including staging, grading, clearing, and other preliminary activities) on a project before environmental compliance is complete and Reclamation explicitly authorizes work to proceed. This pertains to all components of the proposed project, including those that are part of the applicant’s non-Federal cost share. Reclamation will provide a successful applicant with information once environmental compliance is complete.