FY19 SWEP FOA 3.25.19_508.pdf

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-19-F005

WaterSMART Grants:

Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for Fiscal Year 2019

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Policy and Administration Denver, Colorado March 2019

Mission Statements The Department of the Interior (DOI) conserves and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and other information about natural resources and natural hazards to address societal challenges and create opportunities for the American people, and honors the Nation’s trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities to help them prosper.

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.

Cover photo: Huntington Cleveland Canal, Emery County Project, Upper Colorado Region

Synopsis

Synopsis Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Policy and

Administration Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for fiscal year (FY) 2019 Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-DO-19-F005

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.507

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. D.4)

Application due date:

Wednesday, April 24, 2019 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time

Eligible Applicants:

(See FOA Sec. C.1)

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

Recipient Cost Share:

(See FOA Sec. C.2)

50 percent or more of total project costs.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

Up to $75,000 per applicant. Total project construction costs should be no more than $200,000.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

It is anticipated that 40-60 awards may be funded under this

FOA.

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Application Checklist

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

√ What to submit Required content Form or format When to submit

Mandatory Federal Forms:

Application for Federal Financial Assistance

Budget Information

Assurances

See Sec. D.2.2.1 SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-424C, SF-424D and SF-LLL forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 *

Technical proposal:

Executive summary

Background data

Project description

Evaluation criteria

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. E.1

Project Budget:

Funding plan

Budget proposal

Budget narrative

See Sec. D.2.2.5

See Sec. D.2.2.5

See Sec. D.2.2.5

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

See Sec. D.2.2.6 *

Required permits or approvals

See Sec. D.2.2.7 *

Official Resolutions See Sec. D.2.2.8 **

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 ***

* Submit materials with your application.

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

*** Should be completed prior to the application deadline; however, please refer to the applicable section of the FOA for extended completion date.

iii http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 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 NRCS Natural Resource Conservation Service OM&R operations, maintenance, and replacement P.L. Public Law SAM System of Award Management SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition SOR System Optimization Review Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation ROD Record of Decision U.S.C. United States Code USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow v

Contents Page

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Program Information A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement A.3. Statutory Authority A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities A.5. Collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding B.2. Project Funding Limitations B.3. Environmental and Cultural Resource Compliance B.4. Assistance Instrument

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements C.3. Eligible Projects

Section D. Application and Submission Information D.1. Address to Request Application Package D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management D.4. Submission Date and Time D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Automated Standard Application for Payments Registration

Section E. Application Review Information E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria E.2. Review and Selection Process E.4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date

Section F. Federal Award Administration Information F.1. Federal Award Notices F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements F.3. Reporting—Requirements and Distribution F.4. Releasing Applications

Section G. Agency Contacts G.1. Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact

Section H. Other Information H.1. Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations H.2. Background on Federal Environmental and Cultural Resource Laws

Contents vii

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations in support of the Department’s priorities. Through WaterSMART, Reclamation leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to support stakeholder efforts to stretch scarce water supplies and avoid conflicts over water.

WaterSMART provides support for the Department of the Interior’s priorities, including creating a legacy of conservation stewardship, sustainably developing our energy and natural resources, modernizing our infrastructure through public-private partnerships, striking a regulatory balance, and restoring trust with local communities by improving relationships and communication with states, tribes, local governments, communities, landowners and water users.

Through Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects, Reclamation provides assistance to states, tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other entities with water or power delivery authority to undertake small-scale water efficiency projects that have been prioritized through planning efforts led by the applicant. These projects conserve and use water more efficiently; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the western United States. For further information on WaterSMART Grants, please see www.usbr.gov/watersmart/grants.html.

This Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects funding opportunity announcement (FOA) supports small-scale water efficiency projects that have been prioritized through planning efforts led by the applicant. These projects are generally in the final design stage, environmental and cultural resources compliance has been initiated or already completed, and the non- Federal funding, necessary permits, and other required approvals have been secured.

Through this FOA, Reclamation provides funding for projects that improve use of technology to increase water reliability consistent with section 4 of the October 19, 2018 Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West.

Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects are a component of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Grants Program, which also includes Water and Energy Efficiency Grants and Water Marketing Strategy Grants. For further information on the WaterSMART Grants Program, please see www.usbr.gov/watersmart/grants.html.

http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/grants.html

A.2. Objective of this 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 Reclamation on small-scale on-the-ground projects that seek to conserve, better manage, or otherwise make more efficient use of water supplies.

Proposed projects that are supported by an existing water management and conservation plan, System Optimization Review, or other planning effort led by the applicant are prioritized. This prioritization will help ensure that projects funded under this FOA are well thought out, have public support, and have been identified as the best way to address water management concerns.

Streamlined Application and Selection Process

Reclamation is making an effort to simplify the criteria and streamline the application process for this category of WaterSMART Grants to ensure the process works for smaller entities. Simplified evaluation criteria are intended to provide each applicant with an opportunity to succinctly explain how the proposed project would meet a defined need identified through a prior planning effort. Reclamation has also clarified the budget documentation necessary under this FOA in recognition of the small-scale nature of the projects being funded.

A.3. Statutory Authority This FOA is issued under the authority of Section 9504(a) of the Secure Water Act, Subtitle F of Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.) 111-11 (42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 10364), as amended.

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities Reclamation provides funding for water management projects through several other programs under WaterSMART. Through WaterSMART Grants, Reclamation provides two additional funding opportunities. Water and Energy Efficiency Grants focus on projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and projects that increase hydropower use. Through Water Marketing Strategy Grants Reclamation provides support for entities exploring actions that can be taken to develop or facilitate water marketing.

Through the Drought Response Program, Reclamation provides funding to help build resilience to drought. Through Drought Contingency Planning, Reclamation supports the development of drought contingency plans with participation from a diverse set of stakeholders. Reclamation also provides funding for Drought

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

Resiliency Projects supported by an existing drought contingency plan to build long term resilience to drought.

Reclamation also provides financial assistance for watershed group development, restoration planning, and watershed management project design (Phase I) and watershed management project implementation through the Cooperative Watershed Management Program. For information on the FOAs listed here, please visit the WaterSMART Program website: www.usbr.gov/watersmart.

A.5. Collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service

Reclamation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are collaborating to align program resources in areas of the Western United States where our mission areas overlap (17 Western States), to improve the impact of the agencies’ respective drought resiliency and water efficiency investments. In 2011, NRCS and Reclamation began efforts to coordinate water conservation activities in California. Beginning in 2012, Reclamation made changes to WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants to support similar collaboration on a West-wide basis. Applicants under the WaterSMART Grants program receive additional consideration in the evaluation process for delivery system improvements that complement on-farm improvements supported by NRCS such as through their Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Contingent on available appropriations, NRCS provides dedicated EQIP funding to support on-farm water efficiency improvements by producers served by water delivery infrastructure improved through a WaterSMART Grant. In FY 2017, Reclamation and NRCS began working together to expand this partnership to include collaboration on a broader range of activities, including projects funded through this FOA.

Please note that on-farm improvements themselves are not eligible activities for funding under this FOA. NRCS will have a separate application process for the on-farm components of selected projects.

Under this funding opportunity announcement, consideration will be given under Section E.1.2. Evaluation Criterion B—Project Benefits for proposals that describe on-farm efficiency work that is currently being completed or is anticipated to be completed in collaboration with NRCS in the area (e.g., with a direct connection to the district’s water supply). Please contact your local NRCS office for more information regarding NRCS assistance. You can find the contact information for your state NRCS office on the USDA’s website, www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/contact/states/.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/index.html http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/contact/states/

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding Fiscal year (FY) 2019 appropriations include $34 million for WaterSMART Grants. Reclamation will make approximately $3 million available for the implementation of Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects under this FOA. The total amount of funding for awards under this FOA will depend on the demand for funding under this and other categories of WaterSMART Grants.

Applications submitted under this FOA may also be considered if additional funding becomes available in FY 2019 or thereafter. Please refer to Reclamation’s WaterSMART Grants website (www.usbr.gov/watersmart/grants.html) for updated funding information.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations Applicants may submit multiple applications for funding consideration. However, no more than two awards will be made to an applicant per fiscal year under this FOA.

The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) of any one proposed project shall not exceed 50 percent of the total project costs. Generally, the non-Federal share of project costs must be expended at the same or greater rate as the Federal share of project costs.

Up to $75,000 in Federal funds per proposal will be available through this FOA to implement small-scale on-the-ground water efficiency projects. Total construction costs of each project submitted for funding under this FOA should be no more $200,000. Note, the application Review Committee (See Section E.2.2.

Application Review Committee) has final discretion to determine whether or not a project is “small-scale”.

Projects that include construction costs totaling more than $200,000 should be submitted under the WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants FOA. Reclamation will not award funding under both this FOA and this year’s Water and Energy Efficiency Grants FOA for the same activity.

B.3. Environmental and Cultural Resource Compliance

All projects selected for funding under this FOA will be required to comply with Federal environmental and cultural resource laws and other regulations. Projects funded under this FOA may require the completion of an environmental assessment under NEPA, which can be costly. Please consider this when developing your project budget. See Section D.2.2.5 Project Budget for additional information.

B.4. Assistance Instrument 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 the program coordinator identified in Section G. Agency Contacts.

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants Under P.L. 111-11, Section 9502, an eligible applicant is a state, tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority.

Applicants must also be located in one of the following states or territories:

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

Those not eligible include, but are not limited to, the following entities:

• Federal governmental entities

• Institutions of higher education

• Individuals

• 501(c)4 Organizations

• 501(c)6 Organizations

C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 50 percent or more of the total project costs. The total project cost is defined as the total allowable costs incurred under a Federal award and all required cost share and voluntary committed cost share contributions, including third-party contributions.

Cost share may be made through cash, costs contributed by the applicant, or third-party in-kind contributions. Third-party in-kind contributions is the value of non-cash contributions of property or services that benefit the federally assisted project and are contributed by non-Federal third parties, without charge. 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.

Please see Section D.2.2.8. Official Resolution and Section D.2.2.5. Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost sharing requirements.

Other sources of Federal funding may not be counted towards the required cost share. The exception to this requirement is where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for such program can be applied to matching or cost sharing requirements of other Federal programs, such as awards to tribal organizations under P.L. 93-638, as amended.

If it is determined that the Federal funding cannot be applied towards the non-

Federal cost share, the work associated with the funding may be removed from the proposed project.

C.2.1. 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.

C.2.2. Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

Third-party in-kind contributions may be in the form of equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the proposed project. The cost or value of third-party 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 an award under this FOA.

Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 Contributions and donations for regulations regarding the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

C.3. Eligible Projects C.3.1 Eligible Projects

Reclamation will provide funding for small-scale on-the-ground water efficiency projects which seek to implement work identified in an applicant’s water planning efforts.

Example projects include, but are not limited to:

• Canal Lining/Piping.

• Municipal Metering.

• Irrigation Flow Measurement.

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Automation.

• Irrigation Measures.

Other projects that are similar to those tasks listed above may be submitted for consideration and will be allowed to the extent that they are consistent with program authorization and goals.

http://www.ecfr.gov/

C.3.2. Ineligible Projects

Projects that are not eligible for funding under this FOA include, but are not limited to:

• Projects considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement

(OM&R)

• Reclamation, reuse, and desalination projects

• Water purchases

• Construction of buildings for administration purposes

• Pilot projects

• Installation of high-efficiency indoor appliances and fixtures, including toilets and urinals

The subsections below have more explanation regarding these types of ineligible projects.

C.3.2.1. Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement In accordance with Section 9504 of the Secure Water Act, projects that are considered normal OM&R are not eligible for funding under this FOA. OM&R is described as system improvements that replace or repair existing infrastructure or function without providing increased efficiency or effectiveness of water distribution over the expected life of the improvement. Examples of ineligible OM&R projects include:

• Replacing malfunctioning components of an existing facility with the same components

• Improving an existing facility to operate as originally designed

• Performing an activity on a recurring basis, even if that period is extended (e.g., 10-year interval)

• Sealing expansion joints of concrete lining because the original sealer or the water stops have failed

• 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 the Program Coordinator (see Section G. Agency Contacts) prior to the application deadline for further information.

C.3.2.2. Reclamation, Reuse, and Desalination Water reclamation, reuse, and desalination projects are not eligible for funding under this FOA. Entities seeking funding for these types of projects should consider Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and Drought Response Program. If you have questions about a water reclamation, reuse, or desalination project please contact Amanda Erath at 303-445-2766 or aerath@usbr.gov.

C.3.2.3. Water Purchase Proposals to use Federal funding to purchase water are not eligible under this FOA. Applicants seeking funding to purchase water in a drought emergency should request emergency drought assistance under Reclamation’s Drought Response Program.

For more information about the requirements for receiving emergency drought assistance, please see www.usbr.gov/drought.

C.3.2.4. Building Construction Proposals to construct a building are not eligible for Federal funding under this FOA (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or to promote public awareness of water conservation).

C.3.2.5. Pilot Projects Proposals to conduct a pilot study to evaluate technical capability, economic feasibility, or viability for full-scale implementation or to test an unproven material or technology are not eligible for Federal funding under this FOA.

C.3.2.6. High-Efficiency Appliances and Fixtures Proposals to install high-efficiency indoor appliances and fixtures, including toilets, either directly or through rebate programs, are not eligible for Federal funding under this FOA.

C.3.3. Length of Projects

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

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

Reclamation retains the right to make a determination about the feasibility of a project to be completed within the timeframe identified in the application.

mailto:aerath@usbr.gov http://www.usbr.gov/drought

Section D. Application and Submission Information

Section D. Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package This document contains all information, forms, and electronic addresses required to obtain the information required for submission of an application.

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

By mail: Bureau of Reclamation Financial Assistance Support Section Attn: Matthew Reichert P.O. Box 25007, MS 84-27814 Denver, CO 80225

By e-mail: mreichert@usbr.gov

By telephone: 303-445-3865

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission All applications must conform to the requirements set forth below.

D.2.1. Application Format and Length

The total technical proposal and criteria section (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 15 consecutively numbered pages. If this section exceeds 15 pages, only the first 15 pages will be evaluated. The font shall be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ by 11 inches, including charts, maps, and drawings. Margins should be standard 1 inch margins. Oversized pages will not be accepted.

Applications will be prescreened for compliance to the above page number limitation. Excess pages will be removed and not considered in the evaluation of the proposed project.

D.2.2. Application Content

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

• Mandatory Federal Forms o SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance o SF-424 Budget Information (A or C Form, as applicable to the project) mailto:mreichert@usbr.gov o SF-424 Assurances (B or D Form, as applicable to the project)

These forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf- 424-family.html

• Title page

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to 15 pages) o Executive summary o Background data o Project location o Technical project description and milestones o Evaluation criteria

• Project budget o Funding plan and letters of commitment o Budget proposal o Budget narrative

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance

• Required permits or approvals

• Letters of project support

• Official resolution

It is highly recommended that application packages be structured in the order identified above.

D.2.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms The application must include the following standard Federal forms:

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

A fully completed SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project must be submitted with the application. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-424 Budget Information

A fully completed SF-424A Budget Information Non-Construction Programs, or an SF-424C Budget Information Construction Programs must be submitted with the application.

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 the Grants Management Point of Contact under Agency Contacts. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424B or SF-424D may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

D.2.2.2. 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, and telephone of the project manager.

D.2.2.3. Table of Contents List all major sections of the proposal in the table of contents.

D.2.2.4. Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (15 pages maximum) includes:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Background data

(3) Project location

(4) Technical project description and milestones

(5) Evaluation criteria

Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

• The date, applicant name, city, county, and state

• A one paragraph project summary that specifies the work proposed, including how funds will be used to accomplish specific project activities and briefly identifies how the proposed project contributes to accomplishing the goals of this FOA.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project including the construction start date (mm/yr) (if applicable) Note:

proposed projects should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to October 2019.

• Whether or not the proposed project is located on a Federal facility

Background Data

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

In addition, describe the applicant’s water delivery or distribution system as appropriate. For agricultural systems, please include the types and approximate total lengths of canals and laterals (e.g., unlined or lined open channel, pipe, including types of pipe and lining materials), the number of irrigation turnouts and other significant existing irrigation improvements (e.g., automated control structures, remote monitoring devices and SCADA systems). For municipal systems, please include the total approximate length of distribution lines, number and sizes of storage tanks, number of pump stations and capacities, and the number of connections and/or number of water users served and any other relevant information describing the system.

Identify any past working relationships with Reclamation. This should include the date(s), description of the relationship(s) with Reclamation, and a brief description of the projects(s).

Project Location

Provide specific information on the proposed project location or project area including a map showing the geographic location. For example, {project name} is located in {state and county} approximately {distance} miles {direction, e.g.

northeast} of {nearest town}. The project latitude is {##°##’N} and longitude is {###°##’W}.

Technical Project Description and Milestones

The technical project description should describe the work in detail, including specific activities that will be accomplished. This description shall have sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal. The technical project description must include milestones for the completion of the project, including, but not limited to, environmental compliance, permitting, final design, and construction. If non-Federal cost share is not yet secured, the milestones should identify when the applicant anticipates that the funds will be available. Please note, if the work for which you are requesting funding is a phase of a larger project, please only describe the work that is reflected in the budget and exclude description of other activities or components of the overall project.

• Identify the problems and needs

• Describe how the project is intended to address the problems and needs

• Identify the expected outcomes

Evaluation Criteria

(See Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria for additional details, including a detailed description of each criterion and subcriterion and points associated with each.)

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

It is suggested that applicants copy and paste the evaluation criteria and subcriteria in Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed

D.2.2.5. Project Budget The project budget includes:

(1) Funding plan and letters of commitment

(2) Budget proposal

(3) Budget narrative

Project costs for environmental and cultural compliance and engineering/design that were incurred or are anticipated to be incurred prior to award should be included in the proposed project budget.

If the proposed project is selected, the awarding Reclamation Grants Officer will review the proposed pre-award costs to determine if they are consistent with program objectives and are allowable in accordance with the authorizing legislation. Proposed pre-award costs must also be compliant with all applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov, and all other requirements of this FOA. In no case will costs incurred prior to July 1, 2018 date be considered for inclusion in the proposed project budget.

Please note that the costs for preparing and submitting an application in response to this FOA, including the development of data necessary to support the proposal, are not eligible project costs under this FOA and must not be included in the project budget. In addition, Budget Proposals must not include costs for the purchase of water or land, or to secure an easement other than a construction easement. These costs are not eligible project costs under this FOA.

Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment

Describe how the non-Federal share of project costs will be obtained.

Reclamation will use this information in making a determination of financial capability.

Project funding provided by a source other than the applicant shall be supported with letters of commitment from these additional sources. Letters of commitment shall identify the following elements:

• The amount of funding commitment

• The date the funds will be available to the applicant

• Any time constraints on the availability of funds

• Any other contingencies associated with the funding commitment

Commitment letters from third party funding sources should be submitted with your application. If commitment letters are not available at the time of the application submission, please provide a timeline for submission of all commitment letters. 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 an award under this FOA until the recipient has secured 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.

Please identify the sources of the non-Federal cost share contribution for the project, including:

• Any monetary contributions by the applicant towards the cost-share requirement and source of funds (e.g., reserve account, tax revenue, and/or assessments)

• Any costs that will be contributed by the applicant

• Any third party in-kind costs (i.e., goods and services provided by a third party)

• Any cash requested or received from other non-Federal entities.

• Any pending funding requests (i.e. grants or loans) that have not yet been approved, and explain how the project will be affected if such funding is denied.

In addition, please identify whether the budget proposal includes any project costs that have been or may be incurred prior to award. For each cost, describe:

o The project expenditure and amount o The date of cost incurrence o How the expenditure benefits the Project

Budget Proposal

The total project cost (Total Project Cost), is the sum of all allowable items of costs, including all required cost sharing and voluntary committed cost sharing, including third-party contributions, that are necessary to complete the project.

Table 1.—Total Project Cost Table

SOURCE AMOUNT

Costs to be reimbursed with the requested Federal funding $ Costs to be paid by the applicant $ Value of third party contributions $

TOTAL PROJECT COST $

The budget proposal should include detailed information on the categories listed below and must clearly identify all items of cost, including those that will be contributed as non-Federal cost share by the applicant (required and voluntary), third-party in-kind contributions, and those that will be covered using the funding requested from Reclamation, and any requested pre-award costs. Unit costs must be provided for all budget items including the cost of services or other work to be provided by consultants and contractors. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the procurement standards for Federal awards found at 2 CFR §200.317 through §200.326 before developing their budget proposal.

It is also strongly advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown below in Table 2 or a similar format that provides this information. If selected for award, successful applicants must submit detailed supporting documentation for all budgeted costs.

Table 2.—Sample Budget Proposal Format

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION COMPUTATION Quantity Type

TOTAL

COST $/Unit Quantity

Salaries and Wages Employee 1 $ Employee 2 $ Employee 3 $ Fringe Benefits Full-Time Employees $ Part-Time Employees $ Equipment Item A $ Item B $ Item C $

Table 2.—Sample Budget Proposal Format

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION COMPUTATION Quantity Type

TOTAL

COST $/Unit Quantity

Supplies and Materials Item A $ Item B $

Contractual/Construction Contractor A $ Contractor B Third-Party In-Kind Contributions Contributor A Contributor B $ Other Other $

TOTAL DIRECT COSTS $

Indirect Costs Type of rate percentage $base $

TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS $

Budget Narrative

Submission of a budget narrative is mandatory. An award will not be made to any applicant who fails to fully disclose this information. The budget narrative provides a discussion of, or explanation for, items included in the budget proposal. The types of information to describe in the narrative include, but are not limited to, those listed in the following subsections. Costs, including the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions, must comply with the applicable cost principles contained in 2 CFR Part §200, available at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (www.ecfr.gov).

Salaries and Wages

Indicate the Project Manager and other key personnel by name and title. The project Manager must be an employee or board member of the applicant. Other personnel should be indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries and wages, estimated hours or percent of time, and rate of compensation. The labor rates must identify the direct labor rate separate from the fringe rate or fringe cost for each position. All labor estimates must be allocated to specific tasks as outlined in the applicant’s technical project description. Labor rates and proposed hours shall be displayed for each task.

The budget proposal and narrative should include estimated hours for compliance with reporting requirements, including the final financial and performance reports. Please see Section F.3. Reporting Requirements and Distribution information on types and frequency of reports required.

Generally, salaries of administrative and/or clerical personnel will be included as a portion of the stated indirect costs. If these salaries can be adequately documented as direct costs, they should be included in this section; however, a justification should be included in the budget narrative.

Within the budget narrative, please provide a certification that the labor rates included in the budget proposal represent the actual labor rates of the identified personnel. If the proposal is selected for award and the awarding Grants Officer determines that the provided rates fall within Bureau of Labor Statistic averages for personnel with similar job descriptions, no further documentation for this item of cost shall be requested during budget negotiations.

Fringe Benefits

Identify the rates/amounts, what costs are included in this category, and the basis of the rate computations. Federally approved rate agreements are acceptable for compliance with this item.

Travel

Travel related expenses are not eligible for reimbursement under this FOA and should not be included within the proposed budget.

Equipment

If equipment will be purchased, itemize all equipment valued at or greater than $5,000. For each item, identify why it is needed for the completion of the Project and how the equipment was priced. Note: if the value is less than $5,000, the item should be included under materials and supplies.

If equipment is being rented, specify the number of hours and the hourly rate.

Local rental rates are only accepted for equipment actually being rented or leased.

If the applicant intends to use their own equipment for the purposes of the project, the proposed usage rates should fall within the equipment usage rates outlined by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) within their Construction Equipment Ownership and Operating Expense Schedule (EP 1110-1-8) at www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer- Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38.

http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38 http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38

If the proposal is selected for award and the awarding Grants Officer determines that the proposed rates fall within those outlined within the USACE publication, no further documentation for this item of cost shall be requested during budget negotiations.

Note: If the equipment will be furnished and installed under a construction contract, the equipment should be included in the construction contract cost estimate.

Materials and Supplies

Itemize supplies by major category, unit price, quantity, and purpose, such as whether the items are needed for office use, research, or construction. Identify how these costs were estimated (i.e., quotes, past experience, engineering estimates, or other methodology). Note: If the materials/supplies will be furnished and installed under a contract, the equipment should be identified as a contractual cost in the budget proposal.

Contractual

Identify all work that will be accomplished by consultants or contractors, including a breakdown of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each task. For each proposed contract, identify the procurement method that will be used to select the consultant or contractor and the basis for selection. Please note that all procurements with an anticipated aggregate value that exceeds the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (currently $10,000) must use a competitive procurement method (see 2 CFR §200.320 – Methods of procurement to be followed). Only contracts for architectural/engineering services can be awarded using a qualifications-based procurement method. If a qualifications-based procurement method is used, profit must be negotiated as a separate element of the contract price. See 2 CFR §200.317 through §200.326 for additional information regarding procurements, including required contract content.

If the proposal is selected for award and the awarding Grants Officer determines that the contractual engineering services costs for design engineering and/or construction management costs within the budget proposal do not exceed 8% of total project construction costs, then no further documentation for this item of cost shall be requested during budget negotiations.

Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

Identify all work that will be accomplished by third-party contributors, including a breakdown of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each task. Third-party in-kind contributions, including contracts, must comply with all applicable administrative and cost principles criteria, established in 2 Code of Federal

Regulations (CFR) Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov, and all other requirements of this FOA.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs

Prior to awarding financial assistance, Reclamation must first ensure compliance with Federal environmental and cultural resources laws and other regulations (“environmental compliance”). Every project funded under this program will have environmental compliance costs associated with activities undertaken by Reclamation and the recipient.

In order to estimate environmental compliance costs, please contact compliance staff at your local Reclamation Office for additional details regarding the type and costs of compliance that may be required for your project. Note, support for your compliance costs estimate will be considered during review of your application.

See Section G. Agency Contacts of this FOA for a list of Reclamation staff by region to contact regarding compliance costs and requirements.

Environmental compliance costs are considered project costs and must be included as a line item in the project budget and will be cost shared accordingly.

The amount of the line item should be based on the actual expected environmental compliance costs for the project, including Reclamation’s cost to review environmental compliance documentation. Environmental compliance costs will vary based on project type, location, and potential impacts to the environment and cultural resources.

How environmental compliance activities will be performed (e.g., by Reclamation, the applicant, or a consultant) and how the environmental compliance funds will be spent, will be determined pursuant to subsequent agreement between Reclamation and the applicant. The amount of funding required for Reclamation to conduct any environmental compliance activities, including Reclamation’s cost to review environmental compliance documentation, will be withheld from the Federal award amount and placed in an environmental compliance account to cover such costs. If any portion of the funds budgeted for environmental compliance is not required for compliance activities, such funds may be reallocated to the project, if appropriate.

Costs associated with environmental and regulatory compliance must be included in the budget. Compliance costs include costs associated with any required documentation of environmental compliance, analyses, permits, or approvals.

Applicable Federal environmental laws could include NEPA, ESA, NHPA, CWA, and other regulations depending on the project. Such costs may include, but are not limited to:

• The cost incurred by Reclamation to determine the level of environmental compliance required for the project http:www.ecfr.gov

• The cost incurred by Reclamation, the recipient, or a consultant to prepare any necessary environmental compliance documents or reports

• The cost incurred by Reclamation to review any environmental compliance documents prepared by a consultant

• The cost incurred by the recipient in acquiring any required approvals or permits, or in implementing any required mitigation measures

Other Expenses

Any other expenses not included in the above categories shall be listed in this category, along with a description of the item and why it is necessary. No profit or fee will be allowed.

Indirect Costs

Applicants with a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement may include indirect costs as part of the project budget. Show the agreed upon rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

If the applicant has never received a Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, the budget may include a de minimis rate of up to 10 percent of modified total direct costs. For further information on modified total direct costs, refer to 2 CFR §200.68 available at www.ecfr.gov.

If the applicant does not have a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement and is proposing a rate greater than the de minimis 10 percent rate, include the computational basis for the indirect expense pool and corresponding allocation base for each rate. Information on “Preparing and Submitting Indirect Cost Proposals” is available from Interior, the National Business Center, and Indirect Cost Services, at www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost- services.

D.2.2.6. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance Please answer the questions from Section H.1.