FY22-CWMP-Phase-I-NOFO-FINAL-1-21-2022-508-compliant.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior January 2022

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R22AS00163

WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I Grants

Mission Statements The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated Island Communities.

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: Rio Grande, New Mexico. (Reclamation/Alex Stephens).

Synopsis i

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

Planning Office Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I Grants Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity Funding Opportunity Number:

R22AS00163

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.554

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Application due Date:

Thursday, March 31, 2022, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Applicants eligible to receive financial assistance to fund activities under this NOFO include the following entities 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, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

New Watershed Group: States, Indian Tribes, local and special districts (e.g., irrigation and water districts), local governmental entities, interstate organizations, and non-profit organizations.

Existing Watershed Groups: In order to be eligible to receive an award for funding as an Existing Watershed Group, the applicant must be an eligible entity as described immediately above for New Watershed Groups and must either be: (1) an Existing Watershed Group, (i.e., a grassroots, non-regulatory legal entity that otherwise meets the definition of a watershed group in Section A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Objectives); or (2) a participant in an Existing Watershed Group.

Recipient Cost-Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

A non-Federal cost-share contribution is not required for Phase I CWMP activities funded under this NOFO.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Up to $200,000 per applicant

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Approximately 15 to 20 projects per application submittal period contingent on appropriations.

Intergovernmental Review:

(See NOFO Sec. D.5)

This NOFO is subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” A list of states that have elected to participate in the intergovernmental review process is at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf.

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Application Checklist iii

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

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 Page 13 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 Page 13 *

Technical proposal: *

Page 13 *

Page 14 *

Page 14 *

Executive summary

Project location

Project Description

Evaluation criteria

See Sec. D.2.2.5

See Sec. D.2.2.6

See Sec. D.2.2.7

See Sec. E.1 Page 27 *

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

See Sec. D.2.2.11 Page 20

Required permits or approvals See Sec. D.2.2.12 Page 20

Project Budget: *

Budget narrative See Sec. D.2.2.10 Page 17 *

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.13 Page 20 *

Official Resolution See Sec. D.2.2.14 Page 21 **

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 Page 22 ***

* Submit materials with your application.

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

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

****Note that the statements in Sections D.2.2.9. Overlap or Duplication of Effort, D.2.2.15. Conflict of Interest Disclosure, D.2.2.16.

Single Audit Reporting Statement, and D.2.2.17. Certification Regarding Lobbying are also required.

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

Acronyms and Abbreviations v

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 CWMP Cooperative Watershed Management Program D&B Dun & Bradstreet Department U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System EA Environmental Assessment EIN Employer Identification Number EIS Environmental Impact Statement E.O. Executive Order EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FGDC Federal Geospatial Data Committee FOIA Freedom of Information Act FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY fiscal year GIS geographic information system HUC Hydrologic Unit Code MDT Mountain Daylight Time NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service P.L. Public Law SAM System for Award Management SF Standard Form SPOC Single Point of Contact Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation U.S.C. United States Code USACE United States Army Corp of Engineers USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow West Western United States

Contents vii

Contents

Page Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Authority A.2. Background, Purpose, and Program Requirements A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Objectives A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Funding B.2. Expected Award Amount B.3. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date B.4. Number of Awards B.5. Type of Award

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements C.3. Other C.4. Eligible Projects C.5. Ineligible 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 (SAM) D.4. Submission Date and Time D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Pre-Award Costs D.7. Automated Standard Application for Payments Registration

Section E. Application Review Information E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria E.2. Review and Selection Process E.3. Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System

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. Disclosures F.5. Data Availability F.6. 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. Endangered Species Act

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Authority This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is issued under the authority of Section 6002 of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Subtitle A of Title VI of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.) 111-11 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 10364).

A.2. Background, Purpose, and Program Requirements 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, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non- Federal funding to work cooperatively with states, Tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply sustainability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts.

WaterSMART’s Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP) provide support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and aligned with other priorities, such as those identified in E.O. 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. Environmental Water Resources Projects also support the goals of the Interagency Drought Relief Working Group established in March 2021 and the National Drought Resiliency Partnership.

Drought conditions across the Western United States (West) impact a wide range of communities and sectors, including agriculture, cities, Tribes, the environment, recreation, hydropower producers, and others. The West is experiencing its worst drought this century—historic in both duration and severity—threatening to kill crops, spark wildfires, and harm public health. As of July 2021, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that more than 93% of the land in nine of the Western states is in drought conditions, and nearly 60% of the area is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought.

Through WaterSMART, Reclamation provides financial assistance to water managers for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the Western United States. Through the CWMP, Reclamation provides funding to watershed groups to encourage diverse stakeholders to form local solutions to address their water management needs. By providing this funding Reclamation promotes water reliability and cooperation between stakeholders to reduce conflict, facilitate solutions to complex water issues, and stretch limited water supplies.

This NOFO provides funding to watershed groups for Phase I projects for watershed group development and restoration planning. For further information on the CWMP, see www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/

A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Objectives The objective of this NOFO is to invite states, Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, local governmental entities, non-profit organizations, Existing Watershed Groups, and local and special districts (e.g., irrigation and water districts, county soil conservation districts) to submit proposals for Phase I activities to develop a watershed group, complete watershed restoration planning activities, and design watershed management projects. See Section C.4. Eligible Projects for a more comprehensive description of eligible activities.

A “watershed group,” as defined in Section 6001(6) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act (see Section A.1. Authority for full citation) is a grassroots, non-regulatory entity that addresses water availability and quality issues within the relevant watershed, is capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources in the watershed, makes decisions on a consensus basis, and represents a diverse group of stakeholders, including hydroelectric producers, livestock grazing, timber production, land development, recreation or tourism, irrigated agriculture, the environment, municipal water supplies, private property owners, Federal, state and local governments, tribes, and disadvantaged communities.

A “disadvantaged community, as defined in Section 6001(2) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, means a community (including a city, town, county, or reasonably isolated and divisible segment of a larger municipality) with an annual median household income that is less than 100 percent of the statewide annual median house-hold income for the state in which the community is located, according to the most recent decennial census.

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities For information on the NOFOs listed here, please visit the WaterSMART Program website:

www.usbr.gov/watersmart.

Reclamation provides funding for water management projects through several other programs under WaterSMART. Reclamation provides financial assistance to implement on-the-ground watershed management projects through the Environmental Water Resources Projects.

Through WaterSMART Grants, Reclamation provides three funding opportunities. Water and Energy Efficiency Grants focus on projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and projects that that increase hydropower use. The Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects provides funding for small-scale water management projects (up to $75,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Finally, Water Marketing Strategy Grants provide 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 Resiliency Projects supported by an existing drought contingency plan to build long-term resilience to drought.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/index.html

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Funding Approximately $3 million is available for this NOFO, with per-project limits as described in Section B.2. Expected Award Amount. Reclamation will determine the final amount of funding available for award under this NOFO once final fiscal year (FY) 2022 appropriations have been made.

This NOFO may be canceled if appropriations are insufficient to support new awards.

Applications submitted under this NOFO may also be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2022 or subsequently.

Through this NOFO, Reclamation plans to award funds to Phase I applicants under two Applicant Categories: (1) New Watershed Groups and (2) Existing Watershed Groups (see Section C.1.3.

Applicant Category Guidance for additional information).

B.2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award: $200,000 Minimum Award: $0

A total of up to $200,000 in Federal funds may be awarded to an applicant over the two-year period, with no more than $100,000 to be available per year. A non-Federal cost-share contribution is not required for Phase I activities funded under this NOFO. Within nine months from the initial date of award, Reclamation shall determine whether a recipient has made sufficient progress in the first year to justify second-year funding (see Section F.3.4. Sufficiency Report for additional information).

B.3. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date Anticipated Award Date: 01/31/2023

Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in the early summer of 2022 (or later if necessary), subject to the timing of final FY 2022 appropriations.

Anticipated Project Completion Date: 01/31/2025

B.4. Number of Awards Approximately 15 to 20 awards, depending on the amount requested by each applicant and the amount of funding available.

B.5. Type of Award

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

C.1.1. Applicant Eligibility for New Watershed Groups

Applicants eligible to receive an award as a New Watershed Group include states, Indian Tribes, local and special districts (e.g., irrigation and water districts), local governmental entities, interstate organizations, and non-profit organizations. To be eligible, applicants must also meet all the following requirements:

• Significantly affect or be affected by the quality or quantity of water in a watershed

• Be capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources

• 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, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico

C.1.2. Applicant Eligibility for Existing Watershed Groups

In order to be eligible to receive an award as an Existing Watershed Group, the applicant must be an eligible entity as described immediately above and must be either:

1. An Existing Watershed Group, (i.e., a grassroots, non-regulatory legal entity that otherwise meets the definition of a watershed group)

2. A participant in an Existing Watershed Group that meets the definition of a watershed group as described above in Section A.2. Objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity

C.1.3. Applicant Category Guidance

In general, applicants should apply as a New Watershed Group if the group is just getting started, has completed little or no watershed restoration planning, and requires more substantial support for building the capacity of the watershed group and completing outreach to stakeholders. Groups that have been active in the watershed for several years and have previously conducted some watershed planning should apply as an Existing Watershed Group. Entities that have previously received funding through CWMP Phase I should apply as an Existing Watershed Group and explain how their new project differs from and builds on their past Phase I project(s). Although New and Existing Watershed Groups will be scored using the same evaluation criteria (see Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria), they will be ranked separately to ensure fairness. Note: The Application Review Committee (ARC) (see Section E.2.2. Application Review Committee) has the discretion to change the Applicant Category when they deem appropriate.

C.1.4. Ineligible Applicants

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

• Federal governmental entities

• Institutes of higher education, except those institutes of higher education sponsoring watershed groups

• 501(c)4 organizations

• 501(c)6 organizations

• Individuals

C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements

There is no requirement for a non-Federal cost-share contribution for Phase I activities, and an application will not receive additional priority under the evaluation criterion (see Section E. Application Review Information) for providing non-Federal cost-share. If the applicant is voluntarily providing a non-Federal cost-share this must be noted in the budget proposal (see Section D.2.2.10. Project Budget).

C.3. Other Reclamation conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. Reclamation cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

C.4. Eligible Projects

Applicants can apply for funding for activities within one or more of the following three Task Areas.

It is acceptable and expected for an applicant not to address all three Task Areas. For example, a New Group might focus exclusively on Task A: Watershed Group Development or an Existing Group might focus exclusively on Task C: Watershed Management Project Design. An application will not receive more points simply because they are addressing more than one Task Area.

Developing articles of incorporation, bylaws, and business practices are eligible activities for both New and Existing Watershed Groups and can be completed as part of any Task Area. Note: In order to be eligible costs, salaries and wages and contractor costs must be allocated to specific tasks as outlined in the technical project description. See Section C.1.3. Applicant Category Guidance for a description of New and Existing Watershed Groups.

https://sam.gov/content/exclusions https://sam.gov/content/exclusions

1. Task A: Watershed Group Development: Watershed group development activities include, but are not limited to:

● Developing a mission statement, vision statement, and goals for the watershed group.

● Hiring a facilitator to assist with outreach to stakeholders.

● Conducting outreach activities, such as the creation of an outreach plan and information materials (e.g., brochures, advertisements, website, videos) and conducting stakeholder meetings to establish broad-based, diverse membership.

● Gathering information about issues and needs related to water quality and quantity within the watershed (e.g., through research and talking to government agencies and local universities).

● Conducting pre-planning activities, including outlining a watershed restoration plan, researching existing plans related to the watershed, collecting baseline information, and identifying restoration needs for the watershed.

2. Task B: Watershed Restoration Planning: Watershed restoration planning activities may include, but are not limited to:

● Completing a watershed restoration plan, improving existing restoration plans, or conducting water quality or quantity studies needed to provide baseline information about the watershed.

● Conducting mapping and other technical analyses, including obtaining data, performing modeling, or developing goals and benchmarks for the restoration plan.

● Obtaining project management services or software technology required to formulate the watershed restoration plan.

● Interviewing watershed group members and stakeholders to gain an idea of projects that would improve the watershed.

● Working with watershed group members, landowners, Federal agencies, and state or local governments to determine how the watershed can be improved.

● Reviewing watershed-specific best management practices established by Federal, state, and local government agencies.

● Developing general watershed management project concepts or performing an analysis of the watershed to identify and prioritize watershed management projects. For example, creating a matrix within the watershed restoration plan that outlines and prioritizes watershed management projects.

Watershed Restoration Plan Guidance: A watershed restoration plan is a tool designed to help a watershed group plan for and implement restoration activities in their watershed. A watershed restoration plan should describe the issues of concern related to water resources within the watershed and identify potential solutions. Reclamation understands that watershed restoration plans may take different forms depending on their purpose. Rather than prescribing particular requirements, Reclamation encourages recipients to develop a restoration plan that best meets the needs of the watershed. However, recipients should consider that the Phase II funding opportunity, which provides funding for on-the-ground watershed management projects, prioritizes projects outlined in watershed restoration plans that that are more holistic, addresses multiple issues related to water resources within the watershed, and supports plans developed by stakeholders with diverse interests. You can find watershed restoration plans completed by previously selected CWMP Phase I recipients on Reclamation’s website, www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/plans.html.

3. Task C: Watershed Management Project Design: Project design activities can include, but are not limited to:

● Completing an analysis in order to prioritize watershed management projects and identify specific project locations.

● Completing site-specific project design and engineering.

● Developing project timelines and milestones.

● Researching what type of site-specific environmental compliance will be necessary to implement a project, particularly if the applicant intends to seek Federal funding to implement the project in the future (e.g., under Phase II of this program). We recommend contacting your local Reclamation office (www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html) as part of such research, to discuss the required environmental and cultural resource compliance and costs associated with potential projects. If a potential project is located on land owned by a different Federal agency, other than Reclamation, we also recommend contacting that agency.

C.4.1. Eligibility of Education and Training Activities To be considered eligible activities, all outreach activities, training, and conferences must be specifically linked to the proposed watershed group development, watershed restoration planning, or watershed management project design activities. General education activities, implementing citizen science training programs, or general staff training are not eligible under this NOFO. Note: The ARC (see Section E.2.2. Application Review Committee) has the discretion to determine whether a specific education/outreach activity, training, or conference is eligible.

C.4.2. Eligibility of Monitoring, Measurement, and Field Work If some monitoring, measurement, or other field work (e.g., water quality monitoring, or vegetation surveys) is needed to inform the watershed restoration planning activities or watershed management project design, such work may be eligible for funding so long as it comprises only a minor part of the work described in the proposal.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/plans.html https://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html

C.5. Ineligible Projects

Projects not eligible for funding under this NOFO include, but are not limited to, scientific research and the project types identified immediately below.

C.5.1. Other Planning Projects Proposals for developing planning efforts other than watershed restoration plans are not eligible for funding under this NOFO. This includes proposals for developing drought plans, appraisal investigations, feasibility studies, special studies, Basin Studies, or studies authorized under the Title XVI Water Recycling and Reuse Program, through P.L.102-575, as amended (43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.), or under the Rural Water Program, pursuant to the Rural Water Supply Act of 2006, P.L.109-45.

C.5.2. On-the-Ground Watershed Management Projects Implementing on-the-ground watershed management projects is funded under the Environmental Water Resources Projects NOFO and is not eligible for funding under this NOFO. On-the-ground watershed management projects include, but are not limited to, removing fish passage barriers or installing fish passage structures, streambed and streambank modifications, invasive species removal, vegetation restoration, installing fences, and water conservation and efficiency projects (e.g., canal lining and piping).

C.5.3. Water and Land Purchases and Easements A project that proposes using Federal funding primarily for the purchase of water or land, or to secure an easement, is not eligible under this NOFO.

C.5.4. Building Construction A project that proposes to construct a building is not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or to promote public awareness of water conservation).

C.5.5. On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Improvements Projects to conduct on-farm irrigation efficiency improvements are not eligible under this NOFO.

Applicants interested in on-farm irrigation efficiency improvements should contact the U.S.

Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to investigate opportunities for Federal assistance. For more information on NRCS programs, including application deadlines and a description of available funding, please contact your local NRCS office or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov for further contact information in your area.

C.5.6. Pilot Projects A project that proposes 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 is not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO.

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

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 to submit an application.

If you are unable to access this information electronically, you can request paper copies of any of the documents referenced in this NOFO by emailing the Financial Assistance Support Section staff at sha-dro-fafoa@usbr.gov.

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 25 consecutively numbered pages. If this section exceeds 25 pages, only the first 25 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-424A Budget Information o SF-424B Assurances o SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)

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

• Title page

• Table of contents mailto:SHA-DRO-FAFOA@usbr.gov http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

• Technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to 25 pages) o Executive summary o Project location o Technical project description o Evaluation criteria

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

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance, if applicable.

• Required permits or approvals

Letters of support for the project and letters of participation (will not count towards the page limitation)

• Official resolution (will not count towards the page limitation)

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. Questions regarding forms should be referred to the Financial Assistance Point of Contact under Agency Contacts.

• 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. For application purposes, an SF-424A can used for both construction and non-construction projects.

• SF-424A Budget Information. A fully completed SF-424A Budget Information must be submitted with the application.

• SF-424B Assurances. A SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project shall be included. A SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs 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 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

• SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. A fully completed and signed SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities is required if the applicant has made or agreed to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action. Note—this form cannot be submitted by a contractor or other entity on behalf of an applicant.

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 (25 pages maximum) include:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Project location

(3) Technical project description

(4) Evaluation criteria

D.2.2.5. Executive Summary The executive summary should include:

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

• A one paragraph project summary that briefly describes the location of the watershed area in which the group will work, the activities that will be carried out, any partners involved, watershed concerns in the watershed area, area and how the activities completed through this grant are expected to help alleviate impacts of those conditions. This information will be used to create a summary of your project for our website if the project is selected for funding.

Example: The Nez Perce Tribe, in northwestern Idaho, will establish the Little Salmon River Watershed Advisory Group and develop a restoration plan. The Tribe will engage a diverse group of stakeholders including landowners, the cities of New Meadows and Riggins, Adams and Idaho Counties, DF Development Inc., Payette Land Trust, Adams Soils and Water Conservation District, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, state agencies, Idaho Conservation League, and other affected stakeholders.

Heavy livestock grazing, highway encroachment, wastewater treatment plant point source pollution, and timber harvesting have resulted in riparian degradation and water quality impairments. The Little Salmon River is an important habitat for several different fish species, including Chinook salmon, which is of significant cultural importance to the Tribe and is impacted by excess sediment, fish passage barriers, low summer flows, and high-water temperatures. The Tribe will facilitate the development of the collaborative watershed group, including the development of mission and vision statements and a prioritized restoration plan.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project (month/year).

• Whether or not the proposed planning efforts are focused on a Federal facility or will involve Federal land.

D.2.2.6. Project Location Provide specific information on the geographic location of the area in which the watershed group will work including a map showing the geographic location. For example, {watershed area} is located in {state and county} approximately {distance} miles {direction, e.g., northeast} of {nearest town}. If applicable, please provide the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUC) in which the group will work. If you are selected for funding, Reclamation may request additional detail regarding your project location. If the project will focus on site-specific planning or watershed management project design, please identify both the watershed area the watershed group works in and the location the site-specific planning or project will focus on.

D.2.2.7. Technical Project Description The technical project description should describe the work, including specific activities that will be accomplished. As part of this discussion, please address the following:

• Applicant Category: Please indicate whether you are seeking funding as a New or Existing Watershed Group and explain why you chose to apply under that Applicant Category. As part of this discussion, please provide a brief history of the group, including discussion of

(1) when and how the group was initiated, and (2) ongoing projects or efforts (e.g., previous watershed planning activities).

• Eligibility of Applicant: Please write a narrative summary indicating how the applicant meets the eligibility requirements, as described in Section C.1. Eligible Applicants. Please include an explanation of the applicant's role in the New or Existing Watershed Group.

• Goals: Discuss the preliminary goals and objectives of the New or Existing Watershed Group.

• Approach: Provide a more comprehensive description of your planned approach for completing watershed group development, restoration planning, and watershed management project design activities. Please identify which of the Task Areas described in Section C.4.

Eligible Projects you will address as part of this project, including a detailed discussion of what activities you will undertake within each Task Area. Note: If the watershed group previously received a CWMP Phase I grant, please explain how the scope of work of this project differs from and builds upon the past grant. This section provides an opportunity for the applicant to provide a clear description of the technical nature of the project and to address any aspect of the project that reviewers may need additional information to understand.

Please do not include your project schedule and milestones here; that information is requested in response to Evaluation Criterion C—Implementation and Results. In addition, please avoid discussion of the benefits of the project, which are also requested in response to evaluation criteria. This section is solely intended to provide an understanding of the technical aspects of the project. 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.

D.2.2.8. Evaluation Criteria (See Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria for additional details, including a detailed description of each criterion and sub-criterion and points associated with each).

The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each criterion and sub-criterion 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 sub-criteria in Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

D.2.2.9. Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement that addresses if there is any overlap between the proposed project and any other active or anticipated proposals or projects in terms of activities, costs, or commitment of key personnel. If any overlap exists, applicants must provide a description of the overlap in their application for review.

Applicants must also state if the proposal submitted for consideration under this program is or is not in any way duplicative of any proposal or project that has been or will be submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source—whether it be Federal or non-Federal. If such a circumstance exists, applicants must detail when the other duplicative proposal(s) were submitted, to whom (Agency name and Financial Assistance program), and when funding decisions are expected to be announced. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be duplicative of the funding requested from Reclamation, applicants must notify the NOFO point of contact or the Program Coordinator immediately.

D.2.2.10. Project Budget The project budget includes:

(1) Budget proposal

(2) Budget narrative

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 NOFO. In no case will costs incurred prior to July 1, 2022, be considered for inclusion in the proposed project budget.

Please note that the costs for preparing and submitting an application in response to this NOFO, including developing data necessary to support the proposal, are not eligible project costs under this NOFO 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 NOFO.

http://www.ecfr.gov/

Budget Proposal The 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. Please include the following chart (Table 1) to summarize all funding sources.

Denote in-kind contributions with an asterisk (*).

Table 1.—Summary of Non-Federal and Federal Funding Sources

FUNDING SOURCES AMOUNT

Non-Federal Entities 1.

2.

3.

Non-Federal Subtotal

REQESTED RECLAMATION FUNDING

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 (Table 2).

Table 2. —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 $

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. If you have any questions regarding your budget proposal or eligible costs, please contact the grants management specialist identified in Section G. Agency Contacts.

It is also strongly advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown in Table 2 or a similar format that provides this information. It is also strongly advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown in Table 3 or a similar format that provides this information. If selected for award, successful applicants must submit detailed supporting documentation for all budgeted costs.

Table 3. —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 $ 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 CFR (www.ecfr.gov).

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

• The project expenditure and amount

• The date of cost incurrence

• How the expenditure benefits the project

Salaries and Wages Indicate the Program 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.

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 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.

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 https://www.usace.army.mil/Cost-Engineering/EP1110-1-8/.

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

https://www.usace.army.mil/Cost-Engineering/EP1110-1-8/

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 materials/supplies should be identified as a contractual cost in the budget proposal.

Contractual Identify all work that will be accomplished by subrecipients, 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 contracts with an anticipated value of $10,000 or more must use a competitive procurement method. 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 §200.327 for additional information regarding procurements, including required contract content.

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…