FY22SWEPNOFO_final-pdf-508-2-17-2022.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior February 2022

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R22AS00195

WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects

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: Huntington Cleveland Canal, Emery County Project, Utah

Synopsis i

Synopsis

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

Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity Funding Opportunity Number:

R22AS00195

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.507

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Application due Date:

Thursday, April 28, 2022, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Category A: States; Indian tribes; irrigation districts; water districts; state, regional, or local authorities, whose members include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

Category B: Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A.

All applicants must be 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.

Recipient Cost-Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

50 percent or more of total project costs.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Up to $100,000 per applicant. Total project costs should generally be $225,000 or less.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Approximately 50-70-50 projects contingent upon available appropriations.

This page is intentionally left blank.

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-424D, 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: *

See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 13 *

See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 14 *

See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 14 *

Executive summary

Project location

Project description

Evaluation criteria See Sec. E.1 Page 28 *

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

See Sec. D.2.2.11 Page 21

Required permits or approvals See Sec. D.2.2.12 Page 21

Project Budget: *

Budget narrative See Sec. D.2.2.10 Page 18 *

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.13 Page 21 *

Official Resolutions See Sec. D.2.2.14 Page 22 **

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 Page 23 ***

* 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.

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 BIL Bipartisan Infrastructure Law CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act 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 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 OM&R operations, maintenance, and replacement OMB Office of Management and Budget P.L. Public Law SAM System for Award Management SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Automation SF Standard Form SPOC Single Point of Contact SWEP Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation U.S.C. United States Code U.S.C. United States Code UEI Unique Entity Identifier 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

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. Streamlined Application and Selection Process A.5. 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.1.2 Ineligible Applicants C.2. Cost-Sharing Requirements C.3. Other C.4. Eligible Projects C.5. Ineligible Projects C.6. Construction Start Date Restriction

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. Indirect Costs D.8. 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. Releasing Applications

Section G. Agency Contacts G.1. Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact G.3. Application System Technical Support

Section H. Other Information H.1. Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations H.2. Endangered Species Act vii

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 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.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 Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects (SWEP) provides 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 West.

Through the SWEP, Reclamation provides cost shared financial assistance to States, Tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other entities with water or power delivery authority to implement 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 have been initiated or already completed; and the non-Federal funding, necessary permits, and other required approvals have been secured. For further information on the SWEP, please see https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/swep/index.html.

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R22AS00163

A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Objectives The objective of this NOFO 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 NOFO are well thought out, have public support, and have been identified as the best way to address water management concerns.

A.4. Streamlined Application and Selection Process Reclamation has simplified the evaluation criteria and streamlined the application process for this category of WaterSMART Grants to ensure that 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 NOFO in recognition of the small-scale nature of the projects being funded.

A.5. 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. 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 developing 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.

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.

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

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Funding This NOFO will be used to allocate available fiscal year (FY) 2022 enacted appropriations for WaterSMART Grants and funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), P.L. 117-58 in FY 2022. Applications submitted under this NOFO also may be considered if additional funding becomes available in FY 2022 or thereafter. Applicants that are identified for BIL funding will need to meet additional requirements, including Buy American and Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act).

This NOFO may be amended during the application period to provide additional details about these requirements. Reclamation will work with selected recipients to address these requirements. See Section F.2.7. Additional Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Requirements for more information.

B.2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award: $100,000 Minimum Award: $0

A total of up to $100,000 in Federal funds may be awarded to an applicant. To be considered a small-scale project, total project costs should generally be $225,000 or less. The budget proposal must include the cost of all equipment, materials and supplies, and labor or contractual costs to complete the project. Note: The Application Review Committee (ARC; See Section E.2.2. Application Review Committee) has final discretion to determine whether a project is “small-scale.”

No more than one award will be made to a Category A applicant per FY under this NOFO.

Category B applicants may receive multiple awards for separate projects with different Category A partners. See Section C.1. Eligible Applicants for additional information on applicant eligibility. The Federal share 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.

Projects that have a total project cost totaling more than $225,000 should be submitted under the WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants NOFO. Reclamation will not award funding for the same activity under both this NOFO and this year’s Water and Energy Efficiency Grants NOFO.

B.3. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date Anticipated Award Date: 03/31/2023

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

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.

Anticipated Project Completion Date: 03/31/2025

B.4. Number of Awards Approximately 50 to 70 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 Under P.L. 111-11, Section 9502, applicants eligible to receive an award under this NOFO include:

1. Category A:

• States, Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts;

• State, regional, or local authorities, whose members include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and

• Other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

2. Category B: Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A. Category B applicants must include with their application a letter from the Category A partner, stating that they are acting in partnership with the applicant and agree to the submittal and content of the proposal.

To be eligible, 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, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

C.1.2 Ineligible Applicants Those not eligible include, but are not limited to, the following entities:

• Federal governmental entities

• Institutes of higher education

• 501(c)4 organizations

• 501(c)6 organizations

• Individuals

C.2. Cost-Sharing Requirements All cost share contributions must meet the applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200. All CFRs are available at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, www.ecfr.gov.

http://www.ecfr.gov/

C.2.1. Cost-Share Regulations 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.

C.2.2. Cost-Share Requirements Cost share may be made through cash, costs contributed by the applicant, or third-party in-kind contributions. 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.2.2.10. Project Budget and Section D.2.2.14. Official Resolution for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost-sharing requirements.

C.2.3. Federal Funding The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) for any one proposed project shall not exceed 50 percent of the total 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.

In general, other sources of Federal funding may not be counted towards the required non-Federal 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.2.4. Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

Third-party in-kind contributions are 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. 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 NOFO. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 Contributions and Donations for regulations regarding the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions

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.

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

C.4. 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 and Automation (SCADA)

• Landscape Irrigation measures

• High-Efficiency Indoor Appliances and Fixtures

• Upgrades to Commercial Cooling Systems to Improve Water Use Efficiency

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.

C.5. Ineligible Projects Projects that are not eligible for funding under this NOFO include, but are not limited to:

C.5.1. Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement In accordance with Section 9504 of Secure Water Act, projects that are considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement (OM&R) are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

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., a 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

• Completion of one-time leak detection surveys

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.5.2. Water Purchases Proposals to use Federal funding to purchase water are not eligible under this NOFO. 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.5.3. Building Construction Proposals to construct a building are 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.5.4. 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 NOFO.

C.5.5. Project Receiving Other Federal Financial Assistance Projects or activities that are funded under another Federal Financial Assistance agreement are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

C.5.6. New Conveyance Infrastructure Projects that propose to construct new conveyance to allow for the distribution of additional or new water supplies are not eligible under this NOFO. Applicants proposing such projects should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought/, for more information.

C.5.7. Water Reclamation, Recycling, and Reuse Water reclamation, reuse, and desalination projects are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

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 Ms. Amanda Erath at 303-445-2766 or aerath@usbr.gov.

C.5.8. Groundwater Recharge Groundwater recharge projects are not eligible for funding under this NOFO. Applicants proposing such projects should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought/, for more information.

C.5.9. Water Storage Projects Water storage projects, including installing water tanks, are not eligible for funding under this NOFO. Applicants proposing such projects should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought/, for more information.

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

C.5.10. On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Improvements Projects to conduct on-farm irrigation efficiency improvements (e.g., conversion of flood irrigation to sprinklers) are not eligible for funding 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.6. Construction Start Date Restriction Proposed projects shall not have a construction start date that is prior to March 31, 2023.

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 Operations 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 15 consecutively numbered pages. If this section exceeds 15 pages, only the first 15 pages will be evaluated. The full application, including all attachments, should not exceed 40 pages. If the application exceeds 40 pages, only the first 40 pages will be considered in the evaluation.

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-424D Assurances for Construction Programs o Project Abstract Summary (Office of Management and Budget [OMB] Form 4040-0019) o SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable) mailto:SHA-DRO-FAFOA@usbr.gov

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 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 (will not count towards the page limitation for technical proposal and criteria section, but will count toward the 40-page total application page limit)

• Official resolution (will not count towards the page limitation for technical proposal and criteria section, but will count toward the 40-page total application page limit)

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

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

• Project Abstract Summary. A fully completed Project Abstract Summary (OMB Form 4040-0019) must be submitted with the application. The Project Abstract Summary should include the purpose of the project, the activities to be performed, the expected deliverables or outcomes, the intended beneficiaries, and any subrecipient activities, if known.

• 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 applicant’s name and address and the Project Manager’s name and address, e-mail address, and telephone number.

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) 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.

• Please indicate whether you are a Category A applicant or a Category B applicant. If you are a Category B applicant, please briefly explain how you are acting in partnership with a Category A partner. Note: If you are a Category B applicant, you must include a letter from the Category A partner confirming that they are partnering with you and agree to the submittal and content of the proposal (see Section C.1. Eligible Applicants for additional information).

• A one paragraph project summary that provides the location of the project, a brief description of the work that will be carried out, any partners involved, expected benefits and how those benefits relate to the water management issues you plan to address. This information will be used to create a summary of your project for Reclamation’s website if the project is selected for funding.

Example: The Newton Water Users Association, located in northern Utah, will upgrade the Jones Pipeline from 1.1 miles of transit pipe to high density polyethylene or polyynyl chloride pipe. The project will also upgrade meters and isolation valves at 14 of the 28 customer turnouts along the Jones Pipeline. The upgrade will reduce seepage losses and enable the Association and stakeholders to better manage the water supply. The project will also make the Jones Pipeline compatible with the recently pressurized main canal and will enable agricultural customers to make future on-farm irrigation improvements. The project meets the goals of the Association’s Water Management and Conservation Plan in 2015.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project (month/year). Note: Proposed projects shall not have a construction start date that is prior to March 31, 2023. See Section C.7. Construction Start Date Restrictions for additional information.

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

D.2.2.6. Project Location Provide detailed 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}.

D.2.2.7. Technical Project Description Provide a more comprehensive description of the technical aspects of your project, including the work to be accomplished and the approach to complete the work. This description should provide detailed information about the project including materials and equipment and the work to be conducted to complete the project. 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 the 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 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.

(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.)

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.2.2.9. 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 does or does not in any way duplicate 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) Funding plan and letters of funding 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) §200, and all other requirements of this NOFO. In no case will costs incurred prior to July 1, 2021, 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.

Funding Plan and Letters of Funding 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 funding commitment from these additional sources. Letters of funding commitment shall identify:

• the amount of funding commitment,

• the date the funds will be available to the applicant,

• any time constraints on the availability of funds, and

• 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 NOFO until the recipient has secured the non-Federal cost share. Reclamation will execute a financial assistance agreement once the 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

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 $

Table 3. —Sample Budget Proposal Format

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION COMPUTATION Quantity Type

TOTAL

COST $/Unit Quantity

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.

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.

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 and are consistently applied to Federal and non-Federal activities. 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 NOFO 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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.