FY24_25_Environmental Water Resources Projects_NOFO_Final508_05132024.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R24AS00299

WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects For Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025

U.S. Department of the Interior April 2024

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, Native Hawaiians, 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 – Boise Project, Arrowrock Division. View of the South Fork Boise River near the Pine Bridge, north of Anderson Ranch Reservoir. July 21, 2020 (Bureau of Reclamation/ Kirsten Strough).

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

Office Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects for Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal

Year 2025 Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity Funding Opportunity Number: R24AS00299 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.507, 15.554

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Application due Date:

Application Period 1: Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time Application Period 2: Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Applicants eligible to receive financial assistance under this NOFO include:

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. All Category A applicants must 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, or Puerto Rico.

Category B: Non-profit conservation organizations, including watershed groups as defined in the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Section 6001, that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of, an entity described in Category A. All Category B applicants must be in the United States or one of the Territories identified above.

Category C: Non-profit conservation organizations submitting an application for a project to implement a nature-based solution on Federal land may submit an application without a Category A partner, if they demonstrate that entities described in Category A from the applicable service area have been notified and do not object to the project. All Category C applicants must be in the United States or one of the Territories identified above.

Recipient Cost-Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

A non-Federal cost-share of 25 percent or more of total project costs. Note: this cost-sharing requirement is not applicable to American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Up to $3,000,000 per project for a project that can be completed within 3 years. Total project costs shall not exceed $6,000,000. Up to $5,000,000 in Federal funds may be awarded to a watershed group for projects to be complete within five years.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Approximately 20 – 40 projects per application submittal period contingent on available funding.

Intergovernmental Review:

(See NOFO Sec. D.5)

An intergovernmental review may be required for applications submissions from a U.S. state or local government prior to submission. Applicants must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372.

i https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html)

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

Mandatory Application Components: Page

Mandatory Federal forms:

• SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance (Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)

• SF-424A: Budget Information – NonConstruction Programs (OMB)

• SF-424D Assurances – Construction Programs

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) registration 29

Technical Proposal (Use Project Narrative Attachment Form to upload in Grants.gov) 22

Budget Narrative (Use Budget Narrative Attachment Form to upload in Grants.gov) 25

Recommended Application Components: Page

Environmental and cultural resources compliance 25

Required permits or approvals 26

Overlap or duplication of effort statement 26

Conflict of interest disclosure statement 26

Uniform audit reporting statement 27

SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (required, if applicable) (OMB) 28

Letters of Support 28

Letter of Partnership (Category B Applicants) and Applicant Eligibility Documentation 28

Official Resolution 29

Letter of Funding Commitment 29 iii

Acronyms and Abbreviations ARC Application Review Committee ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments BIL Bipartisan Infrastructure Law CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and

Liability Act CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act Department U.S. Department of the Interior EA Environmental Assessment EIN Employer Identification Number EIS Environmental Impact Statement E.O. Executive Order EQIP Environmental Quality Incentives Program 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 IBC Interior Business Center MDT Mountain Daylight Time MST Mountain Standard 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 Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation v

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 TAP Technical Assistance Program U.S.C. United States Code UEI Unique Entity Identifier USD United States Dollars USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow West Western United States

Symbols

% percent § section(s) vi

Contents Page

Application Checklist ....................................................................................................................... iii Acronyms and Abbreviations ........................................................................................................... v Contents ........................................................................................................................................... vii 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 B.6. Technical Assistance

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Cost Sharing or Matching 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 (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) D.4. Submission Date and Time D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Funding Restrictions

Section E. Application Review Information E.1. Evaluation Criteria E.2. Review and Selection Process E.3. Federal Award Performance E.4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

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 (2 CFR §1402.315) F.6. Freedom of Information Act

Section G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) G.1. Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact

Section H. Other Information H.1. Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations vii

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; Section 6002 of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Subtitle A of Title VI of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, P.L. 111-11 (16 1015); and Section 40907 (“Multi- Benefit Projects to Improve Watershed Health”) of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) (also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act), P.L. 117-58.

A.2. Background, Purpose, and Program Requirements The United States Department of the Interior’s (DOI’s) 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 DOI’s priorities. Through WaterSMART, 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 reliability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts. This Environmental Water Resources Projects NOFO provides funding for water conservation and efficiency projects, water management and infrastructure improvements, and river and watershed restoration projects and nature-based solutions that provide significant ecological benefits, have been developed as part of a collaborative process, and help carry out an established strategy to increase the reliability of water resources.

Reclamation’s WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects provide support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and is aligned with other priorities such as those identified in E.O. 13985:

Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. The 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. This is a program covered by the Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, water and wastewater infrastructure, and other covered investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.1

1 For more information, see E.O. 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (January 27, 2023), https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad; Justice40 Initiative, https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/; Addendum to the Interim Implementation Guidance for the Justice 40 Initiative, M-21-28, on using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), M-23-09, (January 27, 2023), https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/M-23- 09_Signed_CEQ_CPO.pdf.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/M-23-09_Signed_CEQ_CPO.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/M-23-09_Signed_CEQ_CPO.pdf

A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Objectives The objective of this NOFO is to invite eligible applicants (Section C.1. Eligible Applicants) to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on Environmental Water Resources Projects, including water conservation and efficiency projects, water management and infrastructure improvements, and river and watershed restoration and nature-based solution projects that provide significant ecological benefits, have been developed as part of a collaborative process, and help carry out an established strategy to increase the reliability of water resources. Nature-based solutions are sustainable environmental management practices that weave natural features or processes into the built environment to promote adaptation and resilience. This NOFO also prioritizes projects that provide benefits to multiple water use sectors.

This NOFO will be used to distribute Cooperative Watershed Management Program funding, made available through FY 2024 and 2025 appropriations and the BIL, to watershed groups that meet the definition in Section C.1.5. Watershed Group Definition.

Applications submitted by watershed groups will be ranked separately from all other applications.

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects. Reclamation provides funding on a 65/35 cost share basis for the study, design, and construction of projects that restore or protect aquatic ecosystems. Projects benefit aquatic ecosystems across multiple basins, build habitat and systems resiliency, support threatened and endangered species, and provide broad environmental benefits.

WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program. Reclamation provides funding to watershed groups to encourage diverse stakeholders to form local solutions to address their watershed management needs. Reclamation provides funding through Phase I of the program for watershed group development, restoration planning, and watershed management project design.

WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Project Grants. Reclamation provides funding on a 50/50 cost-share basis for the construction of projects that increase water supply flexibility and improve water management to build long-term resilience to drought and are supported by an existing drought contingency plan.

WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants. Financial assistance is provided on a 50/50 cost-share basis for the construction of projects that conserve and use water

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description more efficiently, increase the production of hydropower, mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict, and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the Western United States.

WaterSMART Planning and Project Design Grants. Reclamation provides funding for collaborative planning and design projects to support water management improvements.

This includes funding for comprehensive Drought Contingency Plans; Water Strategy Grants to investigate and develop activities and projects supporting water marketing, water conservation, drought resilience, and ecological values; and Project Design Grants to conduct project-specific design for projects supporting water conservation, drought resilience, and ecological values.

Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program (TAP). Reclamation’s Native American Affairs TAP provides technical assistance to assist Indian Tribes to develop, manage, and protect their water and related resources. Cost sharing is not required, and technical assistance requests must satisfy “Program Criteria.” Proposals are solicited via notices of funding opportunity, and successful proposals approved for funding can be found on Reclamation’s website at the address below.

For information on the funding opportunities listed above, visit the WaterSMART Program website at www.usbr.gov/waterSMART, or the Native American Affairs Program Technical Assistance Program website at www.usbr.gov/native/programs/TAPprogram.html.

http://www.usbr.gov/waterSMART/ http://www.usbr.gov/native/programs/TAPprogram.html

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Funding This NOFO will allocate available program funds, including fiscal year (FY) 2024 and 2025 enacted appropriations1 for WaterSMART Grants and the Cooperative Watershed Management Program, and funding available under the BIL, P.L. 117-58, in F 2024 or FY 2025. This NOFO will be used to allocate BIL funding for projects that will improve the condition of a natural feature or nature-based feature, BIL funding for the Cooperative Watershed Management Program, and BIL funding for multi-benefit projects to improve watershed health under Section 40907 of the BIL.

Funds made available under this NOFO are subject to the Buy America Act. Please see Section F.2.11 Buy America Domestic Procurement Preference and Section F.2.12.

Additional Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Requirements: Wage Rate Requirements for additional information regarding the Buy America preference as well as Wage Rate Requirements (Davis Bacon Act).

The amount of funding available for awards under this NOFO will depend on the demand for funding under this and other categories of funding. Any awards are subject to a determination by Reclamation that FY 2024 appropriations, FY 2025 appropriations, and/or BIL funds are available. Applications submitted under this NOFO may also be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2024, FY 2025, or subsequently.

B.2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award:

In general - $3,000,000 Watershed Groups - $5,000,000

Minimum Award: $0

In general, up to $3,000,000 in Federal funds may be awarded for projects to be completed within three years and with total project costs no greater than $6,000,000. The budget must include the cost of all equipment, materials and supplies, and labor or contractual costs to complete the project. Up to $5,000,000 in Federal funds may be awarded to a watershed group that meets the definition outlined in Section C.1.5. Watershed Group Definition for projects to be completed within five years, with no total project cost limitation. The

1 Once appropriated.

Application Review Committee (ARC) (see Section E.2.2 Application Review Committee) has final discretion to determine whether a project meets the total project cost limitation.

Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration under this funding opportunity, provided that the project scopes are not duplicative. Category A entities are limited to a total of $3,000,000 in Federal funding per Application Period through this NOFO. Category B applicants may be considered for multiple awards up to a total of $15,000,000 per Application Period, if the Category A partners are different for each project selected. See Section C.3.1. Multiple Applications for more information.

B.3. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date This funding opportunity has two application submittal periods (see Section D.4.

Submission Date and Time). For proposals submitted under the first application period, Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in November 2024 (or later if necessary). The anticipated award and completion dates for the first submittal period are as follows:

Anticipated Award Date: April 30, 2025

Anticipated Project Completion Date: In general - April 30, 2028; Watershed Groups – April 30, 2030.

For proposals submitted under the second application period, Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in August 2025 (or later if necessary).

The anticipated award and completion dates for the second submittal period are as follows:

Anticipated Award Date: January 31, 2026

Anticipated Project Completion Date: In general - January 31, 2029; Watershed Groups – January 31, 2031.

B.4. Number of Awards Approximately 20–40 awards each application period, depending on the amount requested by each applicant and the amount of Federal funding available, will be awarded under this NOFO. More awards may be made if additional funding becomes 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 may include but is not limited to:

Section B. Award Information

• 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.

B.6. Technical Assistance By request, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award of the project. If you plan to receive Reclamation’s assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget.

Technical assistance should be discussed with Reclamation staff prior to applying. To discuss available assistance and associated costs, contact the Program Coordinator identified in Section G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts.

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants Applicants eligible to receive an award under this NOFO are described below.

C.1.1. Category A Applicants

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

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

• Other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

All Category A 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, or Puerto Rico.

C.1.2. Category B Applicants

Non-profit conservation organizations, including watershed groups as defined in the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Section 6001(6) (see Section C. Watershed Group Definition), that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of, an entity described in Category A. All Category B applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories identified above.

Category B applicants should include with their application a letter from the Category A partner stating that the Category A partner:

• Is acting in partnership with the applicant;

• Agrees to the submittal and content of the application; and

• Intends to participate in the project in some way, for example, by providing input, feedback, or other support for the project.

See Section D.2.2.12. Letter of Partnership (Category B Applicants) and Applicant Eligibility Documentation for additional information. Note: Partners do not necessarily need to contribute cost-share funding.

https://D.2.2.12

Watershed Groups: Watershed groups that meet the definition in Section C.1.5.Watershed Group Definition are eligible to receive Cooperative Watershed Management Program funding made available through FY 2024 and FY 2025 appropriations and the BIL. Accordingly, applications submitted by watershed groups will be ranked separately from all other applications.

In addition, a watershed group is eligible to apply for 50-percent cost-shared funding without a Category A partner but must include a Category A partner to be eligible for 75-percent Federal funding. Reclamation may request additional information regarding whether an applicant meets the definition of a watershed group during the application review process.

C.1.3. Category C Applicants:

Non-profit conservation organizations submitting an application for a project to implement a nature-based solution on Federal land may submit an application without a Category A partner, if they demonstrate that entities described in Category A from the applicable service area have been notified and do not object to the project. All Category C applicants must be in the United States or one of the Territories identified above.

Category C applicant documentation must be submitted with the application for Category C applicants to be eligible. See Section D.2.2.12. Letter of Partnership (Category B Applicants) and Applicant Eligibility Documentation for additional information.

C.1.4. Ineligible Applicants

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

• Federal Governmental entities

• Individuals

• Institutes of higher education

C.1.5. Watershed Group Definition

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.

• Represents a diverse group of stakeholders representing different water use sectors, 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.

C.2. Cost Sharing or Matching Projects that fit one of the eligible project types (see Section C.4. Eligible Projects), provide significant ecological benefits, have been developed as part of a collaborative process, and help carry out an established strategy to increase the reliability of water resources are eligible for up to a 75 percent (75%) Federal cost-share contribution.

Note: In accordance with provisions of Public Law 95-134, Title V, § 501 (1977) (codified at 48 U.S.C. 1469a), as amended by Public Law 96-205, Title V, § 601, this cost-sharing requirement is not applicable to American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands.

Applications must be capable of cost sharing 25 percent (25%) 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. For example, if the proposed project has a total project cost of $4 million, the applicant may request up to $3,000,000 in Federal funding but must be capable of providing $1,000,000 in non-Federal cost-share.

Funding Source Funding Amount Percent of total project cost

Costs to be reimbursed with the requested Federal funding $3 million 75%

Costs to be paid by the applicant, including any third-party contributions $1 million 25%

TOTAL PROJECT COST $4 million 100%

Cost share may be made through cash, costs contributed by the applicant, or third-party in-kind contributions. Third-party in-kind contributions include the value of non-cash contributions of property or services that benefit the federally assisted project and are contributed by non-Federal third parties without charge. Cost-share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or state grants) should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award. See Section D.2.2.3. Budget Narrative and Section D.2.2.13. Official Resolution for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost-sharing requirements.

Other sources of Federal funding may not be counted toward the required cost share. The exception to this requirement is when the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically https://D.2.2.13 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 toward the non-Federal cost share, the work associated with the funding may be removed from the proposed project. Note: Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) funding is considered Federal funding and cannot be used to meet non-Federal cost share requirements.

C.2.1. Cost-Share Regulations All cost-share contributions must meet the applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov.

C.2.2. Third-Party In-Kind Contributions Third-party in-kind contributions may be in the form of equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the proposed project. Applicants may not include as part of their cost-share for projects funded under this NOFO 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. 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

C.3.1. Multiple Applications

Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration under this funding opportunity, provided that the project scopes are not duplicative. Category A entities are limited to a total of $3,000,000 in Federal funding per Application Period through this NOFO. Category B applicants may be considered for multiple awards up to a total of $15,000,000 per Application Period, if the Category A partners are different for each project selected.

In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple project components, and the components are interrelated or closely related (e.g., a project to restore and enhance flood plains and a project to remove a barrier to fish passage that are physically and geographically linked), you should combine these in one application. However, if the projects are only loosely related, you should submit them as separate applications.

C.3.2. Excluded Parties Reclamation conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award and ineligibility condition apply to this Federal program. If entities or key project personnel are identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database http://www.ecfr.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/exclusions https://sam.gov/content/exclusions as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, Reclamation cannot award funds to them.

C.4. Eligible Projects Projects eligible under this NOFO include on-the-ground implementation projects where a primary purpose is to benefit ecological values or improve watershed health and have a nexus to water resources. This includes projects that benefit plant and animal species; fish and wildlife habitat; riparian areas; ecosystems; commercial, recreational, subsistence, or Tribal ceremonial fishing; and river-based recreation, which are supported by rivers, streams, or other water sources, or that are directly influenced by water resources management. This may include, but is not limited to, projects that improve the timing or quantity of water available; improve water quality and temperature; improve stream or riparian conditions for the benefit of plant and animal species, fish and wildlife habitat, riparian areas, watershed health, and ecosystems;

implementation of a nature-based solution; and projects that otherwise mitigate against the impacts of climate change to fish and wildlife habitats. This includes projects that provide benefits to multiple sectors, such as projects that benefit agricultural, municipal, Tribal, or recreational water users in addition to providing ecological benefits.

Project with higher levels of design and engineering at the time of application will be prioritized under the evaluation criteria (see Section E.1. Evaluation Criteria). It is recommended that projects submitted under this funding opportunity have approximately 60% design scheduled to be complete no later than December 2024, for the June 18, 2024, application deadline, and August 2025, for the March 11, 2025, application deadline. A 60% design level could include technical study and design documentation supporting the preferred alternative in sufficient detail to be able to obtain the necessary permits and estimate funding required for project implementation. We recognize that different project types require different types of design, but projects with only a conceptual level of design should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Planning and Project Design funding opportunity prior to applying for implementation funding under this NOFO.

Applicants can apply for funding for project components in one or more of the following three task areas (A, B, or C). In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple project components, and the components are interrelated or closely related (e.g., a project to restore and enhance floodplains and a project to remove a barrier to fish passage that are physically and geographically linked), you should combine these in one application. However, if the projects are only loosely related, you should submit them as separate applications.

The project types identified below are eligible for funding under this NOFO. Other projects that are similar to the types listed below may be submitted for consideration and will be allowed to the extent that they are consistent with program authorization, prioritization criteria, and goals.

C.4.1. Task A: Ecologically Focused Water Conservation and Efficiency Projects

To be eligible under this task area, a primary project purpose must be to provide more reliable water supplies for ecological benefits. Some means of ensuring that the conserved water will be made available for ecological benefits is required. This could include a formal mechanism to commit conserved water to instream flows (e.g., instream water right) or other types of assurances (e.g., Memorandum of Understanding between applicable water right holders and stakeholders).

Eligible activities include:

• Canal lining or piping

• Irrigation flow measurements

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) automation

Note: For projects including an improvement to conserve irrigation water, an agreement will not be awarded unless the applicant agrees to the terms of Section 9504(a)(3)(B) of P.L. 111-11. See Section F.2.7 Requirements for Agricultural Operations under P.L. 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(B).

C.4.2. Task B: Ecologically Focused Water Management and Infrastructure Improvements

To be eligible under this task area, a primary project purpose must be to provide ecological benefits. Eligible activities include:

• Improving fish passage, including installation and/or modification of fish screens, ladders, bypasses, or removing small barriers to fish passage (e.g., diversion dams).

• Improving fish hatcheries (e.g., chillers, holding pens, transport, disease control, or prevention).

• Water management changes or infrastructure improvements that will improve water supply reliability and provide ecological benefits (e.g., installing a new diversion location downstream from critical temperature control points, treating return flows to improve water quality, water storage to improve streamflow, or improving the timing or volume of available flows at particular locations).

• Salinity or temperature control projects to provide ecological benefits (e.g., salinity barriers, temperature curtains, dam temperature shutters, powerplant bypass structures) and to aerate ecologically sensitive areas where dissolved oxygen levels are low.

C.4.3. Task C: Restoration and Nature-Based Solution Projects To be eligible under this task area, projects must have a clear nexus to water resources or water resources management. Eligible activities include:

• Restoration of Aquatic and Riparian Habitat. Restoration of the riparian area, riverbanks, channels, and floodplains to bolster aquatic and riparian habitat and build natural resiliency.

• Restoration of Connectivity. Restoration of connectivity between the river and disconnected floodplains and wetlands to improve environmental flows, build system resiliency, and improve the lateral mobility of a river channel.

• Nature-Based Solutions. Implementation of nature-based solutions (e.g., installation of beaver dam analogs, post-assisted log structures, wetland construction for treatment of irrigation water or stormwater flows)

• Water Quality and Temperature. Restoration projects that improve water temperature, water quality, or the timing or volume of available flows to improve aquatic conditions.

• Fisheries. Restoration projects that enhance commercial, recreational, subsistence, or Tribal ceremonial fishing, and river-based recreation.

• Invasive Species. Removing of invasive species, protection against invasive species, and restoration of native species. Projects must have a clear nexus to water resources or water resources management. Reclamation can only provide funding for invasive species removal one time per geographic footprint; secondary removal is considered operations and maintenance and is not eligible (see Section C.5.1. Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement).

o Invasive Species – Vegetation. Projects that include removal of invasive vegetation must include revegetation with native species at the removal site OR must provide a clear explanation of why revegetation is not necessary for the specific ecosystem in which the project is located.

o Invasive Species – Other Taxa. Projects that include removal of non-vegetation invasive species must include measures to prevent reintroduction (e.g., fencing, fish barrier).

• Forest Management. Forest management activities to protect water resources. Projects must have a clear nexus to water resources or water resources management. Reclamation can only provide funding for forest management activities one time per geographic footprint; additional treatments are considered operations and maintenance and are not eligible (see Section C.5.1. Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement). Eligible activities include:

o Fuels Management – Fuels management to reduce the risk of severe wildland fire, through mechanical and/or chemical treatments.

o Post-Wildland Fire Restoration – Post-wildland fire restoration activities, including measures to stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and remove post-fire sedimentation; invasive species removal; planting and seeding native vegetation;

forest stabilization; and reforestation. Projects that include removal of post-wildland fire sediment must also (1) implement revegetation/reforestation and erosion control techniques to reduce future sedimentation and (2) complete habitat restoration in any river or reservoir from which sediment is removed.

C.4.4. Eligibility of Monitoring Activities Program funding may be used to complete the following activities to support monitoring of performance outcomes associated with the on-the-ground implementation portion of the project:

(1) establish a monitoring and data management plan, (2) install necessary equipment to monitor progress and conservation outcomes, and (3) complete up to 6 months of post-implementation monitoring activities of conservation outcomes after implementation of the on-the-ground project. Costs for these activities shall not exceed 25 percent of the total project cost. Program funding may not be used to complete long-term (i.e., more than 6 months) monitoring of performance after project construction is complete (these costs are considered normal operation and maintenance costs and are the responsibility of the applicant).

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

• Dredging of reservoirs, canals, and/or rivers to remove normally occurring sediment accumulation

• Reclamation can only provide funding for invasive species removal and fuels management one time per geographic footprint; additional treatments are considered operations and maintenance and are not eligible

Applicants that have questions regarding OM&R are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator (see Section G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact) prior to the application deadline for further information.

C.5.2. Water Reclamation, Reuse, and Desalination

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. Maribeth Menendez at 303-445-2094 or mmenendez@usbr.gov.

C.5.3. Injection Wells and Recharge Projects Primarily for Agricultural or Municipal Benefits

Injection wells and recharge projects primarily for agricultural or municipal benefits are not eligible. 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.5.4. Small Surface Water Storage Projects

Small surface water storage projects with a total estimated project cost of more than $10 million, or that is a phase of a larger project that exceeds $10 million, are not eligible under this NOFO.

Applicants proposing such projects may wish to consider Reclamation’s Small Storage Program.

See the Small Storage Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/smallstorage, for more information.

C.5.5. Water Purchases

Applications 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 or contact the Program Coordinator (see Section G.2 Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact).

mailto:mmenendez@usbr.gov http://www.usbr.gov/drought https://www.usbr.gov/drought/

C.5.6. Land Purchase and Easements Applications to use Federal funding for the purchase of land, or with the primary purpose to secure a permanent easement, are not eligible under this NOFO.

C.5.7. Building Construction

Applications 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.5.8. Pilot Projects

Applications 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.5.9. Removal and Prevention of Invasive Mussel Species

Projects to remove or prevent the invasion or spread of invasive mussel species are not eligible under this NOFO. Reclamation provides funding for these projects under Reclamation’s Integrated Pest Management and Invasive Species Program. Please contact Heidi McMaster, at hmcmaster@usbr.gov, for additional information.

C.5.10. Prescribed Burns

Fuels management through prescribed burning is not eligible under this NOFO.

C.5.11. On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Improvements

Projects to conduct on-farm irrigation efficiency improvements are not eligible under this NOFO. Applicants interested in on-farm improvements should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture and 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 see www.nrcs.usda.gov for further contact information in your area.

This NOFO does not preclude projects located on private land. Some project components may occur on private land, including on agricultural land, if they are part of a project with broader benefits to ecological value or watershed health.

C.5.12. New Conveyance Infrastructure for Municipal or Agricultural Water Delivery

A project that proposes to construct new conveyance to allow for the distribution of additional or new water supplies for municipal or agricultural use is not eligible. Applicants proposing such https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/FY21CWMPI-WRPOFA/Shared%20Documents/General/FY24%20EWRP%20NOFO/hmcmaster@usbr.gov www.nrcs.usda.gov 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.5.13. Activities Subject to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act and Mine Remediation Projects

Project components that are required to comply with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), are not eligible for funding under this funding opportunity. In general, mine remediation activities may be determined to be ineligible under this funding opportunity. If your project includes remediation or restoration work in or around a mine site, please contact the Program Coordinator listed in Section G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) prior to applying.

C.5.14. Training, Education, and Outreach Activities General education activities, general stakeholder outreach, the implementation of citizen science training programs, or general staff training are not eligible under this NOFO.

C.5.15. Projects Receiving Other Federal Financial Assistance Proposals for projects or activities that are funded under another Federal Financial Assistance agreement are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

C.6. Construction Start Date Restriction Proposed projects submitted by the June 18, 2024, application deadline should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to January 1, 2025.

Proposed projects submitted by the March 11, 2025, application deadline should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to October 1, 2025.

www.usbr.gov/drought

Section D. Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package

This document contains all the information, forms, and electronic addresses 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 Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact identified in Section G.1. Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact.

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 technical proposal and criteria section (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 35 consecutively numbered pages. If this section exceeds 35 pages, only the first 35 pages will be evaluated. The full application, including all attachments, should not exceed 100 pages. If the application exceeds 100 pages, only the first 100 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 should include the items identified as Mandatory Application Components in the Application Checklist to be considered complete. To facilitate fair and timely reviews by the ARC, it is highly recommended that application packages be structured in the order identified in the Application Checklist.

Applications will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this funding…