NOFO - FY 2025 NAA TAP DRAFT_508 Compliant FINAL.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior November 2024

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R25AS00016

Native American Affairs:

Technical Assistance to Tribes for

Fiscal Year 2025

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; 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.

The mission of Reclamation’s Native American Affairs

Program is to make the benefits of the Reclamation program available to Indian Tribes and to fulfill

Reclamation’s Indian Trust responsibilities.

Cover photo: Scott River confluence, California (Reclamation/Courtney Mathews)

Synopsis i

Synopsis

Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Native American and International Affairs Office

Funding Opportunity Title: Native American Affairs: Technical Assistance to Tribes for Fiscal Year

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity Number:

R254AS00016

Assistance Listing Number: 15.519

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Application due date:

Thursday, February 27, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Applicants eligible to receive financial assistance to fund activities under this NOFO include: Federally recognized Indian Tribes in the 17 Western States identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902 as amended and supplemented, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Recipient Cost-Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

No cost share is required.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Up to $1,000,000 per proposal. Applicants may submit more than one application for funding consideration. However, no more than $2,000,000 will be awarded to any one applicant under this NOFO.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Approximately $7,000,000 is available under this program.

Approximately 10 projects per application submittal period, contingent on appropriations.

Intergovernmental Review:

(See NOFO Sec. D.5)

This NOFO is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” A list of states that have elected to participate in the intergovernmental review process is available on whitehouse.gov.

Application Checklist iii

Application Checklist

The following tables contain a summary of the information that applicants are required to submit.

√ Mandatory Application Components Required

Content

Page

Mandatory Federal Forms:

SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) SF-424A: Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs

(OMB)

SF-424B: Assurances – Non-Construction Programs (OMB) OR SF-424D: Assurances – Construction Programs (OMB)

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

Technical Proposal (use Project Narrative Attachment Form to upload in grants.gov)

Budget Narrative (use Budget Narrative Attachment Form to upload in grants.gov)

√ Recommended Application Components Recommended

Content

Page

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

Required permits or approvals

Overlap or duplication of effort statement

Conflict of interest disclosure statement

Uniform audit reporting statement

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

Certification Regarding Lobbying

Letters of Support

Official Resolution

Letter of Funding Commitment javascript:downloadFile('https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_4_0-V4.0.pdf');

javascript:downloadFile('https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf');

javascript:downloadFile('https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424B-V1.1.pdf');

https://sam.gov/content/home https://sam.gov/content/home javascript:downloadFile('https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SFLLL_2_0-V2.0.pdf');

Table of Contents v

Table of Contents

Section A. Program Description

A.1. Authority

A.2. Background, Purpose, and Program Requirements

A.3. Other Related Funding Opportunities

Section B. Federal Award Information

B.1. Total Funding

B.2. Expected Award Amount

B.3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates

B.4. Number of Awards

B.5. Type of Award

Section C. Eligible Applicants

C.1.1. Eligible Applicants:

C.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

C.3. Other

C.3.1. Indian Water Rights Settlements

C.4. Eligible Projects

C.5. Ineligible Projects

Section D. Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

D.3.1. Register with the System for Award Management

D.3.2. Obtain a UEI Number

D.3.3. Maintain an Active SAM Registration and UEI Number

D.4. Submission Date and Time

D.4.1. Due Date for Applications

D.4.2. Application Due Date Explanation

D.5. Funding Restrictions

D.5.1. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs vi

D.5.2. Indirect Costs

Section E. Application Review Information

E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria

E.1.1. Evaluation Criterion A. Project Need (30 POINTS)

E.1.2. Evaluation Criterion B. Project Benefits (30 POINTS)

E.1.3. Evaluation Criterion C. Project Implementation (30 POINTS) . 28

E.1.4. Evaluation Criterion D. Biden-Harris Administration and Department of the Interior Priorities (10 POINTS)

E.2. Review and Selection Process

E.2.1. First Level Threshold Screening

E.2.2. Application Review Committee

E.2.3. Red-Flag Review

E.2.4. Managerial Review

E.2.5. Pre-Award Clearances and Approvals

E.3. Current Responsibilities/Qualifications Information

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.2.1. Automated Standard Application for Payments Registration 35

F.2.2. Approvals and Permits

F.2.3. Geospatial Data and Data Tools

F.2.4. Intangible Property (2 CFR §200.315)

F.2.5. Real Property (2 CFR §200.311)

F.2.6. Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)

F.2.7. Buy America Preference

F.3. Reporting Requirements and Distribution vii

F.3.1. Financial Reports

F.3.2. Interim Performance Reports

F.3.3. Final Performance Report

F.3.4. Real Property Reports

F.3.5. Conflict of Interest Disclosures

F.3.6. Other Mandatory Disclosures

F.4. Data Availability (2 CFR §1402.315)

F.4.1. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

F.5. Recipient Service Delivery Option

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

H.2. Environmental Statutes

H.2.1. National Environmental Policy Act

H.2.2. National Historic Preservation Act

H.3. Endangered Species Act

Appendix A: Project Location Map Guidance……………………………………….54

Appendix B: Project Description Guidance…………………………………………..55

Section A. Program Description

A.1. Authority

Reclamation’s Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program (TAP) is administered in accordance with the Reclamation Act of 1902, as amended and supplemented and Consolidated

Appropriations Resolution, 2003, Division D - Energy and Water Development Appropriations, Title II, Sec. 201, Public Law (P. L.) 108-7 (43 USC 373d) which authorizes Reclamation to enter into grants and cooperative agreements with federally recognized Indian Tribes to increase opportunities to develop, manage, and protect tribal water and related resources.

A.2. Background, Purpose, and Program Requirements

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), through the TAP, provides financial and technical assistance to federally recognized Indian Tribes. The TAP establishes cooperative working relationships, through partnerships with Indian Tribes, to assist Tribes as they develop, manage, and protect their water and related resources. Reclamation’s Native American and International

Affairs Office, Washington, D.C., plans to make fiscal year (FY) 2025 funds available for the

TAP through Reclamation’s five Regional Offices.

For further information on the TAP please visit:

www.usbr.gov/native/programs/TAPprogram.html

The objective of this NOFO is to invite federally recognized Indian Tribes to submit proposals for financial assistance for projects and activities that develop, manage, and protect tribal water and related resources.

This NOFO also implements the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities including Presidential

Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (E.O. 14008), and

Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Undeserved Communities

Through the Federal Government (E.O. 13985). E.O. 13985 is supported by this NOFO as it increases opportunities for Indian Tribes to develop, manage, and protect their water and related resources.

A.3. Other Related Funding Opportunities

Reclamation provides funding through other programs that may assist Tribes in developing, managing, and protecting their water and related resources. Tribes are eligible recipients in the programs outlined below.

Through WaterSMART Grants, Reclamation also provides other funding opportunities.

Through Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects, Reclamation provides funding for small-scale http://www.usbr.gov/native/programs/TAPprogram.html water management projects that have been identified through previous planning efforts.

Reclamation has developed a streamlined selection and review process to reflect the small-scale nature of these projects.

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 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.

Through Applied Science Grants, Reclamation provides funding to support projects to develop hydrologic information and water management tools and to improve modeling and forecasting capabilities.

Funding is available under the Cooperative Watershed Management Program (Phase I) to support watershed group development, watershed restoration planning, and watershed management project design.

Reclamation introduced a new category of funding under WaterSMART in FY 2022:

Environmental Water Resources Projects. Funding will be provided to support projects focused on environmental benefits and that have been developed as part of a collaborative process to help carry out an established strategy to increase the reliability of water resources.

Projects under this new category of funding may be eligible for up to 75% Federal funding.

Sponsors of Drought Resiliency Projects, Water and Energy Efficiency Grants, or Cooperative

Watershed Management Program Phase II projects that are focused on environmental benefits and that meet other requirements should apply under this new funding opportunity.

For additional information regarding these NOFOs, please visit the WaterSMART program website: www.usbr.gov/watersmart/.

Small Storage Program funding is available for planning, design, and construction of surface water and groundwater storage projects with a storage capacity of not less than 2,000 acre-feet and not greater than 30,000 acre-feet. Additional information regarding eligibility and timing for this opportunity is available at the Small Storage program website:

https://www.usbr.gov/smallstorage/.

Section B. Federal Award Information

B.1. Total Funding

Estimated Total Funding:

$7,000,000 http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usbr.gov%2Fsmallstorage%2F&data=05%7C01%7CKTitensor%40usbr.gov%7Ca0f5afb273ce4830435108da805bf942%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C637963430031477865%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9AE1AIWtN0Al%2BZ7gwBYmCVsSbAMYGXw9vfW%2Bauvfp2U%3D&reserved=0

Reclamation will determine the final amount of funding available for award under this NOFO once final FY 2025 appropriations have been made. The amount of funding available for awards under this NOFO will depend on the demand for funding under this and other elements of the

Native American Affairs TAP.

Budgetary constraints limit the number of projects that may be funded. It is anticipated that

$10.0 million will be available in FY 2025. Additional projects may be funded under this NOFO if additional funds become available in 2025 or subsequently.

B.2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award:

$ 1,000,000

Minimum Award:

$ 0

The total Federal funding amount will not exceed $1,000,000 per proposal. Applicants may submit more than one proposal for funding consideration. However, no more than $2,000,000 will be awarded to any one applicant under this NOFO.

B.3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates

Projects funded through this NOFO will start once the project has secured funding and

Reclamation has issued the awards. Agreements are not effective until fully executed with signature from the Grants Officer.

Reclamation may award the maximum award amount in Federal funds to an applicant Fiscal

Year 2025 through 2027.

All work on a project funded under this NOFO should be completed within 2 years from the date of execution of the grant/cooperative agreement.

Applicants for renewal or supplements to existing projects are not eligible to compete with applications under this NOFO for new Federal awards.

B.4. Number of Awards

Reclamation will award approximately 10 awards, depending on the amount requested by each applicant and the amount of Federal funding available, under this NOFO.

The total number of awards will depend on the amount requested by each applicant and the amount of Federal funding available for award under this NOFO.

B.5. Type of Award

Project awards will be made through assistance grants or cooperative agreements, as applicable to each project.

If a cooperative agreement is awarded, Reclamation will have substantial involvement in the project. Reclamation can perform technical work through Regional and Area Offices, the

Technical Service Center or water quality labs. For cooperative agreements, substantial involvement by Reclamation may include, but not be limited to, the following:

• 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.

• Technical support and other services provided to the Tribe towards the objectives of the proposal.

Reclamation’s involvement in a cooperative agreement must be discussed in the project scope and all associated costs must be included in the budget. If the project is selected, the amount of funding required for Reclamation’s activities will be withheld from the Federal award amount.

To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact the program coordinator identified in

Section G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts.

Section C. Eligible Applicants

Applicants eligible to receive an award to fund activities must be Federally recognized Indian

Tribes located in the 17 Western States identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented:

Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and

Wyoming.

C.1.1. Eligible Applicants:

Native American Tribal governments (Federally recognized, 17 Western States)

Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the time of an application deadline may result in

Reclamation returning the application without review or preclude Reclamation from making a

Federal award.

C.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

There is no requirement for a non-Federal cost-share contribution; however, partnering and collaboration is encouraged. If included, a non-Federal contribution may be made through cash, costs contributed by the applicant, or third-party in-kind contributions. Third-party in-kind contributions is the value of non-cash contributions of property or services that benefit the federally assisted project and are contributed by non-Federal third parties, without charge. If the proposal includes non-Federal contributions, the applicant should include a description of the source, nature, amount or estimated value, and the intended use of any contributions to be provided in accordance with the following provisions.

C.2.1. Cost-Share Regulations

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

C.3. Other

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 the SAM.gov Exclusions Database identifies any entities or key project personnel 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.3.1. Indian Water Rights Settlements

Any applicant with an enacted Indian Water Rights Settlement (IWRS), should identify the settlement in their application. Applications submitted by a Tribe with an IWRS will be https://www.ecfr.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/exclusions https://sam.gov/content/exclusions reviewed to determine whether the proposal is within their authorized settlement. Proposals determined to be within a Tribe’s authorized settlement, may not be eligible for an award under this NOFO.

C.4. Eligible Projects

Proposed projects will be reviewed to determine whether the application is eligible for evaluation. To be eligible for funding under this NOFO, projects must be directly related to the development, management, or protection of tribal water and related resources.

Eligible activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Water need and water infrastructure assessments.

• Water management plans and studies.

• Short-term water quality or water measurement data collection and assessment to inform new management approaches.

• Training for tribal staff and managers in areas of water resources’ development, management and protection.

• Minor repair, rehabilitation or replacement of existing tribally owned, water-related structures and facilities to restore original capability.

• Minor infrastructure installation projects such as: Efficient land-scape irrigation.

• Drilling domestic or stock watering wells.

• On-the-ground activities related to riparian and aquatic habitat with the goal to maintain or improve water quantity or water quality:

o Restoring wetlands.

o Controlling erosion.

o Stabilizing streambanks.

o Constructing ponds.

• Developing water basin plans.

• Distinct, stand-alone water related activities that are part of a larger 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.

C.5. Ineligible Projects

Project activities that are not eligible for funding under this NOFO include, but are not limited to:

• Feasibility studies (as defined under Reclamation law, which require express congressional authorization).

• Activities that lack definable products or deliverables.

• Specific employment positions within an Indian Tribe.

• Activities with a duration of more than 2 years from date of execution of a grant/cooperative agreement.

• Activities that generate data or analyses that have the potential to compromise any study or activities of a U.S. Department of the Interior (Department) Indian water rights negotiation or the Department of Justice in its pursuit of related Indian water rights claims.

• Activities related to non-Federal or non-tribal dams and associated structures.

• Activities providing funding for the administration of contracts or agreements under

P.L. 93-638 that are unrelated to the TAP.

• Purchase of equipment as the sole purpose of the activity.

• Water purchases including the purchase or leasing of water rights or water shares.

• Activities in direct support of litigation of any kind.

• Activities that will obligate Reclamation to provide, or are not sustainable unless

Reclamation does provide, on-going funding, such as an obligation to provide future funding for operation, maintenance, or replacement.

• Biological activities such as:

o fisheries work (including collection, analysis and evaluation of background data);

o habitat restoration unless directly related to water quality and quantity; and o ecosystem based activities such as biological surveys, air quality monitoring, and watershed -scale management.

Section D. Application and Submission Information

Section D. Application and Submission

Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package

This NOFO includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through grants.gov. If the applicant is unable to access this information electronically, the Financial Assistance NOFO Operations staff may provide paper copies of any documents referenced in this NOFO via an email request from the applicant. All required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab for this funding opportunity on grants.gov and https://www.usbr.gov/native/programs/TAPprogram.html

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms

D.2.1.1. SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance.

Applicants must submit the Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. The

SF-424 must be complete, signed and dated. Reclamation will consider any applications that fail to include an SF-424 with a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) number by the submission deadline as ineligible and will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

D.2.1.2. SF-424A Budget Information Form.

Applicants must submit and complete either the SF-424A, Budget Information—Non-

Construction Programs.

D.2.1.3. SF-424 (B or D) Assurances Form.

A person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project must sign the

SF-424B, Assurances—Non-Construction Programs or SF-424D, Assurances—Construction

Programs, and submit the appropriate form with the application.

Failure to submit a signed SF-424B or SF-424D will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/FAPolicy/Shared%20Documents/General/NOFO%20Revision%20Group/New%20NOFO%20Template/grants.gov mailto:sha-dro-fafoa@usbr.gov https://www.usbr.gov/native/programs/TAPprogram.html https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_Mandatory_3_0-V3.0.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/Mandatory_SF424B-V1.1.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/Mandatory_SF424D-V1.1.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/Mandatory_SF424D-V1.1.pdf

D.2.1.4. Project Proposal

The project proposal must be no longer than 20 pages, with a typeface no smaller than 11-point, and have at least 1-inch margins on all sides. The 20-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and vitae, but does not include the Budget Detail (Attachment B).

Application narrative requirements may include:

Title Page

The title page should provide a brief and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name, address, e-mail address, and telephone of the project manager.

Table of Contents

The table of contents should include all major sections of the project proposal.

Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

• the date, applicant name, city, county, and State,

• a one-paragraph project summary that briefly describes the need for the project, benefits to be realized, project implementation plan, and total estimated cost,

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

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

Project Location

The project location should provide specific information on the area in which the applicant will work including a map showing the geographic location and a brief narrative. For example: the

{project} is located in {state and county} approximately {distance} miles {direction, e.g., northeast} of {nearest town} in {township, range, and section}. Provide at least one map with sufficient project details to understand the location of all elements of the proposal. Multiple maps may be necessary to accurately depict the proposal in its entirety.

Recommended guidance on useful features to include on the project map(s) is included in

Appendix A. If selected for funding, Reclamation may request additional detail regarding the applicant’s project location.

Research Work Plan and Schedule

This section should provide the project’s technical approach and project activities. The research work plan should include a schedule showing individual tasks with significant milestones for accomplishing the identified work. Clearly and concisely convey this schedule using a table, Gantt chart, project network diagram, or any other visual format. The pilot testing should include a minimum 1 full month of non-disrupted data collection.

Project Description

The project description should describe the work for which the funding will be used, including any specific activities the work will accomplish. This section is an opportunity for the applicant to provide a clear description of the nature of the project and to address any aspect of the project that reviewers may need additional information to understand. Include enough detail on the proposed project description to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal. Illustrative photographs, charts, and diagrams may be useful in communicating aspects of the project. See

Appendix B for recommended guidance on describing the project.

Describe in detail the project tasks, including the development of the final report. For each task, describe planned activities and expected outcomes and milestones.

Describe the staff levels and expertise, the number of staff hours, and the schedule for completing each task.

The sole intention of this section is to provide a general understanding of the proposed project.

Please note: if the work for which the applicant is requesting funding is a phase of a larger project, please only describe the work reflected in the budget and exclude description of other activities or components of the overall project. Please do not duplicate information.

D.2.1.5. Budget Detail and Narrative (Attachment B-Suggested Format)

Budget Detail and Narrative

In the budget detail and narrative section, applicants should describe and justify requested budget items and costs. Applicants should provide details to support the SF-424A, “Object Class” categories. The budget narrative must clearly identify all items of cost (total estimated project cost), including those contributed as non-Federal financial contribution by the applicant (required and voluntary), third-party in-kind of financial contributions, and those covered using the funding requested from Reclamation, and any requested pre-award costs.

The total project cost is the sum of all allowable items of costs, including all required cost sharing and voluntary committed financial contributions, including third-party contributions necessary to complete the project. Applicants must include detailed descriptions of all cost justifications (see Reclamation’s suggested format in Attachment B for more detail). Costs, including the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions, must comply with the applicable cost principles contained in 2 CFR §200.

Budget items must be reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary to the supported activity.

Refer to 2 CFR §200, for applicable administrative requirements and cost principles. See 2 CFR

§200.407, Prior written approval (prior approval), for more information.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.407

Failure to submit a budget narrative will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

Applicants may use the Budget Narrative Attachment Form as an example of the required elements of the budget narrative.

D.2.1.6. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

Compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (as further detailed in Section H.2) will be required for all funded projects. Further, monitoring, measurement, or other field work may be required to complete environmental and cultural resources compliance, with some of the field work also requiring individual compliance. provided by the applicant.

D.2.1.7. Required Permits or Approvals

Federal, state, tribal, and/or county permits or approvals may be required to implement the proposed project. In the application, state whether the project will require any permits or approvals and explain the plan and schedule for obtaining these permits or approvals.

If a proposal includes improvements to Federal facilities, Reclamation may also require additional reviews and approvals prior to implementation to ensure the Bureau can approve any necessary easements, land use authorizations, or special permits consistent with the requirements of 43 CFR §429 and that the development will not impact or impair project operations or efficiency.

D.2.1.8. Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement (optional, encouraged)

If providing an overlap or duplication of effort statement (highly encouraged), applicants should address 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, the applicant must provide a description of the overlap in the application for review.

Applicants must 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, the applicant must detail when the other duplicative proposal(s) were submitted, to what Agency or financial assistance program, and when funding decisions are expected to be announced. If at any time another Federal awarding agency awards funds to the applicant that would be duplicative of the funding requested from Reclamation, applicants must notify the NOFO point of contact or the program coordinator immediately.

D.2.1.9. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation, 2 CFR §1402.112, all applications must state if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/BudgetNarrativeAttachments_1_2-V1.2.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-B/chapter-I/part-429 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112

Applicability

(1) This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under, or with respect to, Federal financial assistance agreements.

(2) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by subrecipients, the conflict-of-interest provisions in 2 CFR §200.318 applies.

Notification

(1) Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose, in writing, any conflict of interest to the Department of the Interior awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with 2 CFR §200.112.

(2) Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for notifying the Reclamation financial assistance officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those reported by subrecipients.

Restrictions on Lobbying

Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR §18 and 31 U.S.C. §1352.

Review Procedures

The financial assistance officer will examine each conflict-of-interest disclosure based on its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

Enforcement

Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR §200.339, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment

(see also 2 CFR §180).

D.2.1.10. Uniform Audit Reporting Statement

All U.S. States, local governments, Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, and non-profit organizations expending $750,000 USD, or more, in Federal award funds within an applicant’s fiscal year, must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit

Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System in accordance with 2 CFR §200 Subpart F. U.S.

State and local governments, Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, and non-profit https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2021-title31/pdf/USCODE-2021-title31-subtitleII-chap13-subchapIII-sec1352.pdf https://ecfr.io/Title-2/Section-200.339 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-180 https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-F applicants must state if their organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If the applicant’s organization was required to submit a

Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, the applicant must provide the

Employer Identification Number associated with that report and state if the number is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

D.2.1.11. Certification Regarding Lobbying

Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43

CFR §18, Appendix A. If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the authorized official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424 form also represents the applicant’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR § 18, Appendix A.

D.2.1.12. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)

If the applicant has made, or agreed to make, payment to any lobbying entity in an attempt to influence, or attempt 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, Reclamation will require applicants to complete and sign an SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form. Note— a contractor or other entity cannot submit this form on an applicant’s behalf.

D.2.1.13. Letters of Support (if applicable)

Applicants should include letters from interested stakeholders supporting the proposed project, if applicable. To ensure Reclamation accurately reviews all proposals, applicants may attach any letters of support/partnership letters as an appendix. Reclamation will not consider letters of support received after the application deadline for this NOFO in evaluating an applicant’s proposed project. These letters do not count within the 20-page maximum.

D.2.1.14. Official Resolution (optional)

If selected, the applicant must provide an official resolution adopted by the Tribal council or governing body authorized to commit the applicant to the financial and legal obligations associated with receipt of a financial assistance award under this NOFO prior to award. This must include:

• the identity of the Tribal council or governing body with legal authority to enter into an agreement,

• the Tribal council, governing body, or appropriate official who has reviewed and supports the application submitted, and

• that the applicant will work with Reclamation to meet established deadlines for entering into a grant or cooperative agreement.

https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18

An official resolution, meeting the requirements above, is mandatory before Reclamation will award funding.

D.2.1.15. Project Abstract Summary (optional)

The applicant may complete and submit the Project Abstract Summary form with the application package. This must include:

• funding opportunity number,

• goals and objectives of the proposed project,

• summary of project activities,

• performance goals including milestones and expected outcomes, and

• the intended beneficiaries, and any subrecipient activities, if known.

Reclamation will transmit this information to USASpending.gov and be viewable by the public.

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

(SAM)

Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR §25.110 (b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR §25.110 (d)) is required to:

• register in SAM before submitting an application (instructions for registering are available at on the SAM.gov site),

• provide a valid UEI in the application, and

• maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which an applicant has an active Federal award or plan under consideration by a Federal award agency.

Meeting the requirements set forth above is mandatory.

D.3.1. Register with the System for Award Management

Applicants must register on the SAM.gov website. Click “Help” to find user guides and other information to assist with registration. The Grants.gov “Register with SAM” page also provides detailed instructions. Applicants can contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered, SAM.gov will assign the applicant a UEI. Applicants must renew and revalidate SAM.gov registration at least once every 12 months from the previous date of registration. Applicants are strongly encouraged to revalidate registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been made to the

Internal Revenue Service’s information.

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/Project_AbstractSummary_2_0-V2.0.pdf http://www.usaspending.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110#p-25.110(b) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110#p-25.110(c) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110#p-25.110(d) https://sam.gov/content/home https://sam.gov/content/home https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0029912&sys_kb_id=cf698d6d1b38ad503565ed3ce54bcb46&spa=1

There is no cost to register with SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with SAM.gov; please be aware applicants can register and request help for free.

NOTE: An applicant’s SAM.gov registration process may take 6 weeks or more to complete, so please allow sufficient time to ensure applications are submitted before the closing date. Failure to submit on time because an applicant did not complete registration in SAM.gov or Grants.gov will result in the application submission being found ineligible.

D.3.2. Obtain a UEI Number

Applicants must provide a valid unique entity identifier as part of the application. Applicants are required to register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a

UEI. A UEI will be assigned to entities upon registering with SAM.

D.3.3. Maintain an Active SAM Registration and UEI Number

Applicants must continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which applicants have an active Federal award, application, or plan under consideration by Reclamation. Reclamation may not make a Federal award to until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements and, if the applicants has not fully complied with the requirements by the time Reclamation is ready to make a Federal award, Reclamation may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

D.4. Submission Date and Time

Applications may be submitted electronically through grants.gov, by paper application or by email.

Grants.gov Applications

Grants.gov automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon receiving the application. Grants.gov sends an acknowledgement of receipt with the date and time stamp and a unique Grants.gov application tracking number to the applicant’s authorized representative by email. This email from Grants.gov serves as proof of timely submission.

Applicant resource documents and a full set of instructions for registering with grants.gov and completing and submitting applications online are available on grants.gov. Application submission requires prior registration through grants.gov, which may take up to 21 days. In addition, please note the grants.gov system only accepts applications submitted by individuals that are registered and active in SAM as both a user and an Authorized Organizational

Representative. Applicants have experienced significant delays when attempting to submit applications through grants.gov.

https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/FAPolicy/Shared%20Documents/General/NOFO%20Revision%20Group/New%20NOFO%20Template/grants.gov

Paper Applications

The applicant may submit a paper application to Reclamation by the specified date and time:

By United States Postal Service regular or overnight services and all other express delivery and courier services:

Bureau of Reclamation mail services

Attn: NOFO Team

Denver Federal Center

Bldg. 67, Rm. 152

6th Avenue and Kipling Street

Denver, CO 80225

Email Applications

Applicants may email exemption requests to dronofo@usbr.gov. All emailed applications should include the following information:

In the Subject line of the email:

1. the NOFO Number and Fiscal Year (FY 2025)

In the body of the email:

1. the NOFO title and number,

2. the application due date of the specified NOFO,

3. the Assistance Listing number,

4. the name of the applicant organization and UEI number(s),

5. the authorized organizational representative name and contact information (phone and email address),

6. the name and email of the point of contact regarding matters involving the application.

D.4.1. Due Date for Applications

Due Date for Applications: Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m., Mountain Standard Time, on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

D.4.2. Application Due Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m., MST, on the listed application due dates.

Proposals received after the application deadline indicated below will not be considered unless it can be determined that the delay was caused by Reclamation mishandling or technical issues with the grants.gov application system. Please note that difficulties related to an applicant grants.gov profile (e.g. incorrect organizational representative), uploading documents to grants.

gov, or an applicant SAM registration are not considered technical issues with the grants.gov system.

D.5. Funding Restrictions

Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of a Federal award and are necessary for the efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the Federal award.

Pre-award costs are related to the planning and design of the project including, but not limited to engineering and design, modeling, environmental and cultural studies, and permitting. If the proposed project is selected, Reclamation will review the 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 CFR §200 and all other requirements of this funding opportunity. Incurrence of pre-award costs is not authorized without prior written approval of the awarding Grants Officer. Per 2 CFR §200.458, pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the Federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work.

Note: Any costs incurred in the performance of the project prior to the issuance of a financial assistance award is undertaken at a recipient’s own risk. No legal liability on the part of

Reclamation for any payment may arise until funds are made available, in writing, by a

Reclamation Grants Officer.

D.5.1. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs

Reclamation must first ensure compliance with Federal environmental and cultural resources laws and other regulations (“environmental compliance”). When applicable, every project funded under this program will have environmental compliance activities undertaken by the applicant and Reclamation, should the application be successful (see section H).

Environmental and regulatory costs may be incurred by both Reclamation and the successful applicant. Depending on the type and complexity of the project and level of potential environmental and cultural impacts of the project, Reclamation may be able to complete its compliance activities without additional cost to the successful applicant. Where environmental or cultural resources compliance requires significant participation by Reclamation, Reclamation will add a line item for costs incurred by Reclamation to the budget during development of the financial assistance agreement and cost shared accordingly (i.e., withheld from the Federal award amount). Reclamation will identify any costs to the applicant associated with compliance during the process of developing a final project budget for inclusion in the financial assistance agreement. Provision of a clear, detailed project description (Section D.2.1.2) will better enable

Reclamation to understand the level of effort and estimate the cost required for environmental compliance. A portion of Reclamation’s estimated cost to complete environmental compliance activities may be withheld from the initial obligation of Federal funding. After compliance activities are completed, any remaining Federal funding will be obligated to the agreement.

Note: Mitigation may be required to lessen environmental impacts, and monitoring may be required following completion of project construction to measure effectiveness of the mitigation.

Costs for mitigation and monitoring should be considered in the project budget and may be the responsibility of the applicant. Flexibility in design of project elements could minimize potential impacts and subsequent mitigation.

D.5.2. Indirect Costs

The applicant may include indirect costs incurred during the development or construction of a project, which will not otherwise be recovered, as part of the project budget. The applicant must show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable cost principles for the applicant’s organization. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

If the applicant has never received a Federal…