oppBOR-DO-18-F005-cfda15.554-instructions.pdf

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-18-F005

WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I Grants for Fiscal Year 2018

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

November 2017

Mission Statements The U.S. Department of the Interior protects America’s natural resources and heritage, honors our cultures and tribal communities, and supplies the energy to power our future.

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: The Rio Grande River, New Mexico. Photo by Alexander Stephens, Reclamation.

Synopsis

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

Administration Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program

(CWMP) Phase I Grants for fiscal year (FY) 2018 Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-DO-18-F005

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.554

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. D.4)

Application due date:

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

Eligible Applicants: Applicants eligible to receive financial assistance to fund (See FOA Sec. C.1) activities under this FOA include:

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

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

Recipient Cost Share:

(See FOA Sec. C.2)

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

Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

Up to $100,000 in Federal funds may be awarded to an applicant per award, with no more than $50,000 made available in each year for a period of up to two years.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

The FY 2018 President’s budget includes $1.75 million for the CWMP. The FY 2017 appropriations bill included $2.25 million for the CWMP. Reclamation anticipates that approximately $1.5 million will be available for this FOA. However, Reclamation will determine the amount of funding available for award for this WaterSMART FOA once final FY 2018 appropriations have been made. Any awards are subject to a determination by Reclamation that appropriations are available and that awards can be made consistent with all program requirements.

Applications submitted under this FOA may also be considered if additional funding becomes available in FY 2018 or thereafter.

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Application Checklist

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

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

Mandatory Federal Forms:

Application for Federal Financial Assistance

Budget Information

Assurances

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 Page 15 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 Page 15 *

Technical proposal:

Executive summary

Background data

Project description

Evaluation criteria

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. D.2.2.4

See Sec. E.1

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 17

Required permits or approvals See Sec. D.2.2.6 Page 17

Project Budget:

Funding plan

Budget narrative

See Sec. D.2.2.7

See Sec. D.2.2.7

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.8 Page 22 *

Official Resolutions See Sec. D.2.2.9 Page 22 **

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 Page 22 ***

* Submit materials with your application.

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

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

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

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Acronyms and Abbreviations

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act CWMP Cooperative Watershed Management Program Department U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement ESA Endangered Species Act FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY fiscal year GO Grants Officer NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration P.L. Public Law SAM System of Award Management SPOC Single Point of Contact Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation ROD Record of Decision U.S.C. United States Code USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USGS U.S. Geological Survey WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow v

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Contents

Contents Page

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Program Information A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement A.3. Statutory Authority A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding B.2. Applicant Category Guidance B.3. Project Funding Limitations B.4. Assistance Instrument

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

Section D. Application and Submission Information D.1. Address to R equest Application Package D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management D.4. Submission Date and Time D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Funding Restrictions: Pre-award Costs D.7. Automated Standard A pplication for Payments Registration

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

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

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

Section H. Other Information H.1. National Environmental Policy Act H.2. National Historic Preservation Act H.3. Endangered Species Act vii

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Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Program Information The Nation faces an increasing set of water resource challenges. Aging infrastructure, rapid population growth, depletion of groundwater resources, impaired water quality associated with particular land uses and land covers, water needed for human and environmental uses, and drought all play a role in determining the amount of freshwater available at any given place and time. Water shortages and water-use conflicts have become more commonplace in many areas of the United States, even in normal water years. As competition for water resources grows—crop irrigation, city and community growth, energy production, and the environment—the need for information and tools to aid water resource managers also grows.

These water issues are exacerbating the challenges facing traditional water management approaches which, by themselves, no longer meet today’s needs. The WaterSMART Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations in support of the priorities of the Department of the Interior (Department). Through WaterSMART, Reclamation leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to support stakeholder efforts to stretch scarce water supplies and avoid conflicts over water. Working together with our stakeholders, WaterSMART provides support for creating a legacy of conservation stewardship, sustainably developing our energy and natural resources, modernizing our infrastructure through public-private partnerships, and restoring trust with local communities by improving relationships and communication with states, tribes and local governments, communities, landowners and water users.

The Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP) contributes to the Department’s priorities to create a legacy of conservation stewardship and restore trust with local communities by providing funding to grassroots, local watershed groups to encourage diverse stakeholders to develop collaborative solutions to address their water management needs. By providing this funding, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is working with local communities to support the sustainable development of water resources, improving the ecological resilience of rivers and streams, and conserving water for multiple uses using collaborative conservation efforts.

In accordance with the authority for the CWMP, Reclamation may fund the development of watershed groups and watershed restoration planning (Phase I) and the implementation of on-the-ground watershed management projects (Phase II). In 2012, Reclamation initiated Phase I of the CWMP and has since awarded a total of $2.4 million in funding for the development of 30 watershed groups in nine states. In 2017, Reclamation initiated Phase II of the CWMP and selected 7 projects totaling approximately $660,000 in Federal funding. Going forward, Reclamation will post separate funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) for Phase I and Phase II projects, either within the same fiscal year or in alternating fiscal years, depending on the amount of appropriations available.

This FOA provides funding to watershed groups for Phase I projects for watershed group development and restoration planning. Contingent on appropriations, Reclamation anticipates releasing an FOA for Phase II projects in the spring of 2018.

For further information on the CWMP see www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp.

A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement

The objective of this FOA is to invite states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, local governmental entities, non-profit organizations, existing watershed groups, and local and special districts (e.g., irrigation and water districts, county soil conservation districts) to submit proposals for Phase I activities to develop a watershed group, complete watershed restoration planning activities, and design watershed management projects. See Section C.3. Eligible Projects for a more comprehensive description of eligible activities.

A “watershed group,” as defined in Section 6001(5) (see Section A.2. Statutory Authority for full citation) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act (Act) is a grassroots, non-regulatory entity that addresses water availability and quality issues within the relevant watershed, is capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources in the watershed, makes decisions on a consensus basis, and represents a diverse group of stakeholders, including hydroelectric producers, livestock grazing, timber production, land development, recreation or tourism, irrigated agriculture, the environment, municipal water supplies, private property owners, Federal, state and local governments, and tribes. (See Section 6001(5) of the Act for the statutory definition of a “watershed group”).

A.3. Statutory Authority This FOA is issued under the authority of Section 6002 of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Subtitle A of Title VI of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.) 111-11 (42 United States Code

[USC] 10364).

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

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities Reclamation also provides financial assistance to watershed groups for the implementation of on-the-ground watershed management projects through Phase II of the CWMP. An FOA for Phase II will be available later in fiscal year (FY) 2018, contingent upon appropriations.

In addition, Reclamation provides funding for water management projects through several other programs under WaterSMART. Through WaterSMART Grants, Reclamation provides three funding opportunities. Water and Energy Efficiency Grants focus on projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and projects that that increase hydropower use and improve energy efficiency. The Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects provides funding for small-scale water management projects (up to $75,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Finally, Water Marketing Strategy Grants provide support for entities exploring actions that can be taken to develop or facilitate water marketing.

Through the Drought Response Program, Reclamation provides funding to help build resilience to drought. Through Drought Contingency Planning, Reclamation supports the development of drought contingency plans with participation from a diverse set of stakeholders. Reclamation also provides funding for Drought Resiliency Projects supported by an existing drought contingency plan to build long term resilience to drought.

For information on the FOAs listed here, please visit the WaterSMART Program website: www.usbr.gov/watersmart.

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

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Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding Reclamation anticipates that approximately $1.5 million will be available for award through this funding opportunity. The amount of funding available for awards depends on final FY 2018 appropriations. This FOA may be canceled if appropriations are insufficient to support new awards. Applications submitted under this FOA may also be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2018 or subsequently. Updated funding information is available at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp. Through this FOA, Reclamation plans to award funds to Phase I applicants under two Applicant Categories: (1) New Watershed Groups and (2) Existing Watershed Groups.

B.2. Applicant Category Guidance In general, applicants should apply as a New Watershed Groups if the group is just getting started, has completed little or no watershed restoration planning, and requires more substantial support for building the capacity of the watershed group and completing outreach to stakeholders. Groups that have been active in the watershed for several years and have previously conducted some watershed planning should apply as Existing Watershed Groups. Although New and Existing Watershed Groups will be scored using the same evaluation criteria (see Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria), they will be ranked separately to ensure fairness. Note, the Application Review Committee (see Section E.2.2.

Application Review Committee has the discretion to change the Applicant Category for an application where they deem appropriate.

Note, entities may receive funding multiple times under Phase I of the CWMP;

however, each project must have a distinct scope of work. In addition, when applying, entities that have previously received funding through CWMP Phase I should explain how their new project differs from and builds on past Phase I projects(s).

B.3. Project Funding Limitations A total of up to $100,000 in Federal funds may be awarded to an applicant over the two-year period, with no more than $50,000 to be available per year. A non- Federal cost share contribution is not required for Phase I activities funded under this FOA. Within nine months from the initial date of award, Reclamation shall determine whether a recipient has made sufficient progress in the first year to justify second year funding.

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

B.4. Assistance Instrument Project awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements as applicable to each project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project.

Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

• Collaboration and participation with the recipient in the management of the project and close oversight of the recipient’s activities to ensure that the program objectives are being achieved.

• Oversight may include review, input, and approval at key interim stages of the project.

At the request of the recipient, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award of the project. If you receive Reclamation’s assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget. To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact the program coordinator identified in Section G. Agency Contacts.

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants Applicant Eligibility for New Watershed Groups

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

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

• Be capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources

• Be located in the western United States or Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented;

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

Applicant Eligibility for Existing Watershed Groups

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

1. An existing watershed group, (i.e., a grassroots, non-regulatory legal entity that otherwise meets the definition of a watershed group as described above in Section A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement).

2. A participant in an existing watershed group that meets the definition of a watershed group as described above in Section A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement.

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

• Federal Governmental entities

• Institutes of higher education, except cooperative watershed management organizations sponsored by institutes of higher education

• 501(c)(4) organizations

• 501(c)(6) organizations

• Individuals

C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements There is no requirement for a non-Federal cost share contribution for Phase I activities. If the applicant is voluntarily providing a non-Federal cost share this must be noted in the budget proposal (see Section D.2.2.7. Project Budget).

C.3. Eligible Projects C.3.1 Eligible Projects

Applicants can apply for funding for activities within one or more of the following three Task Areas. Note: The work described in Task Areas A-C must be completed for applicants to be eligible for funding under Phase II of the CWMP for the implementation of watershed management projects. However, Task Areas do not necessarily need to be completed through this program.

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

● Hiring a watershed group coordinator to organize the group and coordinate its activities.

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

● Hiring a facilitator to assist with outreach to stakeholders.

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

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

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

Note: The development of articles of incorporation, bylaws, and business practices and staff salaries and contractor costs are eligible activities for both New and Existing Watershed Groups and can be completed as part of any Task Area. See Section B.2. Applicant Category Guidance for a description of New and Existing Watershed Groups.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/plans.html

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

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

● Completing site-specific project design and engineering.

● Developing project timelines and milestones.

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

Note: If some monitoring, measurement, or other field work (e.g., water quality monitoring, vegetation surveys) is needed to inform the watershed restoration planning activities, such work may be eligible for funding so long as it comprises only a minor part of the work described in the proposal. Applicants should note that these activities may require environmental and cultural resource compliance.

Applications containing these activities must budget for all associated compliance work and should discuss the required compliance. We recommend contacting your local Reclamation office (www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html) to discuss the required environmental and cultural resource compliance and associated costs prior to submitting your application.

C.3.2 Ineligible Projects

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

C.3.2.1. Other Planning Projects

Proposals for the development of planning efforts other than watershed restoration plans are not eligible for funding under this FOA. This includes proposals for the development of drought plans, appraisal investigations, feasibility studies, special studies, Basin Studies, or studies authorized under the Title XVI Water Recycling and Reuse Program, through P.L.102-575, as amended (43 USC 390h et seq.), or under the Rural Water Program, pursuant to the Rural Water Supply Act of 2006, P.L.109-451 (https://www.usbr.gov/ruralwater/).

https://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html https://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html https://www.usbr.gov/ruralwater/

C.3.2.2. On-the-Ground Watershed Management Projects

Implementing on-the-ground watershed management projects is funded under a separate FOA for Phase II activities and is not eligible for funding under this FOA. On-the-ground watershed management projects include, but are not limited to, removing fish passage barriers or installing fish passage structures, streambed and streambank modifications, invasive species removal, vegetation restoration, installing fences, and water conservation and efficiency projects (e.g., canal lining and piping).

C.3.2.3. Water and Land Purchases and Easements

A project that proposes using Federal funding primarily for the purchase of water or land, or to secure an easement, is not eligible under this FOA.

C.3.2.4. Building Construction

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

C.3.2.5. On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Improvements

Projects to conduct on-farm irrigation efficiency improvements are not eligible under this FOA. Applicants interested in on-farm improvements should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to investigate opportunities for Federal assistance. For more information on NRCS programs, including application deadlines and a description of available funding, please contact your local NRCS office or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov for further contact information in your area.

C.3.2.6. Pilot Projects

A project that proposes to conduct a pilot study to evaluate technical capability, economic feasibility, or viability for full-scale implementation or to test an unproven material or technology is not eligible for Federal funding under this FOA.

C.3.3 Length of Projects

In general, proposed projects should be completed within 2 years of award.

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

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

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Section D. Application and Submission Information

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

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

By mail: Bureau of Reclamation Financial Assistance Support Section Attn: Mr. Darren Olson Mail Code: 84-27814 P.O. Box 25007 Denver, CO 80225

By e-mail: dolson@usbr.gov

By telephone: 303-445-3697

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

D.2.1. Application Format and Length

The total application package shall be no more than 35 consecutively numbered pages. If an application exceeds 35 pages, only the first 35 pages will be evaluated. The font shall be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ by 11 inches, including charts, maps, and drawings. Oversized pages will not be accepted. The technical proposal and evaluation criteria section shall be limited to a maximum of 25 pages. The SF-424 forms, letters of project support, and official resolution will not be considered in the total page count.

Applications will be prescreened for compliance to the page number limitations.

D.2.2. Application Content

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

• Mandatory Federal Forms o SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance o SF-424A Budget Information Non-Construction Programs mailto:dolson@usbr.gov o SF-424B Assurances Non-Construction Programs o SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)

SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and SF-LLL forms may be obtained at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

• Title page

• Table of contents

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

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance, if applicant is undertaking activities involving measurement, monitoring, or field work

• Required permits or approvals

• Project budget o Budget proposal o Budget narrative

• Letters of project support (will not count toward the page limitation)

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

D.2.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms

The application must include the following standard Federal forms:

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

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

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

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

A fully completed and signed SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities is required if the applicant has made or agreed to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action.

D.2.2.2. Title Page

Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, e-mail address, and telephone number of the project manager.

D.2.2.3. Table of Contents

List all major sections of the proposal in the table of contents.

D.2.2.4. Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria

The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (25 pages maximum) includes:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Background data

(3) Project location

(4) Technical project description

(5) Evaluation criteria

Executive Summary The executive summary should include:

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

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

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project

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

Background Data As applicable, describe the watershed, including the source of water supply, the water rights involved, length of existence, current water uses (e.g., agricultural, municipal, domestic, instream uses, or industrial), and the types of water issues faced in the affected watershed (e.g., shortfalls in water supply, water quality issues, endangered species concerns, environmental issues, or other issues that the planned watershed group would like to address).

Project Location

Provide specific information on the geographic location of the area in which the watershed group will work including a map showing the geographic location. For example, {watershed area} is located in {state and county} approximately {distance} miles {direction, e.g. northeast} of {nearest town}. If applicable, please provide the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUC) in which the group will work. If available, please also provide location information in one of the following formats:

1. Shapefile (.shp)

2. KMZ/KML (.kmz or .kml) aka Google Earth File, not an exported Google Earth map

3. AutoCAD (.dwg)

4. PDF map (.pdf)

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

• Applicant Category: Please indicate whether you are seeking funding as a New or Existing Watershed Group and explain why you chose to apply under that Applicant Category. As part of this discussion, please provide a brief history of the group, including discussion of (1) when and how the group was initiated, and (2) ongoing projects or efforts (e.g., previous watershed planning activities).

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

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

• Approach: Briefly describe your planned approach for completing watershed group development and restoration planning activities. Please identify which of the Task Areas described in Section C.3.1. Eligible Projects you will address as part of this project, including a detailed discussion of what activities you will undertake within each Task Area.

Note, if the watershed group previously received a CWMP Phase I grant, please explain how the scope of work of this project differs from and builds upon the past grant.

Evaluation Criteria

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

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

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

D.2.2.5. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

If the project includes monitoring, measurement, or other field work, environmental and cultural resources compliance may be required. Applications containing these activities must budget for all associated compliance work and should discuss the required compliance. We recommend contacting your local Reclamation office (www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html) to discuss the required environmental and cultural resource compliance and associated costs prior to submitting your application.

Under no circumstances may an applicant begin monitoring, measuring, or other field work on a project before environmental compliance is complete and Reclamation explicitly authorizes work to proceed. This pertains to all components of the proposed project, including those that are part of the applicant’s non-Federal cost-share. Reclamation will provide a successful applicant with information once environmental compliance is complete. An applicant that proceeds before environmental compliance is complete may risk forfeiting Reclamation funding under this FOA.

D.2.2.6. Required Permits or Approvals

Applicants must state in the application whether any permits or approvals are required and explain the plan for obtaining such permits or approvals.

D.2.2.7. Project Budget

The project budget includes:

(1) Budget proposal https://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html

(2) Budget narrative

Budget Proposal The budget proposal should include detailed information on the categories listed below and must clearly identify all Project costs, including those that will be contributed as non-Federal cost share. Unit costs must be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors. The budget proposal should also include any in-kind contributions or donations of goods and services that will be provided to complete the project. It is strongly advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown below on Table 1 or a similar format that provides this information. If selected for award, successful applicants must submit detailed supporting documentation for all budgeted costs.

Table 1.—Sample Budget Proposal Format

BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION

COMPUTATION Quantity

Type

TOTAL

COST $/Unit Quantity

Salaries and Wages Employee 1 $ Employee 2 $ Employee 3 $ Fringe Benefits Full-Time Employees $ Part-Time Employees $ Travel Trip 1 $ Trip 2 $ Trip 3 $ Equipment Item A $ Item B $ Item C $ Supplies and Materials Item A $ Item B $ Contractual/Construction Contractor A $ Contractor B $ Other Other $

TOTAL DIRECT COSTS $

Indirect Costs Type of rate percentage $base $

TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS $

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

Salaries and Wages

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

The budget proposal and narrative should include estimated hours for compliance with reporting requirements, including final project and evaluation. Please see Section F.3.2. Program Performance Reports for information on types and frequency of reports required.

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

Fringe Benefits

Identify the rates/amounts, what costs are included in this category, and the basis of the rate computations. Indicate whether these rates are used for application purposes only or whether they are fixed or provisional rates for billing purposes.

Federally approved rate agreements are acceptable for compliance with this item.

Travel

Include purpose of trip, destination, number of persons traveling, length of stay, and all travel costs including airfare (basis for rate used), per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation.

http://www.ecfr.gov/

Equipment

Equipment purchased with a value equal to or greater than $5,000 is not eligible for reimbursement. Note: if the value is less than $5,000, the item should be included under “Materials and Supplies.”

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

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

Materials and Supplies

Itemize supplies by major category, unit price, quantity, and purpose, such as whether the items are needed for office use, research, or construction. Identify how these costs were estimated (i.e., quotes, past experience, engineering estimates, or other methodology).

Contractual

Identify all work that will be accomplished by subrecipients, consultants, or contractors, including a breakdown of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each task. Identify how the budgeted costs for sub-recipients, consultants, or contractors were determined to be fair and reasonable. Note: If a sub-recipient, consultant, or contractor is proposed and approved at the time of award, no other approvals will be required. Any changes or additions will require a request for approval.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs

If the proposed project includes monitoring, measurement, or other field work, the applicant must include a line item in the budget to cover environmental compliance costs. “Environmental compliance costs” refer to costs incurred by Reclamation and the recipient in complying with environmental regulations applicable to an award under this FOA, including costs associated with any required documentation of environmental compliance, analyses, permits, or approvals. Applicable Federal environmental laws could include National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and other regulations depending on the project. Such costs may include, but are not limited to:

• The cost incurred by Reclamation to determine the level of environmental compliance required for the project

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

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

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

The amount of the line item should be based on the actual expected environmental compliance costs for the project, including Reclamation’s cost to review environmental compliance documentation.

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

Other Expenses

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

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs that will be incurred during the project, which will not otherwise be recovered, may be included as part of the applicant’s project budget. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable cost principles for the recipient’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 negotiated indirect cost rate, the budget may include a de minimis rate of up to 10 percent of modified total direct costs. For further information on modified total direct costs, refer to 2 CFR §200.68 available at www.ecfr.gov.

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

Total Costs

Indicate total amount of project costs, including the Federal and non-Federal cost share amounts.

http://www.ecfr.gov/ http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services

D.2.2.8. Letters of Support

Please include letters from interested stakeholders supporting the proposed project. To ensure your proposal is accurately reviewed, please attach all letters of support/ partnership letters as an appendix. (Note: this will not count against the application page limit.) Letters of support received after the application deadline for this FOA will not be included with your application.

D.2.2.9. Official Resolution

Include an official resolution adopted by the applicant’s board of directors or governing body, or, for State government entities, an official authorized to commit the applicant to the financial and legal obligations associated with receipt of a financial assistance award under this FOA, verifying:

• The identity of the official with legal authority to enter into an agreement

• The board of directors, governing body, or appropriate official who has reviewed and supports the application submitted

• The capability of the applicant to provide the amount of funding and/or in-kind contributions specified in the funding plan

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

An official resolution meeting the requirements set forth above is mandatory.

If the applicant is unable to submit the official resolution by the application deadline because of the timing of board meetings or other justifiable reasons, the official resolution may be submitted up to 30 days after the application deadline.

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

All applicants (unless the applicant has an exception approved by Reclamation under 2 CFR §25.110[d]) are required to:

(i) Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting its application;

(ii) Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and

(iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

Meeting the requirements set forth above is mandatory. If the applicant is unable to complete registration by the application deadline, the unique entity identifier must be obtained and SAM registration must be initiated within 30 days after the application deadline in order to be considered for selection and award.

Reclamation will not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Reclamation is ready to make an 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 Application submission date deadline:

Wednesday, January 31, 2018, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

Proposals received after the application deadline will not be considered unless it can be determined that the delay was caused by Reclamation mishandling.

Please note that…