oppBOR-DO-18-F011-cfda15.504-cidBOR-DO-18-F011-instructions.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Policy and Administration Denver, Colorado May 2018

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-18-F011

WaterSMART:

Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects

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: Oxnard Reclamation, Reuse, and Treatment Facility.

Synopsis i

Synopsis

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

Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART: Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects

Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-DO-17-F011

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.504

Dates:

(See FOA Sec. D.4)

Application due date:

July 27, 2018 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)

Eligible Applicants:

(See FOA Sec. C.1)

Sponsors of water recycling projects (Project) that have a completed Title XVI Feasibility Study that Reclamation has reviewed and found to meet all of the requirements of Reclamation Manual Release WTR 11-01.

and Sponsors of water reclamation and reuse projects specifically authorized for funding under Title XVI of Public Law (P.L.)

102-575, as amended (43 United States Code [U.S.C.] 390h through 390h-39).

Recipient Cost Share:

(See FOA Sec. C.2)

75 percent or more of total Project costs.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

Up to 25 percent of the total cost of planning, design, and/or construction that has either already been completed or will be conducted before September 30, 2020.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See FOA Sec. B.1)

Approximately 10 to 18 awards, depending on the amount requested by each applicant.

This page is intentionally left blank.

Application Checklist iii

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

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

Mandatory Federal Forms:

Application for Federal Assistance

Budget Information

Assurances

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

See Sec. D.2.2.1 SF-424, SF-424C, SF-424D, and SF-LLL forms may be obtained at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 Page 11 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 Page 11 *

Technical proposal: *

Executive summary See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 11 *

Project description See Sec. D.2.2.4 Page 11 *

Evaluation criteria See Sec. E.1 Page 25 *

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 12 *

Required permits or approvals

See Sec. D.2.2.6 Page 13 *

Project Budget *

Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment See Sec. D.2.2.7 Page 14

Budget Proposal See Sec. D.2.2.7 Page 15

Budget Narrative See Sec. D.2.2.7 Page 17

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.8 Page 19 **

Official Resolutions See Sec. D.2.2.9 Page 19 **

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 Page 20 ***

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

http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15

Acronyms and Abbreviations v

Acronyms and Abbreviations AOR Authorized Organizational Representative 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 Department U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System EA/FONSI Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact EIS Environmental Impact Statement ESA Endangered Species Act FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FOIA Freedom of Information Act FY fiscal year MDT Mountain Daylight Time NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration OMB Office of Management and Budget P.L. Public Law Project Congressionally authorized water reclamation and reuse project and projects eligible under section 4009(c) of the WIIN Act Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation ROD Record of Decision SAM System of Award Management Title XVI Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse program U.S.C. United States Code USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WIIN Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow

Contents vii

Contents Page

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Program Information A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) A.3. Statutory Authority

Section B: Award Information B.1. Total Program Funding B.2. Project Funding Limitations B.3. 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 Request 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 Application for Payments Registration

Section E. Application Review Information E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria Evaluation Criterion 1—Water Supply (30 points) Evaluation Criterion 2—Environment and Water Quality (12 points) Evaluation Criterion 3—Economic Benefits (30 points) Evaluation Criterion 4—Department of Interior Priorities (10 Points) Evaluation Criterion 5—Reclamation’s Obligations and Benefits to Rural or Economically

Disadvantaged Communities (8 points) Evaluation Criterion 6—Watershed Perspective (10 Points) E.2. Review and Selection Process E.3. Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System 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

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations in support of the Department’s priorities. Through WaterSMART, Reclamation leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to support stakeholder efforts to stretch scarce water supplies and avoid conflicts over water.

WaterSMART provides support for the Department of the Interior’s priorities, including 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, local governments, communities, landowners and water users.

Through the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program (Title XVI), authorized by Public Law (P.L.) 102-575 in 1992, Reclamation provides financial and technical assistance to local water agencies for the planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse projects. Water recycling is an essential tool in stretching the limited water supplies in the Western United States.

Title XVI projects develop and supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reuse, thereby improving efficiency, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply. These projects provide growing communities with new sources of clean water which increases water management flexibility and makes our water supply more reliable.Through the Title XVI Program, Reclamation helps facilitate private sector efforts to construct infrastructure projects serving these American needs. Title XVI water projects are an important part of the WaterSMART Program. For further information on the WaterSMART Program, see www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART.

The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), P.L. 114-322, was enacted in December of 2016 to address water resources infrastructure that is critical to the Nation’s economic growth, health, and competitiveness. Section 4009(c) of Subtitle J of WIIN includes amendments to Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program (Title XVI), established by P.L. 102-575 in 1992. Prior to the enactment of WIIN, funding for water recycling project construction could only be provided for congressionally authorized Title XVI projects. The WIIN amendments allow new water recycling projects to be eligible to receive Federal funding.

http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/

A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

The objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to invite sponsors of congressionally authorized water reclamation and reuse projects and projects eligible under section 4009(c) of the WIIN Act (Projects) to request cost-shared funding for the planning, design, and/or construction of those Projects.

A.3. Statutory Authority This FOA is issued under the authority of Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, as amended (43 United States Code [U.S.C.] 390h), including amendments in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), Public Law 114- 322.

Section B: Award Information

Section B: Award Information B.1. Total Program Funding The fiscal year (FY) 2018 enacted appropriations includes $20 million for Title XVI projects authorized under section 4009(c) of the WIIN Act and $34 million for congressionally authorized Title XVI projects. Applications submitted under this FOA also may be considered if additional funding becomes available in FY 2018 or thereafter.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations The Federal share (i.e., Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding), of any Title XVI Project, including any funding provided as a result of this FOA, shall not exceed 25 percent of the total Project cost.

Eligible applicants are invited to request funding for planning, design, and/or construction of Projects. Although the evaluation criteria listed in this FOA will be applied to the Project as a whole, funding requests submitted under this FOA must be based on the expenditures already incurred or planned to be incurred by September 30, 2020.

This may include work either:

• Planned through September 30, 2020, or

• Completed work that was conducted after the date of the project’s congressional authorization for authorized projects, or the date that Reclamation’s feasibility study review findings for the Project were transmitted to Congress for WIIN projects.

Under section 4009(c) of the WIIN Act, Projects can only receive funding once enacted appropriations legislation designates funding to them by name. Therefore, financial assistance agreements for projects eligible under section 4009(c) will not be entered into until the project appears in enacted appropriations legislation.

All costs incurred by Reclamation related to the development and administration of any award under this FOA are considered part of the total Project costs, and the recipient will be required to provide cost share for these costs. All Reclamation administrative costs will also be included in the Federal cost share for the Project.

B.3. Assistance Instrument Awards will be made through a grant or cooperative agreement as applicable to the selected 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. Note: The development and administration of an award under this FOA is not considered substantial involvement.

• 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 an agreement. If you would like to receive Reclamation technical 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

Section C: Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.1.1. Funding Group I—Congressionally Authorized Projects

Sponsors of any one of the 53 Title XVI Projects specifically authorized by the Title XVI Act; provided that the Title XVI Project has not reached its Federal funding ceiling as specified in the Title XVI Act. For a list of authorized projects please visit the Title XVI website, www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html.

C.1.2. Funding Group II—WIIN Projects

Sponsors of projects eligible for funding under section 4009(c) of the WIIN Act, Public Law 114-322. Eligible entities under section 4009(c) include sponsors of Projects that have submitted a Title XVI Feasibility Study to Reclamation for review by the date that this FOA is posted, and for which the study is found to meet all of the requirements of Reclamation Manual WTR 11-01: Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Feasibility Study Review Process by July 27, 2018 (the application deadline for this FOA). If a feasibility study has been reviewed by Reclamation and found to meet the requirements of WTR 11-01, but the review findings have not yet been transmitted to Congress, Reclamation will transmit those findings to Congress either before project selections are made or concurrently with project selections. Eligibility does not entitle an applicant to any future Federal funding or create a new project authorization.

C.2. Cost-Sharing Requirements Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 75 percent or more of the total Project costs. Cost sharing may be made through cash or in-kind contributions from the applicant or third-party partners. Cost-share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or state grants) should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award.

Please see Sections D.2.2.7. Project Budget and D.2.2.9. Official Resolution for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost-sharing requirements.

C.2.1. Cost-Share Regulations

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

http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf https://www.usbr.gov/recman/wtr/wtr11-01.pdf http://www.ecfr.gov/

C.2.2. Donations and In-Kind Contributions

Donations and in-kind contributions constitute the value of noncash contributions that benefit a federally assisted project. These contributions may be in the form of real property, equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project or program. The cost or value of donations and in-kind contributions that have been or will be relied on to satisfy a cost-sharing or matching requirement for another Federal financial assistance agreement, a Federal procurement contract, or any other award of Federal funds may not be relied on to satisfy the cost-share requirement for an award under this FOA. The exception to this requirement is where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for such program can be applied to matching or cost sharing requirements of other Federal programs, such as awards to tribal organizations under Public Law (P.L.) 93-638, as amended. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 for regulations regarding the valuation of donations and in-kind contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

C.3. Eligible Projects C.3.1 Eligible Projects

Funding Group I—Congressionally Authorized Projects

Planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse facilities that are components of a congressionally authorized Title XVI Project. If the funding requested will be used for construction activities that are not part of a feasibility study previously determined by Reclamation to meet the requirements of the Title XVI Act, a feasibility study must be submitted for Reclamation review by July 27, 2018 (the application deadline for this FOA). In addition, it must be possible for Reclamation to make a determination that the feasibility study meets Title XVI requirements by August 31, 2018.

Note: Some Title XVI Projects authorized prior to 1996 are exempt from this requirement.

Funding Group II—WIIN Projects

Planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse facilities that are eligible for funding under section 4009(c) of the WIIN Act, Public Law 114-

322. In order to be eligible for funding, the Project must have a completed Feasibility Study that has been submitted to Reclamation for review by the date that this FOA is posted, and for which the study is found to meet all of the requirements of Reclamation Manual Release WTR 11-01 by July 27, 2018 (the application deadline of this FOA). If a feasibility study has been reviewed by Reclamation and found to meet the requirements of WTR 11-01, but the review findings have not yet been transmitted to Congress, Reclamation will transmit those findings to Congress either before project selections are made or

Section C: Eligibility Information concurrently with project selections. Eligibility does not entitle a project to any future Federal funding or create a new project authorization.

C.3.2 Ineligible Projects

Funding Group I

Projects not eligible for funding under this Funding Group include, but are not limited to:

• Projects that do not have a project specific congressional authorization

• Projects eligible under section 4009(c) of the WIIN Act

• Congressionally authorized projects which have already reached the specified Federal funding ceiling for the authorization

• Operations, maintenance, and replacement (OM&R) activities. OM&R is described as system improvements that replace or repair existing infrastructure or function without providing increased efficiency or effectiveness of water distribution over the expected life of the improvement. Examples of ineligible OM&R projects include:

o Replacing malfunctioning components of an existing facility with the same components o Improving an existing facility to operate as originally designed o Performing an activity on a recurring basis, even if that period is extended (e.g., 10-year interval) o Sealing expansion joints of concrete lining because the original sealer or the water stops have failed o Replacing broken meters with new meters of the same type o Replacing leaky pipes with new pipes of the same type

Applicants that have questions regarding OM&R are encouraged to contact the program coordinator listed in Section G. Agency Contacts, prior to the application deadline for further information.

Funding Group II

Projects not eligible for funding under this Funding Group include, but are not limited to:

• Water recycling projects that do not have a Reclamation reviewed Feasibility Study

• Water recycling projects that have a Reclamation reviewed Feasibility Study that Reclamation determined did not meet the requirements of Reclamation Manual Release 11-01

• Water recycling projects that are solely ocean or brackish water desalination

• Activities that are part of a congressionally authorized project

• Operations, maintenance, and replacement (OM&R) activities. OM&R is described as system improvements that replace or repair existing infrastructure or function without providing increased efficiency or effectiveness of water distribution over the expected life of the improvement. Examples of ineligible OM&R projects include:

o Replacing malfunctioning components of an existing facility with the same components o Improving an existing facility to operate as originally designed o Performing an activity on a recurring basis, even if that period is extended (e.g., 10-year interval) o Sealing expansion joints of concrete lining because the original sealer or the water stops have failed o Replacing broken meters with new meters of the same type o Replacing leaky pipes with new pipes of the same type

Applicants that have questions regarding OM&R are encouraged to contact the program coordinator listed in Section G. Agency Contacts, prior to the application deadline for further information.

C.3.3 Length of Projects

Applicants can only request funding for work that is already completed (going back to the pre-award cost deadlines identified in Sections B.2. and D.6. of this FOA) or work that is planned through September 30, 2020. The work that funding is being requested for must be ready to proceed within a reasonable amount of time once a financial assistance agreement is in place.

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: Irene Hoiby P.O. Box 25007, MS 84-27814 Denver, CO 80225

By e-mail: ihoiby@usbr.gov

By telephone: 303-445-2025

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 75 consecutively numbered pages. If an application exceeds 75 pages, only the first 75 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 50 pages. The SF-424 forms, SF-LLL, 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 mailto:jkoza@usbr.gov o SF-424C Budget Information—Construction Programs o SF-424D Assurances—Construction Programs o SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable) SF-424, SF-424C, SF-424D, and SF-LLL forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.

• Title page

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to 50 pages) o Executive summary o Technical project description o Evaluation criteria

• Environmental and cultural resources compliance

• Required permits or approvals

• Project budget o Funding plan and letters of commitment 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-424C Budget Information—Construction Programs must be submitted with the application.

SF-424 Assurances

An SF-424D Assurances—Construction Programs, signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the Project shall be included. Questions regarding whether to use SF-424B or SF-424D should be referred to the Grants Management Point of Contact under Section G. Agency Contacts. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424D may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15

SF-LLL

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 an award that may be made under this FOA.

D.2.2.2. Title Page Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the Project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, e-mail address, and telephone of the project manager.

D.2.2.3. Table of Contents List all major sections of the proposal in the table of contents.

D.2.2.4. Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (50 pages maximum) includes:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Technical Project description

(3) Evaluation criteria

Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

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

• A one paragraph summary of the work for which funding is being requested, including how funds will be used to accomplish specific Project activities.

Technical Project Description

The technical project description should describe the Project in its entirety. This description shall have sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal.

Evaluation Criteria

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

The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each criterion and subcriterion in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your proposal. The evaluation criteria should be applied to the entire Project.

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

D.2.2.5. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance To allow Reclamation to assess the probable environmental and cultural resources impacts and costs associated with each application, all applicants must respond to the following list of questions focusing on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements. Please answer the following questions to the best of your knowledge. If any question is not applicable to the Project, please explain why. The application should include the answers to:

• Will the proposed Project impact the surrounding environment (e.g., soil [dust], air, water [quality and quantity], animal habitat)? Please briefly describe all earth-disturbing work and any work that will affect the air, water, or animal habitat in the Project area. Please also explain the impacts of such work on the surrounding environment and any steps that could be taken to minimize the impacts.

• Are you aware of any species listed or proposed to be listed as a Federal threatened or endangered species, or designated critical habitat in the Project area? If so, would they be affected by any activities associated with the proposed Project?

• Are there wetlands or other surface waters inside the Project boundaries that potentially fall under Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction as “Waters of the United States”? If so, please describe and estimate any impacts the proposed Project may have.

• When was the water delivery system constructed?

• Will the proposed Project result in any modification of or effects to, individual features of an irrigation system (e.g., headgates, canals, or flumes)? If so, state when those features were constructed and describe the nature and timing of any extensive alterations or modifications to those features completed previously.

• Are any buildings, structures, or features in the irrigation district listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places? A cultural resources specialist at your local Reclamation office or the State Historic Preservation Office can assist in answering this question.

• Are there any known archeological sites in the proposed Project area?

• Will the proposed Project have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority populations?

• Will the proposed Project limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites or result in other impacts on tribal lands?

• Will the proposed Project contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area?

Note: if mitigation is required to lessen environmental impacts, the applicant may, at Reclamation’s discretion, be required to report on progress and completion of these commitments. Reclamation will coordinate with the applicant to establish reporting requirements and intervals accordingly.

Under no circumstances may an applicant begin any ground-disturbing activities (including grading, clearing, and other preliminary activities) 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.

Note that improvements to Federal facilities that are implemented through any Project awarded funding through this FOA must comply with additional requirements. The Federal government will continue to hold title to the Federal facility and any improvement that is integral to the existing operations of that facility. Please see P.L. 111-11, section 9504(a)(3)(B). Reclamation may also require additional reviews and approvals prior to award to ensure that any necessary easements, land use authorizations, or special permits can be approved consistent with the requirements of 43 CFR §429, and that the development will not impact or impair project operations or efficiency.

D.2.2.7. Project Budget The Project budget includes:

(1) Funding plan and letters of commitment

(2) Budget proposal

(3) Budget narrative

Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment

Describe how the non-Federal share of Project costs will be provided.

Project funding provided by a source other than the applicant shall be supported with letters of commitment from these additional sources. Letters of commitment shall identify the following elements:

• The amount of funding commitment

• The date the funds will be available to the applicant

• Any time constraints on the availability of funds

• Any other contingencies associated with the funding commitment

Commitment letters from third party funding sources should be submitted with your application. If commitment letters are not available at the time of the application submission, please provide a timeline for submission of all commitment letters. Cost-share funding from sources outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or state grants), should be secured and available to the applicant prior to award.

Reclamation will not make funds available for an award under this FOA until the recipient has secured non-Federal cost share. Reclamation will execute a financial assistance agreement once non-Federal funding has been secured or Reclamation determines that there is sufficient evidence and likelihood that non-Federal funds will be available to the applicant subsequent to executing the agreement.

Note: Applicants are not required to have non-Federal cost-share funding secured for the entire Project at the time of award. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient evidence that non-Federal cost-share for the initial Federal obligation will be available at the time of award and must describe a plan and schedule for securing the remaining non-Federal cost share funding for the Project.

The funding plan should include all planning, design, and construction costs for the Project components and activities that will be completed under an award under this FOA. The funding plan must include the following:

• How the applicants will make their contribution to the cost-share requirement, such as monetary and/or in-kind contributions and source funds contributed by the applicant (e.g., reserve account, tax revenue, and/or assessments).

• Describe any Project expenditures that have been incurred or may be incurred before the anticipated award date that you seek to include as Project costs. For each cost, identify:

o The Project expenditure and the amount o Whether the expenditure is or will be in the form of in-kind services or donations o The date of cost incurrence o How the expenditure benefits the Project

• Provide the identity and amount of funding to be provided by funding partners, as well as the required letters of commitment.

• Describe any funding requested or received from other Federal partners.

Note: Other sources of Federal funding may not be counted towards the cost share unless otherwise allowed by statute.

• Describe any pending funding requests that have not yet been approved, and explain how the Project will be affected if such funding is denied.

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

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

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

FUNDING SOURCES AMOUNT

Non Federal Entities

1.

2.

3.

Non-Federal Subtotal

Other Federal Entities

1.

2.

3.

Other Federal Subtotal

REQESTED RECLAMATION FUNDING

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 2 or a similar format that provides this information. If selected for award, successful applicants must submit detailed supporting documentation for all budgeted costs.

Table 2.—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 work that funding is being requested for. 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. Interim 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. Note: Travel costs incurred by contractors should not be included in this section, but these costs can be included in the contract cost estimate.

Equipment

If equipment will be purchased, itemize all equipment valued at or greater than $5,000. For each item, identify why it is needed for the completion of the work proposed for funding and how the equipment was priced. Note: If the value is less than $5,000, the item should be included under materials and supplies.

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

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

If the applicant intends to use their own equipment for the purposes of the Project, the proposed usage rates should fall within the equipment usage rates outlined by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) within their Construction Equipment Ownership and Operating Expense Schedule (EP 1110-1-8) at www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer- Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38.

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

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.

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 development or construction of a 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 http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38 http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACE-Publications/Engineer-Pamphlets/u43545q/313131302D312D38 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 exense pool and corresponding allocation base for each rate. Information on “Preparing and Submitting Indirect Cost Proposals” is available from the Department: National Business Center’s 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.

D.2.2.8. Letters of Support Please include letters from interested stakeholders supporting the 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 considered in the evaluation of the proposal.

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, a signed statement from 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 http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services 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 System of 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:

July 27, 2018 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time

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

Please note that any application submitted for funding under this FOA may be subjected to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request (5 United States Code [U.S.C.] §552, as amended by Public Law [P.L.] No. 110-175), and as a result, may be made publicly available. Following awards of funding, Reclamation will post all successful applications on the Reclamation website after conducting any redactions determined necessary by Reclamation, in consultation with the recipient.

D.4.1. Application Delivery Instructions

Applications may be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) or hard copies may be submitted to either one of the following addresses. Under no circumstances will applications received through any other method (such as email or fax) be considered eligible for award.

By mail or USPS overnight delivery: Bureau of Reclamation Financial Assistance Support Section Attn: Irene Hoiby Mail Code: 84-27814 P.O. Box 25007 Denver, Colorado 80225

By other express delivery service: Bureau of Reclamation mail services Attn: Irene Hoiby Denver Federal Center Bldg. 67, Rm. 152 6th Avenue and Kipling Street Denver, Colorado 80225

By courier services: Bureau of Reclamation Attn: Irene Hoiby Denver Federal Center Bldg. 56, Rm. 1000 6th Avenue and Kipling Street Denver, Colorado 80225

D.4.2. Instructions for Submission of Project Application

Each applicant shall submit an application in accordance with the instructions contained in this section.

D.4.2.1. Applications Submitted by Mail, Express Delivery or Courier Services Please follow these instructions to submit your application by mail, express delivery, or courier services.

• Applicants shall submit one copy of all application documents for hardcopy submissions. Only use a binder clip for documents submitted— do not use staples or other binding.

http://www.grants.gov/

• Hard copy applications may be submitted by mail, express delivery, or courier services to the addresses identified in this FOA.

• Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package and may result in the application being rejected or not funded.

This does not apply to letters of support, funding commitment letters, or official resolutions. However, letters of support received after the application deadline for this FOA will not be considered in the evaluation of the proposal.

• Faxed and emailed copies of application documents will not be accepted.

• Do not include a cover letter or company literature/brochure with the application. All pertinent information must be included in the application package.

D.4.2.2. Applications Submitted Electronically If the applicant chooses to submit an electronic application, it must be submitted through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov). Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications for funding electronically through the URL:

www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. Applicant resource documents and a full set of instructions for registering with Grants.gov (www.grants.gov).

and completing and submitting applications online are available at:

www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

• Please note that submission of an application electronically requires prior registration through Grants.gov, which may take 7 to 21 days. Please see registration instructions at www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. In addition, please note that the Grants.gov system only accepts applications submitted by individuals that are registered in SAM as both a user and an Authorized Organizational Representative

(AOR).

• Applicants have experienced significant delays when attempting to submit applications through Grants.gov. If you plan to submit your application through Grants.gov, you are encouraged to submit your application several days prior to the application deadline.