P2P DWPR NOFO-5.26.2022-final-508.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior May 2022

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R22AS00316

Desalination and Water Purification Research Program Pitch to Pilot

Mission Statements

The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated Island Communities.

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

Cover photo: Reclamation’s Expeditionary Unit Water Purifier in 2011 (Reclamation)

Synopsis i

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

Development Office Funding Opportunity Title: Desalination and Water Purification Research Program Pitch to Pilot Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity Funding Opportunity Number: R22AS00316 Catalog of Federal Domestic 15.506 Assistance (CFDA) Number:

Dates: Application due date:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Phase I Technical Proposal: July 12, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time

Phase II: Presentation Pitch at Reclamation’s office in Denver, Colorado for selected applicants: September 27 to 29, 2022

Submission to Phase I is required for Phase II consideration. If the applicant is not present for Phase II, the proposal is automatically disqualified from proceeding further and will be ineligible for an award. Reclamation will be able to provide funding for invitation travel for one representative to attend the in-person meeting in Denver, Colorado up to a maximum of $3,000 total for lodging and travel expenses. Phase II might be conducted virtually if needed subject to travel restrictions and developments associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible Applicants: Applicants eligible to receive financial assistance to fund activities under this (See NOFO Sec. C.1) NOFO include: individuals/entrepreneurs, institutions of higher education, profit organizations, State and local governmental entities, non-profit organizations, federally funded Research and Development Centers, and Indian tribal governments and organizations.

Foreign entities are not eligible for funding under the authorizing legislation for this program.

Federal agencies are not eligible to apply.

Recipient Cost-Share: No cost share is required but highly encouraged.

(See NOFO Sec. C.2) Federal Funding Amount: Up to $200,000 per applicant for a Phase II project that can be completed (See NOFO Sec. B.1) within 18 months.

Estimated Number of Up to 10 Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1) Intergovernmental Review: This NOFO is subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review (See NOFO Sec. D.5) of Federal Programs.” A list of states that have elected to participate in the intergovernmental review process is at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf

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Application Checklist iii

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

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

Mandatory Federal Forms: See Sec. D.2.2.1 SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B (if * Application for Federal Financial necessary), Project Abstract Assistance Summary (OMB Form 4040-

0019), and SF-LLL Budget Information www.grants.gov/web/grants/fo rms/sf-424-family.html

Assurances Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 Page 9 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 Page 9 *

Technical proposal: *

Executive summary See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 10 *

Problem statement See Sec. D.2.2.6 Page 10 *

Prior work, experience, and results See Sec. D.2.2.7 Page10 *

Technical project description See Sec D.2.2.8 Page 10

Research work plan and schedule See Sec D.2.2.9 Page 11

QA/QC plan See Sec D.2.2.210 Page 11

Environmental impact See Sec D.2.2.11 Page 11

Summary slides See Sec D.2.2.12 Page 11

Evaluation criteria See Sec. E.1 Page 19

Overlap or duplication of effort See Sec D.2.2.14 Page 12 statement

Conflict of interest disclosure See Sec D.2.2.15 Page 12

Uniform Audit Reporting See Sec D.2.2.16 Page 13

Certification regarding lobbying See Sec D.2.2.17 Page 13 *

Unique Entity Identifier and System for See Sec. D.3 Page 13 *** Award Management

* Submit materials with your application.

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

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

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

Acronyms and Abbreviations v

Acronyms and Abbreviations ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee BGNDRF Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act D&B Dun & Bradstreet Department U.S. Department of the Interior (also DOI) DWPR Desalination and Water Purification Research Program DUNS Data Universal Number System EIN Employer Identification Number ESA Endangered Species Act FAIN Federal Award Identification Number FAIR Financial Assistance Interior Regulation FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FGDC Federal Geospatial Data Committee FOIA Freedom of Information Act FY fiscal year IBC Interior Business Center MDT Mountain Daylight Time NAICS North American Industry Classification System NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity OMB Office of Management and Budget P.L. Public Law PSC Product Service Code Q&A question and answer QA/QC Quality Assurance/Quality Control Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation SAM System for Award Management TRL technology readiness level UEI Unique Entity Identifier U.S.C. United States Code

Contents vii

Contents Page

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Authority A.2. Background and Program Requirements A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Purpose and Objectives A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Funding B.2. Expected Award Amount B.3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates B.4. Number of Awards B.5. Type of Award B.6. Technical Assistance

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Ineligible Applicants C.3. Cost Sharing Requirements C.4. Other C.5. Eligible Projects C.6. Ineligible 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 (UIE) and System for Award Management (SAM) D.4. Submission Date and Time D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Funding Restrictions: Pre-Award Costs

Section E. Application Review Information E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria E.2. Presentation: Phase II Evaluation Criteria E.3. Review and Selection Process E.4. Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System

Section F. Federal Award Administration Information F.1. Federal Award Notices F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements F.3. Reporting Requirements and Distribution F.4. Disclosures F.5. Data Availability (2 CFR §1402.315)

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

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Authority

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is issued under the authority of the Reclamation Act of 1902, Sec.1 and Sec.2, and the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.) 111- 11, §9509, Research Agreement Authority.

A.2. Background and Program Requirements

The United States Department of the Interior (Department), Bureau of Reclamation’s (Reclamation) Desalination and Water Purification Research Program (DWPR) works with Reclamation researchers and partners to develop innovative, cost-effective, and technologically efficient ways to desalinate and treat water.

DWPR funding plays a critical role in iterating an idea from the lab to a real-world demonstration, yielding products that serve the water treatment community and attract commercialization interest. Reclamation is interested in research where the benefits are widespread but where private-sector entities are not able to make the full investment and assume all the risks. Reclamation is also interested in research that has a national significance—where the issues are of large-scale concern and the benefits accrue to a large sector of the public. The goal of the DWPR program is to address the need to reduce the costs, energy requirements, and environmental impacts of treating impaired and unusable water. DWPR program activities further support multiple related initiatives related to the Water Subcabinet such as the Water Reuse Action Plan and Water Security Grand Challenge. The program also aligns with Executive Order 14008, “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,” by investing in development and application of advanced water treatment technologies that expand access to otherwise unusable water resources, thereby increasing water supply flexibility under the risks of long-term climate change and shorter-term drought. For further information on the DWPR Program, see www.usbr.gov/research/dwpr.

In Phase I, applicants submit technical proposals in the required format and length as specified in Section D.2.1. Application Format and Length with the required content further detailed in Section D.2.2. Application Content. Submission to Phase I is required for Phase II consideration.

Reclamation’s application review committee (ARC) will select a set of highly qualified applications from Phase I to move to Phase II of the application process. Submission to Phase I is required for Phase II consideration. If the selected applicants are not present for Phase II, their proposals are automatically disqualified from proceeding further and will be ineligible for an award. Reclamation will be able to fund invitational travel for one representative to attend the in-person meeting at Reclamation’s offices in Denver, Colorado up to a maximum of $3,000 total for lodging and travel expenses. Phase II might be conducted virtually if needed—subject to travel restrictions and developments associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

http://www.usbr.gov/research/dwpr

A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Purpose and Objectives

The objectives of this NOFO are to develop innovative and disruptive new technologies or processes to:

• Reduce the costs, energy requirements, and/or environmental impacts of treating impaired and unusable water to standards necessary for an identified beneficial use.

• Improve efficiency of water treatment processes—either by improvements to pre-treatment, post-treatment, monitoring, sensors, or other innovative process/technology.

• Increase effectiveness of reverse osmosis/nanofiltration concentrate management by reducing cost, energy, and/or environmental impacts.

• Treat brackish groundwater in a less energy-intensive way than current processes and technologies.

• Address costs, energy usage, and/or environmental impacts of seawater desalination, including intakes and/or outfalls

• Improve the detection, characterization, monitoring, separation, or destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other contaminants of concern.

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities

Reclamation provides funding for other related projects through several other programs under WaterSMART and the Desalination and Water Purification Research Programs:

• Water Reclamation Research under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program supports projects to apply commercially available water reclamation and reuse technologies. See https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/index.html.

• DWPR Research Projects: This funding opportunity supports projects at the laboratory and pilot scale research studies to determine the viability of a novel process, new materials, or process modifications in conjunction with eligible applicants. See https://www.usbr.gov/research/dwpr/DWPR_Reports.html.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/ https://www.usbr.gov/research/dwpr/ https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/index.html https://www.usbr.gov/research/dwpr/DWPR_Reports.html

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Funding

Approximately $2,000,000 is available for this NOFO, with per-project limits as described in Section B.2. Expected Award Amount. Reclamation will determine the final amount of Federal funding available for award under this NOFO once final fiscal year (FY) 2022 appropriations have been made. This NOFO may be canceled if appropriations are insufficient to support new awards. Applications submitted under this NOFO may also be considered if other Federal funding becomes available in or after FY 2022.

B.2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award: $200,000 Minimum Award: No minimum award amount Applications for projects requiring more time will be considered for funding only under limited circumstances. Reasons for requiring additional time should be included in the application.

The funds provided through this NOFO will be available for each agreement to design, construct, install, and test a pilot-scale process at an already known location with real water. Reclamation’s Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility (BGNDRF) in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and Water Quality Improvement Center (WQIC) in Yuma, Arizona, may also be available if a location for testing is needed. The number of awards and the aggregate amount awarded will be based on the quality of the applications received and congressional funding available.

B.3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

Anticipated Award Date: 03/30/2023 Reclamation expects to contact Phase I applicants if selected/not selected for Phase II in July 2022 and expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants for Phase II in December 2022 (or later if necessary), subject to the timing of final FY 2022 appropriations.

Anticipated Project Completion Date: 09/30/2024

B.4. Number of Awards

Approximately five to ten awards, depending on the amount requested by each applicant and the amount of Federal funding available will be awarded under this NOFO.

B.5. Type of Award

Project awards will be made through cooperative agreements. Under cooperative agreements, the successful applicant should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project.

Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

• Collaboration and participation with the successful applicant in the management of the project and close oversight of the successful applicant’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 successful applicant, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after project award. If you anticipate requesting Reclamation technical assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget. If BGNDRF is identified as a location for testing, there is no need to include any costs for energy, water, and space at BGNDRF, but costs for additional technical assistance if required need to be included. To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact the program coordinator identified in Section G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact.

B.6. Technical Assistance

At your request, 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

Section C. Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants

Applicants eligible to receive an award to fund activities include:

• Individuals/entrepreneurs

• Institutions of higher education

• Commercial or industrial organizations

• Private entities

• State and local governmental entities

• Federally funded research and development centers

• Tribal governments and organizations

• Non-profit organizations

C.2. Ineligible Applicants

Those not eligible are:

• Federal governmental entities

• Foreign entities

C.3. Cost Sharing Requirements

Non-Federal cost share is not required but is highly encouraged. Cost sharing may be made through direct cash contributions, third-party in-kind contributions, or combinations thereof. It is highly recommended that applicants consider identifying in their application any non-Federal cost share if applicable. Cost share funding is an evaluation criterion; see Section E.1.7.

Evaluation Criterion G—Non-Federal Cost Share.

C.3.1. Cost Share Funding Sources 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. Other sources of Federal funding may not be counted towards cost share. The exception to this requirement is where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for such program can be applied to matching or cost sharing requirements of other Federal programs, such as awards to tribal organizations under P.L. 93-638, as amended. If it is determined that the Federal funding cannot be applied towards the non-Federal cost share, the work associated with the funding may be removed from the proposed project.

C.3.2. 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.ecfr.gov/

C.3.3. Third-Party Contributions Third-party contributions may be in the form of equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the proposed Project. The cost or value of third-party in-kind contributions that have been or will be relied on to satisfy a cost-sharing or matching requirement for another Federal financial assistance agreement, a Federal procurement contract, or any other award of Federal funds may not be relied on to satisfy the cost-share requirement for an award under this NOFO. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 Contributions and donations for regulations regarding the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions.

C.4. Other

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

C.5. Eligible Projects

Eligible projects are pilot-scale technologies or processes that incorporate or are innovative and disruptive technologies involving flow rates above one gallon per minute and that need to be tested using natural water sources rather than synthetic or laboratory-made feed water. These projects are typically used to determine the technical, practical, and/or economic feasibility of a process. Preliminary costs can be developed for capital and operation and maintenance costs.

The description of the technology or process should identify the uniqueness and the disruptive nature of the technology or process itself and/or the testing of it.

C.6. Ineligible Projects

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

• Proposals for research on projects that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI project under Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse. A list of congressionally authorized Title XVI projects is at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html.

• Proposals for research on projects that are part of an approved Title XVI feasibility study under Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse: Desalination and Water Recycling Feasibility Studies. A list of approved Title XVI feasibility studies is at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/feasibility.html.

• Proposals of work currently funded under an existing Reclamation financial assistance agreement.

• Proposals for the construction of permanent research facilities https://sam.gov/content/exclusions https://sam.gov/content/exclusions http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/feasibility.html

Section D. Application and Submission Information

Section D. Application and Submission Information D.1. Address to Request Application Package

This document contains all information, forms, and electronic addresses required to obtain the information required to submit an application.

If you are unable to access this information electronically, you can request paper copies of any of the documents referenced in this NOFO by emailing the Financial Assistance Operations Section staff at sha-dro-fafoa@usbr.gov.

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

All applications must conform to the requirements described in this section. Two phases comprise the application process:

• Phase I: A technical proposal is required to be submitted in the required format and length as specified in Section D.2.1 Application Format and Length as well as with the required content further detailed in Section D.2.2. Application Content.

• Phase II: A set of highly qualified applications from Phase I will be selected by the application review committee (ARC) to move to Phase II of the application process. The criteria described in Section E.1 Technical Proposal: Phase I Evaluation Criteria will be used to make that determination. Phase II applicants are required to prepare a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation for an in-person pitch in front of the ARC at Reclamation’s office in Denver, Colorado. Phase II might be conducted virtually if needed—subject to travel restrictions and developments associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presentations will be evaluated using the criteria described in Section E.2. Presentation:

Phase II Evaluation Criteria.

D.2.1. Application Format and Length The technical proposal and responses to evaluation criteria section of the application shall be limited to a maximum of eight consecutively numbered pages. If this section of the application exceeds eight pages, only the first eight pages will be evaluated. Other required application content will not count towards the page limitation. The font shall be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ by 11 inches, including charts, maps, and drawings.

Margins should be standard 1-inch margins. Oversized pages will not be accepted.

Applications will be prescreened for compliance to the page number limitation. Excess pages will be removed and not considered in the evaluation of the proposed project.

mailto:SHA-DRO-FAFOA@usbr.gov

D.2.2. Application Content The application must include the following elements to be considered complete:

• Mandatory Federal Forms o SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance o SF-424A Budget Information o SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Activities (if applicable) o Project Abstract Summary (Office of Management and Budget [OMB]

Number 4040-0019) o SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable) These forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.

• Title page

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to eight pages) o Executive summary o Problem Statement o Prior work and results o Technical approach and project activities o Research work plan and schedule (Gantt chart or similar) o Environmental impact o Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) plan o Responses to evaluation criteria o Summary slides (no more than two, not counted towards the page limit)

To facilitate fair and timely reviews by the ARC, it is highly recommended that application packages be structured in the order identified above.

D.2.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms

The application must include the following standard Federal forms. Questions regarding forms should be referred to the Financial Assistance Point of Contact under Section G. Agency Contacts.

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance.

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

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

SF-424A Budget Information.

A fully completed SF-424A Budget Information must be submitted with the application. If you request more than $100,000 in Federal funding, you must certify that all statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying are true. The Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form also represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

SF-424B Assurances A SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project shall be included. A SF-424B Assurances for 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.

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

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities A fully completed and signed SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities is required if the applicant has made or agreed to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action. Note—this form cannot be submitted by a contractor or other entity on behalf of an applicant.

D.2.2.2. Title Page

Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the 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 (eight pages maximum) include:

1) Executive summary

2) Problem Statement

3) Prior work and results

4) Technical approach and project activities

5) Research work plan and schedule (Gantt chart or similar)

6) Environmental impact

7) QA/QC

8) Responses to evaluation criteria

D.2.2.5. Executive Summary

The executive summary should:

• Include the date, applicant name, city, county, and state.

• In one paragraph, state the problem to be solved and the proposed solution.

• In one paragraph, summarize the project. Specify 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 and objectives of this NOFO.

Also include information on what success looks like for the proposed work and what a commercialization path looks like for this work. State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project.

• Identify the proposed project location and if the work will be conducted at a Federal facility (e.g., Alamogordo BGNDRF or Yuma WQIC)

D.2.2.6. Problem Statement

Describe the problem to be solved by the proposed project, including why current approaches or technologies are insufficient and how the proposed approach or technology improves on current shortcomings. Include information on what is already known, either due to previous research done or a literature review. Describe how the proposed work aligns with one or more of the objectives shown in Section A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Purpose and Objectives.

D.2.2.7. Prior Work, Experience, and Results

Describe previous work and/or technology development that supports the need for pilot testing with real water sources. Identify relevant experience of key project team members in the proposed field of study. Identify the current technology readiness level (TRL) of the proposed technology (using the TRL definitions in Section E.1.4. Evaluation Criterion D—Readiness Level).

D.2.2.8. Technical Project Description

Describe the technical approach and proposed research and testing activities to be conducted under the project. Include enough detail on the proposed technology or approach to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal. The applicant’s understanding will be established not only by the proposed approach, but also by identifying potential challenges that will be faced throughout the proposed testing, and mitigation strategies for these challenges.

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

Describe the staff levels and expertise, the number of staff hours, and the schedule for completing each task. Provide the location of the proposed pilot testing, water type(s) to be tested, and system flow rate.

As applicable, provide figures such a flow diagram, mass/energy balance, and/or similar ways to describe the proposed technology or approach, including process inputs and outputs.

Identify the TRL that can be achieved if the proposed project is implemented (using the TRL definitions in Section E.1.4. Evaluation Criterion D—Readiness Level).

D.2.2.9. Research Work Plan and Schedule

Provide a research work plan based on the technical approach and project activities. The research work plan should include a schedule showing individual tasks with significant milestones identified for the work to be accomplished. Clearly and concisely convey this schedule using a table, Gantt chart, project network diagram, or any other visual format. The pilot testing should include obtaining a minimum one full month of non-disrupted data collection. Time for final report preparation should be included in the work plan. The final report will be posted publicly.

D.2.2.10. Quality Assurance and Quality Control Plan

Identify the proposed procedures for QA/QC protocols to be used throughout the project, including statistical data analysis, peer review, instrument calibration, etc. If your institution already has a QA/QC program, provide a summary of the program and include additional information as needed to address the use of the existing program for your proposed project.

D.2.2.11. Environmental Impact

Describe any potential environmental impacts of the proposed work and plans for disposal of wastes if any result from the project. Identify any permits and licenses that are required for the project and describe how they will be obtained (if not yet obtained).

D.2.2.12. Summary Slides

Please include no more than two Microsoft PowerPoint slides summarizing the proposed project.

The slides must be submitted in pdf format and will be used during the evaluation process. The summary slides don’t need to follow any template—but must have the following information:

• Project title, Project Manager, and their institution/company if applicable

• A technology summary

• Impact of the proposed work

• Proposed goal(s)

• Any key graphics (picture, illustration, charts, and/or tables)

• Requested Reclamation funds and any proposed non-Federal cost share (if applicable)

D.2.2.13. Evaluation Criteria

Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria provides 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. Copying and pasting the evaluation criteria and sub-criteria in Section E.1. Technical

Proposal: Evaluation Criteria into your applications is suggested to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

D.2.2.14. Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement

Applicants must provide a statement that addresses if there is any overlap between the proposed project and any other active or anticipated proposals or projects in terms of activities, costs, or commitment of key personnel. If any overlap exists, applicants must provide a description of the overlap in their application for review.

Applicants must also state if the proposal submitted for consideration under this program does or does not in any way duplicate any proposal or project that has been or will be submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source—whether it be Federal or non- Federal. If such a circumstance exists, applicants must detail when the other duplicative proposal(s) were submitted, to whom (Agency name and Financial Assistance program), and when funding decisions are expected to be announced. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be duplicative of the funding requested from Reclamation, applicants must notify the NOFO point of contact or the Program Coordinator immediately.

D.2.2.15. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, you must state in your application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

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

In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by sub recipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR§200.318 apply.

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

Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The successful applicant is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by sub recipients.

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

Review Procedures The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it. Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR §200.339, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR §180).

D.2.2.16. Uniform Audit Reporting Statement

All U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, and non-profit organizations expending $750,000 in U.S. dollars or more in Federal award funds in your organization’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System in accordance with 2 CFR §200 subpart F.

U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the Employer Identification Number (EIN) associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

D.2.2.17. Certification Regarding Lobbying

If you request more than $100,000 in Federal funding, you must certify that all statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying are true. The Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form also represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

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

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

• Be registered in SAM before submitting an application. Instructions for registering for SAM are located at https://sam.gov/content/home

• Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application.

• 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 award agency.

The applicant must meet the mandatory requirements stated above. If the applicant is unable to complete registration by the application deadline, the unique 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 award a grant to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements. If an https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 https://sam.gov/content/home applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time Reclamation is ready to award the grant, Reclamation may determine the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for awarding to another applicant.

There is no cost to register with Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) or SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with D&B and SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

D.3.1. Register with the System for Award Management Register on the sam.gov website. “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov Register with SAM page also provides detailed instructions. You can also contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been to the entity’s IRS information.

Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration.

D.3.2. Obtain a UEI Number You are required to register in SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) prior to submitting a Federal award application. A UEI will be assigned to entities upon registering with

SAM.

D.4. Submission Date and Time

Due Date for Applications: July 12, 2022 Application submission date deadline:

Phase I: July 12, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time Phase II for selected applicants: September 27 to 29, 2022 at Reclamation’s offices in Denver, Colorado Submission to Phase I is required for Phase II consideration. If the applicant selected for Phase II is not present for Phase II, the proposal is automatically disqualified from proceeding further and will be ineligible for an award. Phase II might be conducted virtually if needed—subject to travel restrictions and developments associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications must be submitted (not postmarked by) no later than this due date and time.

Electronic proposals received after the application deadline will not be considered unless it can be determined that the delay was caused by Reclamation mishandling or technical issues with the Grants.gov application system. Please note that difficulties related to an applicant’s Grants.gov profile (e.g., incorrect organizational representative), uploading documents to Grants.gov, or an applicant’s SAM registration are not considered technical issues with the Grants.gov system.

https://sam.gov/content/home https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update https://www.grants.gov/

D.4.1. Application Delivery Instructions Applications must be submitted electronically to www.grants.gov. Under no circumstances will applications received through any other method (such as e-mail or fax) be considered eligible for award.

D.4.2. Instructions for Submitting the Project Application Each applicant should submit an application in accordance with the instructions contained in this section.

D.4.2.1. Applications Submitted Electronically

Electronic applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications for funding electronically through www.grants.gov/ applicants/apply-for-grants.html. Applicant resource documents and a full set of instructions for registering with Grants.gov and completing and submitting applications online are also 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 and active in SAM as both a user and an Authorized Organizational Representative.

• Applicants have experienced significant delays when attempting to submit applications through Grants.gov. If you plan to submit your application through Grants.gov, you are encouraged to submit your application several days prior to the application deadline. If you are a properly registered Grants.gov applicant and encounter problems with the Grants.gov application submission process, you must contact the Grants.gov Help Desk to obtain a case number. This case number will provide evidence of your attempt to submit an application prior to the submission deadline.

You must ensure that your proposal arrives by the date and time deadline stated in this NOFO.

Applications received after this date and time will not be considered for award. Late applications will not be considered unless it is determined that the delay was caused by Reclamation mishandling or technical issues with the Grants.gov application system. Please note that difficulties related to an applicant’s Grants.gov profile (e.g., incorrect organizational representative), uploading documents to Grants.gov, or an applicant’s SAM registration are not considered technical issues with the Grants.gov system.

D.4.2.2. Acknowledgement of Application Receipt.

An application submitted through Grants.gov, will provide an e-mail acknowledging receipt of the application from Grants.gov. In addition, you will receive a email acknowledgement when your application is successfully downloaded from Grants.gov.

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

D.5. Intergovernmental Review

This NOFO is subject to E.O. 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” A list of states that have elected to participate in the intergovernmental review process are listed on the Office of Management and Budget’s website, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf.

Applicants in these states must contact their state's Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to find out about and comply with the state's process under Executive Order 12372. The names and addresses of the SPOCs are also listed on the Office of Management and Budget's website, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/ 2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf.

D.6. Funding Restrictions: Pre-Award Costs

D.6.1. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs Project pre-award costs that have been incurred prior to the date of award, but after notification of selection, may be submitted for consideration as an allowable reimbursable expense. In no case will pre-award costs be incurred prior to a recipient’s notification of selection be considered for reimbursement or non-Federal cost-share purposes.

For example, such costs might include design or construction plans and environmental compliance costs directly supporting the proposed project. Reclamation will review the proposed pre-award costs to determine if they are allowable in accordance with the authorizing legislation and applicable to cost principles. To be considered allowable, the pre-award cost must comply with all applicable requirements under this NOFO, including all applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 CFR §200, available at www.ecfr.gov.

D.6.2. Indirect Costs You may include indirect costs that will be incurred during the development or construction of a Project, which will not otherwise be recovered, as part of your Project budget. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable cost principles for your organization. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

If you have never received a Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, your 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.

If you do not have a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement and are 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’s Interior Business Center, Office of Indirect Cost Services, at https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/icrna.

If the proposed project is selected for award, the successful applicant will be required to submit an indirect cost rate proposal with their cognizant agency within 3 months of award. The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the OMB. If the Department of https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf http://www.ecfr.gov/ https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/icrna the Interior is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center (IBC) will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the IBC by phone 916-930-3803 or email at ICS@ibc.doi.gov. See https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/icrna for information regarding email submission forms.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award. Recipients may not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

mailto:ICS@ibc.doi.gov https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/icrna

Section E. Application Review Information

E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria portion should be addressed in the technical…