PKG00247751-instructions.docx

Funding Opportunity Announcement No: BOR-MP-19-F003

Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency Grants Fostering District/Farmer Partnerships

Mission Statements

The Department of the Interior (DOI) conserves and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and other information about natural resources and natural hazards to address societal challenges and create opportunities for the American people, and honors the Nation’s trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities to help them prosper.

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

The mission of the United States Department of Agriculture is to provide leadership on food, agricultural, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service works with land owners through conservation planning and assistance designed to benefit the soil, water, air, plants, and animals that result in productive lands and healthy ecosystems.

Synopsis

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:

15.507

Dates:

(See Sec. IV.B) Proposals received before March 1, 2019, 1:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST) will be considered for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 funding. Proposals received after March 1, 2019, 1:00 p.m. PST and before November 1, 2019, 1:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) will be considered for FY 2020 funding, contingent upon appropriations.

Eligible Applicants:

(See Sec. III.A) Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located within the State of California.

Recipient Cost Share:

(See Sec. III.E) Non-Federal Sources: At least 50% of costs.

Estimated Federal Funding Amount:

(See Sec. II.B) Up to $1,000,000 per agreement.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See Sec. II.B) Approximately 3-4 for each fiscal year, depending on requested funding amounts for selected projects and appropriations.

Estimated Total Amount of Funding Available for Award:

(See Sec. II.A) $3 million for FY 2019. FY 2020 available funding is contingent upon federal appropriations. FY 2020 award availability will be updated when appropriation information is released.

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

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

Technical Proposal:

• Executive Summary

• Background Data

• Project Description

• Evaluation Categories Sec. IV.D.4.e.

Environmental Compliance and Potential Impacts

Sec. IV.D.4.f.

Required Permits or Approvals

Sec. IV.D.4.g.

Project Budget Proposal:

• Funding Plan

• General Requirements

• Budget Table

• Budget Narrative

• Budget Form

• Budget Table (SF-424) Sec. IV.D.4.m.

Pages 26-33

* Proposals received before March 1, 2019, 1:00 p.m. PST will be eligible for FY 2019 funding. Proposals received after March 1, 2019 1:00 p.m. PST and before November 1, 2019, 1:00 p.m. PDT will be eligible for FY 2020 funding

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Contents

Funding Opportunity Description Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency Grants The United States Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are collaborating to make federal funding available in California to improve the efficiency of agricultural water use throughout the state. The projects funded through this partnership in FY 2019 and FY 2020 will help communities build resilience to drought through the modernization of water infrastructure and efficient use of scarce water resources, while supporting the agricultural economy.

Reclamation has authority to provide financial assistance to entities with water or power delivery authority, including water districts and irrigation districts; NRCS has the authority to provide on-farm assistance. Applicants with water or power delivery authority may seek funding under this FOA. NRCS funding, in turn, will potentially be made available where the needed on-farm water conservation practices complement the projects selected through this FOA. The complementing NRCS Farm Bill program is the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), which is the primary program that addresses water quantity and water quality conservation practices. These EQIP funds would be in addition to those available through the regular, local NRCS program. EQIP funding amounts are established to cover a substantial portion of the on-farm system or irrigation improvement costs.

Water conservation and efficiency improvement projects implemented since the Reclamation/ NRCS partnership was established in 2011, have helped water purveyors and producers prepare for and respond to water uncertainty. Reclamation’s $10.8 million investment through this partnership has saved, conserved, or better managed over 301,000 acre-feet of water each year by purveyors, as well as increasing on-farm water efficiencies by an average of 25 percent.

Through this FOA, Reclamation provides funding for projects that increase water reliability and improve water management, including the use of expanded technologies and capabilities consistent with the goals of the October 19, 2018 Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West.

Objective of Funding Opportunity Announcement The objective of this Agricultural Water Conservation Efficiency (AWCE) FOA is to invite eligible applicants to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on projects that save water, improve water management, increase water supply reliability, improve energy efficiency, and benefit endangered species. Water conservation and water use efficiency are critical elements of any plan to address these resource issues. Projects that achieve this by directly enabling on-farm water conservation or water use efficiency projects that can be undertaken by farmers and ranchers remain a high priority for this program. Reclamation and NRCS are encouraging water suppliers to work with farmers to identify the roles that suppliers play to facilitate and/or assist with on-farm improvements.

In coordination with NRCS, Reclamation will select applicants for funding under this FOA. Successful applicants will enter into a financial assistance agreement with Reclamation.

Through EQIP, NRCS will provide accelerated technical and financial assistance to farmers and ranchers for projects that: 1) meet EQIP eligibility requirements, 2) include activities or elements that facilitate on-farm improvements, and 3) have significant farmer participation.

NRCS will have a separate application process for the on-farm components of selected projects. NRCS will contact successful applicants that are potentially eligible for additional EQIP funding after applicants have signed an agreement with Reclamation.

Example. District X has 10 miles of earthen canal that loses a substantial amount of water through seepage into a saline sink. In its application for funding under this FOA, District X explains that their farmer needs assessment concluded that by piping those 10 miles of canal, Y number of farmers who receive water deliveries from this canal will be able to pressurize their irrigation systems and convert to micro-drip instead of furrow irrigation. In its application, District X also notes that conversion to micro-drip has the ability to save a substantial amount of water in addition to the water savings that will result directly from District X’s piping project.

If District X is successful at securing a grant award under this FOA to pipe its canal, farmers and ranchers in District X’s service area will be invited to apply for NRCS funding. NRCS will make available financial and technical assistance to the farmers receiving water from District X’s canal to purchase and install the micro-drip systems.

Figure 1: Illustration of a project eligible for funding under this FOA.

Program Authority This FOA is issued under the authority of Public Law 111-11(42 United States Code 10364), Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Subtitle F, Secure Water, Section 9504(a) Water Management Improvement.

Award Information Total Project Funding For FY 2019, $3.0 million is available for award under this FOA. Funding in FY 2020 is contingent upon appropriations, and this FOA will be updated accordingly as the appropriation information becomes available.

Project Funding Limitations Up to $3.0 million in Federal funds will be available for award in FY 2019, with up to $1,000,000 per project. Reclamation encourages applicants to apply for any level of funding up to $1,000,000. There is no funding assistance minimum under this FOA, and all funding requests will equally be considered.

The combined federal share (i.e., Reclamation’s share plus any other sources of federal funding) of any one proposed project shall not exceed 50 percent of the total project costs. Note: This does not include NRCS funds since NRCS funds will go to individual farmers and ranchers.

On-farm components cannot be included in the project costs unless the applicant will directly provide materials or assistance to famers or ranchers within their service area. Components intended for NRCS assistance are not eligible for inclusion as costs of a project described in an application for funding under this FOA. Please refer to Figure 1, page 2.

Any applicant may submit multiple applications for different projects under this FOA. However, under this FOA, Reclamation will award only one agreement per applicant per application period.

NRCS will have a separate application process for the on-farm components of selected projects.

Reclamation Responsibilities Project awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements, as applicable to each project. Under a cooperative agreement, Reclamation will 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 the program objectives are being achieved.

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

At the request of the recipient, Reclamation may 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 assistance available and these costs, contact Thomas Hawes, Program Coordinator, at thawes@usbr.gov or 916-978-5271.

Award Dates For FY 2019, Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in June 2019 and award all agreement by September 2019. After assistance agreements with Reclamation are signed, entities may coordinate with NRCS for the implementation of on-farm components.

For FY 2020, Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in April 2020 and award all agreements by September 2020. After assistance agreements with Reclamation are signed, entities may coordinate with NRCS for the implementation of on-farm components.

Eligibility Information Eligible Applicants Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located within the State of California.

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

· Federal governmental entities

· Institutions of higher education

· Individuals

· 501(c)4 Organizations

· 501(c)6 Organizations Eligible Projects Projects should seek to conserve and use water more efficiently and result in quantifiable and sustained water savings or improved water management.

Descriptions of various types of eligible projects for funding under this FOA are listed below. This list is meant to provide examples and is not exhaustive. Projects must be located within California. Applications may include any one, or a combination, of the types of projects below. If an applicant is seeking funding for multiple projects and those projects are interrelated or closely related, they should be combined in one application. Conversely, if the projects can be completed independently and are easily separated or phased, they should be applied for separately.

Any applicant may submit multiple applications for different projects under this FOA. However, Reclamation will award only one agreement per applicant per application period.

Projects that address endangered species concerns or include habitat improvement components will receive additional consideration.

Examples of Reclamation-Funded District-Level Water Conservation and Efficiency Projects:

· Structural and operational features that facilitate improved water delivery flexibility to farmers.

· Structural and operational features that facilitate farmers converting to more efficient irrigation systems (clean water, pressurization, etc.).

· Automating farm water ordering and water use data access by farmers to facilitate on-farm improvements.

· Developing on-line crop water use tools for use by farmers.

· Canal lining and piping.

· Automating canal gates or other control structures with associated telemetry equipment for offsite control.

· Installing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition programs to remotely monitor and operate key river and canal facilities.

· Installing advanced water measurement equipment, such as acoustic meters, magnetic meters, propeller meters, and weirs or flumes with reliable continuous totalizing sensors and recorders.

· Constructing facilities to allow or increase aquifer recharge.

· Installing recycled water pipelines for the delivery of treated urban waste water for agricultural use.

Examples of NRCS-funded On-Farm Efficiency Projects:

· Converting to more efficient irrigation systems.

· Collecting and reusing irrigation tailwater.

· Retrofitting infrastructure to facilitate recycled water use.

· Evaluating on-farm irrigation system/management.

· Irrigation scheduling services, software/equipment.

Ineligible Projects District Operations, Maintenance and Replacement (OM&R) Projects that are considered normal District OM&R are ineligible. OM&R includes 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:

· Replacing malfunctioning components of an existing facility with the same components.

· Improving an existing facility to operate as originally designed.

· Performing an activity on a recurring basis even if that period is extended.

· Sealing expansion joints of concrete lining because the original sealer or the water stops have failed.

· Sealing cracks in canals and/or pipes, including those sealant projects intended to improve facilities with inherent design and construction flaws.

· Replacing broken meters with new meters of the same type.

· Replacing leaky pipes with new pipes of the same type.

Water Reclamation, Reuse, and Desalination Any project or project elements that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI Water Reclamation or Reuse Project are ineligible for funding under this FOA. A list of congressionally authorized Title XVI projects can be found at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/authorized.html.

Any project or project elements that are part of a water desalination or recycling project eligible for funding under section 4009(a) or 4009(c) of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, Public Law 114-322 are ineligible for funding under this FOA. A list of eligible WIIN projects can be found at www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/feasibility.html.

If a water desalination or recycling project has a total estimated project cost of more than $5 million, that project is ineligible under this FOA and should be pursued under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program or the WaterSMART Desalination Planning and Construction Program. This restriction applies to phases or project elements of a desalination or recycling project that are part of a larger project with a total estimated project cost of more than $5 million.

If you are unclear whether your project is part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI project or a project eligible under section 4009(a) or (c) of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, please contact Amanda Erath at aerath@usbr.gov or 303-445-2766.

Ineligible On-Farm Efficiency Projects Examples of ineligible on-farm efficiency projects:

· Projects that have already been installed or are currently being considered by NRCS.

· Projects that do not provide water management improvement benefits.

· Maintenance on existing facilities.

· Projects submitted by applicants who do not qualify based on ownership type or who exceed adjusted gross income criteria.

Length of Projects Projects should be completed within 2 years of Reclamation signing the financial assistance agreement. For FY 2019 applications, those projects should be completed by September 30, 2021. For FY 2020 applications, those projects should be completed by September 30, 2022. Applications for projects requiring more than 2 years will be considered if the applicant can demonstrate that there will be measurable progress towards the project schedule each year. The completion timeline only applies to tasks outlined in the financial assistance agreement signed by successful applicants and Reclamation.

Cost-Sharing Requirement Applicants must be capable to cost-share at least 50 percent 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. Reclamation may approve an award prior to an applicant securing non-Federal cost-share funds if Reclamation determines that there is sufficient evidence and likelihood that the non-Federal funds will be available to the applicant by the start of the project. Funding commitment letters must be submitted in accordance with Section IV.C.

On-farm components intended for NRCS assistance cannot be included as part of an applicant’s non-Federal cost-share.

Cost-Share Regulations All cost-share contributions must meet the criteria established in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 2 CFR 200, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments.

In-kind Contributions 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 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 AWCE funding under this FOA.

Pre-Award Costs Applicants that incur costs prior to Reclamation’s signing the financial assistance agreement may request Reclamation include such pre-award costs when calculating the total project cost and the applicant’s non-federal cost-share. Any pre-award costs proposed for consideration must comply with all applicable requirements under this FOA.

For FY 2019 applicants, Reclamation may consider costs incurred since July 1, 2018.

For FY 2020 applicants, Reclamation may consider costs incurred since July 1, 2019.

Applicants may request Reclamation consider costs incurred prior to these dates.

Direct costs for the preparation of the application and support documentation are not allowable under this FOA and subsequent awards.

For any eligible NRCS on-farm component, the applicant may not incur any costs prior to approval and award of the NRCS contract with the owner or operator.

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 cost-share. Indirect costs are:

· Incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one cost objective.

· Not readily assignable to any one cost objective.

If the applicant proposes indirect costs in the budget, the applicant must either supply a copy of a current federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement with the Interior Business Center (including the associated indirect cost pool) or obtain an agreement within one year of award. No indirect costs will be reimbursed until a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement is obtained. For further information on indirect costs, refer to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Interior Business Center at: http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/indirect_cost_services/ICS_Services.cfm.

Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance All projects being considered for award funding will require compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) before any ground-disturbing activity may begin. Compliance with all applicable state, Federal and local environmental, cultural, and paleontological resource protection laws and regulations is also required. These may include, but are not limited to, the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), consultation with potentially affected tribes, and consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer.

Reclamation will be the lead Federal agency for NEPA compliance and will be responsible for evaluating technical information and ensuring that natural resources, cultural, and socioeconomic concerns are appropriately addressed. As the lead agency, Reclamation is solely responsible for determining the appropriate level of NEPA compliance. Reclamation is responsible to ensure that findings under NEPA, and consultations, as appropriate, will support Reclamation’s decision on whether to fund a project. Environmental and cultural resources compliance costs are part of an applicant’s cost share. These costs will be considered in the ranking of applications.

Under no circumstances may an applicant begin any ground-disturbing activities (including grading, clearing, and other preliminary activities) on a project before environmental and cultural resources 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 such compliance is complete, including any necessary determinations solely within Reclamation’s purview. An applicant that proceeds before environmental and cultural resources compliance is complete may risk forfeiting Reclamation funding under this FOA.

Requirements for Agricultural Operations In accordance with Section 9504(a)(3)(B) of Public Law 111-11, grants and cooperative agreements under this authority will not be awarded for an improvement to conserve irrigation water unless the applicant agrees to both of the following conditions:

· Not to use any associated water savings to increase the total irrigated acreage of the eligible applicant; and

· Not to otherwise increase the consumptive use of water in the operation of the eligible applicant, as determined pursuant to the law of the State in which the operation of the eligible applicant is located.

Other Requirements Applicants shall adhere to Federal, State, Territorial, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as applicable, and shall obtain all required approvals and permits. Applicants shall also coordinate and obtain approvals from site owners and operators.

Title to Improvements [Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D)] If the activities funded through an agreement awarded under this FOA result in an infrastructure improvement to a federally owned facility, the Federal Government shall continue to hold title to the facility and improvements to the facility.

Operation and Maintenance Costs [Public Law 11111, Section 9504(a)(3)(E)(iv)] The non-Federal share of the cost of operating and maintaining any infrastructure improvement funded through an agreement awarded under this FOA shall be 100 percent.

Liability [Public Law 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(F)] In General Except as provided under chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (commonly known as the “Federal Tort Claims Act”), the United States shall not be liable for monetary damages of any kind for any injury arising out of an act, omission, or occurrence that arises in relation to any facility created or improved through an agreement awarded under this FOA, the title of which is not held by the United States.

Tort Claims Act Nothing in this section increases the liability of the United States beyond that provided in Chapter 171 of Title 28, United States Code (commonly known as the “Federal Tort Claims Act”).

System Registration System for Award Management (SAM) All applicants must be registered in SAM prior to award under this FOA. Instructions for registering for SAM are located at https://www.sam.gov/SAM/. All applicants must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times while they have an active Federal award or an application under consideration. Please include a screen shot of your SAM account in the application package.

Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) ASAP is a Recipient-initiated payment and information system designed to provide a single point of contact for the request and delivery of Federal funds. Effective October 1, 2013, all recipients are required to complete enrollment with ASAP under Reclamation’s Agency Location Code for all active financial assistance agreements with Reclamation. ASAP is the only allowable method for request and receipt of payment. Further information regarding ASAP may be obtained from the ASAP website at http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap. Recipient procedures must minimize the time elapsing between the drawdown of federal funds and the disbursement for agreement purposes.

For information regarding ASAP enrollment, please visit www.usbr.gov/mso/aamd/asap.html or contact the Reclamation ASAP Help Desk BOR_ASAP_Enroll@usbr.gov.

Note: ASAP enrollment is specific to each Agency and Bureau. If the recipient organization has an existing ASAP account with another Federal agency or Department of the Interior bureau, but not with Reclamation, then the Recipient must initiate and complete enrollment through submission of an enrollment form found at http://www.usbr.gov/mso/aamd/asap.html.

Applicants must include a screen shot of their ASAP account in the application package.

Application and Submission Information 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: Beverly S. Breen, Grants Officer, at BBreen@usbr.gov Application Submission Dates and Times The date deadlines for submitting an application are:

· March 1, 2019, 1:00 p.m. PST for FY 2019 funding

· November 1, 2019, 1:00 p.m. PDT for FY 2020 funding

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

Application Delivery Instructions Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application electronically through http://www.grants.gov. Hard copies may be submitted by mail or express delivery/mail services to:

Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region Attn: Beverly S. Breen, MP-3829 2800 Cottage Way, Room E-1815 Sacramento, CA 95825-1898 Instructions for Submission of Project Application Each applicant shall submit an application in accordance with the instructions contained in this section.

Note: 2 CFR 200.319, Competition.

(a) All procurement transactions must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards of this section. To ensure objective contractor performance and eliminate unfair competitive advantage, contractors that develop or draft specifications, requirements, statements of work, or invitations for bids or requests for proposals must be excluded from competing for such procurements.

Applications Submitted Electronically

· Applicants may submit their application electronically through Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov.

· Please note that submission of an application electronically requires prior registration through Grants.gov, which may take 7-21 days.

· Applicants have occasionally 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.

Applications Submitted by Mail

· If the applicant chooses to submit an application by mail, please submit (1) hardcopy of the application document.

· In addition to the hardcopy document, please submit a copy of your application on a CD-ROM in Microsoft Office format, Word and/or Excel (for spreadsheets only).

· Do not use “comb,” “spiral,” or adhesive methods to bind the documents. Use only binder clips.

· Hardcopy applications may be submitted by mail or express methods to the addresses listed in Section IV.C.

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

· Faxed or 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.

Regardless of the delivery method used, the applicant must ensure their proposal arrives by the deadline stated in Section IV.B., above. Late applications will not be accepted unless it is determined that the delay was caused by Federal government mishandling or by a problem with the Grants.gov application system.

Applying for Funds Online at Grants.gov

· Reclamation is participating in the Grants.gov initiative that provides the grant community with a single website to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. Applicant resource documents, and a full set of instructions for registering with Grants.gov and completing and submitting applications online are available at: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

· The registration is a one-time process, which is required before representatives of an organization can submit grant application packages electronically through Grants.gov. The registration process can take three to five business days or one to three weeks—depending on your organization and if all steps are met in a timely manner.

· Some applicants have experienced difficulties when attempting to submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov. If you encounter problems with the Grants.gov application submission process, you must contact the Grants.gov Help Desk to obtain a “Case Number.” This will provide evidence of your attempt to submit an application prior to the submission deadline.

· For assistance with Grants.gov, go to their Support page at: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html .

Application Format and Length The Technical Proposal section shall be limited to a maximum of 30 pages. The total application package shall be no more than 75 consecutively numbered pages. This includes all attachments and supporting documentation. If an application exceeds 75 pages, the application will not be evaluated. The font shall be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8 ½” x 11,” except for an occasional charts, maps, or drawings.

Application Content The application must include the following elements in order to be considered complete:

· SF-424 Application cover page

· SF-424 Assurances (B or D Form, as applicable to the project)

· Title Page

· Table of Contents

· Technical Proposal (limited to 30 pages) and evaluation categories:

· Executive Summary

· Background Data

· Technical Project Description

· Evaluation Categories:

· District Benefits

· On-farm Benefits

· Water Supply Reliability

· Implementation and Results

· Department of the Interior Priorities

· NRCS Collaboration

· Innovation

· Environmental and Cultural Compliance

· Required Permits and Approvals

· Letters of Project Support (do not submit separately)

· Official Board Resolution

· Verification of ASAP Account

· Verification SAM Account

· Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)

· Project Budget:

· Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment

· Budget Proposal

· Budget Narrative

· SF-424 A or C Form, as applicable to the project.

SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-424C and SF-424D forms may be obtained at http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15 SF-424 Application Cover Page This fully completed form must be signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-424 Assurances A SF-424B – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs or an SF-424D – Assurances – 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 or SF-424D may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

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, telephone, and facsimile numbers of the project manager.

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

Technical Proposal and Evaluation Categories The technical proposal (30 pages maximum) includes: (1) the Executive Summary, (2) Background Data, (3) Project Description, and (4) Evaluation Categories. To ensure accurate and complete scoring of your application, your proposal should address each criterion in the order presented below. Where applicable, the point value is indicated.

Technical Proposal: Executive Summary The executive summary should include:

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

· A one paragraph project summary that briefly identifies how the proposed project contributes to accomplishing the goals of this FOA.

· A statement indicating whether the project includes an on-farm component.

· The following amounts, in acre-feet:

· The average annual acre-feet of water supply.

· The estimated amount of water saved after the project is completed.

· The estimated amount of water better managed.

· The extent to which this project will enable on-farm water use efficiency and conservation improvements.

· The length of time and estimated completion date for the project.

Technical Proposal: Background Data Provide a map of the area showing the geographic location of the project. The map should easily identify the project area, and major geographic features including roads, streams, reservoirs, towns, canals, laterals, and irrigated lands. If on-farm improvements are a part of the application, specifically identify fields and acreages to be improved.

· Describe major crops and total acres served.

· In addition, describe the applicant’s water delivery system. Include the miles of canals, miles of laterals, and existing irrigation improvements (i.e., type, miles, and acres). For municipal systems, please include the number of connections and/or number of water users served and any other relevant information describing the system.

· Identify any past working relationships with Reclamation. This should include the date(s), description of prior relationships with Reclamation, and a description of the projects(s).

Technical Proposal: Project Description The technical project description should describe the work in detail, including specific activities that will be accomplished because of this project. This description shall have sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal.

Technical Proposal: Evaluation Categories (See Section V for additional details. Including a detailed description of each criterion and sub-criterion and points associated with each.)

It is suggested that applicants copy and paste the evaluation categories and sub-categories into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

Table 1. Evaluation Categories and Point Distribution

The Technical Proposal should thoroughly address each of the categories and related sub-categories to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of the proposal. Each category and sub-category is fully described below. The Technical Proposal should address each category and sub-category in the order presented below.

Category 1: Benefits (60 points total) Benefits includes three sub-categories:

a) Water Conservation and Efficiency (up to 40 points).

b) Reasonableness of Cost (up to 5 points).

c) Other benefits (up to 15 points) including but not limited to endangered or threatened species and/or other direct or indirect benefits not already addressed.

Points will be awarded as follows under the Benefits category. See each sub-category for further information.

Sub-category a) Water Conservation and Efficiency (up to 40 points) Points will be allocated to projects that are expected to result in significant water savings.

1. Quantifiable Water Savings: Up to 20 points may be awarded based on the quantifiable water savings expected as a result of the project.

2. Percentage of Total Supply: Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the percentage of the applicant’s total average water supply that will be conserved directly as a result of the project.

3. Improved Water Management: Up to 10 points may be awarded if the project will improve water management through measurement, automation, advanced water measurement systems, or through other approaches where water savings are not quantifiable.

· Describe the amount of water saved. For projects that conserve water, state the estimated amount of water conserved in acre-feet per year (include direct water savings only), that will result as direct benefit from this project. Please provide sufficient detail supporting the stated estimate, including any calculations in support of the estimate.

· Describe the percentage of total water supply conserved: State the applicant’s total average annual water supply in acre-feet. (This is the amount actually diverted, pumped, or released from storage, on average, each year. This does not refer to the applicant’s total water right or potential water supply.) Explain how this calculation was made.

· For projects involving improvements to individual facilities (e.g., a head gate, canal, or ditch), state the average annual water supply that runs through the facility and the estimated water savings or quantities that will be better managed or managed differently, in acre-feet, as a result of facility improvement. State the percentage of the average annual water supply to be saved or better managed.

· For proposals that improve water management through measurement, automation, or irrigation management, etc., state the amount of water expected to be better managed, in acre-feet per year and the fate of this water if not for this project. State the percentage of the average annual water supply to be better managed. Explain how this calculation was made. State the existing transport losses and delivery efficiency.

· For all projects involving physical improvements, specify the expected life of the improvement in number of years.

Sub-category b) Reasonableness of Cost (up to 5 points) Points will be awarded for the reasonableness of the cost for the benefits gained. Please include information related to the total project cost, annual acre-feet conserved (or better managed), and the expected life of the improvement. Use the following calculation:

Total Project Cost Acre-Feet Conserved (or Better Managed) x Improvement Life

Failure to include this calculation will result in a score of zero for this sub-category.

Please provide an average cost of the water to the district.

Sub-category c) Other Benefits (up to 15 points) Points will be awarded to projects that provide other benefits other than quantifiable water savings and water use efficiency. Identify all other benefits, direct or indirect, that will result from this project not previously addressed. This may include things such as water quality benefits, etc. Include how direct and indirect project benefits were calculated or determined and reference any supporting documentation.

1. Endangered or threatened species benefits: Up to 10 points may be awarded for projects expected to benefit federally-listed threatened or endangered species or federally-recognized candidate species.

2. Other benefits not otherwise addressed: Up to 5 points may be awarded for projects that provide other direct or indirect benefits other than those previously addressed. The proposal should address the following:

Endangered or threatened species benefits Projects that benefit both federally-recognized candidate species and federally-listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat will receive additional consideration under this criterion. Please see https://www.fws.gov/endangered/index.html for a complete listing of federally-recognized candidate species and federally-listed threatened or endangered species in your area.

What is the relationship of the species to water supply?

What is the extent to which the proposed project would reduce the likelihood of listing or would otherwise improve the status of the species?

For projects that will directly accelerate the recovery of threatened or endangered species or address designated critical habitats, please include the following elements:

· How is the species adversely affected by a Reclamation project?

· Is the species subject to a recovery plan or conservation plan under the ESA?

What is the extent to which the proposed project would reduce the likelihood of listing or would otherwise improve the status of the species?

For projects that will accelerate the recovery of threatened species or endangered species or address designated critical habitats or benefit federally-recognized candidate species please include the following elements:

· Relationship of the species to the water supply.

· Extent to which the proposed project would reduce the likelihood of listing or would otherwise improve the status of the species.

· Quantify actions that will enhance these benefits.

Category 2: On-Farm Efficiencies (Up to 40 points) Points will be awarded based on the probability of full implementation and longevity of the on-farm components for joint on-farm/off-farm irrigation project proposals. Higher consideration will be given to applicants that include letters of intent from farmers/ranchers in the project's affected area and provide detail of their collaboration with their growers and their needs.

Note: 0 points will be awarded for on-farm efficiency activities if there is no on-farm project component or if on-farm efficiency activities are not directly enabled by the proposed project.

The proposal should address the following:

· Explain the eligible on-farm activities or irrigation practices to be improved because of this project. Provide a detailed explanation of how the proposed project will enable or enhance these on-farm efficiency improvements.

· Describe, in detail, the acreage likely to be improved.

· Explain how the proposed grant project would help to expedite such on-farm efficiency improvements.

· Describe in detail the on-farm improvements that can be made because of this project. Describe any similar planned or on-going efforts by farmers/ranchers that receive water from the applicant.

· Describe fully the on-farm water conservation or water use efficiency benefits that would result from the enabled on-farm component of this project. Estimate the potential on-farm water savings that could result in acre feet per year. Include support or backup documentation for any calculations or assumptions.

· Describe the ongoing relationship and collaboration with your growers and how the districts improvements will aid or enable their growers to implement on-farm efficiencies.

Projects that include significant on-farm irrigation improvements should demonstrate the eligibility, commitment, and number of district farmers who are likely to participate in the available NRCS funding programs. Please explain how these figures were determined.

Category 3: Contributions to Water Supply Reliability (Up to 15 points) Points will be awarded based upon a thorough explanation of project benefits that increase water reliability and improve water management, including the use of expanded technologies and capabilities consistent with the goals of the October 19, 2018 Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West. Please provide sufficient explanation of the expected project benefits and their significance.

For this category, the proposal should address the following:

· Will the project make water available to address a specific concern? For example:

· Does the project directly address a heightened…