PKG00257684-instructions.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior January 2020

WaterSMART Water Conservation Field Services Program

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-MB-20-F001 Missouri Basin Region Financial Assistance for Fiscal Year 2020

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.

Synopsis

Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Missouri Basin

Region Funding Opportunity Title: Water Conservation Field Services Program: Financial Assistance for

Fiscal Year 2020 Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-MB-20-F001

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:

15.530

Dates: Application due date: March 17, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

Eligible Applicants: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the geographic areas covered by the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office and the Montana Area Office.

Recipient Cost Share: 50 percent or more of total project costs.

Available Federal Funding: The Bureau of Reclamation, Missouri Basin Region has $150,000 available to fund successful applications received under this FOA.

Of the $150,000, $100,000 is available for successful applicants located within the geographic area of the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office, and $50,000 is available for successful applicants located within the geographic area of the Montana Area Office.

Federal Funding Amount: Up to a maximum of $100,000 per agreement for a project that can be completed within two years within the geographic area of the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office.

Up to a maximum of $50,000 per agreement for a project that can be completed within two years within the geographic area of the Montana Area Office.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

Approximately two agreements per Area Office

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

√ What to submit Required content Form or format

Mandatory Federal Forms:

• Application for Federal Financial Assistance

• Budget Information Assurances

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

See Sec. E.2.1 and Sec. E.2.2 Forms may be found at www.grants.gov/web/gr ants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Title Page See Sec. E.2.3 Page 16 Table of Contents See Sec. E.2.4 Page 16 Technical proposal

• Summary

• Project Description

• Evaluation Criteria

See Sec. E.2.3 Page 15

Project Budget

• Budget Spreadsheet

• Budget Narrative

See Sec. E.2.4 Page 17

Environmental Compliance/Regulatory Compliance Information

See Sec. E.2.7 Page 18

Required Permits and Approvals See Sec. E.2.8 Page 19 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

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Acronyms and Abbreviations

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments CFR Code of Federal Regulations D&B Dun and Bradstreet DOI U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement FY fiscal year MTDC modified total direct costs P.L. Public Law

Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation

RRA Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 SAM System of Award Management SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition SPOC Single Point of Contact U.S.C. United States Code WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow WCFSP Water Conservation Field Services Program

Contents Page

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Program Information A.2. Objective of Funding Opportunity Announcement A.3. Statutory Authority A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding B.2. Project Funding Limitations B.3. Cost-Sharing Requirements B.4. Assistance Instrument Section C. Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Eligible Projects C.3. Ineligible Projects C.4. Length of Projects Section D. Application Review Information D.1. Evaluation Criteria for Designing Water Management Improvements D.2. Evaluation Criteria for Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies Section E. Application Submission Information E.1. Application Delivery Methods E.2. Application Content E.3. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Requirement E.4. System for Award Management Registration Requirement E.5. Unnecessarily Elaborate Proposals E.6. Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Application and/or Proposal E.7. Retention/Disposition of Materials Section F. Other Information F.1. General Provisions F.2. Conflicts of Interest F.3. Data Availability

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Program Information

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations in support of DOI priorities. Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with states, tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply reliability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to addressing local water conflicts. WaterSMART provides support for the DOIs priorities, including creating a legacy of conservation stewardship, sustainably developing our energy and natural resources, modernizing our infrastructure through public-private partnerships, striking a regulatory balance, and restoring trust with local communities by improving relationships and communication with states, tribes, local governments, communities, landowners and water users. WaterSMART also supports Reclamation’s priorities, including increasing water supplies, leveraging science and technology to improve water supply reliability, addressing ongoing drought, and improving water supplies for tribal and rural communities.

Reclamation established the Water Conservation Field Services Program (WCFSP) in 1996 to proactively encourage water conservation in the operations of recipients of water from Federal water projects and to assist agricultural and urban water districts in preparing and implementing water conservation plans in accordance with the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (RRA). Through the WCFSP, which is managed by each of Reclamation’s regional offices, Reclamation makes cost-shared financial assistance available for the development of water conservation plans and design of water management improvements, identifying water management improvements through System Optimization Reviews, and improving the understanding of water conservation technologies through demonstration activities.

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

For further information on the WaterSMART Program, please see www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART.

A.2. Objective of Funding Opportunity Announcement

The objective of this FOA is to invite states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the geographic areas covered by the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office and the Montana Area Office to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing water conservation planning with Reclamation to make more efficient use of existing water supplies.

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

A.3. Statutory Authority

This FOA is issued under the authority of Section 9504(a) of the Secure Water Act, Subtitle F of Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law [P.L.] 111-11 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 10364), as amended.

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities

The WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects FOA provides cost-shared financial assistance for small-scale water management projects (up to $75,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Reclamation has developed a streamlined selection and review process to reflect the small-scale nature of these projects.

The WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants FOA provides cost- shared financial assistance for larger water conservation projects (up to $1 million in Federal funding for each project) resulting in quantifiable and sustained water savings.

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Project Funding

The amount of funding available for awards under this FOA is approximately $150,000 but will depend on demand for funding under this and other elements of the WCFSP.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations

The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) for any project shall not exceed 50 percent of the total costs. A maximum of $100,000.00 per entity per year in Federal funding may be allocated to proposals awarded funding under this FOA.

B.3. Cost-Sharing Requirements

Applicants must be capable of cost-sharing 50 percent or more of the total project costs. Cost-sharing may be made through cash or in-kind contributions or donations 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.

B.3.1. Cost-Share Regulations

All cost-share contributions must meet the applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 CFR Part 200, available at www.ecfr.gov.

B.3.2. Donations and In-Kind Contributions

Donations and in-kind contributions constitute the value of non-cash contributions that benefit a federally assisted project. Contributions may be in the form of real property, equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project or program. The cost or value of donations and in-kind contributions that have been or will be relied on to satisfy a cost-sharing or matching requirement for another Federal financial assistance agreement, a Federal procurement contract, or any other award of Federal funds may not be relied on to satisfy the cost-share requirement for an award under this FOA.

http://www.ecfr.gov/

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.

Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 for regulations regarding the valuation of donations and in-kind contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

B.4. Assistance Instrument

Awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project.

Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

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

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

http://www.ecfr.gov/

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants

Under P.L. 111-11, Section 9502, an eligible applicant is a state, tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority. In addition, applicants must be located within the geographic areas of the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office and the Montana Area Office. Maps of both areas are provided as Appendix I to this FOA.

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

• Federal governmental entities

• Institutions of higher education

• Individuals

• 501(c)(4) organizations

• 501(c)(6) organizations

C.2. Eligible Projects

C.2.1. Designing Water Management Improvements

Design of improvement projects such as pipelines, canals, water measurement structures, or other water management improvement projects. Upon completion of prior planning efforts (e.g., Water Management and Conservation Planning, System Optimization Review) to identify solutions for water management issues, this activity provides funding to design identified water management improvement projects. This activity includes the necessary preparatory work in the design process, such as surveying and gathering pertinent site-specific information (e.g., hydraulic head, soil testing, determine seepage, and conveyance losses). Eligible subtasks include peer-review for the design, modeling and development of cost estimates, including the costs for regulatory compliance activities (e.g., environmental and cultural), and the identification of regulatory requirements (i.e., permits).

The land/title acquisition, and environmental/cultural resources compliance work is not eligible.

Examples of eligible design activities include, but are not limited to:

● Design for the conversion of an open conveyance system (e.g., canal and laterals) to a closed conveyance system.

● Design of weirs, flumes, ramps, and other irrigation flow measurement devices in an open channel or on pressurized pipe systems.

● Design of control structures for an irrigation system (e.g., check, drop, and division structures) with or without automation components.

● Design of advanced meters with communication capabilities in a system resulting in better distribution, sequencing and demand management.

● Design of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and automation components intended to improve water delivery systems, and to reduce spills, over-deliveries, and seepage.

C.2.2. Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies

Demonstration activities are those that include the installation or application of a particular technology in a new way, or a new setting, with the intent of reporting the results to others for broader adoption. These activities should demonstrate innovative technologies, both hardware and software, to increase understanding of newer water management methods and best practices that have been previously used on a limited scale or available only on a proprietary basis.

Demonstration of Technologies is a logical step upon completion of prior planning efforts to identify solutions for improving the capacity development of the applicants to adopt digital infrastructure applications in managing water.

Examples of eligible technologies include, but are not limited to:

● Demonstrate the state-of-art use of geographic information systems and communication devices to enhance spatial management while monitoring water distribution systems.

● Demonstrate prototype SCADA systems for efficient determination of demand estimates and also streamline supply functions.

● Demonstrate aerial mapping of canal seepage, investigate dam operations, and vegetation over irrigated areas and watersheds.

C.3. Ineligible Projects

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

Proposals for on-the-ground construction activities are not eligible for funding under this FOA.

C.4. Length of Projects

In general, projects funded under this FOA should be completed within two years of award.

https://www.usbr.gov/ruralwater/

Section D. Application Review Information Applicants will be separated into two categories based on location and ranked within those two categories. An applicant within the geographic area of the Nebraska-Kansas Area Office will not be ranked against an applicant within the geographic area of the Montana Area Office.

D.1. Evaluation Criteria for Designing Water Management Improvements

The evaluation criteria should be addressed in the technical proposal section of the application.

Applications should thoroughly address each criterion and any subcriterion in the order presented below. Applications will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria listed below.

D.1.1. Evaluation Criterion A- Association with Reclamation Project Water Supplies (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates a nexus between the proposed project and a Reclamation project.

D.1.2. Evaluation Criterion B- Extent to which applicant’s Water Management Plan is complete and updated (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the applicant has justified that a required (e.g., RRA, state law) water management plan is complete and updated. If an applicant is not required to have a plan in place, then an applicant will describe the absence of a statutory or regulatory requirement.

D.1.3. Evaluation Criterion C- Extent to which the proposed design is related to a water management improvement project identified in a previous planning effort led by the applicant (20 points)

Up to 20 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal describes the development of a design related to a project identified in a previous planning effort (e.g., Water Management and Conservation Plan, System Optimization Review).

D.1.4. Evaluation Criterion D- Extent to which the proposed activity will result in the applicant to be better suited to implement a project expected to improve water management and modernize existing water delivery infrastructure (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal demonstrates that the proposed water management project will position the applicant to be better situated to modernize their existing water delivery infrastructure and improve water management upon completion of the design and implementation of the project.

D.1.5. Evaluation Criterion E- Reasonableness of Cost (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal provides detail and justification of the costs and the reasonableness of those costs.

D.1.6. Evaluation Criterion F- Extent to which Federal funding would promote completion of an activity that might otherwise be delayed or postponed (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates that the requested Federal funding would promote completion of the project that otherwise would be delayed or postponed.

D.1.7. Evaluation Criteria G- Amount and sources of non-Federal funding (i.e., cost-share) (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal describes the amount of non-Federal cost-share along with detail regarding those sources (e.g., in-kind, cash, loans).

D.1.8. Evaluation Criteria H- Integrated Groundwater and Surface Water Use (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposed design will enable the applicant to seek and implement projects to better manage the integrated groundwater and surface water resources.

D.1.9. Evaluation Criteria I- Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation Priorities (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates that the project supports DOI and Reclamation priorities. Please address those priorities that are applicable to your project. It is not necessary to address priorities that are not applicable to your project. A project will not necessarily receive more points simply because multiple priorities are addressed.

Points will be allocated based on the degree to which the project supports one or more of the priorities listed, and where the connection to the priority(ies) is well supported in the proposal.

Department of the Interior Priorities

1. Creating a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt

a. Utilize science to identify best practices to manage land and water resources and adapt to changes in the environment;

b. Examine land use planning processes and land use designations that govern public use and access;

c. Revise and streamline the environmental and regulatory review process while maintaining environmental standards.

d. Review DOI water storage, transportation, and distribution systems to identify opportunities to resolve conflicts and expand capacity;

e. Foster relationships with conservation organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands;

f. Identify and implement initiatives to expand access to DOI lands for hunting and fishing;

g. Shift the balance towards providing greater public access to public lands over restrictions to access.

2. Utilizing our natural resources

a. Ensure American Energy is available to meet our security and economic needs;

b. Ensure access to mineral resources, especially the critical and rare earth minerals needed for scientific, technological, or military applications;

c. Refocus timber programs to embrace the entire ‘healthy forests’ lifecycle;

d. Manage competition for grazing resources.

3. Restoring trust with local communities

a. Be a better neighbor with those closest to our resources by improving dialogue and relationships with persons and entities bordering our lands;

b. Expand the lines of communication with Governors, state natural resource offices, Fish and Wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, Tribes, and local communities.

4. Striking a regulatory balance

a. Reduce the administrative and regulatory burden imposed on U.S. industry and the public;

b. Ensure that Endangered Species Act decisions are based on strong science and thorough analysis.

5. Modernizing our infrastructure

a. Support the White House Public/Private Partnership Initiative to modernize U.S.

infrastructure;

b. Remove impediments to infrastructure development and facilitate private sector efforts to construct infrastructure projects serving American needs;

c. Prioritize DOI infrastructure needs to highlight:

1. Construction of infrastructure;

2. Cyclical maintenance;

3. Deferred maintenance.

Bureau of Reclamation Priorities

1. Increase Water Supplies, Storage, and Reliability under WIIN and other Authorities

2. Streamline Regulatory Processes and Remove Unnecessary Burdens to Provide More Water and Power Supply

Reliability

3. Leverage Science and Technology to Improve Water Supply Reliability to Communities

4. Address Ongoing Drought

5. Improve the Value of Hydropower to Reclamation Power Customers

6. Improve Water Supplies for Tribal and Rural Communities

7. Implementation of new Title Transfer authority pursuant to P.L. 116-9

D.2. Evaluation Criteria for Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies

The evaluation criteria should be addressed in the technical proposal section of the application.

Applications should thoroughly address each criterion and any subcriterion in the order presented below. Applications will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria listed below.

D.2.1. Evaluation Criterion A- Association with Reclamation Project Water Supplies (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates a nexus between the proposed project and a Reclamation project.

D.2.2. Evaluation Criterion B- Extent to which applicant’s Water Management Plan is complete and updated (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the applicant has justified that a required (e.g., RRA, state law) water management plan is complete and updated. If an applicant is not required to have a plan in place, then an applicant will describe the absence of a statutory or regulatory requirement.

D.2.3. Evaluation Criterion C- Reasonableness of Cost (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal provides detail and justification of the costs and the reasonableness of those costs.

D.2.4. Evaluation Criterion D- Extent to which the proposed activity will demonstrate innovative conservation technologies for improving water use efficiency (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the applicant has described the innovative conservation technology including: applied research to benefit the development of new technologies, demonstrating a specific conservation technology, or innovative application of existing technology with the intent of evaluating results.

D.2.5. Evaluation Criterion E- Extent to which Federal funding would promote completion of an activity that might otherwise be delayed or postponed (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates that the requested Federal funding would promote completion of the project that otherwise would be delayed or postponed.

D.2.6. Evaluation Criteria F- Amount and sources of non-Federal funding (i.e., cost-share) (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal describes the amount of non-Federal cost-share along with detail regarding those sources (e.g., in-kind, cash, loans).

D.2.7. Evaluation Criteria G- Likelihood that any environmental and cultural resources issues associated with the proposal can be addressed at low cost and in a timely manner (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal describes an implementation plan that addresses mitigating environmental and cultural resources issues in a low cost and timely manner.

D.2.8. Evaluation Criteria H- Extent to which the proposal demonstrates a sound implementation strategy (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposal describes an implementation plan identifying key resources (e.g., technical expertise, equipment) and the necessary steps for successful demonstration of the conservation technology.

D.2.9. Evaluation Criteria I- Applicant’s strategy for monitoring performance and reporting and disseminating results (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the applicant has described a strategy to evaluate and assess the results from the demonstration project and make that information available to the broader, interested community. The applicant should describe interested stakeholders of the conservation technology, immediate beneficiaries, and the strategy of engaging and informing these interested parties on the methodology/process and ultimate results.

D.2.10. Evaluation Criteria J- Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation Priorities (10 points)

Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates that the project supports DOI and Reclamation priorities. Please address those priorities that are applicable to your project. It is not necessary to address priorities that are not applicable to your project. A project will not necessarily receive more points simply because multiple priorities are addressed.

Points will be allocated based on the degree to which the project supports one or more of the priorities listed, and where the connection to the priority(ies) is well supported in the proposal.

Department of the Interior Priorities

1. Creating a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt

a. Utilize science to identify best practices to manage land and water resources and adapt to changes in the environment;

b. Examine land use planning processes and land use designations that govern public use and access;

c. Revise and streamline the environmental and regulatory review process while maintaining environmental standards.

d. Review DOI water storage, transportation, and distribution systems to identify opportunities to resolve conflicts and expand capacity;

e. Foster relationships with conservation organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands;

f. Identify and implement initiatives to expand access to DOI lands for hunting and fishing;

g. Shift the balance towards providing greater public access to public lands over restrictions to access.

2. Utilizing our natural resources

a. Ensure American Energy is available to meet our security and economic needs;

b. Ensure access to mineral resources, especially the critical and rare earth minerals needed for scientific, technological, or military applications;

c. Refocus timber programs to embrace the entire ‘healthy forests’ lifecycle;

d. Manage competition for grazing resources.

3. Restoring trust with local communities

a. Be a better neighbor with those closest to our resources by improving dialogue and relationships with persons and entities bordering our lands;

b. Expand the lines of communication with Governors, state natural resource offices, Fish and Wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, Tribes, and local communities.

4. Striking a regulatory balance

a. Reduce the administrative and regulatory burden imposed on U.S. industry and the public;

b. Ensure that Endangered Species Act decisions are based on strong science and thorough analysis.

5. Modernizing our infrastructure

a. Support the White House Public/Private Partnership Initiative to modernize U.S.

infrastructure;

b. Remove impediments to infrastructure development and facilitate private sector efforts to construct infrastructure projects serving American needs;

c. Prioritize DOI infrastructure needs to highlight:

1. Construction of infrastructure;

2. Cyclical maintenance;

3. Deferred maintenance.

Bureau of Reclamation Priorities

1. Increase Water Supplies, Storage, and Reliability under WIIN and other Authorities

2. Streamline Regulatory Processes and Remove Unnecessary Burdens to Provide More Water and Power Supply

Reliability

3. Leverage Science and Technology to Improve Water Supply Reliability to Communities

4. Address Ongoing Drought

5. Improve the Value of Hydropower to Reclamation Power Customers

6. Improve Water Supplies for Tribal and Rural Communities

7. Implementation of new Title Transfer authority pursuant to P.L. 116-9

Section E. Application Submission Information

E.1. Application Delivery Methods

Under no circumstance will proposals be accepted by email or facsimile. Proposals must be submitted by one of the following methods:

Electronic Submittal via Grants.gov - Grants.gov is an internet website that can be used to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. In order to electronically submit an application, you must complete the Grants.gov registration process. The registration process can take approximately 7-21 days to be completed; therefore, registration should be done in a sufficient amount of time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you receive your e-authentication credentials. Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov; however, electronic submittal of applications is not required. If submitting through the grants.gov website, submit only one original. For more information regarding applying via Grants.gov, please visit the “Get Registered” and “Apply for Grants” links at www.grants.gov.

Applicants have sometimes experienced significant delays when attempting to submit through Grants.gov. If you plan to use Grants.gov, you are encouraged to submit your application several days before the application deadline. If you are a properly registered Grants.gov applicant, and you encounter problems with the Grants.gov 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 before the submission deadline.

Hard-Copy Submittal - Applications may be submitted by hard-copy. All originals of the hard-copy applications should be hand-delivered or mailed to:

Lindsey R. Nafts, Grants Officer Bureau of Reclamation Missouri Basin Regional Office 2021 4th Avenue North P.O. Box 36900 Billings, MT 59107-6900 Ph. (406) 247-7684

Regardless of the submittal method used, applicants are responsible for ensuring their applications are accepted and received by Reclamation by the established due date.

http://www.grants.gov/

E.2. Application Content

Each applicant shall submit an application in accordance with the instructions contained in this section. The application must contain the following elements in order to be considered complete.

E.2.1 SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance

A fully completed form, signed by a representative legally authorized to commit the applicant to the performance of the project, must be included in the proposal.

Failure to submit a properly signed SF 424 may result in the elimination of the application from consideration.

E.2.2 SF 424A, SF 424B, SF 424C, and SF 424D Budget and Assurances

E.2.2.1 Non-construction projects

An SF 424A Budget, and an SF 424B Assurances. The SF 424B must be signed by a representative legally authorized to commit the applicant to the performance of the project.

E.2.2.2 Construction projects

An SF 424C Budget and an SF 424D Assurances. The SF 424D must be signed by a representative legally authorized to commit the applicant to the performance of the project.

E.2.3 Title Page

Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed activity that indicates the nature of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name, address, phone number, and email address of the project manager.

E.2.4 Table of Contents

List all significant sections of the proposal.

E.2.5 Technical Proposal – Required Content

Each applicant must submit a technical proposal that consists of the information listed below.

Failure to include all required documentation may disqualify the applicant from consideration.

E.2.5.1 General Background

Discuss the general background of the organizational structure, including:

• Water source with water right.

• Association or nexus with a Reclamation Project or facility, or no association.

• Water conveyance/delivery system (miles of conveyance), number of customers.

• Applicant’s eligibility and contact information.

E.2.5.2 Purpose and Objective

Discuss the purpose and objective of the proposed activity, and the method used to calculate the estimated volume of water to be saved in acre-feet per year, if applicable.

E.2.5.3 Cost Estimate and Schedule

• Discuss the significant tasks to be contracted out and significant tasks to be performed with the applicant’s workforce.

• Provide discussion and calculations on how the costs were derived for the significant tasks.

• Provide a total activity cost estimated table, itemizing activity costs for the significant tasks.

E.2.6 Activity Budget – Required Content

Each applicant must submit an activity budget consisting of the information listed below.

E.2.6.1 Direct Cost Budget Elements

Applicants shall include a narrative description of ALL the cost items included in the activity budget. The narrative explains items included in the proposed budget for the activity. The budget narrative must support the information listed on the SF-424A or SF-424C, as applicable. Below are some examples of the types of information that should be included in the budget narrative.

• Personnel costs - define each position that will direct charge to this activity by title, salary or wage, amount of time estimated on the activity, and any fringe benefit costs.

• Equipment Description and Hourly Rate - indicate whether the equipment is already owned, will be leased, or purchased. If you are using owned equipment, include an hourly rate and time estimates. The rates must reflect actual cost. You may use your rate calculation or the rate calculated in the US Army Corps of Engineers Equipment Ownership and Operating Expense Schedule for your region. If using your rate calculation, provide information justifying the estimate. If equipment purchase is recommended, discuss why purchase is preferred to lease or rental. Itemize costs of all equipment purchased having a value of over $500.00.

• Supplies and Materials - list the significant types of material and supplies (office, construction, etc.) that are to be purchased/used on this activity.

• Travel Costs - include the purpose of the trip, destination, number traveling, and length of stay for each trip. If costs for travel are identified, be sure the purpose/need for travel is discussed in the activity narrative. Costs may include airfare, per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation.

• Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs – environmental compliance costs refer to costs incurred by Reclamation or the applicant in complying with environmental regulations.

Discuss what costs have been included, why they are needed, and how the costs were determined.

• Contingencies - funding for contingencies will only be considered in association with construction projects/activities. Proposals for construction contingency funding at a rate greater than 10 percent will not be accepted.

• Other - any other expenses, such as those for reporting or contracting out, not included in the above categories, shall be listed in this category, along with a description of the item and what it will be used for. No profit or fee will be allowed in this category.

E.2.6.2 Indirect Cost Budget Elements

Indirect costs can only be included in the activity budget if one of the following applies.

• Federally approved indirect cost rate - the applicant has a federally approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. A copy of the approved agreement must be attached to this proposal.

• De Minimis Rate - an applicant that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate may elect to include a de minimis rate of up to 10 percent of the modified total direct costs (MTDC), as outlined in 2 CFR 200.414. Additional information on MTDC can be found at

2 CFR 200.68.

E.2.6.3 Cost Share Breakdown

Describe all partners/sponsors participating in the activity, and the contribution for each participant.

E.2.7 Environmental Compliance

Provide any required environmental compliance and/or regulatory compliance information relevant to the proposed project, including the status of any activities previously completed, or the need for future compliance activities before the commencement of the project activities.

E.2.8 Required Permits and Approvals

Provide any required permit and approval information relevant to the proposed project, including the status of previously acquired documents, or the need for future permits and approvals.

E.3. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Requirement

Applicants for Federal grants or cooperative agreements must provide a D&B DUNS number with every application. The number is to be included in the applicant’s SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance.

If the applicant does not have a DUNS number, one may be obtained at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number Request Line at 1-866-705-5711 or by going to the DUNS Government Contractor and Grantee website at https://iupdate.dnb.com. Reclamation must have a DUNS number for payment processing purposes.

E.4. System for Award Management Registration Requirement

All grant applicants are required to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time of application, unless the applicant has an exemption under 2 CFR 25.110. Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during the time in which the applicant has an active Federal award or an application under consideration. For additional information, or to register, go to www.sam.gov/SAM.

E.5. Unnecessarily Elaborate Proposals

Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond those sufficient to present a complete and adequate response to this funding opportunity are not desired. Elaborate artwork, expensive paper and bindings, and expensive visual and other presentation aids, water management plans, newspaper articles or excessively long proposals are not necessary.

E.6. Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Application and Proposal

Any application received at the designated office mentioned in this FOA after the specified time for receipt will not be considered.

Reclamation selected proposals for funding are not binding until both parties sign the final agreement. Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the agreement signature.

https://iupdate.dnb.com/ http://www.sam.gov/SAM.

E.7. Retention/Disposition of Materials

Proposals submitted in response to this FOA will not be returned but will be retained by Reclamation for official record purposes. Materials supplied to the applicant need not be returned but may be disposed of at the discretion of the applicant, unless otherwise specifically directed that the applicant return for auditing purposes.

Section F. Other Information

F.1. General Provisions

Awards made under this FOA will:

• Incorporate in full, or by reference, the regulations found at 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR §182 and §1401, 2 CFR §175.15, 2 CFR 25, Appendix A, 2 CFR 170, Appendix A, 31 U.S.C. 7501- 7507, 43 CFR 18, and the applicable parts from 43 CFR 12 found at 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 182.

• Incorporate language for the right to inspect and evaluate work performed, assurances and certifications, covenants against contingent fees, and applicable language from Executive Order 13513 (Prohibition on Text Messaging and Using Electronic Equipment Supplied by the Government While Driving), Public Law 112-239 (Whistleblower Rights), and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.

• Require registration with the Department of the Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system. 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.

ASAP is the only allowable method for request and receipt of payment used by Reclamation.

F.2. Conflicts of Interest

1. Applicability.

a. 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.

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

2. Requirements.

a. Non-Federal entities must avoid prohibited conflicts of interest, including any significant financial interests that could cause a reasonable person to question the recipient's ability to provide impartial, technically sound, and objective performance under or with respect to a Federal financial assistance agreement.

b. In addition to any other prohibitions that may apply with respect to conflicts of interest, no key official of an actual or proposed recipient or subrecipient, who is substantially involved in the proposal or project, may have been a former Federal employee who, within the last one (1) year, participated personally and substantially in the evaluation, award, or administration of an award with respect to that recipient or subrecipient or in development of the requirement leading to the funding announcement.

c. No actual or prospective recipient or subrecipient may solicit, obtain, or use non-public information regarding the evaluation, award, or administration of an award to that recipient or subrecipient or the development of a Federal financial assistance opportunity that may be of competitive interest to that recipient or subrecipient.

3. Notification.

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

b. Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for notifying the 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 subrecipients.

4. Restrictions on Lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under this grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR Part 18 and 31 U.S.C. 13 52.

5. 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.

6. 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 200.338, Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR Part 180).

F.3. Data Availability

1. Applicability. DOI is committed to basing its decisions on the best available science and providing the American people with enough information to thoughtfully and substantively evaluate the data, methodology, and analysis used by DOI to inform its decisions.

2. Use of Data. The regulations at 2 CFR 200.315 apply to data produced under a Federal award, including the provision that the Federal Government has the right to obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data produced under a Federal award as well as authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes.

3. Availability of Data. The recipient shall make the data produced under this award and any subaward(s) available to the Government for public release, consistent with applicable law, to allow meaningful third-party evaluation and reproduction of the following:

a. The scientific data relied upon;

b. The analysis relied upon; and

c. The methodology, including models, used to gather and analyze data.

Appendix I Montana Area Office and Nebraska-Kansas

Area Office Maps

B.4. Assistance Instrument