r12af20006 funding opportunity announcement.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region January 2012 http://www.usbr.gov/mp/

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) No. R12AF20006

Watershed Rehabilitation and Sediment Source Control – Trinity River Restoration Program

(TRRP)

Fiscal Year 2012 http://www.usbr.gov/mp/�

Funding Opportunity Application R12AF20006 Watershed Rehabilitation and Sediment Source Control

Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Mid Pacific Region 2800 Cottage Way Sacramento, CA 95825

OVERVIEW

Federal Agency Name: DOI, Bureau of Reclamation, Sacramento, CA

Funding Opportunity Title: Watershed Rehabilitation and Sediment Source Control

Announcement Type: Initial announcement

Funding Opportunity Number: R12AF20006

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.532

Application Due Date: Applications due March 9, 2012, 3:00 p.m. PST

Eligible Applicants: As described in Section III.A

Applicant Cost Share: None

Federal Funding Amount: $496,676.00

Estimated number of agreements to be awarded: One

Total amount of funding available for award: $496,676.00

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Section I Background and Program Objectives 5

Section II Award Information 9 Section III Eligibility Information 9

Section IV Application and Submission Information 11

Section V Application Review Format - Evaluation Criteria 23

Section VI Award Administration Information 25

Section VII Agency Contacts 25

PROPOSAL CHECKLIST

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

ORIGINAL HARD COPY AND CD OF PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS

√ What to Submit APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Section. IV.D

Cover Page Section IV.D.4.1*

Assurances Section IV.D.4.2*

Title Page Section IV.D.4.3

Table of Contents Section IV.D.4.4

Technical Proposal Section IV.D.4.5

Background Data Section IV.D.4.5.1

Administrative Resources Section IV.D.4.5.2

Applicant Technical Experience Section IV.D.4.5.3

Project Description Section IV.D.4.5.4

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Section IV.D.4.5.5

Funding Plan Section IV.E

Budget Proposal Instructions: Section IV.F

Budget Proposal Section IV.F.2.1 - IV.F.2.8

Budget Narrative Section IV.F.2.1 – IV.F.2.8

Indirect Cost Section IV.F.2.9

Budget Information Section IV.F.2.11*

*Forms may be downloaded from www.grants.gov under the Funding Opportunity, R12AF20006 Application Package or <http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15 >.

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

SECTION I -- BACKGROUND AND PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

I.A.1 BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation (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.

In December 2000, the Secretary of the Interior signed a Record of Decision (ROD) for the Trinity River Fishery Restoration Final Environmental Impact Statement/Report. This decision recognized that restoration and maintenance of the Trinity River’s fishery resources requires rehabilitating the river itself, and restoring the dynamic alluvial processes that maintain aquatic habitat. Consequently, the ROD included five components to ensure long-term restoration and maintenance of the Trinity River: a) Variable annual instream flows ranging from 369,000 acre-feet (af) in critically dry years to 815,000 af in extremely wet years; b) Physical channel rehabilitation, including the removal of riparian berms and the establishment of side channel habitat; c) Sediment management, including the supplementation of spawning gravels below Lewiston dam and reduction in fine sediments which degrade fish habitats; d) Watershed restoration projects to reduce fine sediment production in the Basin and its subsequent delivery to Trinity River aquatic resources; and e) Infrastructure improvements or modifications, including rebuilding or fortifying bridges and addressing other structures affected by peak instream flows provided by the ROD.

Watershed restoration described in the ROD is for the expressed purpose of reducing the impact of land management activities in tributary basins on the Trinity River fishery, primarily by controlling fine sediment delivery to the Trinity River. Potential Trinity River Restoration Program (TRRP) watershed activities, therefore, include mitigation projects in areas of high sediment production, preventative maintenance to reduce the likelihood the high rates of sediment production will develop in the future, sediment detention, enhancing fish passage at road crossings or other obstructions, and assessments for identifying and prioritizing the watershed activities that will most effectively improve aquatic habitat conditions.

The purpose of the project is to efficiently fund implementation of the watershed restoration component of the TRRP. The selected Recipient will be responsible for on-the-ground implementation of a portion of the watershed rehabilitation and sediment source control projects which have been identified and prioritized by the Trinity River Watershed Council (a separate stakeholder’s group) and approved by the TRRP Watershed Workgroup. The Recipient must have the capacity to directly engage in all aspects of project implementation, including design, construction, and implementation monitoring, and must be able to perform these functions regardless of land ownership or jurisdiction.

I.A.2 PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

The program objective is to address impacts of the Central Valley Project (CVP) on fish, wildlife, and associated habitats in the Trinity River basin of California by protecting, restoring, and enhancing such habitats and to address other identified adverse environmental impacts of the Central Valley Project.

Objective 1 – Designated watershed restoration projects.

Implementation of watershed restoration projects developed and selected through the collaborative activities of the Trinity River Watershed Council and the TRRP Watershed Workgroup. This includes coordination and planning, design, construction supervision, post-construction inspection and capability of implementing projects on lands under a variety of jurisdictions or ownerships, including the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the State of California, Sierra Pacific Industries, and small private holdings.

Objective 2 – Emergency sediment control projects.

Implementation of emergency sediment control projects, such as the removal or stabilization of sediments mobilized by extreme weather events or slope failures. When necessary, funding for unanticipated events will be accomplished by modification of the agreement.

I.A.3 OBJECTIVE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

The objective of the FOA is to ensure compliance with competition requirements related to Federal financial agreements and to ensure public participation.

I.A.4. PROJECT ACTIVITIES

The projects below have been identified and approved by the Trinity River Restoration Program Workgroup.

1 Project Title: Sidney Gulch U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Compound Site Feasibility Study Project Type: Fish Passage

Project Funding: Estimated $90,580.00 Performance Period: One year from agreement execution Location: Downtown Weaverville, California, behind the USFS main office buildings on Sidney Gulch (T33N, R 10W, Section 7, 12, 13, and 18; MDBM) Watershed Name: Sidney Gulch Stream Name: Sidney Gulch Project Objectives: Identify and assess the major challenges to upgrading the section of Sidney Gulch that runs through the USFS compound in Weaverville, California, in order to allow fish passage and improve water quality as well as in-stream and riparian habitat.

Improved instream conditions is a goal of the Urban Stream plan for Sidney Gulch (1990), which was adopted by Trinity County in 1991. Many issues and apparently conflicting interests – including historic resources and floodplain protection – have prevented the implementation of significant restoration efforts. This feasibility study proposes to assess the major obstacles to restoration and make recommendations on what design options might meet all objectives. The results of this study could then be used during the planning, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) evaluations, and design of subsequent restoration efforts.

2 Project Title: Conner Creek Mouth Fish Passage Enhancement Feasibility Study Project Type: Fish Passage and Wildlife Habitat Feasibility Study

Project Funding: Estimated $50,161.00 Performance Period: One year from agreement execution Location: The lower 1500 feet of Conner Creek to the confluence with the Trinity River (T 34N, R 10W, Section 36; MDBM)

Watershed Name: Conner Creek Stream Name: Conner Creek Project Objectives: Determine the feasibility, hydraulics, hydrology, fish passage, cost, and timeline to restore Conner Creek flow to the original mouth conditions. The results of this study could then be used during the planning, NEPA evaluations, and design of subsequent restoration efforts.

3 Project Title: Lower East Weaver Creek Habitat and Infrastructure Project Project Type: Sediment Reduction

Project Funding: Estimated $75,935.00 Performance Period: 15 months from agreement execution Location: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands within the Weaverville Community Forest managed by the Trinity County Resource Conservation District (T 33N, R 9W, Section 18; & T 33N, R 10W, Section 13) Watershed Name: Weaver Creek Stream Name: Weaver Creek Project Objectives: Reduce sediment delivery to Weaver Creek, maintain and establish riparian habitat on the West side of East Weaver Creek, and create and/or improve Steelhead, Coho, and Chinook salmon rearing and high flow habitat in East Weaver and Weaver Creeks. The project will also protect a 15 inch sewer line that crosses the channel which if failed could result in both degraded water quality and construction of fish migration barriers.

4 Project Title: Mainstem Sediment Reduction Project through Road Inventory Improvement or Removal Project Type: Sediment Reduction

Project Funding: Estimated $260,000.00 Performance Period: 15 months from agreement execution Location: Various USFS, BLM, and Private roads located within the Middle Trinity River priority areas (Lewiston Dam to the Trinity River and North Fork confluence) where roads are contributing controllable sediment delivery to local streams.

Watershed Name: Middle Trinity River (Lewiston Dam to the Trinity River and North Fork confluence) Stream Name: Varies depending on road location Project Objectives: Reduce road related sediment delivery to tributaries directly affecting the Trinity River resulting in improved conditions for andadromous fisheries.

5 Project Title: LiDAR Data Aquisition Project Type: Habitat Enhancement and Sediment Maintenance

Project Funding: Estimated $20,000.00 Performance Period: 12 months from agreement execution Location: Weaver Creek and Browns Creek Watersheds Watershed Name: Weaver Creek and Browns Creek Stream Name: Weaver Creek and Browns Creek

Project Objectives: To acquire and process high resolution LiDAR data for both Weaver Creek and Browns Creek Watersheds for the purpose of establishing baseline monitoring, baseline current surface topography, topography for developing project designs, and future monitoring needs within the watersheds.

SITE VISITS: To schedule an appointment prior to application deadline, please contact the technical representative, Kent Steffens, at 530-623-1803.

I.A.4.1. EVALUATION CRITERIA. See Section V

I.B. ELIGIBLE AND TYPES OF PROJECTS

Proposals that directly address the objectives described in Section 1.A.3., to reduce the impact of land management activities in tributary basins on the Trinity River fishery, primarily by controlling fine sediment delivery to the Trinity River.

I.C. PROGRAM AUTHORITY

This FOA is issued under the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA), Public Law 102-

575. The purposes of this title shall be--

(a) to protect, restore, and enhance fish, wildlife, and associated habitats in the Central Valley and Trinity River basins of California;

(b) to address impacts of the Central Valley Project on fish, wildlife and associated habitats;

(c) to improve the operational flexibility of the Central Valley Project;

(d) to increase water-related benefits provided by the Central Valley Project to the State of California through expanded use of voluntary water transfers and improved water conservation;

(e) to contribute to the State of California's interim and long-term efforts to protect the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary;

(f) to achieve a reasonable balance among competing demands for use of Central Valley Project water, including the requirements of fish and wildlife, agricultural, municipal and industrial and power contractors.

Public Law 102-575, Title 34 provides the legal authority for projects that restore the fishery resources of the Trinity River. Specifically, Section 3406(b)(1) states in part, “That in the course of developing and implementing this program, the Secretary shall make all reasonable efforts consistent with the requirements of this section to address other identified adverse environmental impacts of the Central Valley Project not specifically enumerated in this section.”

Actions identified in the Trinity River Mainstem Fishery Restoration ROD are for the purpose of addressing the “significant declines [in anadromous fish runs] following the construction and operation of the Central Valley Project’s Trinity River Division in the early 1960s.”

The Solicitor’s Opinion to the Secretary of the Interior dated May 22, 1998 clarifies this relation of adverse impacts of the CVP to specific actions of the Trinity River Restoration Program when it states “to the extent activities are designed to address adverse environmental impacts of the Project they are authorized by section 3406(b)(1).” Section 3407(e) of CVPIA also states in part that “If the Secretary of the Interior determines that the State of California or an agency or subdivision thereof … concerned with restoration, protection, or enhancement of fish, wildlife, habitat, or environmental values is able to assist in implementing any action authorized by this title in an efficient, timely, and cost effective manner, the Secretary is authorized to provide funding to such entity on such terms and conditions as he deems necessary to assist in implementing the identified action.”

SECTION II -- AWARD INFORMATION

II.A. TOTAL PROJECT FUNDING

One agreement will be awarded. Funding for watershed implementations for fiscal year 2012 will be $496,676.00.

II.B. PROJECT FUNDING LIMITATIONS

Reclamation retains the right to fund for multi-years exceeding this amount, on a case by case basis subject to, 1) availability of Congressional appropriations, 2) satisfactory performance, and

3) continued need for services. Estimated amounts are not binding until such time as a modification has been executed by the Grants Officer (GO).

II.C. RECLAMATION RESPONSIBILITIES

Project awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements as applicable to each project. If a cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project. Substantial involvement by Reclamation may include:

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

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

If substantial involvement is not anticipated on the part of Reclamation, the financial assistance instrument will be a grant.

Reclamation retains the rights to make awards using either grant or cooperative agreement instruments.

The application must demonstrate a public benefit for financial assistance agreements.

II.D. AWARD DATE

It is anticipated that awards will be made on or before June 1, 2012, with an anticipated project start date before September 30, 2012.

SECTION III -- ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

III.A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Under Public Law 102-575, an eligible applicant is a State and Federal agencies, Indian tribes, and affected interests.

Proposals will be considered from public or private organizations or parties that can demonstrate the experience in natural resource rehabilitation design, coordination, and construction needed to implement complex watershed restoration projects. Proposing entities must have an organizational structure that permits the establishment of any financial and/or operational agreements with private land owners and land-management agencies that are necessary for project implementation.

If there is a question as to an entity’s eligibility, an official determination is made upon application and may be decided by Reclamation at the time of award.

III.B. COST SHARE REQUIREMENT

A capacity for cost sharing on the part of the recipient is preferred, but not required.

III.B.1. Cost Share Regulations - All cost-share contributions must meet the criteria established in the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) administrative and cost principles circulars that apply to the applicant. These circulars are available at <http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars>.

III.B.2. 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 the Program financial assistance awards.

III.C. LENGTH (DURATION) OF PROJECT

Project start date is date of execution to December 31, 2013. Reclamation will consider longer projects if it can be demonstrated that there will be measurable accomplishments each year.

III.D. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

If National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental compliance are required.

All projects being considered for award funding will require compliance with the NEPA and/or CEQA 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, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), consultation with potentially affected tribes, and consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

The grant recipient will be the lead agency for required State and Federal environmental 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, the grant recipient is solely responsible for determining the appropriate level of environmental compliance. Further, the grant recipient is responsible to ensure findings under NEPA and/or CEQA, and consultations, as appropriate, will support Reclamation’s decision on whether to fund a project. Environmental 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 compliance http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars� is complete and Reclamation explicitly authorizes work to proceed. This pertains to all components of the proposed project, including those that are part of the applicant’s non-Federal cost share. Reclamation will provide a successful applicant with information once environmental compliance is complete. An applicant that proceeds before environmental compliance is complete may risk forfeiting Reclamation funding under this FOA.

III.E. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

III.E.1 TECHNICAL AND BUDGET PROPOSALS

The applicant must submit complete technical and budget proposals in accordance with the requirements stated in Section IV.D of this document.

III.E.2 FUNDING PLAN

If applicable, the applicant’s proposal shall include a funding plan that describes how the non-Reclamation share of the costs will be obtained. If funding will be provided by other than the applicant, the names of these additional sources must be provided. See Section IV.E for information on submission of the Funding Plan.

III.E.3 OTHER REGULATIONS

Applicants shall adhere to Federal, State, 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. See Section IV.D.4.5.5 for additional information regarding environmental and regulatory compliance.

SECTION IV -- APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

IV.A. 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. Hard copies will not be mailed.

If you are unable to access this information electronically and need assistance, please contact the following by:

Phone: (916) 978-5149 (Mary Sims)

E-mail: msims@usbr.gov

IV.B. DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS

Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, on March 9, 2012 Applications received after this date and time will not be considered for award.

IV.C. APPLICATION DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

Proposals can be submitted by hard copy or through www.grants.gov. If submitting your application through Grants.gov, please allow at least three (3) working days for mailto:msims@usbr.gov� http://www.grants.gov/� processing. (Electronic mail or facsimile transmissions will not be accepted). If submitted by hard copy, please mail to:

Bureau of Reclamation, MP Region Attn: Mary Sims, Mail Code: MP-3833 2800 Cottage Way, Room E-1815 Sacramento California 95825-1898

IV.D. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF PROJECT PROPOSAL

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

IV.D.1. Applications Submitted by Mail

• Applicants shall submit an original and one copy of all application documents for hardcopy submissions. Each document should be clearly identified as the “ORIGINAL” or as a “COPY.”

• In addition to hard copy documents, please submit a copy of your application on a CD in

Microsoft Office format.

• Please do not use “comb,” “spiral,” or adhesive methods to bind the documents. Please use only staples or binder clips.

• Hard copy 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.

IV.D.2. Applications Submitted Electronically If the applicant chooses to submit an electronic application, it must be submitted 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. Please see registration instructions at <http://www.grants.gov/applicants/ get_registered.jsp>.

• Applicants have sometimes 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.

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Regardless of the delivery method used, you must ensure that your proposal arrives by the date and time deadline stated in Section IV.B. 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.

IV.D.2.1. 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. Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications for funding electronically through <http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp>. Applicant resource documents, and a full set of instructions for registering with Grants.gov and completing and submitting applications online are available at: <http://grants.gov/applicants/app_help_reso.jsp>

If you need assistance with Grants.gov, the Contact Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may reach the Grants.gov Contact Center by email at <support@grants.gov> or by calling 1-800-518-4726.

The following checklist is provided to give you a summary of the steps that are required to register with Grants.gov. This Registration process must be completed prior to submitting an electronic application through Grants.gov.

Additionally, see Table 1, Step 2 below for completing the annual Central Contractor Registration (CCR) renewal process.

IV.D.2.2. Registering to Use Grants.gov (1-3 week process) Note: (The following checklist information is available electronically at <http://www.grants.gov/assets/Organization_Steps_Complete_Registration.pdf>.)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. The checklist in Table 1 provides registration guidance for a company, academic or research institution, State, local or tribal government, not-for-profit, or other type of organization.

Table 1. Checklist for Registering Your Organization in Grants.gov

√ Step Actions to take Purpose Time required 1: Obtain

Data Universal Number System

(DUNS)

Has my organization identified its DUNS number?

Ask the grant administrator, chief financial officer, or authorizing official of your organization to identify your DUNS number.

If your organization does not know its DUNS number or needs to register for one, visit Dun & Bradstreet at <http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePag e.do>

The Federal government has adopted the use of DUNS numbers to track how Federal grant money is allocated.

DUNS numbers identify your organization.

Same Day. You will receive DUNS number information online.

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√ Step Actions to take Purpose Time required 2: Register

With Central Contractor Registration

Has my organization registered with the CCR?

Ask the grant administrator, chief financial officer, or authorizing official of your organization if your organization has registered with the CCR.

If your organization is not registered, you can apply online by going to <http://www.ccr.gov>.

CCR has developed a handbook <https://www.

bpn.gov/ccr/doc/UserAccount.pdf> to help you with the process. If AFTER having registered in CCR, you experience any registration problems, you can get help by going to the Federal Service Desk <https://www.fsd.gov>.

When your organization registers with CCR, you must designate an E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC). This person will identify a special password called an "M-PIN."

Registering with the CCR is required for organizations to use Grants.gov.

If your organization already has an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), then you should allow one – three business days to complete the entire CCR registration. The EIN and TIN will come from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

If your organization does not have an EIN or TIN, then you should allow two weeks for obtaining the information from the IRS when requesting the EIN or TIN via phone or Internet. The additional number of days needed is a result of security information that needs to be mailed to the organization.

2: continued This M-PIN gives the E-Biz POC authority to designate which staff member(s) from your organization are allowed to submit applications electronically through Grants.gov. Staff members from your organization designated to submit applications are called Authorized Organization Representatives (AORs).

*Note: Your organization needs to renew your CCR registration once a year. You will not be able to move on to Step 3 until you have renewed your CCR registration. This renewal may take up to 5 business days.

3: Username and Password

Have the AORs who officially submit applications on behalf of your organization completed their profile with Grants.gov to create their username and password?

To create a username and password, AORs must complete their profile on Grants.gov. AORs will need to know the DUNS number of the organization for which they will be submitting applications to complete the process.

After your organization registers with the CCR, AORs must wait one business day before they can complete a profile and create their usernames and passwords on Grants.gov.

An AOR username and password serves as an "electronic signature" when submitting a Grants.gov application.

Same Day. After the AOR has completed their profile they will be prompted to create a username and password that will allow the user to login and check their approval status immediately.

4: AOR

Authorization

Has the E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC) approved AORs to submit applications on behalf of the organization?

When an AOR registers with Grants.gov to submit applications on behalf of an organization, that organization's E-Biz POC will receive an email notification. The email the AOR submitted in the profile will be the email used when sending the automatic notification from Grants.gov to the E- Biz POC with the AOR copied on the correspondence.

The E-Biz POC must then login to Grants.gov (using the organization’s DUNS number for the username and the "M-PIN" password (obtained in Step 2) and approve the AOR, thereby giving him or her permission to submit applications.

When an E-Biz POC approves an AOR, Grants.gov will send the AOR a confirmation email.

Only the E-Biz POC can approve AORs. This allows the organization to authorize specific staff members or consultants/grant writers to submit grants. Only those who have been authorized by the E- Biz POC can submit applications on behalf of the organization.

This depends on how long it takes the E-Biz POC to login and approve the AOR. Once the approval is completed, the AOR can immediately submit an application.

Step 5: Track

AOR

Status

What is your AOR status?

AORs can also login to track their AOR status using their username and password (obtained in Step 3) to check if they have been approved by the E-Biz POC.

To verify that the organization’s E-Biz POC has approved the

AOR.

Logging in to check your AOR status is instantaneous. The approval process to become an AOR depends on how long it takes the E-Biz POC to login and approve the AOR.

NOTE: 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.

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IV.D.3 APPLICATION FORMAT AND LENGTH

Technical proposals shall be limited to Twenty (20) 8-1/2 inch X 11 inch pages single-spaced on one side of the page. The font used shall be at least 12 points in size and shall be easily readable. Proposals will be prescreened for compliance to the 20-page limit. The cover sheet (Standard Form 424), Assurances (Standard Form 424B or D), Budget (Standard Form 424A or C), blank pages, title pages, maps/blueprints, appendices, and table of content pages, will not be counted in the 20-page limit. All pages shall be consecutively numbered, including pages with tables and exhibits/appendices. Place maps, tables, or appendices in Section V.

IV.D.4 APPLICATION CONTENT

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

• SF-424- Core form, Application cover page

• SF-424 B or D Form, as applicable to the project

• Title page

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal o Background data o Administrative Resources o Applicant Technical Experience o Project Description

• Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

• Funding plan

• Project budget application o Budget proposal o Budget Narrative o 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 >.

IV.D.4.1 Cover Page – The cover page shall consist of a fully completed SF 424 - Application for Federal Assistance. A person legally authorized to commit your organization to performance of the project must sign this form. Inclusion of a properly signed SF 424 in your application is a mandatory requirement. Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in the elimination of your application from further consideration.

IV.D.4.2 Assurances – Include with your application a completed and signed SF 424B – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs or an SF 424D – Assurances – Construction Programs. A person legally authorized to commit your organization to performance of the project must sign this form. Inclusion of a properly signed SF 424B or SF 424D in your application is a mandatory requirement. Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in the elimination of your application from further consideration.

IV.D.4.3 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, email address, telephone and facsimile numbers of the project manager.

IV.D.4.4 Table of Contents – List all major sections of the technical proposal in the Table of Contents.

IV.D.4.5 Technical Proposal

The technical proposal (20 pages maximum) includes: (1) Background Data, (2) Administrative Resources, (3) Technical Experience, and (4) Project Description. To ensure accurate and complete scoring of your application, your proposal should address each criterion in the order presented below:

IV.D.4.5.1 Background Data – Include location (state, county, and direction from nearest town) and other appropriate information, including the applicant's annual instream flows, channel rehabilitation, infrastructure improvements or modifications.

IV.D.4.5.2 Administrative Resources – Descriptions of the facilities and personnel available to support the implementation of watershed projects.

IV.D.4.5.3 Applicant Technical Experience – Description of previous natural resource projects implemented by the applicant. Include all aspects of project implementation, including project design, logistical planning, engineering, permitting, land access negotiations, construction, inspection, etc. Discuss the project benefits and the project financing.

IV.D.4.5.4 Project Description - Describe in detail the work and approach to be carried out.

Break the proposed work, including reporting, into major objectives. Discuss the approach to accomplish the proposed work. The description shall be in sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal. Provide an estimated project schedule demonstrating the stages and duration of the proposed work, including major milestones and dates. Briefly describe any engineering plans, designs and analyses prepared in connection with the proposed work and include in the Appendix of the proposal.

IV.D.4.5.5 Environmental and Regulatory Compliance – Applicants are required to comply with all applicable State, Federal, and local environmental, cultural and paleontological resource protection laws and regulations. These may include, but are not limited to, the NEPA, including the Council on Environmental Quality and Department of the Interior regulations implementing NEPA, the Clean Water Act, the NHPA, which requires consultation with the SHPO, the ESA, and could require consultation with potentially affected Tribes.

Reclamation is the lead Federal agency for NEPA compliance. As the lead agency, Reclamation is solely responsible for determining the appropriate level of NEPA compliance, which could be a categorical exclusions checklist, environmental assessment, or environmental impact statement. However, a project sponsor (or their contractor) can provide much of the necessary information and data analyses.

In order to allow Reclamation to assess the probable environmental impacts and associated costs for each proposal, all applicants must respond to the following list of questions focusing on the requirements of NEPA, the ESA and the NHPA. Please answer the following questions to the best of your knowledge. If any question is not applicable to your project, please explain why. If you have any questions, please contact your local Reclamation office.

(1) Will your project impact the surrounding environment (i.e. soil [dust], air, water [quality and quantity], animal habitat, etc.)? If so, please explain the impacts and any steps that can be taken to minimize the impacts.

(2) Are you aware of any endangered or threatened species in the project area?

(3) Are there wetlands inside the project boundaries? If so, please estimate how many acres of wetlands there are, and describe any impact your project will have on the wetlands.

(4) When was your irrigation system constructed?

(5) If your project will affect individual features of an irrigation system (e.g., headgates, canals or flumes), state when those features were constructed and describe the nature and timing of any extensive alterations or modifications to those features.

(6) Are any buildings, structures, or features in your irrigation district listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places? Your local Reclamation office can assist you in answering this question.

(7) Are there any known archeological sites in the proposed project area?

In addition, applicants must obtain all required approvals and permits, and shall coordinate and obtain any approvals required from site owners and operators. Applicants should state in their proposals whether any permits or approvals are required, and explain the applicant’s plan for obtaining such permits or approvals.

IV.E. FUNDING PLAN INSTRUCTIONS

If applicable, the applicant’s proposal shall include a funding plan that describes how the non- Reclamation share of the project costs will be obtained.

A Describe how the Applicant will make its contribution to the cost share requirement, including a description of monetary and in-kind contributions, and identification of the source funds contributed by the applicant (e.g., reserve account, tax revenue and/or assessments). Please include documentation (i.e. budget excerpts, etc):

B If project funding is being provided by funding partners, not including the applicant or Reclamation, please provide the following information:

(a) Identify the funding partners and state the amount of funding to be provided by each:

(b) Provide letters of commitment from all cost-sharing partners identified in the proposal.___

C Describe any other Federal funding requested or received for the proposed work. Note:

Federal funding may not be counted towards the applicant’s 50% cost share requirement.

D Discuss what lesser amount would be acceptable if Reclamation is unable to provide your total funding request. Discuss any decrease in project size or other problems due to decreased Federal funding.

E Does the budget identify direct, indirect, environmental and contingency costs? Yes ___ No ___. If not, explain why.

F Describe any other pending funding requests for the proposed work that have not yet been approved, and explain how the project will be affected if such funding is awarded or denied.

IV.F. BUDGET PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

IV.F.1 Budget Worksheet – Applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the project budget.

In Section I.B. of this document, each project has an estimated amount. Provide separate costs for each of the 4 projects. Applicants may use the budget table provided at the end of this section or a similar format that provides this information.

IV.F.2 Budget Narrative - Submission of a budget narrative with supporting documentation is important. An award will not be made to any applicant who fails to fully disclose this information. The budget narrative provides a discussion of, or explanation for, items included in the budget proposal. Listed below are examples of the types of information to be included in the narrative.

Please note that all successful applicants/projects will undergo a rigorous cost-price analysis. The details in your budget narrative will be used for this analysis. If the grant application does not contain the appropriate amount of detail, this will delay the award process.

The following Office of Management and Budget circulars (OMB), codified within the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), govern the allowability of costs for Federal financial assistance:

2 CFR Part 215 (OMB Circular A-110) “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations;”

OMB Circular A-102 “Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments;”

2 CFR Part 220 (OMB Circular A-21) “Cost Principles for Educational Institutions;”

2 CFR Part 225 (OMB Circular A-87) “Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments;”

2 CFR Part 230 (OMB Circular A-122) “Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations;”

OMB Circular A-133 “Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-Profit Organizations”

IV.F.2.1. Salaries and Wages – Indicate program manager and other key personnel by name and title. Other personnel may be indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries and wages, estimated hours or percent of time, and rate of compensation proposed. The labor rates should identify the direct labor rate separate from the fringe rate or fringe cost for each category. All labor estimates, including any proposed subcontractors, shall be allocated to specific objectives as outlined in the recipient’s technical project description. Labor rates and proposed hours shall be displayed for each objective.

Clearly identify any proposed salary increases and the effective date.

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

IV.F.2.2. Fringe Benefits – Indicate rates/amounts, what costs are included in this category, and the basis of the rate computations. Indicate whether these rates are used for application purposes only or whether they are fixed or provisional rates for billing purposes. Federally approved rate agreements are acceptable for compliance with this item.

IV.F.2.3. Travel – Include the purpose of the trip, destination, number traveling, length of stay, and all travel costs, including air fare, per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. For local travel, include the number of miles and rate per mile. Indicate whether these rates are used for proposal purposes only or whether they are fixed or provisional rates for billing purposes. Federally-approved lodging, miscellaneous and incidental expenses, and mileage rate agreements are acceptable for compliance with this item.

IV.F.2.4. Equipment – Itemize costs of all equipment having a value of over $500 and include information as to the need for this equipment, as well as how the equipment was priced if being purchased for the agreement. If equipment is being rented, specify the number of hours and the hourly rate. Local rental rates are only accepted for equipment actually being rented or leased for the project. If equipment currently owned by the applicant is proposed for use under the proposed project, and the cost to use that equipment is being included in the budget as in-kind cost share, provide the rates and hours for each piece of equipment owned and budgeted.

These should be ownership rates developed by the recipient for each piece of equipment. If these rates are not available, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineer’s recommended equipment rates for the region are acceptable. Blue book, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other data bases should not be used.

IV.F.2.5. Material and Supplies – Itemize supplies by major category, unit price, quantity, and purpose, such as whether the items are needed for office use, research, or construction.

Identify how these costs were estimated (i.e., quotes, past experience, engineering estimates or other methodology).

IV.F.2.6. Contractual – Identify all work that will be accomplished by subrecipients, consultants, or contractors, including a breakdown of all objectives to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each objective. If a subrecipient, consultant, or contractor is proposed and approved at time of award, no other approvals will be required. Any changes or additions will require a request for approval. Identify how the budgeted costs for subrecipients, consultants, or contractors were determined to be fair and reasonable.

IV.F.2.7. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs, Approvals – Applicants must include a line item in their budget to cover environmental compliance costs. “Environmental compliance costs” refer to costs incurred by Reclamation or the recipient in complying with environmental regulations applicable to Program financial assistance agreement, including costs associated with any required documentation of environmental compliance, analyses, permits, or approvals. Applicable Federal environmental laws could include NEPA, ESA, NHPA, and the Clean Water Act, and other regulations depending on the project. Such costs may include, but are not limited to:

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

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

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

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

The amount of the line item should be based on the actual expected environmental compliance costs for the project. However, the minimum amount budgeted for environmental compliance should be equal to at least 1-2 percent of the total project costs. If the amount budgeted is less than 1-2 percent of the total project costs, you must include a compelling explanation of why less than 1-2 percent was budgeted.

How environmental compliance activities will be performed (e.g., by Reclamation, the applicant, or a consultant) and how the environmental compliance funds will be spent, will be determined pursuant to subsequent agreement between Reclamation and the applicant. If any portion of the funds budgeted for environmental compliance is not required for compliance activities, such funds may be reallocated to the project, if appropriate.

IV.F.2.8. Other

– Any other expense not included in the categories above shall be listed in this category, along with a description of the item and for what it will be utilized. Provide the basis for the estimated cost, assumptions used in the estimate, etc. If objectives involve access to private lands, then land access and project activities on private lands where access has not yet been obtained should be shown as separate objectives with separate budget amounts in the budget table, and explained in the budget narrative. Describe how the budget would be affected if access to lands is not granted as anticipated.

Contingency costs:

Per applicable regulations, contingencies are expressly unallowable except under certain conditions. Can it be demonstrated that these costs will be incurred. It cannot be costs that might be incurred. All proposed contingency line-items must be supported by a rationale. See Section IV.F.2. for recipient organization.

No profit or fee will be allowed.

IV.F.2.9. Indirect Cost - Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable OMB circular cost principles (see Section IV.F.2.) for the recipient’s organization. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

Indi…