R23AS00000 WCFS FY23-24 NOFO FINAL 9-30-2022 v2_.pdf

Water Conservation Field Services Program Financial Assistance for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R23AS00000 Region 8: Lower Colorado Basin Region

U.S. Department of the Interior September 2022/v.2

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

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

NOFO No. R23AS00000/version 2 i

Synopsis

Federal Agency Name U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Region 8: Lower Colorado Basin Region

Funding Opportunity Title

Water Conservation Field Services Program (WCFSP) Financial Assistance for Fiscal Years (FY) 2023 and 2024

Announcement Type Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Funding Opportunity Number R23AS00000

Assistance Listings No.

(formerly Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA))

15.530

Application Due Date Proposals will be accepted, evaluated, and selected on a (See NOFO Sec. D.4) rolling-basis until the final application submission deadlines:

1) First closing date: November 18, 2022, at 4:00 p.m.

Pacific Standard Time (PST) for FY 2023 proposals

2) Second closing date: October 13, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) for FY 2024 proposals

The tentative selection and announcement timeframe will be approximately 60 days after each closing period.

Eligible Applicants States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or (See NOFO Sec. C.1) other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the Lower Colorado Basin Region as described by Sections 9502 and 9504(a) of Public Law 111-11.

Recipient Cost Share (See NOFO Sec. C.2)

50 percent or more of total activity costs must be met with non-Federal funds.

Federal Funding Up to $100,000 per entity per fiscal year. Multiple Amount applications for funding may be submitted for (See NOFO Sec. B.2) consideration; however, no more than $100,000 will be awarded to any one entity in any given FY.

Number of Agreements to be Awarded (See NOFO Sec. B.1)

6 to 12 awards, per application submittal period, depending on submittals and authorized budget.

ii

Application Checklist The following table contains a summary of the information that is required to be submitted with a WCFSP Grant application.

√ What to submit Form or format When to submit

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Form SF-LLL, available at https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf- 424-family.html

NOFO Pages 10 & 11

Form SF-424 (Submitted as the cover page)

Form SF-424, available at https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-

Assurances Form

Form SF-424B or SF-424D, as applicable, available at https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-

Budget Form

Form SF-424A or SF-424C, as applicable, available at https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-

Title Page NOFO Page 11 * Table of Contents NOFO Page 11 * Technical Proposal

Executive Summary Technical Project

Description Evaluation Criteria

NOFO Page 12 NOFO Page 12

NOFO Pages 13 & 22

Environmental/Regulatory Compliance Information NOFO Pages 13 & 33 *

Required Permits and Approvals NOFO Page 14 * Funding Plan NOFO Page 15 * iii

√ What to submit Form or format When to submit

Commitment Letters (if applicable) NOFO Page 15 **

Project Budget Proposal

Budget Format Budget Narrative

NOFO Page 16 NOFO Page 18

* November 18, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. PST for FY 2023 proposals and October 13, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. PDT for FY 2024 proposals.

** Submit Commitment letters prior to award (see page 15 for submittal instructions) iv

Acronyms and Abbreviations ARC Application Review Committee

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments

CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CWA Clean Water Act

DOI U.S. Department of the Interior

ESA Endangered Species Act

FY Fiscal year (Federal FY is from October 1-September 30)

GIS Geographic Information System

LCB Lower Colorado Basin Region

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity

OM&R Operation, Maintenance and Repair

P.L. Public Law

PDT Pacific Daylight Time

PST Pacific Standard Time

Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation

RRA Reclamation Reform Act of 1982

SAM System for Award Management

SCADA Supervisory control and data acquisition

SF Standard Form

SPOC Single Point of Contact

SOR System Optimization Review

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office

SWEP Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects

UEI Unique Entity Identifier

U.S.C. United States Code

U.S. United States

WCFSP Water Conservation Field Services Program v

Table of Contents

Page

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Water Conservation Field Services Program Overview A.2. Objective of this 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. Type of Award

Section C: Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Cost-Sharing Requirements

C.2.1. Cost-Share Regulations C.2.2. Donations and In-Kind Contributions C.2.3. Excluded Parties

C.3. Eligible Project Types C.3.1. Water Management and Conservation Planning C.3.2. System Optimization Review C.3.3. Designing Water Management Improvements C.3.4. Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies

C.4. Ineligible Projects C.5. Length of Projects

Section D: Application and Submission Information D.1. Address to Request Application Package D.2. Content and Format of Application

D.2.1. Application Format and Length D.2.2. Required Application Content

D.2.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms D.2.2.2. Title Page D.2.2.3. Table of Contents D.2.2.4. Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria

Executive Summary Technical Project Description Project Schedule Evaluation Criteria

D.2.2.5. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance D.2.2.6. Required Permits or Approvals vi

D.2.2.7. Letters of Support D.2.2.8. Project Budget

Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment Budget Format Budget Narrative Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) D.4. Instructions for Submission of Application

D.4.1. Submission Date and Time D.4.2. Application Instructions

D.4.2.1. Applications Submission D.4.2.2. Acknowledgement of Application Receipt

D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Funding Restrictions: Pre-award Costs D.7. Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) Registration

Section E: Application Review Information E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria

E.1.1. Water Management Planning – 100 Points Available E.1.2. SOR – 100 Points Available E.1.3. Designing Water Management Improvements – 100 Points Available E.1.4. Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies – 100 Points Available E.1.5. Evaluation Categories and Point Distribution

E.2. Review and Selection Process E.2.1. Initial Screening E.2.2. Application Review Committee Review E.2.3. Red-Flag Review E.2.4. Managerial Review E.2.5. Pre-Award Clearances and Approvals

E.3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Date Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

F.1. Federal Award Notices F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F.2.1 Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance F.2.2. Title to Improvements (P.L. 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D)) F.2.3. Liability under P.L. 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(F)

In General Tort Claims Act

F.2.3. Requirements for Agricultural Operations under P.L. 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(B) F.2.4. Application of Buy America Preference

Buy America Domestic Procurement Preference F.3. Reporting Requirements and Distribution vii

F.3.1. Financial Reports F.3.2. Program Performance Reports

F.4. Conflicts of Interest F.4.1. Applicability F.4.2. Requirements F.4.3. Notification F.4.4. Restrictions on Lobbying F.4.5. Review Procedures F.4.6. Enforcement

F.5. Data Availability F.5.1. Applicability F.5.2. Use of Data F.5.3. Availability of Data F.5.4. Geospatial Data

F.6. Releasing Applications Section G: Agency Contacts

G.1. Reclamation Financial Assistance Management Contact G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact

Tables

Table 1 - Milestones Table 2 - Summary of non-Federal and Federal funding sources Table 3 - Budget Format Table 4 - Task Area Components and Point Distribution viii

Page intentionally left blank

NOFO No. R23AS00000

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Water Conservation Field Services Program Overview The Department of the Interior’s (DOI’s) 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 local water conflicts.

Drought conditions across the Western United States (U.S.) impact a wide range of communities and sectors, including agriculture, cities, tribes, the environment, recreation, hydropower producers, and others. Reclamation established the Water Conservation Field Services Program (WCFSP) in 1996 to encourage beneficiaries of Federal water projects to conserve water, and to assist agricultural and urban water districts in preparing and implementing water conservation plans in accordance with the Reclamation Reform Act (RRA) of 1982. Through the WCFSP, Reclamation makes cost-shared financial assistance available for developing water conservation plans, identifying water management improvements through System Optimization Reviews (SORs), designing water management improvements, and improving the understanding of water conservation techniques through demonstration activities.

The WCFSP provides support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008:

Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and aligned with other priorities, such as those identified in E.O. 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. WaterSMART also supports Reclamation’s priorities to increase water reliability and resilience, support racial and economic equity, modernize infrastructure, and enhance water conservation, ecosystem, and climate resilience.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) provides funding for the planning, prioritizing, demonstrating technology/projects, and design of projects that conserve and use water more efficiently; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the Western U.S.

Through this NOFO, Reclamation’s Lower Colorado Basin Region (LCB) is requesting proposals to fund activities in support of the WCFSP within the LCB, within the State of Hawaii (map provided below), American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Figure 1 - Area of Consideration for Lower Colorado Basin WCFSP NOFO

A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement The objective of this NOFO is to invite states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, cities and towns, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located within the LCB to leverage their money and resources by cost-sharing water conservation planning activities with Reclamation to make more efficient use of existing water supplies.

A.3. Statutory Authority This NOFO 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).

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities The WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects (SWEP) program provides cost-shared financial assistance for small-scale water management projects (up to $100,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Projects eligible for funding include installation of flow measurement or automation in a specific part of a water delivery system, lining of a section of a canal to address seepage, or other similar projects that are limited in scope. Reclamation has also developed a streamlined selection and review process that reflects the small-scale nature of these projects.

The WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants program provides cost shared financial assistance for larger water conservation projects (up to $5 million in Federal funding for each project) resulting in quantifiable and sustained water savings.

The WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects program provides cost-shared financial assistance for larger conservation projects (up to $5 million in Federal funding for each project) that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and benefit ecological values.

The Drought Contingency Planning program provides cost-shared financial assistance to prepare or update a drought contingency plan (up to $200,000 in Federal funding for each project).

The Drought Resiliency Projects program provides cost-shared financial assistance for larger conservation projects (up to $5 million in Federal funding for each project) that increase the reliability of water supplies, improve water management, and mitigate impacts to the environment from drought.

Section B: Award Information

B.1. Total Project Funding The President’s FY 2023 budget request includes $1,659,000 for the WCFSP within the LCB.

Reclamation will determine the final amount of funding available for award under this NOFO once final FY 2023 appropriations have been made. Information about FY 2024 funding will be provided when appropriations information is released. The amount of funding available for awards under this NOFO will depend on the demand for funding under this and other components of the LCB

WCFSP.

Applications submitted under this NOFO may also be considered for additional funding should it become available in FY 2023 or thereafter.

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 per entity per FY in Federal funding may be allocated to proposals awarded funding under this NOFO. Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration; however, no more than $100,000 per FY will be awarded to any one entity.

B.3. Type of Award 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.

After award, and upon the request of the recipient, Reclamation can provide technical assistance for the project. If an entity receives Reclamation’s assistance, that entity must account for these costs in its budget. To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact the program coordinator identified in Section G: Agency Contacts.

Section C: Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants Applicants eligible to receive an award under P.L. 111-11, Sec. 9502 to fund activities include:

States Indian tribes Irrigation districts Water districts Other organizations with water or power delivery authority

In addition, applicants must be located within the LCB or the State of Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Please see the location map in Section A.1 of this NOFO.

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

Federal governmental entities Institutions of higher education Individuals 501(c)(6) organizations

C.2. 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.

Please see Section D.2.2.8. Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost-sharing requirements.

C.2.1. Cost-Share Regulations

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

C.2.2. Donations and In-Kind Contributions

Donations and in-kind contributions constitute the value of non-cash 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 (e.g., qualified volunteer labor) 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 used to satisfy the cost-share requirement for an award under this NOFO. 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 in-kind donations and contributions, available at www.ecfr.gov.

C.2.3. Excluded Parties

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

C.3. Eligible Project Types All proposals will be evaluated against the Evaluation Criteria stated in Section E of this NOFO.

Projects to be considered should address one of the following task component areas:

C.3.1. Water Management and Conservation Planning

Water management and conservation plans provide entities an opportunity to document data on current water supply and demand, prepare a forecast for future water demands, identify water conservation goals, and determine conservation measures (e.g., cost/pricing of water, water accounting, landscape efficiency, information and education, water use regulation, etc.). This component involves developing a written water management and/or conservation plan.

In accordance with the RRA, water conservation plans are required for entities having a Colorado River water delivery contract with the U.S. within the LCB. The water conservation plan may be modeled after plans described in the Reclamation publications Achieving Efficient Water Management: A Guidebook for Preparing Municipal Water Conservation Plans, and Achieving Efficient Water Management: A Guidebook for Preparing Agricultural Water Conservation Plans, both available at https://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/g4000/conservation/manuals.html. The proposed planning activity/project should address at least one or more of the planning tasks discussed in these publications and a description of how the environmental compliance questions in Section D.2.2.5 will be incorporated within the plan.

Please note: Priority is preferentially given to an entity having a water delivery contract in the LCB that is required to develop a water conservation plan. For an applicant existing as a sub-agency under or receiving Colorado River water from a Reclamation water contractor (e.g., The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Southern Nevada Water Authority, etc.), the applicant should explain its link to the Reclamation water contractor and its system to receive the maximum amount of points for this section.

C.3.2. System Optimization Review

A System Optimization Review (SOR) is a review of an applicant’s water delivery system and processes. The SOR assesses the potential for water management improvements and identifies a plan of action containing recommendations for implementing specific improvements (e.g., SCADA and other automation to reduce specific issues such as spills, over-deliveries, and seepage) that have the potential to enhance water management.

The review may include an analysis of an entire water delivery system, district, watershed, or a portion thereof. SORs are intended to be a broad overview of system-wide efficiency and are not focused entirely on single project-specific planning (e.g., an irrigation district evaluating its delivery system or a municipality or utility performing a system-wide water audit).

SOR activities include:

Gather information (e.g., surveys, data searches, literature reviews, site visits).

Identify, describe, and prioritize water management issues.

Establish goals.

Identify, evaluate, and prioritize potential improvement projects with the aim to mitigate the identified deficiencies and accomplish targeted goals.

o The evaluation of improvement projects could consider water management benefits associated with the improvement, and anticipated construction and operating costs (as applicable), as well as environmental, regulatory, cultural, and economic impacts.

o An effort to better quantify the associated benefits of the proposed improvement projects and eligible subtasks (e.g., soil infiltration tests, required monitoring activities).

o A description of how the environmental compliance questions in Section D.2.2.5 will be incorporated within the plan.

If an applicant’s previous planning efforts have addressed one or more of the components above, the applicant could seek funding for the remaining components for a complete system analysis. A SOR final report will serve as the final product of the SOR that summarizes the analysis performed.

C.3.3. Designing Water Management Improvements

Upon completion of water management and conservation plans or a SOR, this NOFO provides funding for the design of previously identified water management improvement projects such as pipelines, canal lining, water measurement structures, or other improvement projects that enhance water management. This includes necessary preliminary tasks needed to prepare a design such as surveying, and acquiring pertinent site specific information (e.g., hydraulic head available at site, soil testing, groundwater level). Eligible subtasks under this activity also include peer-review for the design, cost estimate preparation, including cost scoping for regulatory compliance activities (e.g., environmental, cultural), and identification of necessary regulatory requirements (i.e., permits).

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

Conversion of an open conveyance system (e.g., canal) to a closed conveyance system (e.g., pipeline) resulting in conserved water (i.e., reduced evaporation).

Lining of a canal with proven materials or technology resulting in conserved water (i.e., reduced/eliminating seepage).

Weirs, flumes, ramps, and other irrigation flow measurement devices in an open channel.

Control structures for an irrigation system (e.g., check, drop, or diversion structures).

Installation of meters within a distribution system resulting in improved water management (i.e., leakage quantification).

System implementation of SCADA and automation components that result in improved water management (i.e., reduced spills, over-deliveries, and/or seepage).

Irrigation system regulating reservoirs resulting in improved management of water supply (i.e., reduced spills, more flexibility in water delivery operations, excess water interception at end of system).

Aquifer storage recovery ponds.

Water storage ponds.

Land/title acquisition and environmental/cultural resources compliance work are not eligible under this activity.

C.3.4. Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies

Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies are activities that include the installation or application of a particular technology in an innovative way, or in a unique setting, with the intent of sharing the results with others for possible adoption. The activity should demonstrate innovative technologies in water conservation that increase technical understanding of unfamiliar water management and practices that have not been previously used locally. Additionally, the development of a demonstration / pilot project can help determine whether it would be cost effective to pursue use of the technology on a broader scale.

The proposed activity/project should not only publicly demonstrate a new or unfamiliar practice; it should also include a process for public outreach or informing interested individuals and organizations about the demonstration’s outcome. In order to qualify as a demonstration project, the applicant must not have conducted any portion of the proposed project or used the technology in the past or plan to conduct a large portion/phase of the project as a demonstration project. For projects that have been tested in the past but warrant further assessment prior to full-scale implementation, SWEP grants may be an appropriate funding program for this type of project (see posted SWEP NOFO at www.grants.gov).

Please Note: Reclamation recognizes that education is an important part of any water conservation program; however, no education activities will be funded until clear authority from Reclamation exists for education grants. Please ensure education activities are not included in the proposal.

However, outreach meetings to distribute demonstration findings or provide details to customers about the program rules and guidelines are appropriate.

C.4. Ineligible Projects Proposals for the development of planning studies are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

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 U.S.C. 390h et seq.), or under the Rural Water Program, pursuant to the Rural Water Supply Act of 2006, P.L.109-451.

Proposals for on-the-ground construction activities are also ineligible for funding under this NOFO, other than proposals for Demonstration Projects.

Projects that are considered normal operations, maintenance and replacement (OM&R) are not eligible under any WaterSMART Program, including this NOFO. OM&R is described as system improvements that replace or repair existing infrastructure or function without providing increased efficiency or effectiveness of water distribution over the expected life of the improvement.

Examples of ineligible OM&R projects include:

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

Improving an existing facility to operate as originally designed.

Performing an activity on a recurring basis, even if that period is extended (e.g., 10-year interval).

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

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

Replacing broken meters with new meters of the same type.

Replacing leaky pipes with new pipes of the same type.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator listed in Section G: Agency Contacts prior to the application deadline for further information.

C.5. Length of Projects Generally, applicants should propose activities/projects that can be completed within 2 years from of the estimated project start date. Any proposal extending a project’s completion date beyond 2 years must explain the need for additional time.

Section D: Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package This NOFO contains all information required for submission of an application. Required forms may be accessed at https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-424-family.html.

If you are unable to access this information electronically, you can request paper copies of any of the documents referenced in this NOFO by contacting the Grants Management Specialist Chandrika Nasstrom:

By e-mail: cnasstrom@usbr.gov

By telephone: 702-293-8414

D.2. Content and Format of Application All applications must conform to the requirements set forth below.

D.2.1. Application Format and Length

Use the application checklist (pages ii and iii) and the following list to ensure the application is complete and properly formatted:

All pages must be consecutively numbered, including tables, appendices, and exhibits.

The font used should be easy to read and at least 11 point.

The Technical Proposal shall be limited to no more than 15, one-sided, single-spaced, 8½ by 11-inch pages. Oversized pages will not be accepted.

Federal forms (SF-424 [used as the cover page], Assurances [SF-424B or SF-424D, as applicable], Budget [SF-424A or SF-424C, as applicable], and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities [SF-LLL]), blank pages, title page, blueprints, appendices, environmental compliance documentation, budget narrative, funding plans, and table of contents pages do not count towards the 15-page limit.

Do not include a cover letter, organization literature, and/or brochures, nor place the proposal in binder or between plastic covers.

All applications will be prescreened for compliance with the page number limitations. If the Technical Proposal exceeds 15 pages, only the first 15 pages will be evaluated.

D.2.2. Required Application Content

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

D.2.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms

Type of Project Form Number Form Name Management / Conservation Plans Development

SOR

Design Demonstration Project

SF-424

Application for Federal Assistance

Management / Conservation Plans Development

SOR

Demonstration Project

SF-LLL

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Management / Conservation Plans Development

SOR

SF-424 A Budget Information (non-construction)

Management / Conservation Plans Development

SOR

SF 424 B

Assurances (non-construction)

Demonstration Project SF-424 Budget Information (construction)

Demonstration Project SF 424 D Assurances (construction)

The above forms may be obtained at https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-424-family.html.

D.2.2.2. Title Page

Provide a succinct, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work indicating the nature of the project. Include the applicant’s name and address, as well as the name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number of the project manager. Clearly identify the funding category for the project (i.e., Management / Conservation Plans Development, SOR, Design, or Demonstration Project).

This page does not count toward the 15-page limit.

D.2.2.3. Table of Contents

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

This section does not count toward the 15-page limit.

D.2.2.4. Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria

Executive Summary The Executive Summary should include:

Submission date, applicant name, city, county, and state.

A one-paragraph project summary that specifies the work proposed, including how project funds will be used to accomplish specific project activities, and briefly identifies how the proposed project contributes to accomplishing the goals of this NOFO (see Section C.3. Eligible Project Types).

A statement of the estimated length of time and completion date for the project.

Technical Project Description On a separate line, on the first page of the Technical Proposal, clearly identify which Task Area Component (see Section E.1.5. Table 2 - Evaluation Categories and Point Distribution) will be addressed through the proposed activity/project. To ensure the proposal receives the points it merits, applicants are strongly encouraged to explain how the proposed project relates to the Evaluation Criteria outlined in Section E.

Do not attempt to address all the criteria. Applicants must select one Task Area Component that most directly applies to the proposed activity/project and address the criteria for that single component. If a project has aspects of more than one area of emphasis, choose the one that best describes the primary purpose of the project.

Briefly discuss the background and location of the applicant’s organization. Identify the objective of the proposed project, and identify whether the project is a component of an approved conservation or management plan. Include a map showing the precise location of the proposed project.

Succinctly describe the technical work to be performed. Applicants should divide the proposed work into major tasks/milestones, and discuss the approach and evaluation techniques that will be used to accomplish the work. This discussion should provide sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal and its outcomes. Include engineering plans, designs, and analyses as appendices, as applicable. (Appendices do not count toward the application’s 15-page limit.) Multi-year applications should include such information for each year of the proposed activity.

Project Schedule Provide an anticipated schedule for each milestone (see Table 1) by identifying the anticipated start and end dates of all major stages/tasks/milestones of the proposed project. Explain any variations from proposed start dates shown in Section E.3., under Anticipated Award Date. Multi-year applications should include such information for each year of the proposed activity. Be sure to include any milestones for environmental and cultural reviews, if applicable.

Table 1 - Milestones

Milestone/Task/Activity Anticipated Award Date

Planned Start Date

Planned Completion Date

Evaluation Criteria Applicants may wish to ‘copy and paste’ the Evaluation Criteria and subcriteria listed in Section E into their application to ensure all necessary information is adequately addressed and easy to find. As identified above, the applicant should address criteria from a single Task Area Component that best pertains to the proposed project.

The Evaluation Criteria portion of the application should thoroughly address each criterion and sub-criterion listed in the order presented in Section E to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of the proposal.

D.2.2.5. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

To allow Reclamation to assess probable environmental and cultural resources impacts and costs associated with each application, all applicants must respond to the following list of questions focusing on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requirements. If the application is for planning, a SOR, or design, the environmental and cultural questions may not be applicable to that particular effort;

however, the applicant should address each question in terms as to how the concerns listed below will be addressed in the scheme of any future projects that may result from the current effort.

Proposals requiring ground-disturbing work must address the questions to the best of the applicants’ knowledge. If any question is not applicable to the project, please explain why.

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

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

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

When was the water delivery system constructed?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please contact a Reclamation regional or an area office within the LCB (https://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/g4000/wtrconsv.html) with questions regarding ESA compliance, or contact Ken Isakson at 702-293-8537 for further information.

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

Generally, if a building or structure is 50 years old or older, or if there is any ground disturbance such as could happen with some demonstration projects, assume some environmental compliance costs will be required in the budget. At a minimum, assume at least 2 percent of total cost of the project to cover environmental compliance. This amount can always be removed from the budget should the applicant be selected and compliance is determined not to be needed.

Under no circumstances may an applicant begin any ground-disturbing activities (including grading, clearing, and other preliminary activities) on a project before environmental compliance is complete and the Reclamation Grants Officer provides the recipient a written Notice to Proceed. This pertains to all components of the proposed project, including those that are part of the applicant’s non-Federal cost-share. An applicant that proceeds before environmental compliance is complete may risk forfeiting Reclamation funding under this NOFO.

D.2.2.6. Required Permits or Approvals

Applicants must state in the application whether any permits or approvals are required and explain the plan for obtaining such permits or approvals. Recipients shall adhere to Federal, state, territorial, tribal, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as applicable, and shall obtain all required approvals and permits. Recipients shall also coordinate and obtain approvals from site owners and operators.

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

D.2.2.7. Letters of Support

Include letters from interested stakeholders supporting the proposed project. To ensure the proposal is accurately reviewed, attach all letters of support/partnership as an appendix.

(Appendices do not count toward the application’s 15-page limit.) Letters of support received after the application deadline for this NOFO will not be included with the application.

D.2.2.8. Project Budget

The project budget must include:

Funding plan and letters of commitment Budget Budget narrative

Funding Plan and Letters of Commitment Describe how the non-Federal share of project costs will be secured. Reclamation will use this information in making a determination of financial capability.

Project funding provided by sources other than the applicant must be supported with letters of commitment from the additional sources. This is a mandatory requirement. Letters of commitment must identify the following elements:

The amount of the funding commitment.

The date the funds will be made available to the applicant.

Any time constraints on the availability of funds.

Any other contingencies associated with the funding commitment.

Commitment letters from third party funding sources should be submitted with the project application. If commitment letters are not available at the time of the application submission, please submit the commitment letters to Chandrika Nasstrom at the e-mail provided below. Proof of 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.

By e-mail: cnasstrom@usbr.gov

Reclamation will not make funds available for a financial assistance project until the recipient has secured non-Federal cost-share. Reclamation will execute a financial assistance agreement once non- Federal funding has been secured, or when Reclamation determines there is sufficient evidence and likelihood that non-Federal funds will be available to the applicant subsequent to executing the agreement. In no case will costs incurred prior to January 1, 2023, be considered for cost-share purposes.

The funding plan must include all project costs, as follows:

Describe what the applicant will contribute to the cost-share requirement, such as monetary and/or in-kind contributions and/or source funds contributed by the applicant (e.g., reserve account, tax revenue, and/or assessments).

Describe any in-kind costs incurred before the anticipated project start date sought to be included as project costs.

Identify what pre-award project expenses have been incurred and describe the amount of the expense. Include the benefit to the project and the date of cost incurrence.

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

Describe any funding requested or received from other Federal partners. Note, other sources of Federal funding may not be counted towards the 50 percent cost-share unless otherwise allowed by statute.

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

Please include the following chart (Table 2) to summarize the non-Federal and other Federal funding sources. Denote in-kind contributions with an asterisk (*). Please ensure the total Federal funding (Reclamation and all other Federal sources) does not exceed 50 percent of the total estimated project cost.

Table 2 - Summary of non-Federal and Federal funding sources

Funding sources Funding amount Non-Federal entities

Non-Federal subtotal:

Other Federal entities

Other Federal subtotal:

Requested Reclamation funding:

Total project funding:

Budget Format A budget estimate and budget narrative for your project are required. The information in the budget narrative must correspond to Section B of the SF-424A as shown in Table 3. All budgeted costs, including any costs that will be paid by the applicant or contributed by third-parties, must comply with the cost principles of 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles and be:

• Allowable (§ 200.403 Factors affecting allowability of costs),

• Allocable to the agreement (§ 200.405 Allocable costs) and

• Reasonable in amount (§ 200.404 Reasonable costs).

Table 1 - Budget Format

Budget Item Computation Quantity Type Cost $/Unit Quantity

6a. Personnel Employee 1 $ Employee 2 $

Subtotal $ 6b. Fringe Benefits Full-Time Employees $ Part-Time Employees $

Subtotal $ 6c. Travel Trip 1 $ Trip 2 $

Subtotal $ 6d. Equipment Item A $ Item B $

Subtotal $ 6e. Supplies Item A $ Item B $

Subtotal $ 6f. Contractual Contractor A $

Subtotal $ 6g. Construction

Subtotal $ 6h. Other Direct Costs Bureau of Reclamation Environmental and Cultural Compliance (if applicable)

Other

Subtotal $ Total Direct Costs $ Indirect Costs Type of rate percentage $base $

TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS $

*Other than personnel and fringe benefits costs, all construction-related costs should be included under Object Class Category 6g., Construction.

Budget Narrative A thorough budget narrative will aid the administrative review and processing of a recommended award. Amounts included in a budget and budget narrative are estimates; in the event of an award, payments will be based on actual expenditures. The following is guidance for your use in preparing a thorough budget narrative. The budget narrative provides a discussion of, or explanation for, items included in the above budget items. The guidance follows the order of the budget items. The Budget Detail and Narrative template (Attachment A) is a suggested format to present the breakdown of your estimated costs, by category, needed to accomplish project activities. If applicants choose not to use the Attachment A Budget Detail and Narrative template, ensure to provide a thorough written Budget Narrative per the Budget Narrative Guidance (Attachment B).

*Cost-share instructions: The budget must include at least the minimum Federal to non-Federal required cost-share. Cost-share encompasses all contributions to the project incurred and paid for during the project. This includes payments for personnel, supplies, equipment, activities and items necessary for the project. In-kind cost-share encompasses all third-party contributions to the project that do not involve a payment or reimbursement and represent donated items or services that are necessary to the performance of the project. This includes volunteer personnel hours, donated existing equipment, donated existing supplies, etc.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs Applicants must include a line item in their budget to cover environmental and cultural compliance costs. “Environmental compliance costs” refer to costs incurred by Reclamation or the recipient in complying with environmental and cultural regulations applicable to a WCFSP grant, including costs associated with any required documentation of environmental compliance and cultural analyses, permits, or approvals. Applicable Federal environmental and cultural laws could include NEPA, ESA, NHPA, and CWA, and other regulations depending on the project. Such costs may include, but are not limited to:

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

The cost incurred by Reclamation to determine the level of environmental and cultural compliance required for the project.

The cost incurred by Reclamation to review any environmental and cultural 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 this project. If performing nonground-disturbing work, such as planning, SOR, or design, the budget for environmental compliance will be minimal. However, it is necessary to address this section in terms of how it will be applied in the pre-project documentation and include environmental compliance cost for staff to evaluate what environmental compliance work needs to be completed in the project or program being designed. The minimum amount budgeted for environmental compliance should be equal to at least 2 percent of the total project costs for demonstration projects. If the amount budgeted is less than 2 percent of the total project costs, a compelling explanation of why less than 2 percent was budgeted must be included.

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 as appropriate.

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

(SAM)

All applicants (unless the applicant has an exception…