R24AS00052 FY24-FY25 WEEG NOFO_FINAL 270624.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior November 2023

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R24AS00052

WaterSMART Grants:

Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025

Mission Statements

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

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

Cover Photo – North Kern Irrigation District, Kern County, CA (Reclamation/Shelbie Neff)

Synopsis

Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Water Resources and Planning

Office

Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 and FY 2025

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity Number: R24AS00052

Assistance Listing Number: 15.507

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

This NOFO covers two application submittal periods:

• Application Period 1: Proposals received by mail prior to Thursday, February

22, 2024, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time or proposals submitted electronically in Grants.gov prior to Thursday, February 22, 2024, 4:00 p.m.

Mountain Daylight Time, will be considered for FY 2024 funding.

• Application Period 2: Proposals received by mail prior to Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Saving Time or proposals submitted electronically in Grants.gov prior to Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Saving Time, will be considered for FY

2025 funding.

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Applicants eligible to receive an award of financial assistance under this funding opportunity include:

Category A: States, Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts; any state, regional, or local authority whose members include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and other organizations with water or power delivery authority. All Category A applicants must be located in the Western United

States or United States Territories, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American

Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Category B: Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A. All Category B applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories identified above.

Recipient Cost-Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

50 percent or more of project costs (Note: this cost-sharing requirement is not applicable to American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin

Islands)

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Funding Group I: Up to $500,000 per agreement

Funding Group II: Up to $2,000,000 per agreement

Funding Group III: Up to $5,000,000 per agreement

Estimated Number of

Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Approximately 40-50 projects per application period, contingent on available funding.

Intergovernmental Review:

(See NOFO Sec. D.5)

This NOFO is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of

Federal Programs.”

https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html)

Application Checklist

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

✓ Mandatory Application Components: Page

Mandatory Federal forms:

• SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance (Office of Management and Budget

(OMB))

• SF-424C: Budget Information – Construction Programs (OMB)

• SF-424D Assurances - Construction Programs

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) registration 26

Technical Proposal (Use Project Narrative Attachment Form to upload in Grants.gov) 20

Budget Narrative (Use Budget Narrative Attachment Form to upload in Grants.gov) 23

✓ Recommended Application Components: Page

Environmental and cultural resources compliance 23

Required permits or approvals 23

Overlap or duplication of effort statement 23

Conflict of interest disclosure statement 24

Uniform audit reporting statement 25

SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (required, if applicable) (OMB) 25

Letters of Support 25

Letter of partnership (Category B Applicants) 25

Acronyms and Abbreviations

% percent § section

AFY Acre-Feet per Year AMI Advanced Metering Infrastructure ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee

BIL Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CEJST Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool CFR Code of Federal Regulations cfs/sf/day cubic feet of seepage per square feet of canal surface per day cfs/sf/mile cubic feet per second of canal flow per mile of canal CWA Clean Water Act

Department U.S. Department of the Interior

E.O. Executive Order EA Environmental Assessment EIN Employer Identification Number EIS Environmental Impact Statement EQIP Environmental Quality Incentives Program

ESA Endangered Species Act

FAIN Federal Award Identification Number FAQ Frequently Asked Questions FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission FGDC Federal Geospatial Data Committee FOIA Freedom of Information Act FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY Fiscal Year

GIS Geographic Information System

IBC Interior Business Center I.S.

LOPP Lease of Power Privilege

NAICS North American Industry Classification NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity

NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service

O&M Operation and Maintenance OM&R Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement OMB Office of Management and Budget

P.L. Public Law PSC Product Service Code

Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation

SAM System for Award Management SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

SF Standard Form

TAP Technical Assistance Program

UEI Unique Entity Identifier U.S. United States U.S.C. United States Code USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow West Western United States i

Contents Page

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description A.1 Authority A.2 Background and Program Requirements A.3 Notice of Funding Opportunity Purpose and Objectives A.4 Other Related Funding Opportunities A.5 Collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service

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

Section C: Eligibility Information C.1 Eligible Applicants C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching C.3 Other C.4 Eligible Projects C.5 Ineligible Projects C.6 Length of Projects

Section D: Application and Submission Information D.1 Address to Request Application Package D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission D.3 Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management D.4 Submission Date and Time D.5 Intergovernmental Review D.6 Funding Restrictions

Section E: Application Review Information E.1 Evaluation Criteria E.2 Review and Selection Process E.3 Federal Award Performance E.4 Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information F.1 Federal Award Notices F.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements F.3 Reporting Requirements and Distribution F.4 Disclosures F.5 Data Availability (2 CFR §1402.315) F.6 Freedom of Information Act

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

Section H: Other Information H.1 Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations

Appendix A. Benefit Quantification and Performance Measures ........................................... A-1

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A.1 Authority

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (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.2 Background and Program Requirements

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) 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 the Department’s 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 sustainability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts. WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants provide support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (E.O. 14008).

WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants will advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative. Established by E.O. 14008, the Justice40 Initiative has made it a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments, such as climate, clean energy, and other areas, flow to disadvantaged communities.1 Water and Energy Efficiency Grants also support the goals of the Interagency Drought Relief Working Group established in March 2021 and the National Drought Resiliency Partnership.

Drought conditions across the Western United States (West) impact a wide range of communities and sectors, including agriculture, cities, Tribes, the environment, recreation, hydropower producers, and others. The West is experiencing its worst drought this century—historic in both duration and severity—threatening to kill crops, spark wildfires, and harm public health.

Through WaterSMART, Reclamation provides financial assistance to water managers for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently and accomplish other benefits that contribute to the resilience and sustainability in the West.

Through Water and Energy Efficiency Grants, Reclamation provides financial assistance to support projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings, implement renewable energy components, and support broader sustainability benefits. Water and Energy Efficiency Grants are a component of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Grants Program, which also includes Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects. For further information on the WaterSMART Grants Program, please see www.usbr.gov/waterSMART/

1 For more information, see E.O. 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (Jan. 27, 2023), www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad;

Justice40 Initiative, www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/.

http://www.usbr.gov/waterSMART/ https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad http://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/

This Water and Energy Efficiency Grants NOFO provides funding for projects that result in quantifiable water savings, implement renewable energy components, and support broader sustainability benefits. These projects conserve and use water more efficiently;

increase the production of renewable energy; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to the resilience and sustainability in the Western United States and other areas.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about this NOFO can be found online at www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/weeg/faq.html. The list of FAQs will be updated periodically during the application period. For further information on WaterSMART Grants, please see www.usbr.gov/watersmart/weeg/index.html. For further information on the WaterSMART Program, please see www.usbr.gov/waterSMART/.

A.3 Notice of Funding Opportunity Purpose and Objectives

The objective of this NOFO is to invite eligible applicants (Section C.1) to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of renewable energy; mitigate conflict risk in areas with a high risk of future water conflict; enable farmers to make additional on-farm improvements in the future, including improvements that may be eligible for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funding; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the West.

A.4 Other Related Funding Opportunities

Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects. Reclamation provides funding for small-scale water management projects (up to $100,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Reclamation has developed a streamlined selection and review process to reflect the small-scale nature of these projects.

Drought Response Program. Reclamation provides funding to help build resilience to drought.

Through Drought Contingency Planning, Reclamation supports developing drought contingency plans with participation from a diverse set of stakeholders. Reclamation also provides funding for Drought Resiliency Projects that increase water supply flexibility and improve water management to build long term resilience to drought and are supported by an existing drought contingency plan.

http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/weeg/faq.html http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/weeg/index.html

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

Environmental Water Resources Projects. Reclamation provides cost-share funding for projects that focus on environmental benefits developed as part of a collaborative process to help carry out an established strategy to increase the reliability of water resources. Project types may include efforts such as water conservation and efficiency projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and benefit ecological values; water management or infrastructure improvements to mitigate drought-related impacts to ecological values; and watershed management or restoration projects benefitting ecological values that have a nexus to water resources or water resources management. The Federal share of the cost of an infrastructure improvement or activity may be up to 75 percent of the total project cost if certain conditions are met.

Planning and Project Design Grants. Reclamation provides cost-share funding for collaborative planning and design projects to support water management improvements. This includes funding for comprehensive Drought Contingency Plans; Water Strategy Grants to investigate and develop activities and projects supporting water marketing, water conservation, drought resilience, and ecological values; and Project Design Grants to conduct project-specific design for projects supporting water conservation, drought resilience, and ecological values. The Federal cost share of a project may be up to 50 or 75 percent depending on the project type.

Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program (TAP). Reclamation’s Native American Affairs TAP provides technical assistance to assist Indian Tribes to develop, manage, and protect their water and related resources. Cost sharing is not required and technical assistance requests must satisfy “Program Criteria.” Proposals are solicited via notices of funding opportunity, and successful proposals approved for funding can be found on Reclamation’s website at the address below.

For information on the funding opportunities listed above, visit the WaterSMART Program website at www.usbr.gov/waterSMART, or the Native American Affairs Program Technical Assistance Program website at www.usbr.gov/native/programs/TAPprogram.html.

A.5 Collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service

Reclamation and NRCS are collaborating to align program resources in areas of the West where our mission areas overlap to improve the impact of the agencies’ respective drought resiliency and water efficiency investments. Applicants under WaterSMART Grants receive additional consideration in the evaluation process for delivery system improvements that complement on-farm improvements supported by NRCS, such as those funded through their Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Contingent on available appropriations, NRCS provides dedicated EQIP funding to support on-farm water efficiency improvements by producers served by water delivery systems improved through a WaterSMART Grant.

Note: On-farm improvements themselves are not eligible activities for funding under this

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

http://www.usbr.gov/waterSMART/ http://www.usbr.gov/native/programs/TAPprogram.html

Under this NOFO, consideration will be given under Section E.1.5. Evaluation Criterion D— Complementing On-Farm Irrigation Improvements for proposals that describe on-farm efficiency work that is currently being completed or is anticipated to be completed in collaboration with NRCS in the area (e.g., with a direct connection to the district’s water supply).

Please contact your state NRCS office for more information regarding NRCS assistance. You can find the contact information for your State NRCS office on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website, www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/state-offices https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/state-offices https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/state-offices

Section B: Award Information

B.1 Total Funding

This NOFO will allocate available program funds including fiscal year (FY) 2024 and FY 2025 enacted appropriations for WaterSMART Grants and funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), P.L. 117-58 in FY 2024 and/or FY 2025. Funds made available under this NOFO are subject to the Buy America Act. Please see Section F.2.6. Buy America Domestic Procurement Preference and Section F.2.7. Additional Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Requirements: Wage Rate Requirements for additional information regarding the Buy America preference as well as Wage Rate Requirements (Davis Bacon Act).

The amount of funding available for awards under this NOFO will depend on the demand for funding under this and other categories of WaterSMART Grants. Any awards are subject to a determination by Reclamation that FY 2024 appropriations, FY 2025 appropriations, and/or BIL funds are available. Applications submitted under this NOFO may also be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2024, FY 2025, or subsequently.

Note: Category A applicants are limited to a total of $5,000,000 in Federal funding through this NOFO per Application Period. Category B applicants may be considered for multiple awards up to a total of $15,000,000 in Federal funding through this NOFO per Application Period, if the Category A partners are different for each project selected.

B.2 Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award: $5,000,000

Minimum Award: $0

The Federal share (Reclamation’s share in addition to any other sources of Federal funding) of any one proposed project shall not exceed 50 percent of the total project costs. Generally, the non-Federal share of project costs must be expended at the same or greater rate as the Federal share of project costs.

Applicants are invited to submit proposals under the following three funding groups.

B.2.1 Funding Group I

Up to $500,000 in Federal funds provided through this NOFO will be available for smaller on-the-ground projects that may take up to 2 years to complete (see Section C.6. Length of Projects for additional information).

B.2.2 Funding Group II

Up to $2,000,000 in Federal funds provided through this NOFO will be available for larger on-the-ground projects that may take up to 3 years to complete.

B.2.3 Funding Group III

Up to $5,000,000 in Federal funds provided through this NOFO will be available for larger on-the-ground projects that may take up to 3 years to complete.

Note: Reclamation may consider limiting the number of Funding Group III projects selected if funding is not adequate to support larger awards.

B.3 Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

B.3.1 Application Period 1

Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in Summer 2024 (or later if necessary), subject to the timing of final FY 2024 appropriations.

Anticipated Award Date: December 31, 2024

Anticipated Project Completion Date:

Funding Group I projects: December 31, 2026

Funding Group II projects: December 31, 2027

Funding Group III projects: December 31, 2027

B.3.2 Application Period 2

Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in spring 2025 (or later if necessary), subject to the timing of final FY 2025 appropriations.

Anticipated Award Date: October 31, 2025

Anticipated Project Completion Date:

Funding Group I projects: October 31, 2027

Funding Group II projects: October 31, 2028

Funding Group III projects: October 31, 2028

Section B: Award Information

B.4 Number of Awards

Approximately 40 to 50 awards, depending on the amount requested by each applicant and the amount of Federal funding available will be awarded under this NOFO, per application period.

More awards may be made if additional funding becomes available.

B.5 Type of Award

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 may include but is not limited to:

• 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.

B.6 Technical Assistance

By request, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award of the project. If you plan to receive Reclamation’s assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget. Technical assistance should be discussed with Reclamation staff prior to applying. To discuss available assistance and associated 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 this funding opportunity are described below.

C.1.1 Category A Applicants

• States, Tribes, irrigation districts, or water districts;

• State, regional, or local authorities, the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and

• Other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

All applicants must be located in the West or territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of

June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented; specifically: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

C.1.2 Category B Applicants

Nonprofit conservation organizations, that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A. All Category B applicants must be located in the U.S., or the specific territories identified above.

Category B applicants should include with their application a letter from the Category A partner stating that the Category A partner:

• Is acting in partnership with the applicant;

• Agrees to the submittal and content of the application; and

• Intends to participate in the project in some way, for example, by providing input, feedback, or other support for the project.

Note: Partners do not necessarily need to contribute cost share funding.

C.1.3 Ineligible Applicants

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

• Federal Governmental entities

• Individuals

• Institutes of higher education

C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 50 percent) or more of the total project costs at the time of award. If the proposal is unclear regarding non-Federal cost share amount and the proposal is selected for award, Reclamation will verify that non-Federal cost share requirements are met prior to award. Note: This cost sharing requirement is not applicable to American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands. The total project cost is defined as the total allowable costs incurred under a Federal award and all required cost share and voluntary committed cost share contributions, including third-party contributions.

Cost share may be made through cash, costs contributed by the applicant, or third-party in-kind contributions. Third-party in-kind contributions include the value of non-cash contributions of property or services that benefit the federally assisted project and are contributed by non-Federal third parties, without charge. 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.2.2.13 Official Resolution and Section D.2.2.14 Letters of Commitment for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost sharing requirements.

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

C.2.1 Cost Share Regulations

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

C.2.2 Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

Third-party in-kind contributions may be in the form of equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the proposed project. Applicants may not include as part of their cost-share for http://www.ecfr.gov/ projects funded under this NOFO the cost or value of third-party in-kind contributions that have been or will be relied on to satisfy a cost-sharing or matching requirement for another Federal financial assistance agreement, a Federal procurement contract, or any other award of Federal funds. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 Contributions and donations for regulations regarding the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions.

C.3 Other

C.3.1 Multiple Applications

Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration under this funding opportunity (for example, an applicant may submit a proposal for funding under Funding Group I and a separate proposal under Funding Group II). In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple project components, and the components are interrelated or closely related, you should combine these in one application. However, if the projects are only loosely related, you should submit them as separate applications.

Note: Category A applicants are limited to a total of $5,000,000 in Federal funding through this NOFO per Application Period. Category B applicants may be considered for multiple awards up to a total of $15,000,000 in Federal funding through this NOFO per Application Period, if the Category A partners are different for each project selected.

C.3.2 Excluded Parties

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

C.4 Eligible Projects

Projects eligible for funding under this NOFO are described below. Applications may include any one, or a combination, of the types of projects described. In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple projects (e.g., a piping project and a hydropower project) and the projects are interrelated or closely related, they should be combined in one application.

Proposed projects will be reviewed by the Program Office to determine whether the application is eligible for evaluation.

C.4.1 Water Conservation Projects https://sam.gov/content/exclusions

Water conservation projects resulting in quantifiable and sustained water savings or improved water management. Note: An agreement will not be awarded for an improvement to conserve irrigation water unless the applicant agrees to the terms of P.L. 111-11 §9504(a)(3)(B) of. See Section F.2.7. Requirements for Agricultural Operations under P.L. 111-11 §9504(a)(3)(D) of this NOFO for further information. Eligible water conservation projects include:

• Canal Lining/Piping: Projects that line or pipe canals, resulting in conserved water.

Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing new proven lining materials or technology o Converting open canals to pipeline o Improving existing conveyance and delivery infrastructure

Note: This NOFO is not intended for projects to replace municipal drinking water lines.

• Municipal Metering: Projects that install meters, resulting in measurable water savings.

Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing end-user water service meters, e.g., for a residential or commercial building unit

• Irrigation Flow Measurement: Projects that improve measurement accuracy and result in reduced spills and over-deliveries to irrigators. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing weirs, flumes, ramps, etc. in open channels o Installing meters in pressurized pipes

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Automation (SCADA): Projects that install SCADA and/or automation components that provide water savings when irrigation delivery system operational efficiency is improved to reduce spills, over-deliveries, and seepage. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Installing SCADA components that allow for remote monitoring of irrigation delivery system conditions (flow rates, water elevations, controls devices openings, etc.)

o Installing automation components that allow for remote operation of delivery system control features (gates, valves, turnouts, etc.)

• Landscape Irrigation Measures: Projects that provide water savings by reducing outdoor water usage. These measures include turf removal, Smart irrigation controllers (weather or soil-moisture based) and high-efficiency nozzles (sprinkler heads). These measures are typically promoted by water entities through rebates or direct-install programs, which are eligible for WaterSMART Grants funding. Projects include, but are not limited to:

o Removing turf o Installing Smart irrigation controllers o Installing high-efficiency nozzles (e.g., sprinkler heads)

• High-Efficiency Indoor Appliances and Fixtures: Projects that promote installation of high-efficiency indoor appliances and fixtures to provide water savings for municipal water entities where there is significant potential for replacing existing non-efficient indoor appliances and fixtures. This is typically promoted by water entities through rebates or direct-install programs, which are eligible for WaterSMART Grants funding.

• Commercial Cooling Systems: Projects to retrofit or replace large evaporative cooling units (cooling towers) to reduce consumptive water use and energy, such as conversion to air-cooled units or high-efficiency cooling towers.

C.4.2 Renewable Energy Projects

Projects that increase the use of renewable energy sources in managing and delivering water and/or projects that upgrade existing water management facilities resulting in quantifiable and sustained energy generation and/or savings.

Renewable energy projects related to water management and delivery include, but are not limited to:

• Developing new hydropower capacity by installing a new hydropower facility or uprating (i.e., increasing) the capacity of an existing hydropower facility

• Bringing existing mothballed hydropower capacity back online through facility investment

• Installing solar-electric, wind energy, or geothermal power systems (e.g., replacing fossil fuel powered pumps with renewable energy-based pumps)

Proposals including a renewable energy component typically require additional permitting not needed for other water management improvements (e.g., canal lining). In evaluating these proposals, Reclamation may consider the applicant’s progress in obtaining requisite permits – e.g., for hydropower projects, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license or a Reclamation Lease of Power Privilege (LOPP), depending on which is applicable. Applicants for a project including a renewable energy component are asked to include documentation of steps taken to date for obtaining requisite permits, as applicable.

Note: 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 Section F.2.8 Title to Improvements under PL: 111-11, §9504(a)(3)(D).

Applicants proposing renewable energy development may wish to contact the Program Coordinator listed in Section G. Agency Contacts, prior to the application deadline to discuss the requirements listed above.

C.5 Ineligible Projects

Any project not specifically described in Section C.4 Eligible Projects is not eligible under this NOFO. The following subsections further explain ineligible projects.

C.5.1 Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement

Projects that are considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement (OM&R) are not eligible. 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., a 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

• Completing one-time leak detection surveys

If you have questions regarding OM&R, contact the Program Coordinator, listed in Section G.

Agency Contacts, prior to the application deadline for further information.

C.5.2 Water Reclamation, Reuse, and Desalination

Water reclamation, reuse, and desalination projects are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

Entities seeking funding for these types of projects should consider Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and Drought Response Program. If you have questions about a water reclamation, reuse, or desalination project please contact Maribeth Menendez at 303-445-2094 or mmenendez@usbr.gov.

C.5.3 Injection Wells and Recharge Projects Primarily for Agricultural or

Municipal Benefits

Injection wells and recharge projects primarily for agricultural or municipal benefits are not eligible. Applicants proposing such projects should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought, for more information.

C.5.4 Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects

A project that proposes to construct surface water or groundwater storage is not eligible under this NOFO. Applicants proposing surface water or groundwater storage projects with a total estimated project cost of less than $10 million should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought, for more information.

Applicants proposing larger storage projects or a phase of a larger project that exceeds a total estimated cost over $10 million may wish to consider Reclamation’s Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Program (currently under development), for the planning, design and construction of small surface water and groundwater storage projects, authorized under P. L. 117-58 §40903. More information, including requirements for feasibility studies under this program, can be found at www.usbr.gov/recman/temporary_releases/cmptrmr-127.pdf.

mailto:mmenendez@usbr.gov http://www.usbr.gov/drought http://www.usbr.gov/drought/ http://www.usbr.gov/recman/temporary_releases/cmptrmr-127.pdf

C.5.5 Distribution Meters

A project that proposes to install distribution system meters associated with production and/or leakage quantification is not eligible under this NOFO.

C.5.6 Water Purchases

Applications to use Federal funding to purchase water are not eligible under this NOFO.

Applicants seeking funding to purchase water in a drought emergency should request emergency drought assistance under Reclamation’s Drought Response Program.

For more information about the requirements for receiving emergency drought assistance, please see www.usbr.gov/drought.

C.5.7 Land Purchase and Easements

Applications to use Federal funding for the purchase of land, or with the primary purpose to secure a permanent easement, are not eligible under this NOFO.

C.5.8 Building Construction

Applications to construct a building are not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or to promote public awareness of water conservation).

C.5.9 Pilot Projects

Applications to conduct a pilot study to evaluate technical capability, economic feasibility, or viability for full-scale implementation or to test an unproven material or technology are not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO.

C.5.10 On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Improvements

Projects to conduct on-farm irrigation efficiency improvements are not eligible under this NOFO. Applicants interested in on-farm improvements should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture and NRCS to investigate opportunities for Federal assistance. For more information on NRCS programs, including application deadlines and a description of available funding, please contact your local NRCS office or see www.nrcs.usda.gov/or further contact information in your area.

https://www.usbr.gov/drought/ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

C.5.11 Projects Receiving Other Federal Financial Assistance

Proposals for projects or activities that are funded under another Federal Financial Assistance agreement are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

C.5.12 New Conveyance Infrastructure for Municipal or Agricultural Water

Delivery

A project that proposes to construct new conveyance to allow for the distribution of additional or new water supplies for municipal or agricultural use is not eligible. Applicants proposing such projects should consider applying for funding under the WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Projects NOFO. See the WaterSMART Drought Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought/ for more information.

C.6 Length of Projects

In general, Funding Group I projects should be completed within two years of award. Funding Group II and Funding Group III projects should be completed within three years of award.

Applications for projects requiring more time will be considered for funding only under limited circumstances. For example, some hydropower project installations may require additional time to secure necessary permits.

Reclamation will determine the capability of an applicant to complete the proposed project within the timeframe identified in the application.

Proposed projects for Application Period 1 should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to December 31, 2024.

Proposed projects for Application Period 2 should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to October 31, 2025.

https://www.usbr.gov/drought/

Section D: Application and Submission

Information

D.1 Address to Request Application Package

This section contains all the information, forms, and electronic addresses required to submit an application. If you are unable to access this information electronically, you can request paper copies of any of the documents referenced in this NOFO by emailing the Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact identified in Section G.1.

D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

All applications must conform to the requirements described in this section.

D.2.1 Application Format and Length

The Technical Proposal (defined below in Section D.2.2.2) shall be limited to a maximum of 50 consecutively numbered pages. If this section of the application exceeds 50 pages, only the first 50 pages will be evaluated. The full application, including attachments, cannot exceed

125 pages. If the application exceeds 125 pages, only the first 125 pages will be considered in the evaluation.

The font shall be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ by 11 inches, including charts, maps, and drawings. Margins should be standard 1-inch margins.

Oversized pages will not be accepted.

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

D.2.2 Application Content

The application should include the items identified as Mandatory Application Components in the Application Checklist (located on page ii) to be considered complete. To facilitate fair and timely reviews by the Application Review Committee (ARC), it is highly recommended that application packages be structured in the order identified in the Application Checklist.

Applications will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this funding opportunity. A complete application must include all the items identified as Mandatory Application Components in the Application Checklist. Any application which fails to include these items will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

Following awards of funding, Reclamation may post successful applications on the Reclamation website, www.usbr.gov/watersmart after conducting any redactions determined necessary by Reclamation, in consultation with the successful applicant. See Section F.6 Freedom of Information Act.

D.2.2.1 Mandatory Federal Forms

The application must include the following standard Federal forms. Questions regarding forms should be referred to the Financial Assistance Point of Contact under Section G.1 Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact.

These forms are available at www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants.

D.2.2.1.1 SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance

A fully completed Standard Form (SF)-424: Application for Federal Assistance form that must be signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project must be submitted with the application. The SF-424 should include your organization’s valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

D.2.2.1.2 SF-424 C Budget Information Form

A fully completed SF-424 C Budget Information – Construction Programs must be submitted with the application.

D.2.2.1.3 SF-424 D Assurances Form

A SF-424 D Assurances – Construction Programs signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project must be submitted with the application.

D.2.2.2 Technical Proposal

Submission of a technical proposal (limited to 50 pages) is mandatory and must be received by the application deadline.

While an application will not be removed from consideration if the technical proposal does not address each of the following, it is highly recommended that applicants address each component listed below to ensure that your proposal is competitive.

D.2.2.2.1 Title Page

Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, e-mail address, and telephone of the Project Manager.

D.2.2.2.2 Table of Contents

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

http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart http://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants

Section D. Application and Submission Information

D.2.2.2.3 Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

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

• Please indicate whether you are a Category A applicant or Category B applicant. If you are a Category B applicant, please briefly explain how you are acting in partnership with a Category A partner. Note: If you are a Category B applicant, you must include a letter from the Category A partner confirming that they are partnering with you and agree to the submittal and content of the application (see Section C.1 Eligible Applicants). See Section D.2.2.12 Letter of Partnership for additional information.

• A one-paragraph project summary that provides the location of the project, a brief description of the work that will be carried out, any partners involved, expected benefits, and how those benefits relate to the water management issues you plan to address. Note:

This information will be used to create a summary of your project for our website if the project is selected for funding. For example, see the following description of a project selected for funding in FY 2023:

Example: The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, near Othello, will convert 24,483 feet of earthen canals to polyvinyl chloride pipelines to address seepage and evapotranspiration losses. The project is expected to result in annual water savings of 290 acre-feet, which will be used to offset existing groundwater pumping in an area with significant aquifer depletion and to enhance flows in the Columbia River.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project

(month/year).

• Whether or not the proposed project is located on a Federal facility.

D.2.2.2.4 Project Location

Provide specific information on the geographic location of the proposed planning area (e.g., watershed, basin, county) or location of the project being designed, including a map showing the geographic location. For example, [project name] is located in [county and state] approximately [distance] miles [direction, e.g., northeast] of [nearest town]. The project latitude is {##°##’N} and longitude is {###°##’W}.

D.2.2.2.5 Project Description

Provide a more comprehensive description of the technical aspects of your project, including the work to be accomplished and the approach to complete the work. This description should provide detailed information about the project including materials and equipment and the work to be conducted to complete the project. This section provides an opportunity for the applicant to provide a clear description of the technical nature of the project and to address any aspect of the project that reviewers may need additional information to understand.

Please do not include your project schedule and milestones here; that information is requested in response to the Readiness to Proceed criterion described in Section E.1.6. In addition, please avoid discussion of the benefits of the project, which are also requested in response to evaluation criteria described in Section E.1. This section is solely intended to provide an understanding of the technical aspects of the project.

Note: If the work you are requesting funding for is a phase of a larger project, please only describe the work that is reflected in the budget and exclude description of other activities or components of the overall project.

D.2.2.2.6 Evaluation Criteria

Section E.1 Evaluation Criteria provides a detailed description of each criterion and subcriterion and points associated with each. The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each criterion and subcriterion in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your proposal.

Copying and pasting the evaluation criteria and subcriteria in Section E.1. Technical

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

D.2.2.2.7 Performance Measures

Provide a brief summary describing the performance measure that will be used to quantify actual benefits upon completion of the project (e.g., water saved or better managed, energy generated or saved). For more information calculating performance measure, see Appendix A: Benefit Quantification and Performance Measure Guidance.

All…