R24AS00059_Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects_NOFO_508_V3.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior July 2024

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R24AS00059

WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects 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 – Upgraded Automated Gate Structure, Bard Water, California.

Synopsis i

Synopsis

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

Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity Funding Opportunity Number:

R24AS00059

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.507

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Application due Date:

Application Period 1: Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time Application Period 2: Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time Application Period 3: Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time Application Period 4: Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Applicants eligible to receive financial assistance under this NOFO include:

Category A: States; Indian tribes; irrigation districts; water districts; state, regional, or local authorities, whose members include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and other organizations with water or power delivery authority.

Category B: Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A.

All 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.

Recipient Cost-Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

A non-Federal cost-share of at least 50% is required

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

$125,000 per applicant

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Approximately $12,000,000 is available under this program.

Approximately 150 projects will be funded for this NOFO, contingent on appropriations. Additional projects may be funded under this NOFO if additional funding becomes available.

Intergovernmental Review:

(See NOFO Sec. D.5)

An intergovernmental review may be required for applications submissions from a U.S. state or local government prior to submission. Applicants must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372.

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

Application Checklist iii

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-424A: Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs (OMB)

SF-424B: Assurances – Non-Construction Programs

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) registration 22

Technical Proposal (Use Project Narrative Attachment Form to upload in Grants.gov) 17

Budget Narrative (Use Budget Narrative Attachment Form to upload in Grants.gov) 18

Recommended Application Components: Page

Environmental and cultural resources compliance 18

Required permits or approvals 19

Overlap or duplication of effort statement 19

Conflict of interest disclosure statement 19

Uniform audit reporting statement 20

SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (required, if applicable) (OMB) 20

Letters of Support 21

Letter of partnership (Category B Applicants) 21

Official Resolution 21

Letter of Funding Commitment 21

Acronyms and Abbreviations v

Acronyms and Abbreviations ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee

CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability

Act CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act

Department U.S. Department of the Interior

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

FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System

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

MDT Mountain Daylight Time MST Mountain Standard Time

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

OM&R operations, maintenance, and replacement OMB Office of Management and Budget

P.L. Public Law

SAM System for Award Management SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and Automation SF Standard Form SPOC Single Point of Contact SWEP Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects

TAP Technical Assistance Program

Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation

U.S.C. United States Code UEI Unique Entity Identifier USD United States Dollars USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

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

Contents vii

Contents Page

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Authority A.2. Background, Purpose, and Program Requirements A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity 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. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date 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

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 (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) D.4. Submission Date and Time D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Funding Restrictions

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

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), as amended.

A.2. Background, Purpose, 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 provides support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (E.O. 14008) and aligned with other priorities, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (E.O. 13985). The WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects also support the goals of the Interagency Drought Relief Working Group established in March 2021 and the National Drought Resiliency Partnership. These grants will advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative. Established by E.O.

14008, the Justice40 Initiative has it made it a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. Federal agencies are using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool to help identify disadvantaged communities.1

1 For more information, see E.O. 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (Jan. 27, 2023), https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad; Justice40 Initiative, https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/; Addendum to the Interim Implementation Guidance for the Justice40 Initiative, M-21-28, on using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), M-23-09, (Jan. 27, 2023), https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/M-23-09_Signed_CEQ_CPO.pdf.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/M-23-09_Signed_CEQ_CPO.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/M-23-09_Signed_CEQ_CPO.pdf

A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Objectives

The objective of this NOFO is to invite States, Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on small-scale on-the-ground projects that seek to conserve, better manage, or otherwise make more efficient use of water supplies.

Proposed projects that are supported by an existing water management and conservation plan, System Optimization Review, or other planning effort led by the applicant are prioritized. This prioritization will help ensure that projects funded under this NOFO are well thought out, have public support, and have been identified as the best way to address water management concerns.

Reclamation has simplified the evaluation criteria and streamlined the application process for this category of WaterSMART Grants to ensure that the process works for smaller entities. Simplified evaluation criteria are intended to provide each applicant with an opportunity to succinctly explain how the proposed project would meet a defined need identified through a prior planning effort.

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities

Water and Energy Efficiency Grants. Reclamation provides funding for projects of projects that conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of hydropower; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the West.

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.

Environmental Water Resources Projects. Reclamation provides 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.

Planning and Project Design Grants. Reclamation provides 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.

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.

Under this NOFO, consideration will be given under Section E.1.1. Evaluation Criterion A—Project Benefits 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 local NRCS office for more information regarding NRCS assistance. You can find the contact information for your state NRCS office on the USDA’s website, https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/state-offices.

http://www.usbr.gov/waterSMART/ http://www.usbr.gov/native/programs/TAPprogram.html https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/state-offices

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Funding

This NOFO will allocate available program funds including fiscal year (FY) 2023, 2024, and 2025 enacted appropriations for WaterSMART Grants. The total amount of funding for awards under this NOFO will depend on the demand for funding under this and other categories of WaterSMART Grants. Applications submitted under this NOFO may also be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2024, FY 2025, or subsequently.

B.2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award: $125,000 Minimum Award: $0

A total of up to $125,000 in Federal funds may be awarded to an applicant. To be considered a small-scale project, total project costs cannot exceed $250,000. The budget proposal must include the cost of all equipment, materials and supplies, and labor or contractual costs to complete the installation of the project. Note: The Application Review Committee (ARC; See Section E.2.2. Application Review Committee) has final discretion to determine whether a project is “small-scale.”

Projects that have a total project cost totaling more than $250,000 should be submitted under the WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants NOFO. Reclamation will not award funding for the same activity under both this NOFO and Water and Energy Efficiency Grants NOFO.

Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration under this funding opportunity, provided that the project scopes are not duplicative. See Section C.3.1 Multiple Applications for more information.

B.3. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date

This NOFO covers four application periods.

Application Period 1: For applications submitted by the January 16, 2024, Deadline Anticipated Award Date: 10/31/2024 Anticipated Project Completion Date: 10/31/2026

Application Period 2: For applications submitted by the July 9, 2024, Deadline Anticipated Award Date: 03/31/2025 Anticipated Project Completion Date: 03/31/2027

Application Period 3: For applications submitted by the January 14, 2025, Deadline Anticipated Award Date: 10/31/2025 Anticipated Project Completion Date: 10/31/2027

Application Period 4: For applications submitted by the July 8, 2025, Deadline Anticipated Award Date: 03/31/2026 Anticipated Project Completion Date: 03/31/2028

B.4. Number of Awards

Approximately 40-50 awards per application period, depending on the amount requested by each applicant and the amount of Federal funding available will be awarded under this NOFO. 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. Federal Awarding 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, and 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 Western United States 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 U.S. 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 United States, 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 (50%) 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.2.3.12 Official Resolution and Section D.2.2.13 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.

http://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 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, provided that the project scopes are not duplicative.

No more than one award will be made to a Category A applicant per application period under this NOFO. Category B applicants may receive multiple awards for separate projects with different Category A partners.

C.3.2. Excluded Parties Reclamation conducts a review of the 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 Reclamation will provide funding for small-scale on-the-ground water efficiency projects which seek to implement work identified in an applicant’s water planning efforts. Please note that an agreement will not be awarded for an improvement to conserve irrigation water unless the applicant agrees to the terms of Public Law 111-11 §9504(a)(3)(B) of. See Section F.2.7. Requirements for Agricultural Operations under Public Law 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 https://sam.gov/content/exclusions https://sam.gov/content/exclusions https://sam.gov/content/exclusions

• Municipal Metering: Projects that install or upgrade meters including, but are not limited to installing end-user water service meters, e.g., for a residential or commercial building unit. One-time purchase of software, equipment, and training for meter monitoring can be included.

• 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.)

Note: This NOFO is not intended for projects to replace existing SCADA systems.

• Landscape Irrigation Measures: Projects that provide water savings by reducing outdoor water usage. These measures include turf removal, smart irrigation controllers and high-efficiency nozzles. 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 Installation of drought tolerant landscaping 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.

Other projects that are similar to those tasks listed above may be submitted for consideration and will be allowed to the extent that they are consistent with program authorization and goals.

Proposed projects should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to 12 months after the submission deadline for the application period.

C.5. Ineligible Projects Projects that are not eligible for funding under this NOFO include, but are not limited to:

C.5.1. Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement In accordance with Section 9504 of Secure Water Act, projects that are considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement (OM&R) are not eligible for funding under 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., 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 intended to improve facilities with inherent design and construction flaws

• Replacing broken meters with new meters of the same type

• Replacing leaky pipes with new pipes of the same type

• Completion of one-time leak detection surveys

Applicants that have questions regarding OM&R are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator (see Section G.2 Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact) 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 Ms. Maribeth Menendez at 303-445-2094 or mmenendez@usbr.gov.

mailto: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. Small Surface Water Storage Projects

Small surface water storage projects with a total estimated project cost of more than $10 million, or that is a phase of a larger project that exceeds $10 million, are not eligible under this NOFO. Applicants proposing such projects may wish to consider Reclamation’s Small Storage Program. See the Small Storage Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/smallstorage, for more information.

C.5.5. 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 or contact the Program Coordinator (see Section G.2 Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact).

C.5.6. 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.5.7. 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.5.8. 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.5.9. Removal and Prevention of Invasive Mussel Species Projects to remove or prevent the invasion or spread of invasive mussel species are not eligible under this NOFO. Reclamation provides funding for these projects under Reclamations Integrated Pest Management and Invasive Species Program. Please contact Cathy Cunningham, at ccunninham@usbr.gov, for additional information.

http://www.usbr.gov/drought https://www.usbr.gov/drought/ mailto:ccunninham@usbr.gov

C.5.10. Prescribed Burns Fuels management through prescribed burning is not eligible under this NOFO.

C.5.11. 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 Natural Resources Conservation Service (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 for further contact information in your area.

This NOFO does not preclude projects located on private land. Some project components may occur on private land, including on agricultural land, if they are part of a project with broader benefits to ecological value or watershed health.

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.5.13. Mine Remediation Projects Projects to complete remediation activities in or around a mine site are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

C.5.14. Projects to Adhere to Specific Regulatory Requirements Projects or elements of projects addressing specific regulatory requirements mandated by a state or Federal agency action or a court order, such as an order to remove a dam or a mitigation action required under an Endangered Species Act Habitat Conservation Plan, and project components that are required to comply with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), are not eligible for funding under this program. However, funding may be used to support more general activities, including recovery actions under the Endangered Species Act, or other actions that go beyond mandated mitigation requirement. For more information, contact the Program Coordinator listed in Section G.2 Reclamation Program Coordinator Contacts, prior to the application deadline.

C.5.15. Training, Education, and Outreach Activities General education activities, general stakeholder outreach, the implementation of citizen science training programs, or general staff training are not eligible under this NOFO.

C.5.16. 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.

Section D. Application and Submission Information

Section D. Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package

This document 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 set forth below.

D.2.1. Application Format and Length The technical proposal and criteria section (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 15 consecutively numbered pages. If this section exceeds 15 pages, only the first 15 pages will be evaluated. The full application, including all attachments, should not exceed 40 pages. If the application exceeds 40 pages, only the first 40 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 to be considered complete. To facilitate fair and timely reviews by the 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.2.6. 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/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.

Mandatory Federal Forms Note: Applications submitted by consultants must contain an SF-424 and SF-424B that is manually signed by an authorized representative of the entity applying. These forms are available at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.

SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance A fully completed SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance form 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 UEI.

SF-424 A Budget Information Form.

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

SF-424 B Assurances Form.

SF-424B Assurances – Non-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 15 pages) is mandatory and must be received by the application deadline. The technical proposal includes the executive summary, project location, technical project description, and evaluation criteria.

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.

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.

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

http://www.usbr.gov/watersmart http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

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.2.2.8. Letter of Partnership for additional information.

• A short 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, how those benefits relate to the water management issues you plan to address, and what planning document and objective the project supports. This information will be used to create a summary of your project for Reclamation’s website if the project is selected for funding.

Example: The Newton Water Users Association, located in northern Utah, will upgrade the Jones Pipeline from 1.1 miles of transit pipe to high density polyethylene or polyynyl chloride pipe. The project will also upgrade meters and isolation valves at 14 of the 28 customer turnouts along the Jones Pipeline. The upgrade will reduce seepage losses and enable the Association and stakeholders to better manage the water supply. The project will also make the Jones Pipeline compatible with the recently pressurized main canal and will enable agricultural customers to make future on-farm irrigation improvements.

The project meets the goals of the Association’s Water Management and Conservation Plan in 2015.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project (month/year). Note: Proposed projects should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to 12 months after the submission deadline for the application period.

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

Project Location Provide detailed information on the proposed project location or project area including a map showing the geographic location. For example, [project name] is located in [state and county] approximately [distance] miles [direction, e.g., northeast] of [nearest town]. The project latitude is [##°##’N] and longitude is [###°##’W].

Technical Project Description Provide a comprehensive description of the technical aspects of your project, including the scope of work to be accomplished and the approach for the on-the-ground project. This description should provide detailed information about the project materials and equipment including what is currently installed and a description of the upgrade being made. Include in your description the necessary site preparation, removal of materials, motorized and rotating equipment required for installation, site laydown and mobilization areas, and areas impacted by construction. This section provides an opportunity for the applicant to provide a clear description of the technical nature and installation process 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 Evaluation Criterion C—Implementation and Results. In addition, please avoid discussion of the benefits of the project, which are also requested in response to evaluation criteria. This section is solely intended to provide an understanding of the technical aspects of the project.

Please note, if the work for which you are requesting funding 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.

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

Copying and pasting the evaluation criteria and sub-criteria in Section E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria into your applications is suggested to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

D.2.2.3. Budget Narrative In the budget detail and narrative section, applicants should describe and justify requested budget items and costs. Applicants should provide details to support the SF-424A, “Object Class” categories or the SF-424C, “Cost Classification” categories. The budget narrative must clearly identify all items of cost (total estimated project cost), including those contributed as non-Federal cost share by the applicant (required and voluntary), third-party in-kind contributions, and those covered using the funding requested from Reclamation, and any requested pre-award costs.

The total project cost is the sum of all allowable items of costs, including all required cost sharing and voluntary committed cost sharing, including third-party contributions necessary to complete the project. Applicants must include detailed descriptions of all cost justifications (see Reclamation’s suggested format in Attachment B for more detail). Costs, including the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions, must comply with the applicable cost principles contained in 2 CFR, §200.

Please note: The Budget Narrative Attachment Form in Grants.gov is to be used to upload the budget proposal.

D.2.2.4. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance You should answer the questions from Section H.1. Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations in this section.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200

D.2.2.5. Required Permits or Approvals You should state in the application whether any permits or approvals are necessary and explain the plan for obtaining such permits or approvals.

Note that improvements to Federal facilities that are implemented through any project awarded funding through this NOFO must comply with additional requirements. 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.2.2.6. Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants should provide a statement that addresses if there is any overlap between the proposed project and any other active or anticipated proposals or projects in terms of activities, costs, or commitment of key personnel. If any overlap exists, applicants must provide a description of the overlap in their application for review.

Applicants should also state if the proposal submitted for consideration under this program does or does not in any way duplicate any proposal or project that has been or will be submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source—whether it be Federal or non- Federal. If such a circumstance exists, applicants must detail when the other duplicative proposal(s) were submitted, to whom (Agency name and Financial Assistance program), and when funding decisions are expected to be announced. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be duplicative of the funding requested from Reclamation, applicants must notify the NOFO point of contact or the Program Coordinator immediately.

D.2.2.7. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement Per 2 CFR §1402.112, “Financial Assistance Interior Regulation” applicants should state in the application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

Submission of a conflict-of-interest disclosure or certification statement is mandatory prior to issue of an award.

Applicability This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial assistance agreements.

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

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

Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The successful applicant is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by sub recipients.

Restrictions on Lobbying Non-Federal entities…