R24AS00145 FY24 CPN WCFSP NOFO.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R24AS00145

Water Conservation Field Services Program: Financial Assistance for Fiscal Year 2024

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: Cold Springs Dam, Oregon (Reclamation)

Synopsis Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Columbia-Pacific

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

Year 2023 Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Funding Opportunity Number:

R24AS00145

Assistance Listing Number: 15.530 Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Application due date:

Friday, February 29, 2024, 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Applicants eligible to receive financial assistance to fund activities under this NOFO include: Irrigation and water districts, Tribes, and state governmental entities with water delivery authority and a defined relationship to one or more authorized Bureau of Reclamation Project(s) located within the Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region

Recipient Cost-Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

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

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Up to $50,000 per applicant

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Approximately $250,000 is available under this program.

Approximately 5 to 8 projects per application submittal period, contingent on appropriations.

Intergovernmental Review:

(See NOFO Sec. D.5)

This NOFO is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” A list of states that have elected to participate in the intergovernmental review process is at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13- 20.pdf.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf

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

What to submit Required content Form or format

Mandatory Federal Forms:

Application for Federal Financial Assistance

Budget Information

Assurances

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

See Sec. D.2.2.1 SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B (if necessary), SF-424D (if necessary), and SF-LLL www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Technical proposal:

Title page

Table of contents

Executive summary

Background data

Project description

See Sec. D.2.2.2 --

Evaluation criteria See Sec. E.1 --

Project Budget: See Sec D.2.2.3 --

Budget proposal

Funding plan

Budget narrative

Environmental and cultural resources compliance

See Sec. D.2.2.4 --

Required permits or approvals See Sec. D.2.2.5 --

Overlap or duplication of effort statement See Sec. D.2.2.6

Conflict of interest disclosure statement See Sec. F.4.1

Uniform audit reporting statement See Sec. D.2.2.7

Certification regarding lobbying See Sec. D.2.2.1

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.8 --

Official Resolution See Sec. D.2.2.9 --

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 --https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Acronyms and Abbreviations Acronym or Abbreviation Description

ARC Application Review Committee ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments CFR Code of Federal Regulations DOI Department of the Interior

DUNS Data Universal Numbering System E.O. Executive Order FY fiscal year

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity

P.L. Public Law SAM System for Award Management

SCADA supervisory control and data acquisition SOR System Optimization Review

SPOC Single Point of Contact U.S.C. United States Code UEI Unique Entity Identifier

WCFSP Water Conservation Field Services Program

Contents 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

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. Ineligible Applicants C.3. Cost Sharing Requirements C.4. Other C.5. Eligible Projects C.6. 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 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. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria E.2. Review and Selection Process

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

Section G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts G.1. Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

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 111-11 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 10364).

A.2. Background and Program Requirements

The Department of the Interior’s (DOI’s) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations in support of DOI priorities. Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with states, Tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply reliability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts. The Water Conservation Field Services Program (WCFSP) provides support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 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).

Drought conditions across the western United States impact a wide range of communities and sectors, including agriculture, cities, Tribes, the environment, recreation, hydropower producers, and others.

Reclamation established the WCFSP in 1996 to encourage recipients of water from Federal water projects to conserve water and to assist agricultural and urban water districts in preparing and implementing water conservation plans in accordance with the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982. Through the WCFSP, Reclamation makes cost-shared financial assistance available for developing water conservation plans, designing water management improvements, identifying water management improvements through System Optimization Reviews (SORs), and improving the understanding of water conservation techniques through demonstration activities.

This WCFSP NOFO provides funding for projects that result in water management improvements. These projects support water managers in activities to plan, prioritize, and design projects that conserve and use water more efficiently; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the Western United States.

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

For further information on the WCFSP, please see https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/wat/fieldservices.html.

A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Purpose and Objectives

This NOFO’s objective is to invite eligible applicants located in the geographic area covered by Reclamation’s Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region to leverage their money and resources by cost-sharing water conservation planning with Reclamation to make more efficient use of existing water supplies.

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities

For information on the NOFOs listed here, please visit www.usbr.gov/watersmart/.

Reclamation provides funding for other related projects through several other programs under WaterSMART.

• The WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects program provides cost-shared financial assistance for small-scale water management projects (up to $100,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been identified through previous planning efforts.

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

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

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

• The Planning and Project Design Grants program provides cost-shared financial assistance for collaborative planning and design projects to support water management improvements. This includes funding for: (1) Water Strategy Grants to conduct planning activities to improve water supplies (e.g., water supplies to disadvantaged communities that do not have reliable access to water, water marketing, water conservation, drought https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/ https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/wat/fieldservices.html https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/ resilience, and ecological resilience); (2) Project Design Grants to conduct project-specific design for projects to improve water management; and (3) comprehensive Drought Contingency Plans (up to $400,000 in Federal funding for each project).

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Funding

Approximately $250,000 is available for this NOFO, with per-project limits as described in Section B.2. Expected Award Amount. Reclamation will determine the final amount of Federal funding available for award under this NOFO once final fiscal year (FY) 2024 appropriations have been made. This NOFO may be canceled if appropriations are insufficient to support new awards.

Applications submitted under this NOFO may also be considered if other Federal funding becomes available in or after FY 2024.

B.2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award: $50,000

Minimum Award: $0

The maximum award amount in Federal funds may be awarded to an applicant over the 2-year project window period. An applicant may submit more than one application and may be selected for multiple grants. A maximum of $100,000 per entity per year in Federal funding may be allocated to proposals awarded funding under this NOFO. See Section C.2. Cost Sharing Requirements for cost share information.

B.3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in Spring 2024, subject to the timing of final FY 2024 appropriations.

Anticipated Award Date: August 31, 2024

Anticipated Project Completion Date: August 31, 2026

B.4. Number of Awards

Approximately five to eight awards will be awarded under this NOFO, depending on the amount requested by each applicant and the amount of Federal funding available.

Section B. Award Information

B.5. Type of Award

Project awards will be made through grants or cooperative agreements.

Under cooperative agreements, the successful applicant should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the project:

• Collaboration and participation with the successful applicant in the management of the project and close oversight of the successful applicant’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

At your request, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award of the project. If you receive Reclamation’s assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget. To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact the program coordinator identified in Section G.

Federal Awarding Agency Contacts.

Section C. Eligibility Information

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include any state, Tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority located in Reclamation’s Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region.

C.2. Ineligible Applicants

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

• Federal governmental entities

• Individuals

• Institutes of higher education

• 501(c)6 organizations

C.3. Cost Sharing Requirements

Under this NOFO, applicants must be capable of contributing 50 percent or more of the total project costs. See Section D.2.2.3. Project Budget for information on reporting cost-share funding in your application. All cost-share contributions must meet the applicable administrative and cost principles criteria established in 2 CFR Part 200.

C.4. Other

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.5. Eligible Projects

The following activities are eligible for funding under the WCFSP. Applicants can submit one application for funding per activity.

https://sam.gov/content/exclusions https://sam.gov/content/exclusions

C.5.1. Water Management and Conservation Planning Water management and conservation plans provide entities an opportunity to document data on current water supply and demand, prepare a forecast for future water demands, identify water conservation goals, and determine conservation measures (e.g., cost/pricing of water, water accounting, landscape efficiency, information and education, water use regulation). Water conservation plans may be modeled after plans described in the Reclamation document titled Achieving Efficient Water Management: A Guidebook for Preparing Agricultural Water Conservation Plans, Second Edition (2000), available at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/wat/publications/guidemstr.pdf.

C.5.2. System Optimization Review A System Optimization Review (SOR) is used to assess the potential for water management improvements and to identify a plan of action that contains recommendations for implementing specific improvements that have the potential to enhance water management. The review can include an analysis of the entire water delivery system, district, or watershed, or a portion thereof. SORs are intended to take a broad look at system-wide efficiency and are not focused on single project-specific planning.

An SOR comprises the following actions:

• Gather information.

• Identify, describe, and prioritize water management issues.

• Establish goals.

• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize potential improvement projects that could mitigate the identified issues and accomplish goals.

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

o As part of the evaluation, efforts to better quantify the associated benefits of the proposed improvement projects are eligible subtasks (e.g., soil infiltration tests, required monitoring activities).

If an applicant’s previous planning efforts have addressed some of the components identified above, the applicant can propose funding for the remaining components for a complete system analysis. The SOR Final Report will serve as the final product of the SOR analysis and will summarize the analysis performed.

C.5.3. Designing Water Management Improvements Upon completion of prior planning efforts (e.g., Water Management and Conservation Plan, SOR) to identify solutions for water management issues, this activity provides funding to design identified water management improvement projects. This activity includes the necessary preliminary work in preparation of the design, such as surveying and gathering of pertinent site-https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/wat/publications/guidemstr.pdf specific information (e.g., hydraulic head available at site, soil testing, determination of groundwater level). Eligible subtasks under this activity also include peer-review for the design;

development of a cost estimate, including scoping the costs for regulatory compliance activities (e.g., environmental, cultural); and identification of necessary regulatory requirements (e.g., permits). Land/title acquisition and environmental/cultural resources compliance work are not eligible under this activity.

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

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

• Design for lining of a canal with proven materials or technology, resulting in conserved water (i.e., reducing/eliminating seepage).

• Design of weirs, flumes, ramps, and other irrigation flow measurement devices in an open channel.

• Design of control structures for an irrigation system (e.g., check structures, drop structures, diversion structures).

• Design for installation of meters within a distribution system, resulting in better water management (i.e., leakage quantification).

• Design for system implementation of supervisory control and data acquisition and automation (SCADA) components intended to result in better water management (i.e., reductions in spills, over-deliveries, and/or seepage).

• Design of irrigation system regulating reservoirs for better management of water supply (i.e., reduced spills, more flexibility in water delivery operations, excess water interception at end of system).

C.5.4. Demonstrating Conservation Projects Technologies Demonstration activities are those that include the installation or application of a specific technology in a new way, or in a new setting, with the intent of reporting the results to others for wider adoption. The activities should demonstrate innovative technologies in water conservation to increase technical understanding of unfamiliar water management and practices that have been previously used locally.

C.6. Ineligible Projects

Proposals for the development of planning studies are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.

This includes proposals for the development of appraisal investigations, feasibility studies, special studies, drought contingency plans, Basin Studies, studies authorized under the Title XVI Water Recycling and Reuse Program, or studies authorized under the Rural Water Program.

Section D. Application and Submission Information

Section D. Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package

This document contains all information, forms, and electronic addresses required to obtain the information 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 Grants Officer Nate Moeller at nmoeller@usbr.gov.

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 total technical proposal and criteria section (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 10 consecutively numbered pages. If this section exceeds 10 pages, only the first 10 pages will be evaluated. 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 must include the following elements to be considered complete:

• Mandatory Federal Forms o SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance o SF-424A Budget Information o SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Activities (if applicable) o SF-424D Assurances for Construction Activities (if necessary) o SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)

These forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.

• Title page mailto:nmoeller@usbr.gov http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to 10 pages) o Executive summary o Project location, including a map and latitude/longitude coordinates o Technical project description o Evaluation criteria

• Project budget o Funding plan and letters of funding commitment o Budget proposal o Budget narrative

• A description of environmental and cultural resources compliance needs, if applicable

• Required permits or approvals

• Letters of support for the project and letters of participation (will not count towards the page limitation)

• Official resolution (will not count towards the page limitation)

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 above.

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. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts.

• SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance: A fully completed SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project must be submitted with the application. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration. For application purposes, an SF-424 can used for both construction and non-construction projects.

• SF-424A Budget Information: A fully completed SF-424A Budget Information form must be submitted with the application.

• SF-424B Assurances: A SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs form signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project shall be included. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424B may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

• SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities: If you request more than $100,000 in Federal funding, you must certify that all statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying are true. The Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form also represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR §18 and 31 USC §1352.

A fully completed and signed SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities is required if the applicant has made or agreed to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action. Note: this form cannot be submitted by a contractor or other entity on behalf of an applicant.

D.2.2.2. Technical Proposal Content

The technical proposal must include the following:

• 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.

• Problem Statement: Describe the problem to be solved by the proposed project, including why current approaches or technologies are insufficient and how the proposed approach or technology improves on current shortcomings. Describe how the proposed work aligns with one or more of the objectives shown in Section A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Purpose and Objectives.

• Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria: The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (limited to 10 pages) should include:

o Executive summary, which includes:

A one-paragraph project summary that briefly describes the project, the area the project covers, and the project’s connection to Reclamation activities.

The length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project (month/year).

Whether the proposed planning efforts are focused on a Federal facility or will involve Federal land.

o Project location, including a map showing geographic location o Technical project description: Provide a clear description of the scope of the project and how it is to be accomplished. This should address activity tasks and discuss the approach and evaluation techniques that will be used to accomplish the project. The benefit(s) and outcome(s) of the project should be discussed, http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 including the ways that the project could lead to improved water reliability and/or a reduction in potential conflict between water users. This discussion should support a comprehensive evaluation of the application and its outcome. See the evaluation criteria for each funding category in Section E.1 for more information regarding the specific project components or outcomes that should be described in the technical description.

o Evaluation criteria: Section E.1. Technical Proposal: 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 applicable evaluation criteria and sub-criteria in Section E.1. Technical Proposal:

Evaluation Criteria into your application is suggested to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

• Work Plan and Schedule: Provide a list of the activities required to complete the project and their estimated completion dates, including the start and end dates and general milestones. Provide sufficient details to show that the project can reasonably be completed within the proposed schedule. In general, projects funded under this NOFO should be completed within 2 years of award. Clearly and concisely convey this schedule using a table, Gantt chart, project network diagram, or any other visual format of non-disrupted data collection. Time for final report preparation as described in Section F.3.

Reporting Requirements and Distribution should be included in the work plan.

D.2.2.3. Project Budget

Pre-award costs will not be allowed for projects awarded from this funding opportunity.

Please note that the costs for preparing and submitting an application in response to this NOFO, including developing data necessary to support the proposal, are not eligible project costs under this NOFO and must not be included in the project budget. In addition, budget proposals must not include costs for the purchase of water or land, or to secure an easement other than a construction easement. These costs are not eligible project costs under this NOFO.

Budget Proposal and Funding Plan 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, that are necessary to complete the project. Please include the following chart (Table 1) to summarize all funding sources. Denote in-kind contributions with an asterisk (*).

Table 1. Summary of Non-Federal and Federal Funding Sources

FUNDING SOURCES AMOUNT

Non-Federal Entities

1.

2.

3.

Non-Federal Subtotal

REQUESTED RECLAMATION FUNDING

The budget proposal should include detailed information on the categories listed below and must clearly identify all items of cost, including those that will be contributed as non-Federal cost-share by the applicant (required and voluntary), third-party in-kind contributions, and those that will be covered using the funding requested from Reclamation, and any requested pre-award costs (Table 2).

Table 2. Total Project Costs

SOURCE AMOUNT

Costs to be reimbursed with the requested Federal funding $

Costs to be paid by the applicant $

Value of third-party contributions $

TOTAL PROJECT COST $

Budget Narrative Submission of a budget narrative is mandatory. An award will not be made to any applicant who fails to fully disclose this information. The budget narrative provides a discussion of, or explanation for, items included in Section B of the SF-424A. The types of information to describe in the narrative include, but are not limited to, those identified in the Budget Narrative Guidance attached to this NOFO. Applicants may elect to use the Budget Detail and Narrative spreadsheet for their budget narrative. Costs, including the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions, must comply with the applicable cost principles contained in 2 CFR Part 200, available at the Electronic CFR (www.ecfr.gov).

In addition, please identify whether the budget proposal includes any project costs that may be incurred prior to award. For each cost, describe:

• The project expenditure and amount

• The date of cost incurrence

• How the expenditure benefits the project http://www.ecfr.gov/

D.2.2.4. Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

Reclamation is required to address environmental and cultural resources compliance for all financial assistance provided by the WCFSP. Compliance for most WCFSP-supported activities can be accomplished with a Categorical Exclusion Checklist. All projects being considered for award funding will require compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. Applicants shall adhere to Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as applicable, and shall obtain all required approvals and permits.

Compliance with all applicable state, Federal, and local environmental, cultural, and paleontological resources protection laws and regulations is also required. Environmental compliance costs are part of the project cost share. An applicant that proceeds before environmental compliance is complete may risk forfeiting Reclamation funding under this

NOFO.

D.2.2.5. Required Permits or Approvals

You must state in the application whether any permits or approvals are required 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. 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. Please see P.L. 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(B). Reclamation may also require additional reviews and approvals prior to award to ensure that any necessary easements, land use authorizations, or special permits can be approved consistent with the requirements of 43 CFR Section 429 and that the development will not impact or impair project operations or efficiency.

D.2.2.6. Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement

Applicants must 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 must 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 Federal or non-Federal funding source. 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. Uniform Audit Reporting Statement

All U.S. states, local governments, Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments and non-profit organizations expending $750,000 in U.S. dollars or more in Federal award funds in your organization’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System in accordance with 2 CFR Section 200 subpart F. U.S. state or local governments, Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, and non-profit applicants must state whether your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the Employer Identification Number (EIN) associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

D.2.2.8. Letters of Support

Please include letters from interested stakeholders supporting the proposed project. To ensure your proposal is accurately reviewed, please attach all letters of support/partnership letters as an appendix. Letters of support received after the application deadline for this NOFO will not be considered in evaluating your proposed project. These letters do not count within the 10-page maximum.

D.2.2.9. Official Resolution

Include an official resolution adopted by your organization’s board of directors or governing body, or, for state government entities, an official authorized to commit the applicant to the financial and legal obligations associated with receipt of a financial assistance award under this NOFO, verifying:

• The identity of the official with legal authority to enter into an agreement

• The board of directors, governing body, or appropriate official who has reviewed and supports the application submitted

• That your organization will work with Reclamation to meet established deadlines for entering into a grant or cooperative agreement

An official resolution meeting the requirements set forth above is mandatory. If you are unable to submit the official resolution by the application deadline because of the timing of board meetings or other justifiable reasons, the official resolution may be submitted to Nate Moeller up to 10 days after the application deadline. This resolution does not count within the 10-page maximum.

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

D.3.1. Register with the System for Award Management Register on the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) website. The Help tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx mailto:nmoeller@usbr.gov https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

Applicant Registration page also provides detailed instructions. You can also contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been to the entity’s IRS information.

Reclamation will not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Reclamation is ready to make an award, Reclamation may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

Applicants registering in SAM.gov before April 2022 may still be required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number prior to completing the registration process within SAM.gov. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See Section D.3.2 below for more information on SAM.gov registration.

There is no cost to register with Dun & Bradstreet or SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with Dunn & Bradstreet and SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

D.3.2. Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier Number You are required to register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which has replaced the DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. In April 2022, the Federal Government stopped requiring DUNS numbers. At that point, entities doing business with the government began to use the UEI created in SAM.gov in place of a DUNS number. A UEI will be assigned to entities upon registering with SAM.

D.4. Submission Date and Time

Due Date for Applications: Friday, February 29, 2024, 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time

The submission deadline for applications submitted by mail, overnight delivery, or courier is

February 29, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. MDT.

Proposals received after the application deadline will not be considered unless it can be determined that the delay was caused by Reclamation or there were technical issues with the Grants.gov application system. Note that difficulties related to an applicant’s Grants.gov profile (e.g., incorrect organizational representative), uploading documents to Grants.gov, or an applicant’s SAM.gov registration are not considered technical issues with the Grants.gov system.

If for any reason applicants are unable to submit their application through Grants.gov, they may provide a paper copy of their full application by mail or courier.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.dnb.com/ https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update

D.4.1. Application Delivery Instructions The applications may be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) or a hard copy may be submitted to the following address. We strongly encourage you to use Grants.gov to submit your proposal if possible. Under no circumstances will applications received through any other method (such as e-mail or fax) be considered eligible for award.

By mail, United States Postal Service overnight services, express delivery, or courier services:

Bureau of Reclamation Columbia-Pacific Northwest Regional Office 1150 North Curtis Rd Boise, ID 83706 Attn: Nathan Moeller (CPN-7309)

D.4.2. Instructions for Submitting the Project Application Each applicant should submit an application in accordance with the instructions contained in this section.

D.4.2.1. Applications Submitted by Mail, Express Delivery or Courier Services

Please follow these instructions to submit your application by mail, express delivery, or courier services.

• Applicants should submit one copy of all application documents for hardcopy submissions. Only use a binder clip for documents submitted. Do not staple or otherwise bind application documents.

• Hard copy applications may be submitted by mail, express delivery, or courier services to the address identified in this NOFO.

• Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package and may result in the application being rejected or not funded. This does not apply to letters of support, funding commitment letters, or official resolutions.

• Faxed and e-mailed copies of application documents will not be accepted.

• Do not include a cover letter or company literature/brochure with the application. All pertinent information must be included in the application package.

D.4.2.2. Applications Submitted Electronically

Electronic applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications for funding electronically through www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. Applicant resource documents and a full set of http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html instructions for registering with Grants.gov and completing and submitting applications online are also available at: www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

• Please note that submission of an application electronically requires prior registration through Grants.gov, which may take 7 to 21 days. Please see registration instructions at www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. In addition, please note that the Grants.gov system only accepts applications submitted by individuals that are registered and active in SAM as both a user and an Authorized Organizational Representative.

• Applicants have experienced significant delays when attempting to submit applications through Grants.gov. If you plan to submit your application through Grants.gov, you are encouraged to submit your application several days prior to the application deadline. If you are a properly registered Grants.gov applicant and encounter problems with the Grants.gov application submission process, you must contact the Grants.gov Help Desk to obtain a case number. This case number will provide evidence of your attempt to submit an application prior to the submission deadline.

Regardless of the delivery method used, you must ensure that your proposal arrives by the date and time deadline stated in this NOFO. Applications received after this date and time due to weather or express delivery/courier performance will not be considered for award. Late applications will not be considered unless it is determined that the delay was caused by Reclamation mishandling or technical issues with the Grants.gov application system. Please note that difficulties related to an applicant’s Grants.gov profile (e.g., incorrect organizational representative), uploading documents to Grants.gov, or an applicant’s SAM registration are not considered technical issues with the Grants.gov system.

D.4.2.3. Acknowledgement of Application Receipt

If an application is submitted by mail, express delivery, or courier, Reclamation will notify you via e-mail that your application was received.

If an application is submitted through Grants.gov, you will receive an e-mail acknowledging receipt of the application from Grants.gov. In addition, you will receive an email acknowledgement when your application is successfully downloaded from Grants.gov.

D.5. Intergovernmental Review

This NOFO is subject to E.O. 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” A list of states that have elected to participate in the intergovernmental review process are listed on the Office of Management and Budget’s website, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf.

Applicants in these states must contact their state’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to find out about and comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372. The names and addresses of the SPOCs are also listed on the Office of Management and Budget’s http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html website, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/ 2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf.

D.6. Funding Restrictions

D.6.1. Indirect Costs You may include indirect costs that will be incurred during the development or construction of a Project, which will not otherwise be recovered, as part of your Project budget. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable cost principles for your organization. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

If you have never received a Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, your budget may include a de minimis rate of up to 10 percent of modified total direct costs. For further information on modified total direct costs, refer to 2 CFR Section 200.68.

If you do not have a Federally approved indirect cost rate agreement and are proposing a rate greater than the de minimis 10 percent rate, include the computational basis for the indirect expense pool and corresponding allocation base for each rate. Information on “Preparing and Submitting Indirect Cost Proposals” is available from the Department’s Interior Business Center, Office of Indirect Cost Services, at https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS.

If the proposed project is selected for award, the successful applicant will be required to submit an indirect cost rate proposal with their cognizant agency within 3 months of award. The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget. If the Department of the Interior (DOI) is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the IBC by phone (916) 930-3803 or email at ICS@ibc.doi.gov. Visit their website https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS, for information regarding email submission forms.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award. Recipients may not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS mailto:ICS@ibc.doi.gov https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS

Section E. Application Review Information

Section E. Application Review Information

E.1. Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria portion should be addressed in the technical proposal section of the application. Applications should thoroughly address each criterion and any sub-criterion in the order presented below. Applications will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria listed below.

If the work described in your application is a phase of a larger project, only discuss the benefits that will result directly from the work discussed in the technical project description and that is reflected in the budget, not the larger project.

E.1.1. Water Management and Conservation Planning Evaluation Criteria Points

A — Association with Reclamation project water supplies 30

B — Extent to which the completed activity will improve the applicant’s ability to modernize their existing water delivery infrastructure

C — Extent to which Federal funding would promote completion of an activity that might otherwise be delayed or postponed

D — Reasonableness of cost 10

F — Amount and sources of non-Federal funding 5

G — Presidential and Department of the Interior Priorities (see Section E.1.5) 10

E.1.2. System Optimization Reviews Evaluation Criteria Points

A — Association with Reclamation project water supplies 25

B — Extent to which applicant’s Water Management Plan is complete and updated 20

C — Extent to which the proposed analysis is expected to result in an action plan that will improve water conservation and water use efficiency and lead to modernized water delivery infrastructure

D — Extent to which the SOR is likely to address water resources challenges 15

E — Reasonableness of cost 5

F — Extent to which Federal funding would promote completion of an activity that might otherwise be delayed or postponed

G — Amount and sources of non-Federal funding 5

Evaluation Criteria Points

H — Presidential and Department of the Interior Priorities (see Section E.1.5) 10

E.1.3. Designing Water…