R25AS00029_FY25.26_AquaticEcosystemsNOFO_FINAL 508.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R25AS00029

WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects For Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026

U.S. Department of the Interior December 2024

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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, Native Hawaiians, 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 – Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, Gridley, California. (Bureau of Reclamation)

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

Planning Office Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year (FY)

2025 and 2026 Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Funding Opportunity Number: No. R25AS00029 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.580

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Application due dates:

• First application period: Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Mountain

Daylight Time (MDT)

• Second application period: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

Mountain Standard Time (MST) Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Applicants eligible to receive financial assistance to fund activities under this NOFO include:

Category A Applicants:

States, Tribes, irrigation districts, or water districts;

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

Agencies established under State law for the joint exercise of powers;

Other entities or organizations that own a dam that is eligible for upgrade, modification, or removal.

All Category A applicants must be located in a Reclamation State. The Reclamation States are defined as the following 17 States and 4 Territories:

Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the U.S. Virgin Islands

Category B Applicants:

Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A, with respect to a project that includes land or infrastructure owned by the Category A entity.

All Category B applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories identified above.

Recipient Cost-Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

A non-Federal cost-share of at least 35 percent is required

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Task A: $500,000–$2,000,000 per project Task B: $3,000,000–$10,000,000 per project

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Approximately $95,000,000 is available under this program, to be distributed through two funding cycles. Approximately 10 to 15 projects per application submittal period will be funded.

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 should contact their State’s Single Point of Contact to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372.

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

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

Mandatory Application Components: Page Mandatory Federal forms:

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

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

• SF-424B: Assurances - Non-Construction Programs (OMB) OR SF-424D: Assurances - Construction Programs (OMB)

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) registration 32

Technical Proposal (Use Project Narrative Attachment Form to upload in Grants.gov) 24

Budget Narrative (Use Budget Narrative Attachment Form to upload in Grants.gov) 27 Recommended Application Components: Page

Environmental and cultural resources compliance 28

Required permits or approvals 28

Overlap or duplication of effort statement 28

Conflict of interest disclosure statement 29

Uniform audit reporting statement 30

SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (required, if applicable) (OMB) 30

Letters of Support 30

Acronyms and Abbreviations ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments ARC Application Review Committee CE Categorical Exclusion CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act CWMP Cooperative Watershed Management Program Department U.S. Department of the Interior (also DOI) EA Environmental Assessment EIN Employer Identification Number EIS Environmental Impact Statement E.O. Executive Order ESA Endangered Species Act FAIN Federal Award Identification Number 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 IBC Interior Business Center GIS Geographic Information System IBC Interior Business Center MDT Mountain Daylight Time MST Mountain Standard Time NAICS North American Industry Classification System 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 OMB Office of Management and Budget P.L. Public Law PSC Product Service Code Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation SAM System for Award Management SF Standard Form SPOC Single Point of Contact UEI Unique Entity Identifier U.S.C. United States Code USACE United States Army Corp of Engineers USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service West Western United States

Contents Page

Acronyms and Abbreviations .......................................................................................................v Contents .......................................................................................................................................... i Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1 Authority A.2 Background, Purpose, and Program Requirements A.3 Notice of Funding Opportunity Objectives A.4 Program Determinations A.5 Other Related Funding Opportunities

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 Criteria E.2 Review and Selection Process E.3 Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System 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 i

G.2 Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact Section H: Other Information

H.1 Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations H.2 Endangered Species Act

Attachment A: Design Level Guidance ii

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description A.1 Authority This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is issued under the authority of Section 1109 of Division FF of Public Law (P.L.) 116-260 (33 United States Code [U.S.C.] 2330c), the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021; Section 40907 (“Multi-Benefit Projects to Improve Watershed Health”) of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) (also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act), P.L. 117-58; Section 9504(a) of the Secure Water Act, Subtitle F of Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, P.L. 111-11 (42 U.S.C. 10364);

and Section 6002 of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Subtitle A of Title VI of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.

A.2 Background, Purpose, and Program Requirements The United States 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 reliability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts.

The Department’s Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects (AERP) provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems in support of the Department’s priorities. Through AERP, Reclamation leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and other entities as they study, design and construct aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and result in an improvement to the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat through restoration or improved fish passage.

Restoring and connecting aquatic ecosystems offers wide-ranging benefits for both communities and the environment. Functioning aquatic and wetland ecosystems provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife, improve water quality, store excess carbon, help mitigate the impacts of drought and flood events, and support water supply resiliency for multiple uses.

Reclamation’s AERP funding opportunity provides support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and is aligned with other priorities, such as those identified in E.O. 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects also support the goals of the Interagency Drought Relief Working Group established in March 2021 and the National Drought Resilience Partnership.

This is a program covered by the Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40 percent (%) of the overall benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, water and wastewater infrastructure, and other covered investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.1

A.3 Notice of Funding Opportunity Objectives The objective of this NOFO is to invite eligible applicants (Section C.1. Eligible Applicants) to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on the study, design, and construction of Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and are for the purpose of improving of the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat through restoration and improved fish passage. As used here, “aquatic ecosystem” refers to freshwater and brackish water habitats such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, wetlands, swamps, and estuaries and the adjacent floodplains, riparian corridors, deltas, and shallow aquifers that interact with surface water.

This NOFO provides funding under two task areas: Task A: Study and Design, and Task B:

Construction projects. For the purpose of this funding opportunity, “proposed project” refers to either a proposed Task A: Study and Design project or a proposed Task B: Construction project.

Please note: Applications must identify the task area for which funding is being sought.

Applications for Task B: Construction funding that are not able to demonstrate a 60% or equivalent level of design will be removed from funding consideration.

A.4 Program Determinations Prior to selection for funding, Reclamation will make the determination that a project:

• Will not result in unmitigated adverse impact to water or power delivery obligations;

• Will not result in an unmitigated adverse impact on the environment;

• Is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s role as a trustee for federally recognized Indian Tribes;

• Is in compliance with applicable International and Tribal treaties, agreements, and Interstate compacts;

• And is in the financial interest of the United States based on a determination that the project advances Federal objectives including environmental enhancement objectives in a Reclamation State.

1 For more information, see E.O. 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (January 27, 2023), www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad; Justice 40 Initiative, www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/; Addendum to the Interim Implementation Guidance for the Justice 40 Initiative, M-21-28, on using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), M-23-09, (January 27, 2023), www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/M-23-09_Signed_CEQ_CPO.pdf.

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

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

Reclamation will make these determinations based on the Application Review Committee’s (See section E.2.3.) evaluation of the applicant’s proposal, red-flag review by appropriate Reclamation offices (e.g., Native American Affairs, Law and Administration, Policy and Administration – Environmental Compliance Division) and completion of mandatory environmental compliance measures.

A.5 Other Related Funding Opportunities WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects. Reclamation provides up to $3 million in cost-share funding for projects that focus on environmental benefits that have been developed as part of a collaborative process to help carry out an established strategy to increase the reliability of water resources. Projects stemming from an eligible Watershed Group applicant may request up to $5 million in funding. 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 nature-based solutions or restoration projects. A non-Federal cost-share of 25% is required for all projects.

WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP). Reclamation provides up to $300,000 in funding to watershed groups to encourage diverse stakeholders to form local solutions to address their watershed management needs. Reclamation provides funding through Phase I of the CWMP for watershed group development, restoration planning, and watershed management project design. There is no non-Federal cost share required.

WaterSMART Planning and Project Design Grants. Reclamation provides up to $400,000 in cost-share funding 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 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. The Federal cost share of a project may be up to 50-,75-, or 100% depending on the project type.

Bureau of Reclamation’s 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.

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

Section B: Award Information

Section B: Award Information B.1 Total Funding This NOFO will allocate up to $95 million in available funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), P.L. 117-58 in FY 2025 and FY 2026 and 9504(a) of the SECURE Water Act, P.L. 111-11. Funds made available for infrastructure projects are subject to the Build America, Buy America Act. Please see Section F.2.10: Buy America Domestic Procurement Preference.

The amount of funding available for awards under this NOFO will depend on the demand for funding under this opportunity. Any awards are subject to a determination by Reclamation that FY 2025/2026 appropriations and/or FY 2025/2026 BIL funds are available. Additional projects may be funded under this NOFO if additional funding becomes available in FY 2025 or subsequently.

B.2 Expected Award Amount

• Task A: Study and Design Projects (Projects must be completed in two years) Minimum Award: $500,000 Maximum Award: $2,000,000

• Task B: Construction Projects (Projects must be completed in five years) Minimum Award: $3,000,000 Maximum Award: $10,000,000

Note: The maximum and minimum funding amounts for projects under this NOFO are based on the amount of funding anticipated to be needed for large-scale aquatic ecosystem restoration projects. For funding opportunities for similar projects with lower minimum award amounts, please see Section A.5. Other Related Funding Opportunities.

Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration under this funding opportunity by a single entity, 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 funding opportunity has two application submittal periods (See Section D.4 Submission Date and Time). The anticipated award and completion dates are as follows:

First Application Deadline (Applications Due April 15, 2025)

Anticipated Award Date: January 30, 2026 Anticipated Project Completion Date:

Task A: Study and Design Projects: January 30, 2028 Task B: Construction Projects: January 30, 2031

Second Application Deadline (Applications Due February 17, 2026)

Anticipated Award Date: November 20, 2026 Anticipated Project Completion Date:

Task A: Study and Design Projects: November 20, 2028 Task B: Construction Projects: November 20, 2031

B.4 Number of Awards Approximately 10 to 20 awards, depending on the amount requested by each applicant and the amount of Federal funding available 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 Contact(s).

Section C: Eligibility Information

C.1 Eligible Applicants Applicants eligible to receive an award under this funding opportunity are described below.

C.1.1 Eligible Category A Applicants

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

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

• Agencies established under State law for the joint exercise of powers;

• Other entities or organizations that own a facility that is eligible for upgrade, modification, or removal.

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: Arizona, California, Colorado, 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.

C.1.2 Eligible Category B Applicants

Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A, with respect to a project involving land or infrastructure owned by the Category A entity. 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 35 percent (35%) or more of the total project costs.

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. For example, if the proposed project has a total project cost of $5 million, the applicant may request up to $3,250,000 in Federal funding but must be capable of providing $1,750,000 in non-Federal cost share.

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. See Section D.2.2.3. Budget Narrative and Section D.2.2.13. Official Resolution for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost-sharing requirements.

Note: In accordance with provisions of P.L. 95-134, Title V, § 501 (1977) (codified at 48 U.S.C. 1469a), as amended by P.L. 96-205, Title V, § 601, this cost-sharing requirement is not applicable to American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands.

Funding Source Funding Amount Percent of Total

Project Cost Costs to be reimbursed with the requested Federal funding $3.25 million 65%

Costs to be paid by the applicant, including any third-party contributions $1.75 million 35%

Total Project Cost $5 million 100%

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 https://D.2.2.13 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.2.3.13 Official Resolution and Section D.2.2.14 Letters of Commitment for more information regarding the documentation required to verify commitments to meet cost sharing requirements.

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

Note: Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) funding is considered Federal funding, and cannot be used to meet non-Federal cost share requirements.

C.2.1 Cost Share Regulations

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

C.2.2 Third-Party In-Kind Contributions

Third-party in-kind contributions may be in the form of equipment, supplies, and other expendable property, as well as the value of services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the proposed project. Applicants may not include as part of their cost-share for 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 by a single entity under this funding opportunity, provided that the project scopes are not duplicative. Category B applicants may receive a maximum of up to three awards provided that the Category A partner entity for each project is different. In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple project components, and the components are interrelated or closely related (e.g., a project to restore and http://www.ecfr.gov/ https://D.2.2.14 https://D.2.3.13 enhance flood plains and a project to remove a barrier to fish passage that are physically and geographically linked), you should combine these in one application. However, if the projects are only loosely related, you should submit them as separate applications.

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 To be eligible under this funding opportunity, an Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Task A: Study and Design or Task B: Construction, the project must be for the purpose of improving the health of fisheries, wildlife and/or aquatic habitat, including through habitat restoration and/or improved fish passage via the removal or bypass of barriers. The specific tasks eligible for funding are described in more detail in C.4.1. Task A: Study and Design of Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects and C.4.2. Construction of Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects.

Projects proposed for funding must have a clear nexus to aquatic ecosystems and be transformational in nature, providing clear and significant ecological benefits. Generally, project footprints should be limited to riparian, floodplain, and/or in-stream restoration work or other activities. Upland or dryland restoration projects with limited connection to aquatic ecosystems may be better suited for other Federal grant opportunities. Proposed projects will be reviewed by the Program Office to determine whether the application is eligible for evaluation.

C.4.1 Task A: Study and Design

Projects eligible for funding under Task A include study and design activities to develop an aquatic ecosystem restoration project, resulting in the production of a design package that can be used to apply for funding under Task B of this NOFO. It is recommended that applicants review the types of construction projects eligible under section C.4.2. Task B: to inform the development of their Task A: Study and Design proposal.

Task A supports the development of study and design products that will prepare the applicant to apply for Task B Construction funding. To be eligible for Task B: Construction, applicants must have conducted study and design activities resulting in a design package at a 60% design level. A 60% design package should include technical study and design documentation supporting the preferred alternative in sufficient detail to be able to estimate funding required for project implementation. See Attachment A: Design Level Guidance, for more information on 60% design.

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

Prior to applying for Task A: Study and Design funding, it is expected that applicants will have already performed some general planning work and preliminary studies (e.g., a watershed restoration plan, planning on a river/stream-reach scale, or other planning effort) that was inclusive of stakeholder input and that led to the identification of a specific restoration concept and prioritization of the restoration project(s).

Note: The conceptual restoration project that informs the Task A project scope must be clearly identified and described in the project proposal. Proposals that lack detail on their specific conceptual restoration project may be at too preliminary of a planning stage and may not be well suited for this program. We recommend these applicants consider the WaterSMART Planning and Design Funding Opportunity or the WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program. See section A.5.

C.4.1.1 Required Project Component: Development of a Monitoring Program Task A: Study and Design projects proposed for funding under this opportunity must include the development of a monitoring program to assess the success of the aquatic ecosystem restoration project and project outcomes. The monitoring program should identify the restoration goals, monitoring methods, management of the system and monitoring program, and interpretation and dissemination of results. Activities can include monitoring to assess baseline conditions.

C.4.1.2 Eligible Study and Design Activities Activities that are eligible under Task A: Study and Design may include, but are not limited to, the following: These activities support study and design activities resulting in a 60% design package.

• Project Outreach. Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

o Stakeholder outreach activities directly linked to the study and design activities, such as public meetings and incorporating input from diverse area stakeholders including but not limited to e.g., municipal, agricultural, or recreational interest groups, environmental non-profits, landowners, Tribes, and state and local water management entities.

o Documenting and sharing project goals and objectives.

• Restoration Project Design Alternatives Analysis. Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

o Comparing design alternatives and creation of a decision matrix o Conducting design-specific outreach and stakeholder engagement o Formulating a site alternative analysis o Selecting design criteria and standards

• Project Analysis and Design. Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

o Carrying out applicable studies (environmental, cultural, biological, and/or engineering) and completing related modeling and data collection efforts regarding the impacts of proposed restoration activities. Activities may include:

Project site evaluation, including surveying and measurement

Resource inventory and evaluation Applicable soil and water sampling Analyses considering baseline (no action) and proposed design alternatives evaluation, including, for example:

− Hydrologic analysis for project site − Hydraulic modeling − Wetland evaluation − Endangered species assessment − Cultural resources research and survey − Geotechnical investigation − Floodplain assessment − Baseline habitat conditions, including vegetation conditions and species population surveys o Completing risk analyses, including

Identification of performance and sustainability criteria for project elements and assessment of risk of failure to perform

Evaluation of risk to infrastructure, property, human safety, recreation, etc. and potential consequences and supplemental analysis to mitigate risk.

o Developing a post-project monitoring plan

Note: Ground disturbing activities will require environmental and cultural compliance.

• Complete site-specific design and engineering of the restoration project to reach a target 60% level of final project design (see Attachment A: Design Level Guidance) Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

o Preparing design drawings and specifications for the construction of the project.

o Developing a basis of design document (a report that documents the major design criteria and includes recommended project elements, planning level drawings, preliminary schedules, and cost estimates.)

o Analyzing the means and methods for construction at the project site and identify constraints (necessary equipment, site access, etc.)

• Preparation of project cost estimates and development of project construction plan.

Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

o Developing project construction material quantities and costs for construction activities o Developing an estimated construction budget (including contingencies, labor costs, etc.)

o Developing the project bid schedule, construction plan, schedule, and milestones for completing the project

• Legal and Institutional Requirements Research. Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

o Researching legal and institutional requirements; permitting and environmental compliance; land ownership and necessary easements; and state and/or local requirements with the potential to affect implementation of the project. Note: do not submit permits necessary for construction under Task A. Submission and acquisition of permits necessary for construction are only eligible project activities under Task B.

o Studying the impacts of any proposed projects on contractual water and power supply obligations, water rights, Tribes, and other area stakeholders.

o Investigating the types of site-specific environmental or cultural compliance will be necessary to implement the project(s) which can include consulting with Reclamation regarding potential environmental compliance

Note: It is not mandatory for Task A projects to address all the activities and sub-tasks listed if that work is not necessary or if the work has already been completed. Applicants can substitute appropriate sub-tasks or may provide explanations for certain sub-tasks that have already been completed or are not necessary. If the applicant has already completed significant study and design work, the applicant must include a summary of the completed work in their proposal.

C.4.1.3 Construction Funding for Completed Task A: Study and Design Projects Applicants who are completing a Task A: Study and Design project and want to apply for Task B: Construction funding may be considered prior to completion of 60% design so long as the applicant provides support that 60% design will be completed in sufficient time to avoid a delay in implementation of their Task B project (around the time of award), if selected for Task B funding. This is intended to allow for applicants nearing completion of a Task A project to request construction funding without experiencing significant delays due to the funding opportunity schedule. Note: The ability to apply for Task B: Construction funding prior to completion of 60% design is limited to applicants currently completing a Task A award.

Applications for construction funding must meet all other requirements for Task B: Construction below and contain the content identified in Section D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission.

C.4.2 Task B: Construction

Projects for the construction of Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and are for the purpose of improving the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat through restoration and improved fish passage are eligible for funding under this Task Area.

All components of a construction project under Task B should be geographically linked (i.e., occurring within the same watershed). In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple project components, and the components are interrelated or closely related (e.g., a project to restore and enhance floodplains and a project to remove a barrier to fish passage that are physically and geographically linked), you should combine these in one application. However, if the projects are only loosely related, you should submit them as separate applications.

• Proposed projects submitted by the April 15, 2025 application deadline should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to December 31, 2025.

• Proposed projects submitted by the February 17, 2026 application deadline should not have an estimated construction start date that is prior to November 1, 2026.

Applicants submitting a proposal for funding under Task B must submit study and design products, (i.e., the design package) demonstrating that the project is at a 60% design level.

See Section C.4.2.2. Submittal of Study and Design Products.

C.4.2.1 Required Project Component: Post-Construction Monitoring.

Task B: Construction projects proposed for funding under this opportunity must include twelve-months post-construction monitoring to assess project success and outcomes. Activities can include, but are not limited to, development of a monitoring program, pre-construction monitoring to track baseline conditions, and installation of monitoring equipment. However, the costs for these activities shall not exceed 25 percent of the total project costs. Please note that long-term (i.e., more than twelve months) post-construction monitoring is considered normal operation and maintenance, and the costs are the responsibility of the applicant.

C.4.2.2 Eligible Construction Activities Projects eligible for funding under Task B: Construction may include the following project activities:

Completion of Final Design for Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Construction Project.

• Conducting final design and pre-construction activities to progress the aquatic ecosystem restoration project from 60% to final design. This task must be completed prior to construction of the restoration project (may be completed by applicant prior to application to this program if no program funding is required).

• Completion of final design must be paired with subsequent full construction of the restoration project and cannot be completed as a stand-alone Task B: Construction project.

Outreach to Affected Stakeholders.

• Continued engagement regarding final planning and construction processes with a diverse group of stakeholders such as municipal, agricultural, or recreational interest groups, environmental non-profits, landowners, Tribes, and state and local water management entities.

Restoration Activities. This program provides support for restoration projects that are comprehensive and holistic in nature. Accordingly, it is anticipated that proposed projects may include a combination of the following types of restoration activities. Eligible restoration activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Removal or Modification of Barriers to Fish Passage. Removal or modification of impeding infrastructure, including dams, diversion structures, culverts, roads, or other barriers to fish passage, to reopen migratory pathways, build resilient riparian corridors, and protect aquatic ecosystems. Activities include but are not limited to:

o Removal or modification of a dam or diversion to reopen or improve migratory pathways o Removal, replacement, or modification culverts that restrict aquatic organism migration o Removal, modification, or relocation of impeding roads, rail roads, levees, or bridges o Replacement of artificial channels with a “natural” channel and floodplain o Strategic placement of fish screens to prevent fish entrainment in diversion ditches or to impede the passage of invasive fish

• Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions. Activities that “incorporate natural features and processes to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use, and manage natural or modified ecosystems to address socio-environmental challenges while providing measurable co-benefits.” (Department of the Interior, 600 DM 7 Nature-based Solutions, December 2023). Activities may include but are not limited to:

o Installation of analog features to mimic natural channel modifications (beaver dam analogs, post-assisted logs, large woody debris, etc.)

o Completion of process-based restoration work o Incorporation of green-gray infrastructure (i.e., Combining traditional engineering approaches with restoration of ecosystems)

• Restoration of Connectivity. Restoration of connectivity between the river and disconnected floodplains and wetlands to improve resource flows, build system resiliency, and improve the lateral mobility of a river channel. Activities may include but are not limited to:

o Improvement of thermal refugia and connectivity to groundwater o Removal or modification of artificial embankments to improve floodplain connectivity o Increasing the frequency and duration of floodplain inundation by reconnecting incised and disconnected channels o Off-channel rehabilitation or enhancement including restoration of backwaters, alcoves, ponds, and abandoned oxbows

• Restoration of Aquatic Habitat. Restoration of the riparian area, riverbanks, channels and floodplains to bolster aquatic habitat and build natural resiliency. Activities may include but are not limited to:

o Riparian planting with native species o Removal of invasive riparian vegetation o Removal, containment, or relocation of non-native fish and/or restoration of native fish species o Placement of natural structures in-channel (rock, logs, and native plants) to create meanders, stabilize river geometry, and create natural habitat or fluvial patterns o Restoration of floodplains o Installation of grade control structures to stabilize river geometry o Creation of natural features in a heavily engineered flood channel

• Improvement of Water Availability, Quality, and Temperature. Activities to improve instream water availability, quality and temperature to improve conditions for aquatic ecosystems. Activities include but are not limited to:

o Restoration of riparian vegetation along waterways o Wetland regeneration o Watershed sediment management in areas with degraded habitat due to recent disturbance or wildfire

Other Related Activities. Other activities that are similar to the examples listed above may be submitted for consideration and will be allowed to the extent that they are consistent with program authorization and goals.

C.4.2.3 Submittal of Study and Design Products Applicants for Task B: Construction must submit study and design products, (i.e., the design package) demonstrating that the project is at a 60% design level. Do NOT include design documents with your application. After the application deadline (see Section D.4 Submission Date and Time), Reclamation will contact applicants to obtain a copy the design products. The Application Review Committee (ARC) will review the documents to verify whether the project has reached the 60% design threshold (As outlined in Attachment A: Design Level Guidelines) and confirm project eligibility. Note: Applications for Task B funding submitted by applicants who are currently completing a Task A project may be considered prior to completion of 60% design under some circumstances. See section C.4.2.

C.4.3 Dam Modification or Removal

Prior to an award of funding, proposals that include the removal or modification of a dam in a manner that reduces diversion or storage capacity must submit certain documents verifying that the dam owner has agreed to the study, design, or construction of the project and impacted water or power delivery customers have been notified. For specific instructions, see Section D.2.2.12 Documents Authorizing the Study, Design, or Construction of a Dam Modification or Removal Project.

https://D.2.2.12

C.5 Ineligible Projects Applications must only include activities under either Task A: Study and Design OR Task B:

Construction. Applications may not request funding for both planning AND construction activities for the same project.

Projects not eligible for funding under this NOFO include scientific research and the project types identified immediately below.

C.5.1 Ineligible Studies

Proposals for appraisal investigations and feasibility studies are not eligible under this funding opportunity. Other ineligible studies include drought planning, system optimization reviews, Basin Studies, studies for storage projects that have a total estimated construction cost of more than $10 million or is a phase of a larger water storage project that exceeds $10 million, studies authorized under the Title XVI Water Recycling and Reuse Program, through P.L.102-575, as amended (43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.), or under the Rural Water Program, pursuant to the Rural Water Supply Act of 2006, P.L.109-45. Applicants should review Section C.4.1.1. Eligible Study and Design Activities and Attachment A: Design Level Guidance to determine whether their project fits within the objectives of this funding opportunity.

Proposals for studies under this funding opportunity are not intended to support the development of a feasibility study necessary to seek Congressional authorization. Some work funded under this program may overlap with other programs requiring feasibility studies, however such programs may have specific requirements. We encourage applicants to reach out to the relevant Program Manager (See section A.5). Study activities funded through this program are intended to help prepare projects eligible for implementation under Task B of this funding opportunity.

C.5.2 Other Aquatic Ecosystems

Proposals for the restoration of marine aquatic ecosystems are not eligible for funding under this

NOFO.

C.5.3 Monitoring Beyond Twelve Months Post-Project Completion

Program funding may be used to complete the following activities to support monitoring of performance outcomes associated with the on-the-ground implementation portion of the project:

(1) establish a monitoring and data management plan, (2) purchase and install necessary equipment to monitor progress and conservation outcomes, and (3) complete up to twelve months of post-implementation monitoring activities of conservation outcomes of the implementation project. However, costs for these activities shall not exceed 25 percent of the total project cost. Program funding may not be used to complete long-term (i.e., more than twelve months) monitoring of performance after project construction is complete (these costs are considered normal operations and maintenance costs and are the responsibility of the applicant).

C.5.4 Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement

Proposals for the design of projects considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement (OM&R) are ineligible 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., 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…