RFP FY25 NOFO.pdf

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Revolving Funds for Financing Water and Wastewater

Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Number: RDRUS-25-RFP

Publication Date: July 9, 2025 Application Due Date: Aug 7, 2025

Karl Elmshaeuser Administrator Rural Utilities Service USDA Rural Development

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PROGRAM SOLICITATION INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: Revolving Funds for Financing Water and Wastewater Projects Program

(Revolving Fund Program or RFP)

Funding Opportunity Number: RDRUS-25-RFP

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO or Notice)

Assistance Listing Number: 10.864

Dates: RFP Program applications will start being accepted on July 9, 2025. Completed electronic applications must be submitted through grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on August 7, 2025.

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Executive Summary:

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) mission area of the United

States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites applications for grants under the Revolving Funds for

Financing Water and Wastewater Projects (Revolving Fund Program or RFP) Program for Fiscal Year (FY)

2025. The amount of funding available for this program for FY 2025 is approximately $1,000,000.00.

Successful applications that are awarded to eligible applicants will be to create a revolving loan fund to finance predevelopment costs for water and wastewater projects, and for other purposes. Capital projects should consider energy efficiency, resiliency, and water reuse technologies. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their application.

TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

• To do business with the Federal Government and to submit your application electronically using

Grants.gov, you must— o Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);

o Be registered in SAM.gov (System for Award Management), the Government's primary registrant database;

o Provide your UEI number and TIN on your application; and o Maintain an active SAM registration with current information throughout the application review period and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period.

• Register and submit applications early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE APPLICATION

DEADLINE.

• Thoroughly read this NOFO and follow all the instructions.

http://www.grants.gov/

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• Thoroughly review the guidelines and policies as outlined in this notice to ensure the application is received and eligible for consideration, and to understand allowable and unallowable costs.

• Apply for the correct grant program o Assistance Listing number “10.864” and Funding Opportunity Number “RDRUS-25-RFP”

• Make sure you have the most recent copy of Adobe Reader installed on your computer and that it is compatible with Grants.gov software. Grants.gov supports Adobe Reader version 9.0.0 and higher.

• Limit Application File Name Characters (50 or less).

• When uploading attachments, click the “Add Attachments” button (do NOT use the “paperclip” icon in Adobe Reader). Acceptable file types include .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .xls, .xlsx, .txt, .ppt, and .pptx. If you would like to submit another file type, please contact the program office first for approval.

• Do not password-protect your documents and make sure all tracked-changes are “accepted”.

• Avoid Special Characters in File Names ($, %, &, *, Spanish "ñ", etc.).

• Input the correct UEI number on the SF-424 cover page.

• Review the Grants.gov Applicant User and Registration Guides:

o grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs o grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Program Description

1.1 Purpose of the Program

1.2 Statutory and Regulatory Authority

1.3 Definitions

1.4 Application of Awards

2.0 Federal Award Information

3.0 Eligibility Information

3.1 Eligible Applicants

3.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

3.3 Other

4.0 Application and Submission Information

4.1 Address to Request Application Package

4.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

4.3 System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier

4.4 Submission Dates and Times

4.5 Intergovernmental Review

4.6 Funding Restrictions

4.7 Other Submission Requirements

5.0 Application Review Information

5.1 Criteria

5.2 Review Selection Processes

6.0 Federal Award Administration Information

6.1 Federal Award Notices

6.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

6.3 Reporting

7.0 Federal Award Agency Contacts

8.0 Other Information

8.1 Paperwork Reduction Act

8.2 National Environmental Policy Act

8.3 Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act

8.4 Civil Rights Act

8.5 Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations

8.6 Nondiscrimination Statement

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1.0 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1.1 Purpose of the Program

The RFP Program is designed to help qualified nonprofit organizations create revolving loan funds that can provide financing to extend and improve water and wastewater disposal systems in rural areas.

Grant recipients will set up a revolving loan fund to provide loans to finance predevelopment costs of water or wastewater projects, or short-term small capital projects not part of the regular operation and maintenance of current water and wastewater systems. Capital projects should consider energy efficiency, resiliency, and water reuse technologies. The total amount of loan financing to an eligible entity shall not exceed $200,000 or 75 percent of the project cost (whichever is less) and shall be repaid in a term not to exceed 10 years. The interest rate shall be determined by the grant recipient and approved by RUS. The total outstanding balance for all loans under this program to any one entity shall not exceed $200,000.

1.2 Statutory and Regulatory Authority

The RFP Program is authorized by the Section 306(a)(2)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural

Development Act (CONACT), codified at 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B). 7 CFR part 1783, including guidance established in 2 CFR part 200 and other relevant regulations and Executive Orders.

1.3 Definitions

The definitions applicable to this Notice are published at 7 CFR 1783.3.

1.4 Application of Awards

The Agency will review, evaluate, and score applications received in response to this Notice based on the provisions found in 7 CFR 1783.9 and as indicated in this Notice. Awards under the RFP Program will be made on a competitive basis using specific selection criteria contained in 7 CFR 1783.9 and this

Notice. The Agency advises all interested parties that the applicant bears the full burden in preparing and submitting an application in response to this Notice.

2.0 FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Type of Awards: Grants

Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2025

Available Funds: The amount of funding anticipated to be available for this program for FY 2025 is approximately $1,000,000.00. RUS may, at its discretion, increase the total level of funding available in https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1783 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1783.3 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1783.9

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Award Amounts: No minimum or maximum award amount.

Anticipated Award Date: September 30, 2025

Performance Period: October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026

Renewal or Supplemental Awards: Prior RFP Program grants will not be renewed. Existing RFP Program awardees can submit applications for new projects which will be evaluated as new applications. Grant applications must be submitted during the application window.

Type of Assistance Instrument: Grant Agreement

3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of 7 CFR 1783.5.

3.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

Applicants must comply with the applicant contribution requirements outlined in 7 CFR 1783.9(b)(3). A

20 percent cost sharing or matching requirement is associated with this grant.

3.3 Other

All submitted proposals must meet the intent outlined in 7 CFR 1783.1 and 1783.12, and be in conformance with 7 CFR 1783.13 and 1783, Subpart C. Non-tribal applicants proposing to serve households on tribal lands must submit a tribal resolution of support with their application from the

Tribe, or Tribes, that have jurisdiction over those lands

4.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

4.1 Address to Request Application Package

Application information is available at grants.gov. The NOFO, FY 2025 RFP Application Guide, copies of necessary forms and samples, and the RFP Program regulation are available at rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/revolving-funds-financing-water-and-wastewater-projects.

4.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1783.5 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1783#p-1783.9(b)(3) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1783.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1783.12 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1783.13 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1783/subpart-C http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/revolving-funds-financing-water-and-wastewater-projects https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/revolving-funds-financing-water-and-wastewater-projects

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To be considered for funding, applicants must be an eligible entity and must submit a complete application by the deadline date. Applicants should consult the cost principles and general administrative requirements for grants pertaining to their organizational type to prepare the budget and complete other parts of the application.

Applicants should prepare their applications in accordance with the requirements of this NOFO and 7

CFR part 1783. The Agency has developed the FY 2025 RFP Application Guide for this program, which is available at rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/revolving-funds-financing-water-and-wastewater-projects. The Agency emphasizes the importance of including every item and strongly encourages applicants to follow the instructions carefully, using the examples and illustrations in the application guide. Applicants should ensure they are using the most updated version of the application guide before submitting an application.

4.3 System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier

(a) At the time of application, each applicant must have an active registration in the System for Award

Management (SAM) before submitting its application in accordance with 2 CFR part 25. To register in

SAM, entities will be required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Instructions for obtaining the

UEI are available at sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

(b) Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration, with current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

(c) Applicant must ensure it completes the Financial Assistance General Certifications and

Representations in SAM.

(d) Each applicant must provide a valid UEI in its application, unless determined exempt under 2 CFR

25.110.

(e) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has complied with all SAM requirements including providing the UEI. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the

Agency is ready to make an award, the Agency 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.

4.4 Submission Dates and Times

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1783 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1783 https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/revolving-funds-financing-water-and-wastewater-projects https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/revolving-funds-financing-water-and-wastewater-projects https://drafting.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110

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RFP Program will start accepting applications on June 2, 2025. Completed electronic applications must be submitted through grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on July 3, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. If the submission deadline falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day.

The Agency will not solicit or consider new scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after the application deadline. RUS also reserves the right to ask applicants for clarifying information and additional verification of assertions in the application.

4.5 Intergovernmental Review

Executive Order (EO) 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, does not apply to this program.

4.6 Funding Restrictions

Applications must be for eligible uses outlined in 7 CFR 1783.12. No administrative expenses may be paid with grant funds, as outlined in 7 CFR 1783.13.

4.7 Other Submission Requirements

(a) As referenced in this Notice, the Agency will only accept applications electronically through grants.gov. RUS may request original signatures on electronically submitted documents later. All electronic documents must be submitted in Excel, Word, or PDF format. If system errors or technical difficulties occur, use the customer support resources available at grants.gov.

(b) Applicants must be registered with grants.gov before a grant application can be submitted. If you have not used grants.gov before, you will need to register in SAM following Section 4.3 of this Notice.

SAM registers your organization and stores your organizational information, which allows grants.gov to use it to verify your identity. The registration process may take up to 10 business days to complete.

Follow the instructions at grants.gov for registering and submitting an electronic application.

5.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

5.1 Criteria

All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated and scored competitively based on the scoring criteria and weights contained in 7 CFR 1783.9 and this Notice. Failure to address any of the application https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1783.12 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1783.13 http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

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To be considered for administrative points, the applicant’s work plan must include a separate section titled, “Administrative Points” and provide information outlined in 7 CFR 1783.9(b)(7). Applications may be awarded up to a total of 10 points

5.2 Review Selection Processes

RUS will provide the applicant written acknowledgement of receipt of application. The following actions will be taken:

(a) Incomplete or ineligible applications as of the deadline for submission will not be considered. If an application is determined to be incomplete or ineligible, the applicant will be notified in writing.

(b) Complete, eligible applications will be evaluated competitively by a review team, composed of at least three RUS employees from the Water and Environmental Programs. They will make overall recommendations based on the criteria provided in 7 CFR 1783.9 and this Notice. Each application will receive a score based on the averages of the reviewers’ scores and discretionary points awarded by the

RUS Administrator. RUS reserves the right to request additional information once an application is determined to be complete to minimize the risk of duplication of other federal efforts. The Agency reserves the right to offer the applicant less than the grant funding requested. At the discretion of RUS, low-scoring projects may not be awarded funding even if funding remains available.

(c) Applications will be ranked, and grants awarded based upon the scoring results and funding availability. Regardless of the score an application receives, if RUS determines that the project is technically infeasible or ineligible, RUS will notify the applicant in writing and the application will be returned with no further action

6.0 FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

6.1 Federal Award Notices

(a) Award Outcomes. There are four possible outcomes following the submission of an application under the RFP Program. RUS reserves the right to make no grant awards if all applications are ineligible, incomplete, and/or do not meet the established program objectives and priorities. RUS may determine that the application is:

(1) Eligible and selected for funding, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1783/subpart-B/section-1783.9

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(2) Eligible but offered less funds than requested,

(3) Eligible but not selected for funding due to ranking of all applications by score, or

(4) Ineligible for the grant.

(b) Award Notices. RUS will notify applicants selected for funding by an award letter accompanied by a grant agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions for the grant. Successful applicants will be required to execute documents appropriate to the project before funding will be advanced. Award documents specify the term of each award.

(c) Payments and Reimbursements. Pursuant to the grant agreement, grant funds will be released over the course of the grant period in reimbursement for the performance of eligible, approved activities, which do not duplicate similar federal efforts or tasks. Funding requests may be submitted for allowable costs up to monthly and must include the appropriate supporting documentation. The grant agreement will also include reporting and outline actions containing pre-approval requirements consistent with 7

CFR part 1783 and 2 CFR part 200 which if not met, may result in a delay in reimbursement, disallowance of expense, or a suspension of the grant.

(d) Scope of Work. The approved scope of work will be attached to the executed grant agreement. The grantee is responsible for ensuring that all contractual, legal, and program requirements are met prior to starting work. Any change in the scope of the project, budget adjustments of more than ten (10) percent of the total budget, or any other significant change in the project must be reported to and approved prior to the change by the Agency approval official by written amendment to the grant agreement. Any change not approved may be cause for termination of the grant

6.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

(a) Departmental requirements. Applications should be prepared in conformance with Departmental and other applicable regulations including 2 CFR parts 25, 170, 180, 200, 400, 415 subparts A and B, 417, 418, 421, and any successor regulations.

(b) Geospatial Data. Awardee, and any and all contracts entered into by the awardee with respect to the award, shall ensure that geospatial data required to be collected and provided to the agency, conforms with the requirements of USDA Department Regulation DR-3465-001 and the Geospatial

Metadata Standards set forth in DM 3465-001, which can be obtained online at usda.gov/directives/dr-

3465-001 and usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/dm-3465-001.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1783 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1783 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-170 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-180 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-400 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-415/subpart-A https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-415/subpart-B https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-417 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-418 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-421 https://www.usda.gov/directives/dr-3465-001 https://www.usda.gov/directives/dr-3465-001 https://www.usda.gov/directives/dr-3465-001 https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/dm-3465-001.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/dm-3465-001.pdf

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6.3 Reporting

Performance reporting, including applicable forms, narratives, and other documentation, are to be completed and submitted in accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR part 1783, 2 CFR part

170, and 2 CFR part 200, as well as the grant agreement. It will be the grantee’s responsibility to demonstrate how the costs are associated to the goals and objectives of the award. Further, all grantees must submit an audit or financial information covering the defined period of performance as outlined in 2 CFR part 200.

7.0 FEDERAL AWARD AGENCY CONTACTS

For general questions about this notice please contact Christina Cerio, Community Programs Specialist, Water and Environmental Programs, RUS, USDA, by email at Water-RD@usda.gov or by phone at (315)

403-3112.

8.0 OTHER INFORMATION

8.1 Paperwork Reduction Act

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the information collection requirements associated with the programs, as covered in this Notice, have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0572-0138.

8.2 National Environmental Policy Act

All recipients under this Notice are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR 1b.

8.3 Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act

All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must be registered in SAM and have a UEI number as stated in Section 4.3 of this Notice. All recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive total compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part

170.

8.4 Civil Rights Act

All awards of Federal financial assistance made under this NOFO are subject to applicable civil rights laws, which may include Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of

1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX of the Education

Amendments Act of 1973, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1783 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-170 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-170 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 mailto:Water-RD@usda.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-A/part-1b https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-170 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-170

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8.5 Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations

(a) Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at, and subject to the protections and requirements of, this part and any applicable constitutional and statutory requirements, including 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq. USDA will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate for or against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character, motives, or affiliation, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization.

(b) A faith-based organization that participates in this program will retain its independence from the

Government and may continue to carry out its mission consistent with religious freedom and conscience protections in Federal law. Religious accommodations may also be sought under many of these religious freedom and conscience protection laws.

(c) A faith-based organization may not use direct Federal financial assistance from USDA to support or engage in any explicitly religious activities except when consistent with the Establishment Clause of the

First Amendment and any other applicable requirements. An organization receiving Federal financial assistance also may not, in providing services funded by USDA, or in their outreach activities related to such services, discriminate against a program beneficiary or prospective program beneficiary on the basis of religion, a religious belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to attend or participate in a religious practice.

8.6 Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, agencies, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information

(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local

Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at

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711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than

English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint and at any

USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(a) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Mail Stop 9410

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

(b) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(c) Email: program.intake@usda.gov

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint