TRRP Watershed Grant Program NOFO.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Interior Region 10 Sacramento, California May 2021

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. BOR-CGB-21-F006

Trinity River Restoration Program Watershed Grant Program Administration

West Weaver Creek Restoration Site; Credit: Mike Dixon

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.

The purpose of the Trinity River Restoration Program is to mitigate impacts of the Trinity River Division of the Central

Valley Project on anadromous fish populations in the Trinity River by successfully implementing the 2000 Trinity River Restoration

ROD and achieving Congressionally mandated restoration goals.

Synopsis iii

Synopsis

Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of

Reclamation, Interior Region 10

Funding Opportunity

Title:

Trinity River Restoration Program Grant Program

Administration

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity

Number:

BOR-CGB-21-F006; Announcement #R21AS00232

Catalog of Federal

Domestic Assistance

Number:

15.532

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. B.4)

Proposals received before July 19, 2021 1:00 p.m.

Pacific Standard Time (PST) will be considered for

Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 funding.

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1

Non-federal government entities, including state, local, Indian tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations

Recipient Cost Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.4)

No cost share required

Federal Funding

Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Up to $2,675,000.

Estimated Number of

Agreements to be

Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.2)

Estimated Amount of

Funding Available for

Award:

(See NOFO Sec B.2)

Anticipated funding for FY 2021 is $675,000 with

$500,000 in FY 2022, FY 2023, FY 2024, and FY

2025 subject to congressional appropriations.

Application Checklist iv

Application Checklist

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

What to submit

Required content

Form or format

When to submit

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, and SF-LLL forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf- 424-family.html

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 *

Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 *

Technical proposal: *

Executive summary See Sec. D.2.2.4 *

Background data See Sec. D.2.2.4 *

Project location See Sec. D.2.2.4

Project description See Sec. D.2.2.4 *

Evaluation criteria See Sec. E.1 *

Project Budget: *

Funding plan See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 15 *

Budget proposal See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 16 *

Budget narrative See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 18 *

Required permits or approvals

See Sec. D.2.2.6 *

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.8 *

Official Resolutions See Sec. D.2.2.9 **

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 ***

* Submit materials with your application.

** Document should be submitted with your application; however, please refer to the applicable section of the NOFO for extended submission date.

*** Should be completed prior to the application deadline; however, please refer to the applicable section of the NOFO for extended completion date.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Acronyms and Abbreviations v

Acronyms and Abbreviations

2020 BiOp Endangered Species Act Section 7(a)(2) Biological

Opinion, and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and

Management Act Essential Fish Habitat Response for

Trinity River Restoration Program, August 2020

AF Acre Feet

ARC Application Review Committee

ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments

CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife

CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist

CEQA California Environmental Quality Act

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CWA Clean Water Act

Department United States Department of the Interior

DUNS Data Universal Number System

EA Environmental Assessment

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

ESA Endangered Species Act

FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System

FOIA Freedom of Information Act

FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact

FWCA Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act

FY Fiscal Year

GO Grants Officer

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service

NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity

PST Pacific Standard Time

Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation

Resource Agencies Reclamation, National Marine Fisheries Service, California

Department of Fish and Wildlife

RFP Request for Proposal

RM River Mile

ROD Record of Decision

SAM System for Award Management

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office(r)

SPOC Single Point of Contact

SONCC Southern Oregon Northern California Coast

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers

USC United States Code

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

USPS United States Postal Service

Contents vi

Page

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Trinity River Restoration Program Watershed Grants

A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement

A.3. Statutory Authority

Section B: Award Information

B.1. Total Project Funding

B.2. Project Funding Limitations

B.3. Reclamation Responsibilities

B.4 Award Date

Section C: Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants

C.2. Eligible Projects

C.3. Length of Program and Projects

C.4. Cost Share Requirement C.4.1 In-Kind Contributions C.4.2 Pre-Award Costs C.4.3 Indirect Costs

C.5 Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

C.6. Other Requirements C.6.1 System Registration

Section D: Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package

D.2 Application Submission D.2.1 Submission Date and Time D.2.2 Application Delivery Instructions

D.3 Instructions for Submission of Project Application D.3.1 Applications Submitted Electronically D.3.2 Applications Submitted by Mail D.3.3. Application Format and Length D.3.4 Application Content

D.4 Application Content Details D.4.1 Mandatory Federal Forms D.4.2 Title Page D.4.3 Table of Contents D.4.4 Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria D.4.5 Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance D.4.6 Required Permits or Approvals D.4.7 Letter of Project Support D.4.8 Official Board Resolution D.4.9 Project Budget vii

D.5 Intergovernmental Review

D6. Official Resolution

Section E: Application Review Information

E.1. Evaluation Criteria E.1.1. Evaluation Criterion A—Experience E.1.2. Evaluation Criterion B—Key Personnel E.1.3. Evaluation Criterion C—Proposed Technical Approach E.1.4. Evaluation Criterion D—Past Performance E.1.5. Evaluation Criterion E—Ability to Implement the Program and Sub-Project Planning and Monitoring Plans E.1.6. Evaluation Criterion F—Ability to Complete Environmental Compliance Requirements and Monitoring E.1.7. Evaluation Criterion G—Budget E.1.8. Evaluation Criterion H—Department of the Interior Priorities

E.2. Review and Selection Process E.2.1. Initial Screening E.2.2. Application Review Committee E.2.3. Red-Flag Review E.2.4. Managerial Review E.2.5. Pre-Award Clearances and Approvals

E.3. Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System

E.4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date

Section F. Federal Award Administration Information

F.1. Federal Award Notices

F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements F.2.1. Approvals and Permits F.2.2. Intangible Property (2 CFR §200.315)

F.3. Reporting—Requirements and Distribution F.3.1. Financial Reports F.3.2. Interim Performance Reports F.3.3. Final Performance Reports F.3.4 Significant Development Reports

F.4. Conflicts of Interest F.4.1. Applicability F.4.2. Requirements F.4.3. Notification F.4.4. Restrictions on Lobbying F.4.5. Review Procedures F.4.6. Enforcement

F.5. Data Availability F.5.1. Applicability F.5.2. Use of Data F.5.3. Availability of Data

F.6. Releasing Applications

Section G. Agency Contacts

G.1. Financial Assistance Contact

G.2. Trinity River Restoration Program Contacts

Section H. Other Information viii

H.1. Program Performance Measures

H.2. Overview of Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance Requirements . 40 H.2.1. Overview of Relevant Environmental Laws

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Trinity River Restoration Program Watershed Grants

The purpose of the Trinity River Restoration Program Watershed Grant Program (Program) is to provide funding for activities that improve fish and wildlife habitat within the Trinity

River Basin to mitigate impacts of the operation of the Trinity River Division of the Central

Valley Project on the mainstem fisheries of the Trinity River. Program funds are used to support local and regional on-the-ground actions that reduce fine sediment delivery in degraded watersheds or improve habitat connectivity. Reclamation is required to support the

Program pursuant to the Record of Decision – Trinity River Mainstem Fishery Restoration

Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (ROD) issued by the

Department of the Interior on December 19, 2000 (See Exhibit A).

Administration of Program funds will be directed towards habitat restoration activities within tributaries of the Trinity River between Lewiston Dam and Weitchpec, including the South

Fork Trinity River and its tributaries.

The goals (objectives) of the Program include, but are not limited to:

• Goal 1: Administering Reclamation funds for anadromous fish habitat improvement activities under this grant opportunity;

• Goal 2: Soliciting project proposals within the specified reach of the Trinity River

Basin. Inclusive of publicly advertising Program availability (via open houses, formal requests for proposals, etc.), conducting a phased approach for requesting pre-proposals, internal reviews, selections for and process to receive full project proposals, additional internal reviews, and overall selection and award notifications each fiscal year as well as post award meetings and coordination throughout project completion;

• Goal 3: Administration of all construction and non-construction activities conducted by other entities receiving funds under this grant opportunity;

• Goal 4: Facilitating meetings with the Trinity River Restoration Program partner agencies inclusive of Reclamation, USFWS, NMFS, the Yurok Tribe, Hoopa Valley

Tribe, U.S. Forest Service, Trinity County, California Department of Water

Resources, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as other entities that Reclamation believes are necessary and appropriate;

• Goal 5: Monitoring and reporting activities associated with selected projects and overall Program administration.

Projects that the Program could fund are those that address actions listed in the 2014 SONCC

Coho Recovery Plan, the Klamath IFRMP Restoration Prioritization Tool, or other priorities selected by interagency application review committee.

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/final-recovery-plan-southern-oregon-northern-california-coast-evolutionarily https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/final-recovery-plan-southern-oregon-northern-california-coast-evolutionarily https://kbifrm.psmfc.org/document-library/

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement

The objective of this NOFO is to invite applicants (State and local governments, nonprofit organizations and institutions, and Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments) to submit proposals indicating their ability and experience with administering a large, multi-faceted, multi-year grant program focusing on construction and non-construction related restoration activities with numerous local and regional sub-recipients. Note that all subrecipients of restoration grants must meet the same qualification requirements (State and local governments, nonprofit organizations and institutions, and Federally recognized Indian

Tribal Governments) as the awardee. This NOFO covers one application submittal period ending on July 19, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. PST. for complete Program administration (for FY

2021 through FY 2025). The successful applicant will be selected through a competitive process that will focus on achieving the outcomes identified in this NOFO.

A.3. Statutory Authority

Authorization for the TRRP is the Central Valley Project Improvement Act, 1992, Public

Law 102-575, Title 34, Section 3406(b) (23) and 3406(b)(1). CVPIA directed Reclamation to address adverse environmental impacts of the Central Valley Project on fish, wildlife, associated habitats and natural production of anadromous fish in the Trinity River basin of

California by protecting, restoring, and enhancing such habitats. This NOFO solicits applications from eligible entities for a grant or cooperative agreement to be awarded pursuant to the statutory authority referenced above.

The TRRP was directed to carry out watershed restoration actions for sediment management and habitat connectivity improvement in the 2000 Trinity River Mainstem Fishery

Restoration Record of Decision (ROD), which was itself mandated under the Central Valley

Project Improvement Act. The ROD did not require that these actions be carried out via grants to third party restoration entities; however, there is often special expertise inherent in these entities which support use of grants as one tool to accomplish this work.

TRRP funding is contained in applicable appropriations acts. Reclamation has authority to award grant, cooperative and interagency agreements, and contract agreements for planning, design, outreach and implementation projects in furtherance of the TRRP. The statutory authority for financial assistance grants and cooperative agreements to implement these responsibilities under TRRP is contained in the Central Valley Project Improvement

Act.

Section C: Eligibility Information

Section B: Award Information

B.1. Total Project Funding

Total Program cost for period FY 2021 through FY 2025 would be $2,675,000.

Reclamation will provide funding for the administration and award of watershed restoration activities in the Trinity River Basin to the recipient according to the following funding cycles.

Period 1, FY 2021 $ 675,000

Period 2, FY 2022 $ 500,000

Period 3, FY 2023 $ 500,000

Period 4, FY 2024 $ 500,000

Period 5, FY 2025 $ 500,000

Funding is contingent upon appropriations, and this NOFO will be updated accordingly as the appropriation information becomes available. Note that, at the discretion of Reclamation and the recommendation of the Trinity Management Council, within-year contributions may be higher or lower than $500,000. Additional funds from partner agency mitigation obligations (e.g. CalTrans) may also be added to this agreement in excess of the $500,000 per year and beyond the five-year sum of $2,675,000.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations

A single award will be made under this NOFO so eligible entities should apply for the full funding amount. No cost share is required but matching funds are encouraged.

B.3. Reclamation Responsibilities

An Award will be made through a cooperative agreement. The Program

Administrator/Recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the overall Program and sub-projects. Substantial involvement by Reclamation will include:

• Ensuring receipt of all deliverables including but not limited to the draft and final reports.

• Providing other additional information, clarification, data, or assistance that may be requested by the grant recipient, as determined to be practicable by Reclamation.

• Participating in meetings and coordination and communication related to grant administration, restoration priority setting, selection of projects, and ongoing projects, as determined to be practicable by Reclamation.

• Coordinating with the Program Administrator/Recipient’s Environmental Compliance

Manager (by having on staff or hiring an Environmental Compliance Manager as a consultant and sub-recipients (as necessary) to determine level of environmental compliance analysis required for all sub-projects whereby, Reclamation will review, edit, clarify needs, adopt, and finalize all environmental compliance related documents under Reclamation’s purview.

At the request of the recipient, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award of the Program or sub-award to individual projects. To discuss available assistance, contact

Mike Dixon, Trinity River Restoration Program Executive Director, at mdixon@usbr.gov.

B.4 Award Date

Reclamation expects to notify potential award recipients on or around July 2021. Notification letters will also be sent to unsuccessful applicants during the same time frame. Three to six months after notification, financial assistance agreements will be awarded to applicants that successfully pass all pre-award reviews and clearance.

mailto:mdixon@usbr.gov

Section C: Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants

State and local governments, nonprofit organizations and institutions, and Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments may apply.

C.2. Eligible Projects

The principal objective of this solicitation is to have the Program Administrator/Recipient administer Reclamation funds used to support projects to improve habitat for SONCC coho salmon and other anadromous fish in tributaries of the Trinity River between Lewiston Dam and the confluence with the Klamath River at Weitchpec, inclusive of the South Fork Trinity

River and its tributaries. Projects on the mainstem Trinity River, or its tributaries above

Lewiston Dam, are ineligible.

The Program Administrator/Recipient will use the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to initiate a pre-proposal phase whereby Reclamation and the TRRP Agencies in coordination with the Program Administrator/Recipient will select pre-proposals for formal proposal submission. The Program Administrator/Recipient is responsible for coordinating primarily with Reclamation and then as needed with the TRRP Agencies (as described on page 1 of this announcement) to formally select full proposals that rank projects based on established ratings focusing on those that provide fine sediment reduction or habitat improvements and have the greatest impact on promoting the survival and recovery of anadromous fish. The

Program Administrator/Recipient will fund projects that comply with:

1) Reclamation’s authority under the CVPIA;

2) Project types specifically identified by watershed in the SONCC coho recovery plan;

3) Priority projects identified in the Klamath Basin Integrated Fisheries Restoration and Monitoring Plan’s prioritization tool;

4) The overall goals and objective of the Program as outlined above in Section A.1.

The Program Administrator/Recipient will monitor all activities (construction and non-construction) conducted by others receiving funds under this grant opportunity. For projects that include construction elements, the Program Administrator/Recipient will ensure that sub-recipient has a Project Manager, responsible for ensuring the project is implemented per the stamped engineering and/or professional grade construction plans and that all applicable environmental compliance requirements are upheld.

For both construction and non-construction projects, the Program Administrator/Recipient will ensure overall compliance with Federal and state environmental regulations, permitting, and reporting on permits (discussed in more detailed in section H.2) by having on staff or hiring an Environmental Compliance Manager as a consultant (previously mentioned in section B.3) who is professionally trained and well versed in the Federal requirements that

Reclamation is responsible for including, but not limited to the ESA, the National

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), the National Historic

Preservation Act (NHPA), etc. Note: Reclamation has recently received a 2020 Biological

Opinion from NMFS and 2020 Letter of Concurrence from USFWS providing programmatic

ESA coverage of Trinity River tributary restoration projects. ESA compliance needs should largely be informal.

The Program Administrator/Recipient’s Environmental Compliance Manager will serve as the main point of contact for Reclamation staff reviewing and adopting environmental documents drafted by the sub-recipients. This Environmental Compliance Manager will participate in the overall sub-project selection process to reduce the need for Reclamation to participate in additional calls/etc. Additionally, the Environmental Compliance Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all sub-project applicants include environmental compliance budgets in pre-and full proposals (typically 10 percent of total project costs), that the sub-recipient have on staff or hire an environmental compliance consultant that is well versed in developing documents that meet Federal environmental compliance requirements (e.g., environmental assessments (EA), categorical exclusion checklists (CEC), and possibly

Environmental Impact Statements (EIS(s)), etc.). At a minimum the Program

Administrator/Recipient’s Environmental Compliance Manager will have the following criteria.

(Note: the sub-recipient’s environmental compliance staff or hired consultant should have similar qualifications, but it is not required as the Program Administrator/Recipient’s

Environmental Compliance Manager will be assisting to ensure all documentation meet

Reclamation’s standard prior to Reclamation reviews and adoption):

• A minimum of 5 years of NEPA document preparation and project management experience in environmental consulting. Experience should include simple to complex, multi-disciplinary projects; leading meetings with clients and agencies;

directing project teams including subcontractors; preparing or directing staff in the preparation of technical studies and NEPA documents (e.g. EA and Finding of No

Significant Impacts (FONSI)); and setting and adhering to project budgets and delivery schedules.

• Ability to write concise, descriptive, and complete descriptions of all the elements of both construction and non-construction projects.

• Ability to create or direct the creation of project location maps containing, township, range, section, North arrow, proposed action boundaries, a complete map legend, etc.

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental planning, environmental science, biology, environmental science, natural resource management, planning, geology or other science-related field.

• A working knowledge of and experience with developing, complying, and/or assisting a Federal agency develop compliance documents or Federal and California environmental regulations including NEPA, California Environmental Quality Act

(CEQA), the CWA, the ESA, the NHPA, etc.

• A working understanding of Federal agency internal processes and procedures including, but not limited to Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, NMFS, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Natural Resource Conservation

Service, and/or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; attention to detail; and organization, schedule, and budget management skills.

Further, to reduce Reclamation’s need to review initial adequacy of environmental compliance documentation on any sub-grantee projects, the Program

Administrator/Recipient’s Environmental Compliance Manager will ensure that sub-grantee’s environmental compliance documents (to be completed by the sub-grantee’s staff or environmental compliance consultant) are complete, near final, and ready for

Reclamation’s final review and acceptance consistent with the compliance requirements identified in the RFP process and as directed by Reclamation during post award of sub-project meetings.

Any details that Reclamation identifies as outstanding for a particular sub-grantee project will be coordinated through the Program Administrator/Recipient’s Environmental

Compliance Manager who, as stated above will manage, coordinate, and assist all sub-recipients in environmental compliance documentation and consultant needs.

It is the sole responsibility of the Program Administrator/Recipient’s Environmental

Compliance Manager to ensure sub-recipients have budgeted for and hired qualified staff or consultants to develop environmental compliance documents (specifically regarding NEPA analysis and cultural resource surveys and reports under NHPA and CWA). The Program

Administrator/Recipient will also be responsible for all sub-receipts accurately and completely answers a series of questions or provide additional information to Reclamation about the potential environmental impacts of a proposed sub-project.

Additionally, the Program Administrator/Recipient will provide Reclamation with quarterly financial and progress reports during the life of the Program. Progress reports should include a detailed breakdown of administration activities and associated costs as well as the activities and associated costs of selected projects including prioritization of projects resulting from scheduling constraints, any matching funds, habitat metrics achieved (e.g., acres of riparian habitat restored, area of off channel habitat constructed, cubic yards of fine sediment erosion prevented), pre and post project photos, and any other relevant project information (e.g., points of contact, fish population estimates, as built surveys, environmental concerns identified, fish and wildlife encounters).

Reclamation will also require from the Program Administrator/Recipient bi-weekly status of environmental compliance of all projects, upcoming program and sub-project deadlines, perceived issues or concerns, and summary of correspondence with the sub-grantees, expenditures for each program, changes to any points of contacts with sub-grantees, action items, and any other information deemed necessary by Reclamation.

Period of performance for the agreement is five years from the date of award with the anticipated end date of September 30, 2026.

The Program Administrator/Recipient is required to have experience with administering projects using Federal and private funds with experience administering projects that focus on the problems facing SONCC coho salmon and other Pacific anadromous fish species. Some of the problems facing these species include impeded access to their historical habitat; loss of summer and winter rearing habitat, seasonal water quality impairment (temperature and flow in particular), water quality and flow-related effects on the incidence of disease in certain populations, excessive fine sediment recruitment due to poor land management, and reduced transport of sediment and large woody debris to important habitat.

The successful applicant to this funding opportunity is responsible for:

• Annually soliciting, reviewing, collating, and coordination of project proposals within the defined reach of the Trinity River Basin to fund through requests for proposals and a selection process that includes direct coordination with Reclamation and the

TRRP Agencies as needed.

• Annually facilitating meetings with the TRRP Agencies to prioritize project proposals and discuss overall Program administration.

• Annually administering Reclamation funds for anadromous fish restoration activities under this grant opportunity. Unless exempted by Reclamation, contracts for selected project proposals will be completed by mid-June annually. In addition, contracts will be finalized with applicants within 2 months from the date the TRRP Agencies agree on projects to fund and Reclamation confirms, and the Program

Administrator/Recipient notifies for award.

• Ensuring the sub-receipt has a Project Manager managing all construction and non-construction related activities conducted by other entities receiving funds under this grant opportunity. The Program Administrator/Recipient should ensure that each project is implemented as described in the sub-recipient awarded full proposal and the associated environmental compliance.

• Monitoring and reporting activities associated with the administration of the Program as described in Section F.3. including both pre and post construction monitoring and reporting, as well as, quarterly and annual reporting for the Program and any/all summary reports requests by Reclamation.

• Establishing a public website as another method to (1) provide information about the funding (e.g., schedule of solicitation, review, and contracts; qualifying restoration projects; amount; geographic scope); (2) annually solicit project proposals; and (3) list awarded proposals for each year.

For examples of previously funded projects, please contact Mike Dixon at mdixon@usbr.gov.

Example projects that are likely to be funded under the Program and which the Program

Administrator/Recipient would manager include, but are not limited to those described in the

2020 National Marine Fisheries Service Biological Opinion for non-mainstem flow related activities of the TRRP

In Summary, the types of projects which may be funded through subawards in this Program include:

• Riparian Habitat Restoration

• Water Conservation

• Instream Habitat Improvements

• Instream Barrier Modification for Fish Passage Improvement

• Fish Passage Improvement at Stream Crossings

• Fish Screens

• Fine sediment reduction in watersheds where fine sediment is a major limiting factor

C.3. Length of Program and Projects

Administration of the Program will be five years (FY 2021 to FY 2025). All sub-projects selected for Federal funds should be completed within 1 year of contract execution

Agreement unless coordinated under a different schedule and approved by Reclamation.

C.4. Cost Share Requirement

No cost share is required for this award, though use of matching or in-kind support is encouraged.

C.4.1 In-Kind Contributions

In-kind contributions constitute the value of non-cash contributions that benefit a federally assisted project. These contributions may be in the form of real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable property, as well as the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the proposed project or program.

C.4.2 Pre-Award Costs

Costs incurred prior to Reclamation’s signing the financial assistance agreement will not be reimbursed under this award.

C.4.3 Indirect Costs

Indirect costs are costs incurred by the Program Administrator/Recipient for a common or joint purpose that benefit more than one activity of the organization and are not readily assignable to the activities specifically benefitted without undue effort. Costs that are normally treated as indirect costs include, but are not limited to, administrative salaries and fringe benefits associated with overall financial and organizational administration; operation and maintenance costs for facilities and equipment; and, payroll and procurement services. If https://www.trrp.net/library/document?id=2472 indirect costs will be incurred, identify the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable cost principles for the applicant’s organization. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

If the applicant has never received a Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, the 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 §200.1 available at www.ecfr.gov.

If the proposed project is selected for award, the recipient will be required to submit an indirect cost rate proposal with their cognizant agency within 3 months of award.

If the applicant does not have a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement and is 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 Interior, the Interior

Business Center, and Indirect Cost Services, at www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services.

C.5 Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

All projects being considered for sub-award funding will require compliance with the

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) before any ground-disturbing activity may begin. Compliance with all applicable state, Federal and local environmental, cultural, and paleontological resource protection laws and regulations is also required. These may include, but are not limited to, the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), consultation with potentially affected tribes, and consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO).

Reclamation will be the lead Federal agency for NEPA compliance and will be responsible for evaluating technical information and ensuring that natural resources, cultural, and socioeconomic concerns are appropriately addressed. As the lead agency, Reclamation is solely responsible for determining the appropriate level of NEPA compliance. Further, Reclamation is responsible to ensure that findings under NEPA, and consultations, as appropriate, will support Reclamation’s decision on whether to fund a project. These costs will be considered in the ranking of applications.

Under no circumstances may an applicant begin any ground-disturbing activities

(including grading, clearing, and other preliminary activities) on a project before environmental and cultural resources compliance is complete and Reclamation explicitly authorizes work to proceed. Reclamation will provide the successful applicant with information once such compliance is completed, including any necessary determinations solely within Reclamation’s purview. An applicant that proceeds before environmental and cultural resources compliance is completed may risk forfeiting

Reclamation funding under this NOFO.

http://www.ecfr.gov/ https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services

C.6. Other Requirements

C.6.1 System Registration

C.6.1.1 System for Award Management (SAM)

All applicants must be registered in SAM prior to award under this NOFO. Instructions in registering for SAM are located at https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/index.jsf . All applicants must always maintain an active SAM registration with current information while they have an active Federal award or an application under consideration.

Applicants must include a screen shot of their SAM account in the application package.

C.6.1.2 Automated Standard Application for Payment.

ASAP is a Recipient-initiated payment and information system designed to provide a single point of contact for the request and delivery of Federal funds. All applicants must also be registered with and willing to process all payments through the Department of Treasury, ASAP system. All recipients with active financial assistance agreements with Reclamation must be enrolled in ASAP under the appropriate Agency Location Code(s) and the Data

Universal Number System (DUNS) Number prior to the award of funds. If a recipient has multiple DUNS numbers, they must separately enroll within ASAP for each unique DUNS

Number and/or agency. Information regarding the enrollment process for recipients can be found at https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/asap/ .

Note that if your entity is currently enrolled in the ASAP system with an agency other than

Reclamation, you must enroll specifically with Reclamation in order to process payments.

Applicants must include a screen shot of their ASAP account in the application package.

https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/index.jsf https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/asap/

Section E: Application Review 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 for submission of 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 contacting:

Teresa E. Brown

Grants Management Specialist

E-mail: tebrown@usbr.gov

D.2 Application Submission

D.2.1 Submission Date and Time

The date deadlines for submitting an application are:

• July 19, 2021, 1:00 p.m. PST for FY 2021 funding

Proposals received after the application deadline will not be considered unless it can be determined that the delay was caused by Federal government mishandling or by the

Grants.gov application system.

D.2.2 Application Delivery Instructions

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application electronically through www.grants.gov or hard copies may be submitted to the following address.

By mail or express delivery/mail services:

Teresa E. Brown

Bureau of Reclamation – CGB-3839

Interior Region 10: California-Great Basin

2800 Cottage Way, Room E-1815

Sacramento, CA 95825-1898

D.3 Instructions for Submission of Project Application

All applications must conform to the requirements set forth below.

Note: 2 CFR 200.319, Competition.

http://www.grants.gov/

(a) All procurement transactions must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards of this section. In order to ensure objective contractor performance and eliminate unfair competitive advantage, contractors that develop or draft specifications, requirements, statements of work, or invitations for bids or requests for proposals must be excluded from competing for such procurements.

D.3.1 Applications Submitted Electronically

• Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application electronically through Grants.gov at www.grants.gov.

• Please note that submission of an application electronically requires prior registration through Grants.gov, which may take seven (7) to twenty-one (21) days.

Applicants have occasionally experienced significant delays when attempting to submit their application through Grants.gov. If an applicant plans to submit an application through Grants.gov, they are encouraged to submit 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 Grants.gov Help Desk to obtain a Case Number. The Case Number will provide evidence of your attempt to submit an application prior to the submission deadline.

D.3.2 Applications Submitted by Mail

• If the applicant chooses to submit an application by mail, please submit one (1) hardcopy of the entire application document.

• Do not use comb, spiral or adhesive methods to bind the documents. Use only binder clips. Do not submit documents via electronic media.

• Hardcopy applications may be submitted by mail or express methods to the address listed in Section D.2.2.

• Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package and may result in the application being rejected or not funded. Do not include a cover letter or company literature/brochure with the application. All pertinent information must be included in the application package.

Regardless of the delivery method used, the applicant must ensure that their proposal arrives by the deadlines stated in Section D.2.1 above. No applications will be accepted under this NOFO after July 19, 2021. Late applications will not be accepted unless it is determined that the delay was caused by Federal government mishandling or by a problem with the Grants.gov application system.

D.3.3. Application Format and Length http://www.grants.gov/

The Technical Proposal to administer this Program shall be limited to a maximum of thirty

(30) pages. The total application package shall be no more than seventy-five (75) consecutively numbered pages. If an application exceeds seventy-five (75) pages, only the first seventy-five (75) pages will be evaluated. The font shall be at least twelve (12) point in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ x 11 inches, except for an occasional larger size for charts, maps and drawings.

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

D.3.4 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 Non-Construction Programs o SF-424B Assurances Non-Construction Programs 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

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal (limited to 30 pages) and evaluation categories:

o Executive summary o Background data o Technical project description o Evaluation criteria:

• Project budget:

o Funding plan and letters of commitment o Budget proposal o Budget narrative

• Environmental and cultural compliance requirements and documentation needed

• Required permits or approvals

• Letters of project support, including from land manager or landowner (do not submit separately)

• Resolution authorizing participation from applicant’s board of directors or government body

D.4 Application Content Details

D.4.1 Mandatory Federal Forms http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

The application must include the following standard Federal forms. SF-424, SF-424A, SF-

424B, and SF-LLL forms may be obtained at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-

424-family.html .

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

A fully completed SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance 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.

SF-424A Budget Information

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

SF-424B Assurances

A SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs 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 Applicable)

A fully completed and signed SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities is required 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.

ASAP Registration

All applicants must maintain an ASAP registration with current information at all times while they have an active Federal award or an application under consideration. Please provide verification of an open and active ASAP account.

SAM Registration

All applicants must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times while they have an active Federal award or an application under consideration. Please provide verification of an open and active SAM account.

A screen shot of your SAM account submitted with your application will be considered verification.

D.4.2 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, email address, and telephone of the project manager.

D.4.3 Table of Contents

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

D.4.4 Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria

The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (15 pages maximum) include:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Background data

(3) Project location

(4) Project description

(5) Evaluation criteria

D.4.4.1 Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

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

• A one paragraph project summary that specifies the work proposed, including how funds will be used to accomplish specific project activities and briefly identifies how the proposed project contributes to accomplishing the goals of this NOFO.

D.4.4.2 Background Data

Identify past experience with administering projects using Federal and private funds, serving as a manager and trustee for funds arising from legal and regulatory actions involving natural resources and the environment, administering a program of similar size and scope that provides funding for the performance of projects that will improve, restore, and enhance flows, habitat, and fish passage for anadromous fish.

Identify knowledge coordinating environmental and cultural resource compliance as described in Section E.1 and consistent with Reclamation’s NEPA Handbook available here:

https://www.usbr.gov/nepa/NEPA_Handbook.html.

Identify any past working relationships with Reclamation. This should include the date(s), description of prior relationships with Reclamation, Assistance Agreement Number(s), and a description of the project(s).

Describe any other relevant background information.

D.4.4.3 Technical Program Description https://www.usbr.gov/nepa/NEPA_Handbook.html

Describe the work, in detail, including specific activities that will be accomplished as a result of this Program. This description shall have sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal.

Provide an estimated Program schedule demonstrating the stages and duration of the proposed work, including major milestones and dates.

D.4.4.4 Evaluation Criteria

See Section E.1. Evaluation Criteria for additional details, including 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.

It is suggested that applicants copy and paste the evaluation criteria and sub-criteria in

Section E.1. Evaluation Criteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

D.4.5 Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance

N/A. Environmental and cultural resources compliance are described as a component of sub-awards and are not germane to the award under this NOFO.

D.4.6 Required Permits or Approvals

N/A. Required permits and approvals are described as a component of sub-awards and are not germane to the award under this NOFO.

D.4.7 Letter of Project Support

N/A. Letters of project support are described as a component of sub-awards and are not germane to the award under this NOFO.

D.4.8 Official Board Resolution

All applicants shall submit an official resolution adopted by the applicant’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 financial assistance, verifying:

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

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

• The capability of the applicant to provide the amount of funding and/or in-kind contributions specified in the funding plan.

• That the applicant will work with Reclamation to meet established deadlines for entering into a cooperative agreement.

An official resolution meeting the requirements set forth above is mandatory. If the applicant is 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 up to 30 days after the application deadline.

D.4.9 Project Budget

The project budget includes:

(1) Funding plan

(2) Budget proposal

(3) Budget narrative

Note: Budget proposals should not include costs that have already been incurred or are anticipated to be incurred prior to the award of the financial assistance agreement. Pre-award costs are not authorized for projects funded under this NOFO.

Please note that the costs for preparing an application in response to this NOFO, including the development of data necessary to support the proposal, are not eligible for reimbursement under this NOFO and must not be included in the project budget.

D.4.9.1 Funding Plan

N/A. A funding plan and letters of commitment are not required because a project match is not necessary for this proposal.

D.4.9.2 Budget Proposal

The project budget table shall include detailed information on the categories listed below and must clearly identify all project costs. Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors. Additionally, applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the project budget. It is advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown below (Table 1) or a similar format that provides this information and are strongly encouraged to review the procurement standards for Federal awards found at 2 CFR §200.317 through §200.326 before developing their budget proposal.

If selected for award, successful applicants must submit detailed supporting documentation for all budgeted costs.

The table below is only a sample budget table format. We highly suggest you use this format, but you may submit the information in a different format which provides a detailed break-down of costs and justification for budgets presented in the SF-424A.

Table 1. Sample budget proposal format