WaterSMART_FY25_CWMP_Phase I_NOFO_rev_508F.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R25AS00206

WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I for Fiscal Year 2025

U.S. Department of the Interior December 2025

Mission Statements The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments 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 - Rio Grande, New Mexico. (Reclamation/Alex Stephens).

Synopsis

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

Funding Opportunity Title: WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I for Fiscal Years 2025

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity Funding Opportunity Number:

R25AS00206

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.554

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Application due Date:

• First application period: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 4:00 p.m.

Mountain Daylight Time

• Second application period: Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 4:00pm Mountain Daylight Time

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1) New Watershed Groups

Applicants eligible to receive an award as a New Watershed Group include states, Indian Tribes, local and special districts (e.g., irrigation, water districts, water conservation districts), local governmental entities, interstate organizations, and non-profit organizations. To be eligible, applicants must also (1) be sponsoring the development of a New Watershed Group, (2) significantly affect or be affected by the quality or quantity of water in a watershed, and (3) be capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources.

Existing Watershed Groups Applicants eligible to receive an award as an Existing Watershed Group include states, Indian Tribes, local and special districts (e.g., irrigation, water districts, water conservation districts), local governmental entities, interstate organizations, and non-profit organizations. To be eligible, applicants must also Be an Existing Watershed Group, which meets the definition of a watershed group as described above in Section A.3.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Objectives and is legally incorporated as a non-profit entity; be a participating entity in an Existing Watershed Group; or be a fiscal sponsor of an Existing Watershed Group.

Applicants (except non-profits organizations) must also be located in one of the following states or territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

i

Non-profit organizations must be located in the United States or one of the territories identified above and must be sponsoring the establishment or development of a watershed group located in one of the following states or territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico.

Recipient Cost-Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.2)

A non-Federal cost-share contribution is not required for Phase I CWMP activities funded under this NOFO.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Up to $300,000 per applicant

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Approximately 25 to 30 projects per application submittal period contingent on appropriations.

Intergovernmental Review:

(See NOFO Sec. D.5)

An intergovernmental review may be required for applications submissions from a U.S. state or local government prior to submission.

Applicants must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372.

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

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

Mandatory Application Components: Required Content

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)

See section D.2.2.1

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

See Section D.3 22

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

See Section D.2.2.2

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

See Section D.2.2.3

Recommended Application Components: Required Content

Page

Environmental and cultural resources compliance See Section D.2.2.4

Required Permits and Approvals See Section D.2.2.5

Overlap or duplication of effort statement See Section D.2.2.6

Conflict of interest disclosure statement See Section D.2.2.7

Uniform audit reporting statement See Section D.2.2.8

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

(OMB)

See Section D.2.2.9

Letters of Support See Section D.2.2.10

Official Resolution See Section D.2.2.11 iii

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 DUNS Data Universal Number System EA Environmental Assessment EIN Employer Identification Number EIS Environmental Impact Statement E.O. Executive Order EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FGDC Federal Geospatial Data Committee FOIA Freedom of Information Act FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FY fiscal year GIS Geographic information system IBC Interior Business Center HUC Hydrologic Unit Code MDT Mountain Daylight Time NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service OMB Office of Management and Budget P.L. Public Law 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 USGS United States Geological Survey WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow West Western United States v

Contents Page

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

Section B. Award Information B.1. Total Funding B.2. Expected Award Amount B.3. Expected Award Funding 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. Agency Contacts G.1. Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact G.2. Reclamation Program Coordinator Contact

Section H. Other Information H.1. Environmental and Cultural Resource Considerations H.2. Endangered Species Act vii

Section A. Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Authority

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is issued under the authority of Section 6002 of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act, Subtitle A of Title VI of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.) 111-11 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 16 1015).

A.2. Background, Purpose, and Program Requirements

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations in support of the Department’s priorities. Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with states, Tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply sustainability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts.

WaterSMART’s Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP) provides support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and aligned with other priorities, such as those identified in E.O. 13985:

Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. The Cooperative Watershed Management Program will advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative. Established by E.O. 14008, the Justice40 Initiative has made it a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments, such as climate, clean energy, and other areas, flow to disadvantaged communities.1 The Cooperative Watershed Management Program also supports the goals of the Interagency Drought Relief Working Group established in March 2021 and the National Drought Resiliency Partnership.

Drought conditions across the West impact a wide range of communities and sectors, including agriculture, cities, Tribes, the environment, recreation, hydropower producers, and others. While waves of precipitation have hit Western United States since December of 2022, as of March 2023, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that more than 75% of the land in the seventeen Western states is still in abnormally dry to exceptional drought conditions. Through WaterSMART, Reclamation provides financial assistance to water managers for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the Western United States.

1 8 For more information, see E.O. 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (Jan. 27, 2023), https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad; Justice40 Initiative, https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/ https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. R23AS00362

A.2.1. Executive Summary

Through the CWMP, Reclamation provides funding to watershed groups to encourage diverse stakeholders to form local solutions to address their water management needs. By providing this funding Reclamation promotes water reliability and cooperation between stakeholders to reduce conflict, facilitate solutions to complex water issues, and stretch limited water supplies.

This NOFO provides funding to watershed groups for Phase I projects for watershed group development, restoration planning, and watershed management project design.

For further information on the CWMP, see www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp.

A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Objectives

The objective of this NOFO is to invite states, Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, local governmental entities, non-profit organizations, Existing Watershed Groups, and local and special districts (e.g., irrigation and water districts, conservation districts, natural resource districts) to submit proposals for Phase I activities to develop a watershed group, complete watershed restoration planning activities, and design watershed management projects. See Section C.4. Eligible Projects for a more comprehensive description of eligible activities.

A “watershed group,” as defined in Section 6001(6) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act (see Section A.1. Authority for full citation) is a grassroots, non-regulatory entity that addresses water availability and quality issues within the relevant watershed, is capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources in the watershed, makes decisions on a consensus basis, and represents a diverse group of stakeholders, including hydroelectric producers, livestock grazing, timber production, land development, recreation or tourism, irrigated agriculture, the environment, municipal water supplies, private property owners, Federal, state and local governments, Tribes, and disadvantaged communities.

A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities

WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects. Reclamation provides up to $3 million in cost-share funding for projects that provide ecological and watershed health benefits and were developed as part of a collaborative process. Project types may include efforts such as water conservation and efficiency projects that result in quantifiable and sustained water savings and benefit ecological values and watershed health; water management or infrastructure improvements to benefit ecological values and watershed health; and watershed management or restoration projects benefitting ecological values and watershed health that have a nexus to water resources or water resources management. The Federal share of the cost of an infrastructure improvement or activity may be up to 75 percent of the total project cost if certain conditions are met.

WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects. Reclamation provides funding on a 65/35 cost share basis for the study, design, and construction of projects that restore or protect aquatic ecosystems. Projects benefit aquatic ecosystems across multiple basins, build habitat and https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/ systems resiliency, support threatened and endangered species, and provide broad environmental benefits. For information on the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program, visit the WaterSMART Program website at https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/aerp/index.html.

WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Project Grants. Reclamation provides funding on a 50/50 cost share basis for projects that will increase the reliability of water supplies or improve water management to build long term resilience to drought and are supported by an existing drought contingency plan. For information on the Drought Resiliency Projects, visit the WaterSMART Program website at https://www.usbr.gov/drought/projects.html.

WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants. Financial assistance is provided on a 50/50 cost share basis for the construction of projects that conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of hydropower; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the West. For information on the Water and Energy Efficiency Grants, visit the WaterSMART Program website at https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/weeg/index.html.

WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects. Financial assistance is provided on a 50/50 cost share basis for small-scale water management projects (up to $100,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been identified through previous planning efforts.

Reclamation has developed a streamlined selection and review process to reflect the small-scale nature of these projects. For information on the Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects, visit the WaterSMART Program website at https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/swep/index.html.

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 comprehensive Drought Contingency Plans; Water Strategy Grants to investigate and develop activities and projects supporting water marketing, water conservation, drought resilience, and ecological values; and Project Design Grants to conduct project-specific design for projects supporting water conservation, drought resilience, and ecological values. The Federal cost share of a project may be up to 50 or 75 percent depending on the project type.

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.

https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/aerp/index.html https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/weeg/index.html https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/swep/index.html https://www.usbr.gov/drought/projects.html

Section B. Award Information

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Funding

This NOFO will allocate available program funds, including fiscal years (FY) 2025 enacted appropriations for the Cooperative Watershed Management Program and funding made available for the Cooperative Watershed Management Program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

The amount of funding available for awards under this NOFO will depend on the demand for funding under this and other WaterSMART programs. Any awards are subject to a determination by Reclamation that appropriations and/or BIL funds are available. Applications submitted under this NOFO may also be considered if other funding becomes available in FY 2025 or subsequently.

B.2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award: $300,000 Minimum Award: $10,000

A total of up to $300,000 in Federal funds may be awarded to an applicant over the three-year period, with no more than $100,000 to be available per year. A non-Federal cost-share contribution is not required for Phase I activities funded under this NOFO. For each year of the grant, Reclamation must determine whether a recipient has made sufficient progress on the project to justify additional funding (see Section F.3.4. Determination of Sufficient Progress for additional information).

B.3. Expected Award Funding and Federal Award Date

This funding opportunity has two application submittal periods (See Section D.4. Submission Date and Time). For proposals submitted under the first application period, Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in fall 2025 (or later if necessary). The anticipated award and completion dates for the second submittal period are as follows:

Anticipated Award Date: March 31, 2026

Anticipated Project Completion Date: March 31, 2029

For proposals submitted under the second application period, Reclamation expects to contact potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in spring 2026 (or later if necessary). The anticipated award and completion dates for the second submittal period are as follows:

Anticipated Award Date: July 31, 2026

Anticipated Project Completion Date: July 31, 2029

B.4. Number of Awards

Approximately 25 to 30 awards, per application submittal period, depending on the amount requested by each applicant and the amount of funding 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 by Reclamation may include:

• 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. Agency Contacts.

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants

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

Applicants (except non-profits organizations) must also be located in one of the following states or territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Non-profit organizations must be located in the United States or one of the territories identified above and must be sponsoring the establishment or development of a watershed group located in one of the following states or territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico.

C.1.1. Applicant Eligibility for New Watershed Groups

Applicants eligible to receive an award as a New Watershed Group include states, Indian Tribes, local and special districts (e.g., irrigation, water districts, water conservation districts,), local governmental entities, interstate organizations, non-profit organizations, and institutes of higher education sponsoring a watershed group. To be eligible, applicants must also meet all the following requirements:

1. Be sponsoring the development of a New Watershed Group

2. Significantly affect or be affected by the quality or quantity of water in a watershed

3. Be capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources

C.1.2. Applicant Eligibility for Existing Watershed Groups

Applicants eligible to receive an award as an Existing Watershed Group include states, Indian Tribes, local and special districts (e.g., irrigation, water districts, water conservation districts), local governmental entities, interstate organizations, non-profit organizations, and institutes of higher education sponsoring a watershed group. To be eligible, applicants must also be an Existing Watershed Group, which meets the definition of a watershed group as described above in Section A.3. Notice of Funding Opportunity Objectives and is legally incorporated as a non-profit entity; be a participating entity in an Existing Watershed Group; or be a fiscal sponsor of an Existing Watershed Group.

C.1.3. Applicant Category Guidance

In general, applicants should apply as a New Watershed Group if the group is just getting started, has completed little or no watershed restoration planning, and requires more substantial support for building the capacity of the watershed group and completing outreach to stakeholders.

Groups that have been active in the watershed for several years and have previously conducted some watershed planning should apply as an Existing Watershed Group, even if the group is not incorporated as a legal entity. Entities that have previously received funding through CWMP Phase I should apply as an Existing Watershed Group and explain how their new project differs from and builds on their past Phase I project(s). Although New and Existing Watershed Groups will be scored using the same evaluation criteria (see Section E.1. Evaluation Criteria), they will be ranked separately to ensure fairness. Note: The Application Review Committee (ARC) (see Section E.2.2. Application Review Committee) has the discretion to change the Applicant Category when they deem appropriate.

C.1.4. Ineligible Applicants

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

• Federal Governmental entities

• Individuals

• Institutes of higher education, unless they are serving as a sponsor for a watershed group.

C.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

There is no requirement for a non-Federal cost-share contribution for Phase I activities, and an application will not receive additional priority under the evaluation criterion (see Section E.

Application Review Information) for providing non-Federal cost-share. If the applicant is voluntarily providing a non-Federal cost-share this must be noted in the budget proposal (see Section D.2.2.3. Project Budget).

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 http://www.ecfr.gov/ been or will be relied on to satisfy a cost-sharing or matching requirement for another Federal financial assistance agreement, a Federal procurement contract, or any other award of Federal funds. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR §200.434 Contributions and donations for regulations regarding the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions.

C.3. Other

C.3.1. Multiple Applications

Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration under this funding opportunity, provided that the project scopes are not duplicative. However, only one award will be made per watershed group.

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

Applicants can apply for funding for activities within one or more of the following three Task Areas. It is acceptable and expected for an applicant not to address all three Task Areas. For example, a New Group might focus exclusively on Task A: Watershed Group Development or an Existing Group might focus exclusively on Task C: Watershed Management Project Design.

An application will not receive more points simply because they are addressing more than one Task Area. In addition, applicants are not required to complete all activities identified under a certain Task Area. Developing articles of incorporation, bylaws, and business practices are eligible activities for both New and Existing Watershed Groups. See Section C.1.3. Applicant Category Guidance for a description of New and Existing Watershed Groups.

Reclamation funding can be used to support one full-time salary for a watershed group coordinator; however, most of the watershed group coordinators time that is funded by Reclamation should be spent on eligible activities specifically identified in the technical project description. Under the Section 6002 of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act administrative costs are limited to 20% of the grant award (see Section D.6.2. Project Cost Restrictions).

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

1. Task A: Watershed Group Development: Watershed group development activities include, but are not limited to:

● Developing a mission statement, vision statement, and goals for the watershed group.

● Developing articles of incorporation, bylaws, and business practices

● Conducting outreach activities including, but not limited to, development of informational materials about the watershed and the purpose of the watershed group community (e.g., brochures, advertisements, website, videos), creation of an outreach plan, conducting stakeholder meetings to establish broad-based and diverse membership, hiring a facilitator to assist with outreach and coalition building, tabling at community events, targeted outreach to specific groups and individuals (e.g., attending meetings of other groups, meeting with individual land owners, and tours of past watershed management projects.

● Gathering information about issues and needs related to water quality, water quantity and restoration needs within the watershed (e.g., through literature research and talking to government agencies, local universities, and stakeholders).

● Conducting pre-planning activities, including outlining a watershed restoration plan, reviewing existing plans related to the watershed, and collecting baseline information.

2. Task B: Watershed Restoration Planning: Watershed restoration planning activities may include, but are not limited to:

● Completing a watershed restoration plan, updating an existing restoration plan.

● Developing general watershed management project concepts or performing an analysis of the watershed to identify and prioritize watershed management projects.

For example, creating a matrix within the watershed restoration plan that outlines and prioritizes watershed management projects.

● Conducting monitoring activities (e.g., water quality studies, water quantity studies, vegetation surveys, invertebrate surveys) needed to provide baseline information about the current condition and needs of the watershed to inform a broader watershed planning effort (see Section C.4.2. Eligibility of Monitoring, Measurement, and Field Work for additional information).

● Conducting mapping and other technical analyses, including obtaining data, performing modeling, or developing goals and benchmarks for the watershed restoration plan.

● Obtaining project management services or software technology required to formulate the watershed restoration plan.

● Interviewing watershed group members and stakeholders to gain an idea of projects that would improve the watershed.

● Working with watershed group members, landowners, Federal agencies, and state or local governments to determine how the watershed can be improved.

● Reviewing watershed-specific best management practices established by Federal, state, and local government agencies.

3. Task C: Watershed Management Project Design: Project design activities can include, but are not limited to:

● Completing an analysis to identify specific project locations.

● Completing site-specific project design and engineering, including but not limited to:

o Preparing de sign 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.)

● Developing project timelines and milestones.

● Researching what type of site-specific environmental compliance will be necessary to implement a project, particularly if the applicant intends to seek Federal funding to implement the project in the future (e.g., under The WaterSMART Environmental Water Resource Projects or Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects). We recommend contacting your local Reclamation office (www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html) as part of such research, to discuss the required environmental and cultural resource compliance and costs associated with potential projects. If a potential project is located on land owned by a different Federal agency, other than Reclamation, we also recommend contacting that agency.

C.4.1. Watershed Restoration Plan Guidance

A watershed restoration plan is a tool designed to help a watershed group plan for and implement restoration activities in their watershed. A watershed restoration plan should describe the issues of concern related to water resources within the watershed and identify potential solutions.

Reclamation understands that watershed restoration plans may take different forms depending on their purpose. Rather than prescribing specific requirements, Reclamation encourages recipients to develop a restoration plan that best meets the needs of the watershed. However, recipients should consider that the WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects funding opportunity, which provides funding to watershed groups for on-the-ground watershed management projects, prioritizes projects that are identified and prioritized in a strategy or planning document that was developed collaboratively by a diverse set of water users and addresses water supply reliability for ecological value. You can find watershed restoration plans completed by previously selected CWMP Phase I recipients on Reclamation’s website, www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/plans.html https://www.usbr.gov/main/offices.html https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/plans.html

C.4.2. Eligibility of Education and Training Activities

To be considered eligible activities, all outreach activities, training, and conferences must be specifically linked to the proposed watershed group development, watershed restoration planning, or watershed management project design activities. General education activities (e.g., K-12 educational programs) or general staff training are not eligible under this NOFO. Note: The ARC (see Section E.2.2. Application Review Committee) has the discretion to determine whether a specific education/outreach activity, training, or conference is eligible.

C.4.3. Eligibility of Monitoring, Measurement, and Field Work

Monitoring, measurement, and fieldwork (e.g., water quality monitoring, vegetation surveys) to collect baseline information regarding the current conditions and needs of the watershed is eligible under this funding opportunity if they will inform a broader planning or design effort being completed as part of the same grant project and costs do not exceed 50 percent of the Reclamation grant Reclamation funding. Applicants should also be aware that these on-the-ground activities may require more substantial environmental and cultural resources compliance.

C.5. Ineligible Projects

Projects not eligible for funding under this NOFO include, but are not limited to, scientific research and the project types identified immediately below.

C.5.1. Other Planning Projects

Proposals for developing planning efforts other than collaborative watershed restoration plans developed by watershed groups are not eligible for funding under this NOFO. This includes proposals for developing drought plans, appraisal investigations, feasibility studies, special studies, Basin Studies, or 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 interested in completing similar planning efforts that do not involve a collaborative watershed group should consider the WaterSMART Planning and Project Design Grant funding opportunity (see Section A.4. Other Related Funding Opportunities for additional information).

C.5.2. Implementation On-the-Ground Watershed Management Projects

Implementation of on-the-ground watershed management projects are not eligible under this funding opportunity. Implementation of on-the-ground watershed management projects that improve ecological value and watershed health are funded under the Environmental Water Resources Projects NOFO. On-the-ground watershed management projects include, but are not limited to, removing fish passage barriers, or installing fish passage structures, streambed and streambank modifications, invasive species removal, vegetation restoration, installing fences, and water conservation and efficiency projects (e.g., canal lining and piping).

C.5.3. Water and Land Purchases and Easements

A project that proposes using Federal funding primarily for the purchase of water or land, or to secure an easement, is not eligible under this NOFO.

C.5.4. Building Construction

A project that proposes to construct a building is not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or to promote public awareness of water conservation).

C.5.5. On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Improvements

Projects to conduct on-farm irrigation efficiency improvements are not eligible under this NOFO. Applicants interested in on-farm irrigation efficiency improvements should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to investigate opportunities for Federal assistance. For more information on NRCS programs, including application deadlines and a description of available funding, please contact your local NRCS office or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov for further contact information in your area.

C.5.6. Pilot Projects

A project that proposes to conduct a pilot study to evaluate technical capability, economic feasibility, or viability for full-scale implementation or to test an unproven material or technology is not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO.

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

Section D. Application and Submission Information

Section D. Application and Submission Information

D.1. Address to Request Application Package

This document contains all the information, forms, and electronic addresses required to submit an application. If you are unable to access this information electronically, you can request paper copies of any of the documents referenced in this NOFO by emailing the Financial Assistance NOFO Operations Section staff at sha-dro-fafoa@usbr.gov.

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

All applications must conform to the requirements described in this section.

D.2.1. Application Format and Length

The technical proposal and criteria section (defined below) shall be limited to a maximum of 25 consecutively numbered pages. If this section of the application exceeds 25 pages, only the first 25 pages will be evaluated. The full application, including attachments, cannot exceed 75 pages. If the application exceeds 75 pages, only the first 75 pages will be considered in the evaluation.

The font shall be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ by 11 inches, including charts, maps, and drawings. Margins should be standard 1-inch margins.

Oversized pages will not be accepted.

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

D.2.2. Application Content The application should include the items identified as Mandatory Application Components in the Application Checklist to be considered complete. To facilitate fair and timely reviews by the ARC, it is highly recommended that application packages be structured in the order identified in the Application Checklist.

Applications will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this funding opportunity. A complete application must include all the items identified as Mandatory Application Components in the Application Checklist. Any application which fails to include these items will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

mailto:sha-dro-fafoa@usbr.gov

Following awards of funding, Reclamation may post successful applications on the Reclamation website, www.usbr.gov/watersmart after conducting any redactions determined necessary by Reclamation, in consultation with the successful applicant. See Section F.6. Freedom of Information Act.

D.2.2.1. Mandatory Federal Forms

The application must include the following standard Federal forms. Questions regarding forms should be referred to the Financial Assistance Point of Contact under Section G.1 Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact.

Mandatory Federal Forms Note: Applications submitted by consultants must contain an SF- 424 and SF-424B that is manually signed by an authorized representative of the entity applying.

These forms are available at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html.

SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance A fully completed SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance form signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project must be submitted with the application. Applications that fail to include a SF-424by the submission deadline will be considered ineligible and will not pass initial screening.

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

Failure to submit a signed SF-424 with a valid UEI number will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-424A Budget Information Form.

A fully completed SF-424A Budget Information – Non-construction must be submitted with the application.

Failure to submit an SF-424A will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-424B Assurances Form.

A SF-424B – Assurances – Non-construction Programs signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project must be submitted with the application.

Failure to submit a signed SF-424B will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

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

D.2.2.2. Technical Proposal

Submission of a technical proposal (limited to 25 pages) is mandatory and must be received by the application deadline.

While an application will not be removed from consideration if the technical proposal does not address each of the following, it is highly recommended that applicants address each component listed below to ensure that your proposal is competitive.

Title Page

Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, e-mail address, and telephone of the Project Manager.

Table of Contents

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

Executive Summary

The executive summary should include:

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

• A one paragraph project summary that briefly describes the location of the watershed area in which the group will work, the activities that will be carried out, any partners involved, watershed concerns in the watershed area, and how the activities completed through this grant are expected to help alleviate impacts of those concerns. This information will be used to create a summary of your project for our website if the project is selected for funding.

Example: The East Moloka'i Watershed Partnership, in collaboration with the State of Hawai'i, Department of Land and Natural Resources, will update their existing watershed management action plan. The Partnership is a collaborative of landowners and land managers, including the Nature Conservancy, the State of Hawai'i, the County of Maui, the Kamehameha Schools, and the Kapualei Ranch, on the east side of the island of Moloka'i. This effort is part of a larger vision to care for East Moloka'i’s remaining native forests. These forests sit atop and help recharge Moloka'i’s main aquifers, the source of residential water supplied by the County of Maui. As part of this project, the Partnership will complete design work for a fence to protect the native forests in the Kamalō-Kapualei area from non-native feral pigs, deer, and goats, which roam wild and trample and devour vegetation, and spread weeds. The Partnership will also draft the Pua'ahala watershed management plan for a recently acquired 800-acre property.

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

• Whether or not the proposed planning efforts are focused on a Federal facility or will involve Federal land.

Project Location

Provide specific information on the geographic location of the area in which the watershed group will work including a map showing the geographic location. For example, {watershed area} is located in {state and county} approximately {distance} miles {direction, e.g., northeast} of {nearest town}. If applicable, please provide the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUC) in which the group will work. If you are selected for funding, Reclamation may request additional detail regarding your project location. If the project will focus on site-specific planning or watershed management project design, please identify both the watershed area the watershed group works in and the location the site-specific planning or project will focus on.

Applicant Category

Please identify whether you are seeking funding as a New or Existing Watershed Group and explain why you chose to apply under that Applicant Category. As part of this discussion, please provide a brief history of the group, including discussion of (1) when and how the group was initiated, and (2) ongoing projects or efforts (e.g., previous watershed planning activities).

Eligibility of Applicant

Please write a narrative summary indicating how the applicant meets the eligibility requirements, as described in Section C.1. Eligible Applicants. Please include an explanation of the applicant's role in the New or Existing Watershed Group.

Project Description

Provide a detailed description of the activities that will be completed under this grant and the overall goals of the project.

• Please identify which of the Task Areas described in Section C.4. Eligible Projects you will address as part of this project, including a detailed discussion of what activities you will undertake within each Task Area.

• If the watershed group previously received a CWMP Phase I grant, please explain how the scope of work of this project differs from and builds upon the past grant. This section provides an opportunity for the applicant to provide a clear description of the technical nature of the project and to address any aspect of the project that reviewers may need additional information to understand.

Please do not include your project schedule and milestones here; that information is requested in response to the Readiness to Proceed criterion described in Section E.1.3. In addition, please avoid discussion of the benefits of the project, which are also requested in response to evaluation criteria described in Section E.1. This section is solely intended to provide an understanding of the technical aspects of the project.

Evaluation Criteria

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

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

D.2.2.3. Project Budget

The total project cost is the sum of all allowable items of costs, including all required cost sharing and voluntary committed cost sharing, including third-party contributions, that are necessary to complete the project. Please include the following chart (Table 1) to summarize all funding sources. Denote in-kind contributions with an asterisk (*).

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

FUNDING SOURCES AMOUNT

Non-Federal Entities

1. $

2. $

3. $

Non-Federal Subtotal $

REQUESTED RECLAMATION FUNDING $

Submission of a budget narrative is mandatory. The budget narrative provides detailed information on the items included in the budget Object Class Categories on the SF-424A (Task A projects) or Cost Classification categories identified on the SF-424C (Task B projects). The budget narrative must clearly identify all items of cost (total estimated project cost), including those that will be contributed as non-Federal cost share by the applicant (required and voluntary), third-party in-kind contributions, and those that will be covered using the funding requested from Reclamation, and any requested pre-award costs.