Water Desalination Research and Development

Desalination and Water Purification Research (DWPR) Program aims to increase water supplies by reducing the costs, energy requirements, and other barriers to adoption of treating impaired water for beneficial uses. The DWPR Program works with Reclama

Desalination and Water Purification Research (DWPR) Program aims to increase water supplies by reducing the costs, energy requirements, and other barriers to adoption of treating impaired water for beneficial uses. The DWPR Program works with Reclamation researchers and partners to develop innovative, cost-effective, and technologically efficient ways to desalinate and treat water. DWPR funding plays a critical role in iterating an idea from the lab to a real-world demonstration, yielding products that serve the water treatment community and attract commercialization interest. Of particular interest is research that has a national significance-where the issues are of large-scale concern and the benefits accrue to a large sector of the public.

Any responsible source, to include individuals, State and local entities, public nonprofit institutions/organizations, other public institutions/organizations, Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments, small businesses, profit organizations, private nonprofit institutions/organizations, quasi-public nonprofit institutions/organizations, and other private institutions/organizations may submit a proposal which will be considered by Reclamation. Foreign entities are not eligible for funding. Federal agencies are not eligible to apply.

Individuals, State and local entities, public nonprofit institutions/organizations, other public institutions/organizations, Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments, small businesses, profit organizations, private nonprofit institutions/organizations, quasi-public nonprofit institutions/organizations and other private institutions/organizations.

To be used to support research and studies, demonstration and development projects and related activities, and operation and maintenance at Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility (BGNDRF) as described in the Water Desalination Act and amendments.

Solicitation is made for projects ranging up to 18 to 36 months duration (follow-on funding may be available for additional research studies or pilot studies through a new application). No-cost extensions to awarded agreements are provided for projects that can justify additional time beyond the initial project duration. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Varies by award.

Environmental compliance for this program may be required depending on the scope of the specific project funded. This may result in the need for an environmental impact assessment or environmental impact statement prior to the commencement of project activities. See Notices of Funding Opportunities for additional details. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Evaluation factors may include but are not limited to the following: (1) Non-Federal cost share, (2) Impact of the proposed research, (3) Project readiness, (4) Familiarity in the field of work, (5) Team qualifications, (6) Schedule/workplan and QA/QC, and (7) Presidential and Department of Interior priorities.

The number of awards, maximum funding amount per award, and areas of interest for which proposals will be considered, are determined on an annual basis and are dependent upon the annual appropriation from Congress. Proposals received in response to the annual solicitation are reviewed on the basis of a competitive, merit- review process, and are rated in accordance with evaluation criteria stated in the solicitation document. Reclamation will make awards for the highest rated proposals based on the amount of funding available each year. Reclamation reserves the right to make awards to maintain balance among the program objectives listed in the solicitation document.

Contact Reclamation for the range of time when proposals are approved or disapproved.

Continuation of funding for the Program from one fiscal year to the next is at the discretion of the Congress. Solicitation is made for projects ranging up to 18 to 36 months duration (follow-on funding may be available for additional research studies or pilot studies through a new application). No-cost extensions to awarded agreements are provided for projects that can justify additional time beyond the initial project duration.

None. Final award decisions are not subject appeal; however, the Bureau of Reclamation will provide all applicants with information on why their proposals were not selected for award.