Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects (Small Storage Program)

Foa_Content_of_R25AS00270.pdf

Bureau of Reclamation
Notice of Funding Opportunity
Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects (Small Storage Program)
Funding Opportunity Number
R25AS00270

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Table of Contents
BASIC INFORMATION .................................................................................................................1
ELIGIBILITY ..................................................................................................................................3
Cost Sharing Requirement ...........................................................................................................3
GET READY TO APPLY ...............................................................................................................4
Required System Registrations ....................................................................................................4
PROGRAM OVERVIEW ...............................................................................................................5
Program Goals ..............................................................................................................................5
Program Description ....................................................................................................................5
Legislative Authority ...................................................................................................................6
Type of Award .............................................................................................................................6
PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION ................................................................................................6
Application Content and Format ..................................................................................................6
Application Documents ................................................................................................................6
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES ..............................................................10
Address to Request Application Package ..................................................................................10
Submission Dates and Times .....................................................................................................10
Submission Instructions .............................................................................................................11
APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ................................................................................12
Eligibility Review ......................................................................................................................12
Merit Review ..............................................................................................................................12
Review and Selection Process ....................................................................................................18
Risk Review ...............................................................................................................................19
AWARD NOTICES ......................................................................................................................19
POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION ................................................20
Administration and National Policy Requirements ...................................................................20
Reporting ....................................................................................................................................22
BASIC INFORMATION
Announcement Type: Initial
Funding Opportunity Number: R25AS00270
Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.074
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Estimated Total Program Funding: $43,500,000
Expected Number of Awards: 7
Award Ceiling: $30,000,000
Award Floor: $0
Cost Sharing Required?
Yes
Closing Date Explanation
Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m., MDT, on the
listed application due date.
Have Questions?
For questions regarding application and submission, contact the NOFO team at bor-sha-
fafoa@usbr.gov. Staff availability on the day of the NOFO closing will be limited.
For questions regarding applicant and project eligibility, contact Austin Olah, aolah@usbr.gov or
303-445-3240.
Please include the NOFO number R25AS00270 in the subject line of any email correspondence.
Executive Summary
The U.S. Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation)
administers a competitive grant program for small water storage and groundwater storage
projects, authorized by Section 40903 of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (2021),
Public Law 117-58. Reclamation administers the Small Surface and Groundwater Storage
Program (Small Storage Program) to enhance water storage opportunities for future generations
in support of the Department’s priorities.
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Reclamation supports stakeholder efforts to stretch
scarce water supplies and avoid conflicts over water in the 17 western states, Alaska, and
Hawaii. Reclamation invites sponsors of small surface water and groundwater storage projects to
request cost-shared funding for the planning, design, and/or construction of those projects.
Water storage projects are an important part of Reclamation and the Department’s priorities. The
Secretary of the Interior gives priority to proposals that meet one or more of the following
criteria:
• Projects that will provide a more reliable water supply for States, Indian Tribes, and local
governments.
• Projects that will increase water management flexibility and reduce impacts on
environmental resources from projects operated by Federal and State agencies.
• Projects that are regional in nature.
• Projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Projects that will provide multiple benefits, including water supply reliability, ecosystem
benefits, groundwater management and enhancements, and water quality improvements.
The Small Storage Program's objective is to enhance water storage opportunities for future
generations by funding small surface water and groundwater storage projects. The program funds
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up to a 25% Federal cost-share to plan, design, and construct surface and groundwater storage
projects between 200 and 30,000 acre-feet that will increase water storage or move water to or
from a storage project. To be eligible, proposals must:
• Have water storage capacity between 200 acre-feet and 30,000 acre-feet;
• Increase yield to identified beneficiaries;
• Increase surface water or groundwater storage, or convey water to or from surface water
or groundwater storage; and
• Submit a small storage feasibility study to Reclamation for review by February 13, 2026.
The small storage feasibility study must be found by Reclamation to meet the requirements of
CMP TRMR-127 prior to initiation of the Merit Review.
Eligible recipients of the Small Storage Program funding are identified under the 1902 Act. They
must be located in the 17 western United States (Reclamation State) as identified in the
Reclamation Act of 1902, as amended or Alaska or Hawaii. Eligible recipients include:
• State, regional, or local water authorities;
• Indian tribes or tribal organizations; or
• Other entities such as a water conservation or conservancy district, wastewater district,
rural water district.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible Applicants
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Additional Information on Eligibility
Joint powers authorities organized pursuant to state law are eligible entities for this funding
opportunity.
Cost Sharing Requirement
Cost Sharing Required?
Yes
Applicants must be capable of cost sharing 75 percent or more of the total project cost. The total
project cost is defined as the total allowable costs incurred under a Federal award and all
required cost share and voluntary committed cost-share contributions, including third-party
contributions.
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Applicants may cost share through cash, costs contributed by the applicant, or third-party in-kind
contributions. Third-party in-kind contributions are the value of non-cash contributions of
property or services that benefit the Federally assisted project and are contributed by non-Federal
third parties, without charge. The applicant should secure cost-share funding from sources
outside the applicant’s organization (e.g., loans or State grants) and ensure that the funding is
available prior to award.
Other sources of Federal funding received by the applicant for the project may not be counted
towards the required non-Federal cost share. This requirement is exempted where the Federal
statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for a
program can be applied to matching or cost-sharing requirements of other Federal programs,
such as awards to tribal organizations under PL 93-638, as amended. If Reclamation determines
that the Federal funding cannot be applied towards the non-Federal cost share, the work
associated with the funding may be removed from the proposed project or the Federal funding
will be counted toward the 25 percent Federal cost share for the project. Please identify any other
Federal funding received for the project
GET READY TO APPLY
Required System Registrations
Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration
Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be
registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique
Entity Identifier (UEI).
The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not
already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.
To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to
complete registration.
• Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov
“Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.
• Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that
your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is
complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you
have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you
need, including during renewal.
• Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.gov Help
page.
Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.
GRANTS.GOV
This program accepts applications through Grants.gov so once you receive your UEI return to
Grants.gov to register with Grants.gov. Please allow 30 days to register and set up a Workspace
in Grants.gov. See Submission Instructions section below for additional details.
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Program Goals
• The Small Storage Program's objective is to enhance water storage opportunities for
future generations by providing up to a 25% Federal cost-share in small surface water and
groundwater storage projects. The Department recognizes the need for additional water
storage to stretch scarce water supplies and avoid conflicts over water. The Department,
consistent with the statutory requirements, prioritizes projects that increase reliability,
flexibility, and water quality; that reduce the need to mitigate for environmental impacts;
that are regional in nature; and that have multiple stakeholders. Reclamation will evaluate
proposals for their contributions to water supply reliability, water management flexibility,
rural communities, stakeholder support, and economic benefits.
Program Description
The U.S. Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation, administers the Small
Surface and Groundwater Storage Program (Small Storage Program) to promote Federal
assistance to enhance water storage opportunities for future generations in support of the
Department’s priorities. Reclamation leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to support
stakeholder efforts to stretch scarce water supplies and avoid conflicts over water.
Congress enacted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) on November 15, 2021, with
Title IX—Western Water Infrastructure to address water storage infrastructure critical to the
Nation’s economic growth, health, and competitiveness. Section 40903 authorizes Reclamation
to provide funding for small surface water storage and groundwater storage projects.
Water storage projects are an important part of Reclamation and the Department’s priorities.
Surface water and groundwater storage are essential tools in stretching the limited water supplies
in the Western United States. Water storage projects enhance and increase the reliability of
municipal and irrigation water supplies, provide opportunities to enhance groundwater
management and provide water quality improvements and ecosystem benefits. These projects
will provide Western communities with new sources of water and increase water management
flexibility.
The objective of this NOFO is to invite sponsors of small surface water and groundwater storage
projects to request cost-shared funding for the planning, design, and/or construction of those
projects.
Certified Local Governments are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration
of America’s 250th birthday (American250). This may include, but is not limited to, preservation
planning, interpretation, public engagement, and rehabilitation projects that recognize and honor
the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.
Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects
This program has Federal funding for infrastructure projects. Buy America preferences apply to
Federal awards for infrastructure projects in the United States. Reference 2 CFR Part 184 - Buy
America Preferences for Infrastructure Project for further guidance.
For further information on the Buy America preference, please visit
www.doi.gov/grants/BuyAmerica.
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Legislative Authority
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is issued under the authority of the Infrastructure
Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA), Section 40903 of Title IX—Western Water Infrastructure,
Public Law 117-58.
Type of Award
Projects will be funded through CA (Cooperative Agreement), G (Grant).
Recipient should expect the Federal agency to have substantial involvement in the project.
Under cooperative agreements, the successful applicant should expect Reclamation to have
substantial involvement in the project, including:
• collaboration and participation with the successful applicant in the management of the
project and close oversight of the successful applicant’s activities to ensure that the
program objectives are achieved, and
• possible oversight, including review, input, and approval at key interim stages of the
project.
PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION
Application Content and Format
Pre-Application Requirements
Prior to applying, applicants should review presidential actions found at:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ and DOI Secretary’s Orders found at:
https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order. By applying in response to this Notice of
Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all currently
effective and applicable executive orders and secretary’s orders, including but not limited to the
Executive Order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and
Preferencing as well as the Executive Order and Secretary’s order titled Restoring Truth and
Sanity to American History. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed activities are
consistent with the intent and requirements of these directives.
Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below.
Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission
Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the
form instructions on the Grants.gov Forms Repository.
Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement
SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance
Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in
Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s
signature (or electronic equivalent) on the Application Required from all applicants
for Federal Assistance form also represents their
certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43
CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying
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Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement
SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction
Required from all applicants
Programs
Required if requesting more than
$100,000 in Federal funds and the
applicant has used or plans to use
SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
funds other than Federal
appropriated funds for lobbying
related to the proposed project.
Project Abstract Summary (OMB 4040-0019). Must
include, in plain language:
• Award purpose,
• Activities to be performed,
Required from all applicants
• Expected deliverables or outcomes,
• Intended beneficiaries,
Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time
of award)
Project Narrative
The project proposal must be no longer than 125 pages, with a typeface no smaller than 11-point,
and have at least 1-inch margins on all sides. The 125-page limit includes all text, figures,
references, and vitae, but does not include the Budget Detail (Attachment B).
Application narrative requirements may include:
Title Page
The title page should provide a brief 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, address, e-
mail address, and telephone of the project manager.
Table of Contents
The table of contents should include all major sections of the project proposal.
Executive Summary
The executive summary should include:
• the date, applicant name, city, county, and State,
• a one-paragraph project summary that briefly describes the work for which the applicant
requests funding, including how funds will be used to accomplish specific project
activities.
• the length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project (month/year),
and
• whether or not the proposed planning efforts are focused on a Federal facility or will
involve Federal land.
Project Location
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The project location should provide specific information on area in which the applicant will work
including a map showing the geographic location and a brief narrative. For example: the
{project} is located in {state and county} approximately {distance} miles {direction, e.g.,
northeast} of {nearest town} in {township, range, and section}. The project latitude is
{##°##’N} and longitude is {###°##’W}. Provide at least one map with sufficient project details
to understand the location of all elements of the proposal. Multiple maps may be necessary to
accurately depict the proposal in its entirety. Recommended guidance on useful features to
include on the project map(s) is included in Appendix A. If selected for funding, Reclamation
may request additional detail regarding the applicant’s project location.
Project Schedule
The project schedule should provide sufficient information on the project activities and shows
the stages and duration of the proposed work, including the major tasks, milestones, and dates.
Clearly and concisely convey the schedule using a table, Gantt chart, or another applicable visual
format.
Project Description
The project description should describe the work for which the funding will be used, including
any specific activities the work will accomplish. This section is 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. Include enough detail
on the proposed project to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal. Illustrative
photographs may be useful in communicating aspects of the project.
The description should also describe the technical approach the applicant plans to conduct under
the project. Include enough detail on the proposed technology or approach to allow a
comprehensive evaluation of the proposal. Reclamation will establish the applicant’s
understanding not only by the proposed approach, but also by identifying potential challenges
that the project may face throughout the proposed testing, and the mitigation strategies for these
potential challenges.
Describe in detail the project tasks. For each task, describe planned activities and expected
outcomes and milestones.
Describe the staff levels and expertise, the number of staff hours, and the schedule for
completing each task.
The sole intention of this section is to provide an understanding of the technical aspects of the
project. Please note: if the work for which the applicant is requesting funding is a phase of a
larger project, please only describe the work reflected in the budget and exclude description of
other activities or components of the overall project. Please do not duplicate information.
Evaluation Criteria
The Merit Review section 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.
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Copying and pasting the evaluation criteria and sub-criteria in Merit Review section into your
applications is suggested to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.
Budget Narrative
Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative
must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party
contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs,
including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.
Budget items must be:
• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary
• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles
Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect
costs, including the rate to be applied:
• De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis
rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal
negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de
minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).
• Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your
organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently
negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).
The budget narrative provides a written description of the costs included in each budget category
on the SF-424A and how they were estimated. While the SF-424A gives the total cost for each
category of the budget, the budget narrative gives the item by item breakdown for each category
and shows the calculations used to derive the costs. The budget description serves two purposes:
1) it explains how the costs were estimated, and 2) it justifies the need for the cost. See
Attachment A for Budget Narrative Guidance. Attachment B is a suggested format for capturing
budget details to support the Narrative.
Pre-award costs (defined at 2 CFR 200.458) are allowed, subject to Grant Officer approval. To
be eligible, pre-award costs must be incurred after the posting date of this NOFO. Pre-award
costs are at the applicant’s risk. Successful applicants may submit requests for approval of pre-
award costs to the awarding Grant Officer.
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs include costs in the budget for completing
compliance activities for Federal environmental and cultural resources laws and regulations.
Applicants may contact their local Reclamation office to discuss the compliance requirements
and potential costs. If the project is selected for award, these costs will be reviewed for accuracy
and adjusted as needed. See “Administration and National Policy Requirements” for additional
detail.
Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:
If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of
application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination
of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR
200.113.
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Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:
Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key
personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award
or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:
• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.
• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.
• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.
• A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential
funding entity.
• Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected
date of the funding decision.
Other Required Information
Letters of Commitment or Support
Applicants should include letters of commitment from third-party cost share sources. Letters of
commitment should identify the amount of funding committed, the date the funds are available,
time constraints on the availability of funds, and any other funding contingencies. Letters of
support from interested stakeholders supporting the proposed project are encouraged, if
applicable. Reclamation will not consider letters of support received after the application
deadline for this NOFO in evaluating an applicant’s proposed project. These letters do not count
within the 125 page-maximum.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES
Address to Request Application Package
Grants.gov contains a complete application kit to submit a full application in response to this
NOFO. Instructions for the Grants.gov application process are available here. Contact Devin
Baez at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov if you are unable to access the application materials
electronically.
Proposals received after the application deadline will not be considered unless it can be
determined that the delay was caused by Reclamation or there were technical issues with
Grants.gov. To document a delay due to a technical issue in Grants.gov, you must furnish a
Grants.gov helpdesk ticket number to the NOFO team that validates the delay. Difficulties
related to an applicant’s Grants.gov profile (e.g., incorrect organizational representative),
uploading documents to Grants.gov, or an applicant’s SAM.gov registration are not considered
technical issues with the Grants.gov system.
Submission Dates and Times
Closing Date for Applications: 04/17/2026
Closing Date Explanation
Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m., MDT, on the
listed application due date.
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Submission Instructions
Apply Through Grants.gov
To apply through Grants.gov, please follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide for
Applicants. Before applying, ensure that at least one person at your organization is registered and
has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Only the AOR can submit the
application. If you need more users, they must create their own Grants.gov account. Follow these
steps below to apply:
• Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it
through your organization for review before submitting.
• Complete a Workspace: Invite participants to the workspace so you can collaborate on
the application. Required applications forms are included in the Grants.gov Funding
Opportunity Package and can be completed in the Workspace, unless noted otherwise in
the Required Forms table above. Check for errors before submission.
• Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking
the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab
• Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a
Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the
application.
The system generates a date and time stamp and sends it to the applicant’s AOR via email as
proof of submission. Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not
encrypt, zip, or password-protect any files. Only registered individuals in SAM as both a user
and an AOR can submit applications. Please allow 30 days to register in Grants.gov.
Application System Technical Support: For Grants.gov technical registration and submission,
downloading forms, and application packages, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-
518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov.
Applicants can submit a hard copy application by U.S. Mail or express delivery to the addresses
below.
By mail or United States Postal Service overnight services:
Bureau of Reclamation
Financial Assistance Operations Section
Attn: NOFO Team
P.O. Box 25007, MS 84-27133
Denver, CO 80225
By all other express delivery and courier services:
Bureau of Reclamation mail services
Attn: NOFO Team
Denver Federal Center
Bldg. 67, Rm. 152
6th Avenue and Kipling Street
Denver, CO 80225
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Please notify the Reclamation Financial Assistance Contact listed in the “Basic Information”
section by 2:00 PM MT on the submission date to confirm the hard copy submission.
APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
Eligibility Review
During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed
packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this
announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility
review.
The Grants Officer will remove an application if it does not include:
• Completed SF-424 and SF-424A forms
• SAM.gov registration, with a valid UEI (unless an exemption at 2 CFR 25.110 applies)
• A project narrative
• A budget narrative
If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200
and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the
applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR
25.205 for more information.
Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project
personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for
Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award
if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise
excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to
this program.
If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in
writing.
Merit Review
An Application Review Committee (ARC), made up of experts in relevant disciplines, will
review the technical merit of the application, based on the following evaluation criteria:
The evaluation criteria total 100 points as shown in the following table.
Evaluation Criteria Scoring Summary Points
Evaluation Criterion 1—Water Supply
35
Reliability
Evaluation Criterion 2—Water Management
16
Flexibility
Evaluation Criterion 3—Benefits to Rural
12
Communities
Evaluation Criterion 4—Stakeholder Support 12
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Evaluation Criterion 5—Economic Benefits 25
Total 100
Evaluation Criterion 1—Water Supply Reliability (35 points)
Sub-criterion No. 1a— Enhanced Water Supplies (20 points)
Reclamation will award points based on the extent to which the project is expected to secure and
stretch reliable water supplies. Reclamation will give consideration to the amount of water
expected to be made available by the project (in acre-feet), which communities the project will
serve, and the extent to which the project will reduce demands on existing water supplies and/or
facilities.
1. How much additional storage capacity does the project add to the system (relative to
current system capacity)? How many additional acre-feet of water will the project make
available, on average, each year upon completion? What percentage of the service area's
overall water supply will the project's water provide upon completion? Use the total
average project water production over the anticipated life of the project.
2. Will the project reduce or eliminate the reliance on imported water or other sources of
surface water supplies that are less reliable? Explain.
3. Will the project reduce groundwater overdraft and positively contribute to the sustainable
yield of a groundwater basin or local aquifer? Explain.
4. Will the project alleviate pressure on existing water supplies and/or facilities? If so,
please identify the supplies and/or facilities and explain how they will benefit from the
project, including quantifications where applicable. Please include a description of the
conditions that exist in the area and projections of the future with, and without, the
project.
5. What performance measures and monitoring will be used to quantify and track actual
benefits upon completion of the project?
Sub-criterion No. 1b— Contributions to Water Supply (15 points)
Reclamation will award points for projects that contribute to a more drought resilient water
supply.
1. Explain the role of the project in addressing any of the below concerns and the extent to
which the project will address them. Consider the number of acre-feet of water that the
project will make available and the severity of the concerns addressed. Specific concerns
may include, but are not limited to:
a. water supply shortages,
b. water supply reliability,
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c. groundwater depletion,
d. water quality issues,
e. natural disasters (including wildfires and floods) that may impact water supply
infrastructure,
f. heightened competition for water supplies,
g. availability of alternative supplies, and
h. increasing cost of water supplies
2. Reclamation is focused on increasing water supply and drought resilience to protect water
supplies throughout the Western United States.
a. Will the project address observed or anticipated hydrologic variability in the service
area? Explain.
b. Will water made available by this project be resilient into the future? Particularly in
consideration of alternative water supply options that exist in the service area, to what
extent does the project represent a drought resilient alternative? Explain.
c. Does the project contribute to water supply resiliency in other ways not described
above? Explain.
3. The severity of actual or potential drought impacts that the project will address is an
important consideration in assessing its contribution to water supply resiliency. Describe
recent, existing, or potential drought conditions in the project area, including the severity of
actual or potential drought impacts that the project will address.
a. Will the project help create additional flexibility to address drought? Will water
made available by this project continue to be available during periods of drought? To
what extent is the water made available by this project more drought resistant than
alternative water supply options? Explain.
b. Has the United States Drought Monitor identified the area served by the project as
experiencing extreme (D3) or exceptional (D4) drought for at least 1 consecutive year in
the last 4 years? Explain.
c. Has the State designated the area served by the project as a drought disaster area in
the last 4 years? Explain.
Evaluation Criterion 2—Water Management Flexibility (16 points)
Reclamation will award points based on the extent to which the project will improve surface
water or groundwater flexibility including benefits to non-listed species and federally listed
threatened or endangered species.
Sub-criterion No. 2a— Operational Flexibility (10 points)
1. Will the project help create additional operational flexibility to improve the management
of water supplies? If so, how?
2. Will the project protect or improve the quality of surface water or groundwater? If so,
explain how the project will accomplish this and the extent to which the project will do this.
3. Will the project take steps to minimize the environmental impacts of source water
acquisition (intakes or groundwater pumping) as part of the project? If so, explain.
4. Will the project provide water or habitat for non-listed species? If so, how?
Sub-criterion No. 2b— Legal and Contractual Water Supply Obligations (6 Points)
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Reclamation will award points to projects that help to meet Reclamation’s legal and contractual
obligations, including how the project relates to Reclamation’s mission or serves a Federal
interest. Note that a project may help Reclamation fulfill its obligations or reduce its impacts
even if the project sponsor is not a Reclamation contractor. Reclamation will also consider
indirect benefits under this criterion.
1. Does the project help fulfill any of Reclamation’s legal or contractual obligations such as
providing water for Tribes, water right settlements, river restoration, minimum flows, legal
court orders, or other obligations? Explain.
2. Will the project provide water or habitat for, or otherwise help protect, Federally listed
threatened or endangered species? If so, how?
3. Does the local area depend in whole or in part on imported water from the Colorado
River Basin or other basins experiencing comparable levels of long-term drought? If so, will
the project reduce reliance on imports specifically from the Colorado River or other basin
experiencing severe drought? Explain.
Evaluation Criterion 3—Benefits to Rural Communities (12 points)
Reclamation will award points based on the extent to which the project provides benefits to rural
small communities throughout the service area. For the purposes of this funding opportunity, a
rural community is defined as an incorporated or unincorporated community with fewer than
50,000 people.
1. Does the project provide benefits to at least one rural community? Explain and discuss to
what extent the project serves rural communities.
2. For example, will the proposed project provide any additional benefits (such as
economic growth opportunities, increases to short or long-term local employment, water
quality, etc.)? If so, please identify these communities and discuss the extent to which the
project will realize these additional benefits. Please be sure to indicate whether the project
will provide water supply to a Federally Recognized Tribe.
Evaluation Criterion 4—Stakeholder Support (12 points)
Reclamation will award points based on the extent to which the project demonstrates support
from multiple stakeholders. In responding to the questions below, applicants should highlight
efforts to foster relationships during planning and design of the project and initiatives to continue
respectful partnerships after project completion among the multiple stakeholders with potentially
competing interests and/or values.
1. Does the project promote collaborative partnerships to address water and related issues?
Please describe these partnerships and the nature of the collaboration.
2. Does the project implement a regional or State water plan or an integrated resource
management plan? Explain.
3. Does the project include outreach and opportunities for the public to learn about the
project beyond what environmental compliance requires? Please describe these opportunities,
including future opportunities, at the following phases of the project:
a. planning and design,
b. construction, and
c. implementation.
4. How has the project addressed competing or conflicting interests from either affected
stakeholders and/or the public?
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5. Does the project have documented support from Tribes? If so, please identify these
Tribes and describe the nature of their support for the project.
Evaluation Criterion 5—Economic Benefits (25 points)
Sub-criterion No. 5a—Cost Effectiveness (15 points)
Reclamation will award points based on the cost per acre-foot of water that the applicant expects
the project to deliver upon completion and how the cost of the project compares to other
potential water supply options. Applicants should provide costs for the entire project described in
the Reclamation-approved feasibility study.
1. Reclamation will calculate the cost per acre-foot of water produced by the project using
information provided by project sponsors. Please provide the following information for
this calculation:
a. the total estimated construction costs, by year, for the project (include all previous
and planned work) as shown in the following table.
Calendar
Calendar Year Construction Cost Construction Cost
Year
1. 6.
2. 7.
3. 8.
4. 9.
5. 10.
b. the total estimated or actual cost to plan and design the project.
c. the average annual (rather than total) operation and maintenance costs for the life of
the project. Please do not include periodic replacement costs in the operation and
maintenance costs. Please provide any periodic replacement costs separately in response
to Question f), below.
d. the year the project will begin to deliver water.
e. the projected life (in years) that the project is expected to last, starting from the time
the project starts delivering water.
f. all estimated replacement costs by year as shown in the following table. If there are
multiple replacement costs in one year, or at the same interval, please total them and put
them on one line with the year or interval.
Description of Replacement Requirement Year Cost
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g. The maximum volume of new water (in acre-feet) available for delivery annually
upon completion of the project. This volume of water must correspond to the costs
provided above.
2. Reclamation will calculate the cost per acre-foot for the project using the information
requested in the Sub-criterion No. 5a—Cost Effectiveness section, Question 1, and compare
it to any other water supply options identified by the applicant as potential alternatives to
evaluate the cost effectiveness of the project. Please provide the following information for
this comparison:
a. the cost per acre-foot of other water supply alternatives that the non-Federal project
sponsor could implement in lieu of the project.
b. if available, the cost per acre foot of one water supply project with similar
characteristics to the project. This information can provide another point of comparison
to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of the project.
c. discussion of the degree to which the project is cost-effective, including, where
applicable, a discussion of why the project may be cost effective even if the overall
project cost appears to be high.
Sub-criterion No. 5b— Economic Analysis and Project Benefits (10 points)
Reclamation will award points based on the analysis of the project’s benefits relative to the
project’s costs. Please use costs related to the entire project. Reclamation will award additional
points for projects with multiple project benefits. Proposals containing a well-supported and
detailed description of both quantifiable and qualitative benefits will receive the most points
1. Summarize the economic analysis performed for the project, including information on the
project’s estimated benefits and costs. Describe the methodologies used for the analysis.
Reclamation will award points based on a comparison of the benefits and costs of the
project. The summary should include:
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a. quantified and monetized project costs, including capital costs and operations and
maintenance costs.
b. quantified and monetized project benefits. This includes benefits that can be
quantified and expressed as a monetized benefit per acre-foot. This may include but is
not limited to: benefits related to water supply quantity and water supply reliability,
recreational benefits, ecosystem benefits, water quality, flood risk mitigation, and energy
efficiency. Benefits may also include the avoided costs of no action (i.e., the costs that
would be incurred if the project were not implemented), and the willingness of users or
customers to pay for a benefit or to avoid a negative outcome (i.e., the willingness of
households to pay for a water supply system that would reduce the chance of a drought
emergency within a locality or State).
c. if quantified and/or monetized information for these benefits is not available,
applicants may address them in response to Question 2, below.
d. A comparison of the project’s quantified and monetized benefits and costs. Note:
applicants must include information in the proposal to be considered. Reclamation will
not base scores on information provided in the project’s feasibility study if applicants do
not include the information in the proposal.
2. Describe any economic benefits of the project that are difficult to quantify or monetize.
Provide a qualitative discussion of the economic impact of these benefits. Reclamation will
award points based on the potential economic impact of the project-related benefits. Some
examples of benefits may include but are not limited to: benefits to habitat or species, local
impacts on residents and/or businesses, job creation, and regional impacts. Applicants may
also include benefits listed in the Sub-criterion No. 5a—Cost Effectiveness section, Question
1, if the benefits have not been monetized (e.g., water supply reliability, water quality,
recreation, flood risk mitigation, etc.).
3. Reclamation will evaluate projects based on whether the proposed project would provide
multiple benefits, including water supply reliability, ecosystem benefits, groundwater
management and enhancement, and water quality improvements. Does the project provide
multiple benefits, or is it a single purpose facility? Explain.
The ARC will also review the application to ensure that the project is eligible and meets the
objective of this NOFO. During ARC review, Reclamation may contact applicants to request
clarifications to the information provided, if necessary.
Review and Selection Process
This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:
• figures are correct
• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives
• avoid obviously unallowable costs
• identify costs requiring prior approval
• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly
• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.
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This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed
project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may
choose to not make an award.
Initial Review: Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be
performed to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information
required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are
satisfied; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program
determination); and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable executive and
secretary orders, including the President’s executive order on Ending Radical and Wasteful
Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the executive order and Secretary order
on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. If an applicant fails to meet the requirements
or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant
will be considered nonresponsive and eliminated from further review.
After the merit review, Reclamation conducts a “red-flag” review of top-ranking applications.
During this review, Reclamation identifies any reasons a project would not be feasible or
advisable, including environmental or cultural compliance, permitting, legal, financial,
performance or other concerns. After the red-flag review, Reclamation conducts a “managerial
review” of top-ranking applications. The managerial review prioritizes applications for selection
based on the objectives of the NOFO. Geographic dispersion and project types may be
considered during this review. Selections are finalized once these reviews are complete, and all
applicants are notified.
Risk Review
Prior to making an award, the program assesses the risk posed by the applicant per 2 CFR
200.206. If an award will be made, the program may apply special conditions corresponding to
the risk assessed. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the
program reviews eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant’s SAM.gov
records per 2 CFR 200.206(a). The program also assesses financial management capabilities,
project delivery experience, staffing resources, past performance, administration and reporting
compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential challenges.
A Reclamation Grants Officer conducts a detailed budget analysis and a business evaluation and
responsibility determination. During this evaluation, the Reclamation Grants Officer will
consider several factors, such as:
• Allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of proposed costs
• Financial strength and stability of the applicant
• Past performance, including satisfactory compliance with all terms and conditions of
previous awards, such as environmental compliance, reporting requirements, and audit
compliance
• Adequacy of personnel practices, procurement procedures, and accounting policies and
procedures.
AWARD NOTICES
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Notices of Federal Award are sent electronically via GrantSolutions or e-mail. These notices
outline the terms, conditions, and payment instructions per 2 CFR 200.211. The Notice of
Federal Award signed by an authorized Grants Officer is the legal instrument obligating financial
assistance to a recipient. Any other prior notice is not an authorization to begin work. If the
program allows pre-award costs per 2 CFR 200.458, beginning performance before receiving a
Notice of Federal Award is at the applicant’s own risk.
Anticipated Project Start Date: 10/01/2026
Anticipated Project End Date: 10/31/2029
Reclamation anticipates contacting potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in
April 2026, subject to the timing and amount of final appropriations. Reclamation will contact
award recipients individually to discuss the time frame for the completion of their agreement. A
webinar will be held for successful applicants within 30 days following their notice of selection
to review next steps and pre-Financial Assistance Agreement procedures.
Reclamation may post successful applications on a Reclamation website, after necessary
redactions, in consultation with the successful applicant.
POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
Administration and National Policy Requirements
For award administration and national policy requirements, see the DOI General Terms and
Conditions. Infrastructure projects require the use of American iron, steel, manufacture products,
and construction materials per 2 CFR 184.
Automated Standard Application for Payments Registration
All recipients must be registered with and willing to process all payments through the
Department of Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system. All
recipients with active financial assistance agreements with Reclamation must be enrolled in
ASAP under the appropriate Agency Location Code(s) and UEI Number prior to the award of
funds. If a recipient has multiple UEI numbers, they must separately enroll within ASAP for
each unique UEI Number and/or Agency. 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. All of the information on the enrollment process for recipients, will be sent
to you by ASAP staff if selected for award.
Approvals and Permits
Recipients shall adhere to Federal, State, Territorial, Tribal, and local laws, regulations, and
codes, as applicable, and shall obtain all required approvals and permits. Recipients shall also
coordinate and obtain approvals from site owners and operators.
Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance
The recipient must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local environmental, cultural,
and paleontological resource laws and regulations. Data collections supporting compliance
efforts must follow separate compliance procedures. All projects will require compliance with
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and National
Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) before any ground-disturbing activity may begin.
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Recipients are prohibited from any ground-disturbing activities (e.g., biological or water quality
surveys, grading, clearing, excavation, and other preliminary or construction activities) on a
project before environmental and cultural resources compliance is complete. A recipient that
proceeds before environmental and cultural resources compliance is complete risks forfeiting
funding. The Grant Officer will issue a Notice to Proceed that explicitly authorizes work to
proceed once environmental and cultural resource compliance is complete.
Geospatial Data
If you receive financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), recipient must
follow these rules for geospatial data:
Follow Federal Standards: All geospatial data you collect or create must meet the standards set
by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) or the Department of the Interior. This is
required by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which is part of Public Law 115-254, specifically
in Subtitle F (Geospatial Data), sections 751-759C (codified at 43 U.S.C. §§ 2801–2811).
Include Metadata: Your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files must include complete
metadata. Metadata is information that describes the data, such as where it came from, how
accurate it is, and how it should be used. This is to ensure that anyone using the data understands
its context and quality.
Check for Existing Data: Before you start collecting new geospatial data, you need to check
GeoPlatform.gov. This is to see if there is already existing geospatial data from federal, state,
local, or private sources that can meet your needs and is available for free. If such data is
available, you should use it instead of gathering new data.
These rules help ensure that geospatial data is reliable, high-quality, and that resources are used
efficiently.
Intangible Property
Title to intangible property acquired under this agreement vests upon acquisition with the
Recipient, however Reclamation reserves the right to obtain, publish, reproduce, or otherwise use
and authorize others to use for Federal purposes in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200.315.
Real Property
Real property, equipment, and intangible property that is acquired or improved with a Federal
award must be held in trust by the recipient as trustee for the beneficiaries of the project or
program under which the property was acquired or improved, per 2 CFR §200.316. Title to real
property acquired or improved under a Federal award will vest upon acquisition in the recipient.
Except as otherwise provided by Federal statutes or by the Federal awarding agency, real
property will be used for the originally authorized purpose as long as needed for that purpose,
during which time the recipient must not dispose of or encumber its title or other interests. When
real property is no longer needed for the originally authorized purpose, the recipient must obtain
disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)
Section 41101 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, otherwise known as the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law (BIL) requires that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or
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subcontractor in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work on a project assisted
in whole or in part by funding made available under the BIL shall be paid wages at rates not less
than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor
in accordance with Subchapter IV of Chapter 31 of Title 40, United States Code (commonly
referred to as the Davis-Bacon Act).
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Please note that any application submitted for funding under this NOFO may be subjected to a
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request (5 U.S.C. §552, as amended by P.L. No. 110-175),
and as a result, may be made publicly available.
In response to a FOIA request for research data relating to published research findings produced
under a Federal award that were used by the Federal Government in developing an agency action
that has the force and effect of law, the Federal awarding agency must request, and the recipient
must provide, within a reasonable time, the research data so that they can be made available to
the public through the procedures established under the FOIA.
Reporting
The recipient’s Notice of Award will detail all reporting requirements, including frequency, due
dates, and instructions for requesting extensions. In general, but not limited to, recipients must:
• Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.
• Use the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) form for financial reporting,
• Monitor award activities and report on program performance per 2 CFR 200.329,
• Promptly notify the awarding program in writing of any issues, delays, or conditions
impairing award objectives per 2 CFR 200.329(e),
• Disclose any conflicts of interest related to their award that arise during the award period
per 2 CFR 1402.112,
• Report on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal
government retains an interest per 2 CFR 200.330, and
• Report all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity
violations potentially affecting the Federal award per 2 CFR 200.113.
• Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per
Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.
• If the Federal share of the award is more than $100,000 and the recipient makes or agrees
to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection to the
award, disclose those activities using the Disclosure of Lobbying (SF-LLL) form per
43 CFR 18.100.
• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) requires certain
recipients to report information on executive compensation through SAM.gov and
information on all sub-awards, subcontracts, and consortiums over $30,000 to the
FFATA Subaward Reporting System (FSRS).
• Report any required mitigation to lessen environmental impacts of the project.
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• Recipients of Reclamation awards must include the following information in performance
reports:
o a comparison of actual accomplishments to the milestones established by the
financial assistance agreement for the period,
o the reasons why the project did not meet established milestones, if applicable,
o the status of milestones not met from the previous reporting period, if applicable,
o whether the project is on schedule and within the original cost estimate,
o any additional pertinent information or issues related to the status of the project,
and
o photographs documenting the project (appreciated, although not required). Note:
Reclamation may print photos with appropriate credit to the recipient.
o Final reports are public documents and may be made available on Reclamation’s
website.
Other Information
Informational webinars will be held in Summer or Fall 2025. The webinar will provide general
information about the Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects (Small Storage
Program) NOFO, and individuals will have the opportunity to ask questions. Please see
www.usbr.gov/smallstorage for more information.
Appendix A: Project Location Map Guidance
Provide at least one map with sufficient details to understand the location of all proposed project
elements. Multiple maps may be necessary to accurately depict the proposal in its entirety. Maps
should preferably be a USGS 7.5-minute topographic map; additional illustrative maps, depicting
specific features not depicted on USGS maps, may also be submitted.
Clear, detailed maps of the project proposal will help reviewers understand the project, potential
environmental constraints, and costs for environmental compliance. The following list of
features are recommended for inclusion in project location maps, where applicable. Note,
however, that inclusion of this information will not influence the applicant’s eligibility or
scoring. If you are selected for funding, Reclamation may request additional detail regarding the
project location. Maps should include the following information:
a. project boundary
b. location of all proposed ground-disturbance and project elements (preferably
depicted as points and polygons) including, but not limited to:
1. proposed infrastructure/improvements,
2. access routes (e.g., nearest public roads and travel routes for proposed activities),
3. monitoring areas,
4. staging areas,
5. borrow areas,
6. existing ancillary facilities/ infrastructure related to the proposal (e.g. electrical,
water, sewer),
7. rights-of-ways needed.
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c. point(s) for referenced latitude and longitude coordinates (if UTMs, provide in
NAD83)
d. Public Land Survey System (PLSS) information (township, range, and section)
(either on the map or in narrative form)
e. north arrow, scale, and legend
f. state and county
g. land ownership
h. date of map/aerial photo (if applicable)
i. existing rights-of-way, easements, etc. associates with proposal
j. geographic details, such as nearby cities, river basins, watersheds, rivers, streams,
wetlands and floodplains, roads, important landmarks
k. GIS (.shp, .gdb, etc.) or Google Earth (.kmz) files, if available
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> Download XLSX file: Attachment A - Budget_Detail_and_Narrative_template_v2025_March.xlsx

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Attachment B - Budget_Narrative_Guidance_v2025_March.docx

A budget estimate and narrative are required for your project. The information in the budget narrative must correspond to Section B of the SF-424A. All budgeted costs, including any costs that will be paid by the applicant or contributed by third-parties, must comply with the cost principles of 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles and be:

Allowable (§ 200.403 Factors affecting allowability of costs),

allocable to the agreement (§ 200.405 Allocable costs) and

reasonable in amount (§ 200.404 Reasonable costs)

• *Other than personnel and fringe benefits costs, all construction-related costs should be included under Object Class Category 6g., Construction.

A detailed budget narrative will aid the administrative review and processing of a recommended award. Amounts included in a budget and budget narrative are estimates; in the event of an award, payments will be based on actual expenditures. The following is guidance for your use in preparing a thorough budget narrative. The budget narrative provides a discussion of, or explanation for, items included in the above budget items. The guidance follows the order of the budget items. The Budget Detail and Narrative template (Attachment B) is a suggested format to present the breakdown of your estimated costs, by category, needed to accomplish project activities.

*Cost-share instructions (if applicable): The budget must include at least the minimum Federal to non-Federal required cost share. Cost share encompasses all contributions to the project incurred and paid for during the project. This includes payments for personnel, supplies, equipment, activities and items necessary for the project. In-kind Cost Share encompasses all third party contributions to the project that do not involve a payment or reimbursement and represent donated items or services that are necessary to the performance of the project. This includes volunteer personnel hours, donated existing equipment, donated existing supplies, etc.

Personnel

This category includes salaries and wages of employees of the applicant organization that will be working directly on the project. Generally, salaries of administrative and/or clerical personnel are included as a portion of the stated indirect costs. If these salaries can be adequately documented as direct costs, they can be included in this section; however, a justification should be included in the budget narrative.

Recommendation: Review § 200.430 Compensation - personal services for more information on the specific requirements regarding compensation costs, including the Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses at §200.430(g).

• Narrative: For key personnel such as the project manager or principal investigator, identify the name and position/title. Other personnel should be identified by position only. For all positions, identify the project tasks that will be performed. Compensation rates can be expressed as hourly rates and number of hours or annual salary and percentage effort that will be contributed to each task, but must be consistent with your organization’s accounting and timekeeping policies. Include estimated hours for compliance with reporting requirements, including the final project report and evaluation. For multi-year projects, identify the level of effort anticipated for each budget year and any estimates increases in compensation rates. Within the budget narrative, provide a certification that the labor rates included in the budget proposal represent the actual labor rates of the identified personnel/positions and are consistently applied to Federal and non-Federal activities. Note: The annual/hourly labor rate must not include fringe benefits.

Examples:

Hourly rate: (Position) will assist the project manager in the performance of all tasks for each budget year as described below. The hourly rate for year two includes a 3% increase which is the average annual increase in compensation for all employees. The hourly rate is based on the average of all personnel occupying this position. Compensation rates are consistently applied to Federal and non-Federal activities.

Task 1: 50 hrs Y1 x $25hr + 0 hrs Y2 x $26hr = $1,250

Task 2: 80 hrs Y1 x $25hr + 100 hrs Y2 x $26 = $4,600

Task 3: 80 hrs Y1 x $25hr + 80 hrs Y2 x $26 = $4,080

Task 4: 80 hrs Y1 x $25hr + 110 hrs Y2 x $26 = $4,860

Total: $7,250 Y1 $7,540 Y2 $14,790

Percentage: (Name, title) will be the project manager and responsible for the day to day direction of the project, participate in the derivation and culture of invasive mussel cells (Task 1), and perform most molecular biology procedures( Tasks 2-4). His salary is $71,400 for both budget years and it i anticipated that he will spend 40% of his time on the project in Year one ($28,560) and 60% during Year two ($42,840), approximately $71,480 for the entire project period. The budgeted rates represent the actual labor rates for the identified personnel and positions and are consistently applied to Federal and non-Federal activities.

Fringe Benefits

Fringe benefits are allowances and services provided by employers to their employees as compensation in addition to regular salaries and wages. Fringe benefits include, but are not limited to, the costs of leave (vacation, family-related, sick or military), employee insurance, pensions, and unemployment benefit plans. Fringe costs should also include employer contributions required by law such as payroll taxes such as FICA, unemployment, and workers compensation. Fringe does not include federal income taxes, employee portion FICA, or other such costs. Recommend reviewing § 200.431 Compensation - fringe benefits for more information on the allowability and allocability of fringe benefits.

Recommendation: Review § 200.431 Compensation - fringe benefits for more information on the allowability and allocability of fringe benefits. Note: Car allowances and cars furnished to employees for personal and work use are unallowable as a fringe benefit, regardless of whether the costs is reported as taxable income, and must be excluded from fringe benefit rates.

• Narrative: Fringe benefits can be expressed as an hourly rate or percentage of personnel costs. In the narrative, identify the fringe benefit rates/amounts for each position. If the fringe benefit rate is less than 35% of the estimated employee compensation, no additional information is necessary. If the fringe benefit rate is more than 35%, provide a description and breakdown of the benefits. If the rate is established within a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA), provide a copy of the agreement with the application. Note: Do not combine the fringe benefit costs with direct salaries and wages in the personnel category.

Examples:

Hourly amount (less than 35% of compensation): Fringe benefits are based on hours for each staff member and include benefits and required taxes paid for each position. Fringe rates have been computed at $8.55 per hour for the Director and $6.97 per hour for the Project Coordinator and are applied to the 475 and 275 hour estimates for each position.

Percentage rate: The City’s fringe benefits costs are estimated at 50% of employee compensation costs and consists of FICA (8%), unemployment insurance (6%) workers compensation (1%), medical and dental (18%), retirement (3%) and annual/sick leave/holidays (14%).

NICRA: current agreement provided, which shows the appropriate fringe benefit rates for each position.

Travel

Travel costs are expenses incurred by personnel in the performance of project activities. Costs can be charged on an actual cost basis, on a per diem or mileage basis in lieu of actual costs incurred, or on a combination of the two, provided that the method used is applied to the entire trip and not to selected days of the trip. All charges must be consistent with those normally allowed under similar circumstances for non-Federally funded activities and any established travel policies.

Recommendation: Review § 200.475 Travel costs for more information.

• Narrative: Provide a narrative describing any travel employees are anticipated to perform. Include the purpose of the travel and how it relates to project tasks, the origin and destination of the trip, number of personnel traveling, length of stay and all travel costs including airfare, per diem, lodging, transportation, and miscellaneous travel expenses. Identify the basis for rates used, (e.g. GSA Per Diem Rates, published prices) and the total of each planned trip. If travel details are unknown, then the basis for proposed costs should be explained (i.e. historical information).

Example:

The budget includes $800 in estimated travel costs for the principal investigator to travel to Denver for the required project presentation. Airfare is estimated at $345 based on published prices. Rental car costs are estimated at $146 based on a quote from a rental car company at the airport. Lodging is estimated at $195 for one night and a per diem of $57/day for meals and incidentals for two days of travel. Lodging and per diem are based on GSA rates for Denver/Aurora geographic area.

The budget includes $1,100 in travel costs for the project facilitator to travel to stakeholder meetings in the watershed. The number of meetings and locations are not known at this time, but the estimate is based on travel costs for 10 meetings with an estimated 100mi roundtrip for each meeting (1000 mi x 0.57/mi = $570). One or more meetings may also require an overnight stay so the estimate includes 2 nights lodging at $150/night ($300) and per diem for 4 days ($56.00 x 4 =$224). Lodging and per diem rates are based on GSA rates for the Durango, CO geographic area.

Equipment

Equipment is defined in §200.1 as tangible personal property (including information technology systems) having a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established by the applicant organization for financial statement purposes, or $10,000.

Recommendation: Review § 200.439 Equipment and other capital expenditures for additional information on the allowability of equipment costs and § 200.313 Equipment for information regarding the title, use, management and disposition requirements for equipment acquired under a Federal award.

• Narrative: If equipment will be purchased, itemize all equipment valued at or greater than your organization's capitalization threshold for financial statement purposes. If your organization's capitalization threshold is greater than $10,000, identify all equipment valued at or greater than $10,000. For each item, identify why it is needed for the completion of the project and how the equipment was priced (published price, quote, etc.). Include in the narrative a comparison of rental and/or lease costs over the purchase of the equipment item. Note: Do not include equipment that will be purchased and/or installed as part of a construction- related activity. Construction costs must be included in Object Class Category 6g.

Example:

This project includes the production of lines of cultured cells from invasive mussel species, and long-term cell culture success is heavily reliant on storage of cells and reagents at ultracold temperatures. The requested new freezer will be used for both primary and back-up storage of cells and reagents to ensure that ultracold storage continues uninterrupted in the event of equipment failure. The $11,000 estimate is based on the published price for a Thermo Scientific Revco RLE Series Ultra-low Freezer. Rental cost of similar freezers range from $475-$530 per month, or approximately $18,000 over the term of the agreement.

Supplies

Supply is defined in §200.1 as all tangible personal property other than those described in the equipment definition. A computing device is a supply if the acquisition cost is less than the lesser of the capitalization level established by your organization for financial statement purposes or $10,000, regardless of the length of its useful life.

Recommendation: Review
§ 200.453 Materials and Supplies Costs, Including the cost of computing devices, regarding the allowability of costs. Supply items must be direct costs to the project and not duplicative of supply costs in the indirect rate. For post-award requirements regarding supplies, recommend reviewing § 200.314 Supplies. For financial management requirements related to supplies, recommend reviewing §200.302(b)(4)

• Narrative: List all expendable supplies noting their purpose in the project and the basis of cost (e.g. vendor quotes, catalogue prices, prior invoices, etc.). For each item, provide the estimated unit cost, quantity, and total cost. General categories may be used, but if a category is viewed as too general or the associated amount is too high, further itemization may be requested.

Example: Pressure gage $102/ea. x 2 = $204

Compression tubing $20/lf. x 10 = $200

Peristaltic pump $3,180/ea. x 1 = $3,180

Instrument consumables $1500 (ls) $1,500

Total $5,084

The pressure gage and tubing to complete the column tests in Task 1. The pump will be used to load and regenerate columns (Tasks 1, 3, 5) and the instrument consumables will be used for the analytical analyses identified in Tasks 1-6. The Instrument consumables were estimated using actual costs from a previous project and the other items were estimated using vendor estimates.

Contractual

Include all contracts and subawards. Per § 200.1, a contract means, for the purpose of Federal financial assistance, a legal instrument by which a recipient or subrecipient purchases property or services needed to carry out the project or program under a Federal award. The term as used in this part does not include a legal instrument, even if the non-Federal entity considers it a contract when the substance of the transaction meets the definition of a subaward.

For additional information on subrecipient and contractor determinations, see § 200.331 Subrecipient and contractor determinations. Recommend reviewing § 200.459 Professional service costs for information regarding the allowability of contractual costs.

Do not include construction contract costs in this section. Construction costs should be included in Budget Object Class Category 6g, Construction.

• Contract Narrative:. For each contract, regardless of dollar value, describe the services to be obtained and the applicability or necessity of each to the project. Identify the total estimated cost and the basis(es) used to develop the estimate. For each contract with an estimated amount meeting or exceeding $250,000 or represents 35% or more of the total project cost, provide a separate detailed description of the estimated costs. A detailed estimate can be included with the application in lieu of a description. For contracts with an estimated cost equal to or greater than the micro-purchase threshold (currently $10,000) identify the anticipated procurement method to be used and the basis of selection.

NOTE: Only contracts for architectural/engineering services can be awarded using a qualifications-based procurement method. If a qualifications-based procurement method is used, profit must be negotiated as a separate element of the contract price. See § 200.318 General procurement standards for additional information regarding procurements, including required contract content.

Recommend reviewing § 200.319 Competition and § 200.318 General procurement standards for additional information regarding procurements, including required contract content. Recommend reviewing § 200.319 Competition and § 200.320 Procurement methods.

Example: Facilitator $150/hr. x 75 = $11,250

Water Quality Consulting $40/hr. x 50 = $2,000

Total $13,250

Consultants will be hired to assist with facilitation and technical assessments and preplanning activities as needed. We have conducted preliminary price analysis and found average fees for facilitation consultants in the area are $150 per hour. The estimate would provide 75 hours of facilitation work focused on the development of the strategic plan. Our procurement policies require that we obtain at least three quotes for services and the selection will be based on best value (qualifications and price). We have researched water quality support cost estimates from XXXXX, who maintains a fee for service pricing structure and provides expertise focused on the watershed. Rates for water quality support average $50 per hour and the project estimate would provide 40 hours of support for pre-planning activities.

• Subaward Narrative: If known, identify the recipient of each subaward. Describe the activities to be performed under each subaward, regardless of dollar value, and indicate the applicability or necessity of each to the project. Identify the total estimated cost and the basis(es) used to develop the estimate. For each subaward with an estimated amount meeting or exceeding $250,000 or representing 35% or more of the total project cost, provide a separate detailed description of the estimated costs. A detailed estimate can be included with the application in lieu of a description. Include any indirect/overhead costs anticipated to be paid and the indirect cost rate used.

Example:

A subaward in the amount of $8,400 will be made to XXXX non-profit to conduct outreach, facilitate stakeholder meetings and perform pre-planning activities. The subaward includes $5,000 for personnel salary and $1,050 for fringe benefits. Salary costs are based on the compensation rate for the subrecipient Project Coordinator ($50/hr. x 100 hours) and a fringe rate of 21%. The subaward also includes $500 in travel costs for the Project Coordinator to travel to 10 stakeholder meetings. It is estimated that the Project Coordinator will travel approximately 50-100 miles round-trip per meeting at a cost of $0.57 per mile. The non-profit has a Federal indirect cost rate agreement (attached) and costs are estimated at $1,850 ($6,550 x 28%).

Construction

Construction costs are costs incurred in the construction, renovation, and/or equipping of a facility or structure. Costs include, engineering, design, permitting, demolition, acquisition of materials, and installation of improvements.

• Narrative: Identify all construction related costs other than applicant organization personnel and fringe benefits costs, including, but not limited to engineering and design, environmental and other regulatory compliance costs, applicant-owned equipment use, rental equipment, construction supplies, equipment that will be purchased and installed, construction contracts, permitting, and environmental compliance. Note: Personnel and fringe benefits costs related to construction should be included in Budget Object Class Category 6a and 6bas applicable.

Equipment use. If equipment is owned by the applicant is proposed for use under the project, provide the use rates and hours for each piece of equipment owned and budgeted. These should be ownership rates developed by the recipient for each piece of equipment (do not include operator costs). If these rates are not available, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineer’s recommended equipment rates for the region are acceptable. Rates for your region can be found at EP1110-1-8 Construction Equipment Ownership and Operating Expense Schedule.

Example:

JCB Excavator $46.42/hr. x 168 = $7,797

CAT 320C Excavator $46.42/hr. x 145 = $6,745

John Deere 690 Excavator $56.34/hr. x 66 = $3,700

CAT D7 Dozer $86.88/hr. x 169 = $14,513

IHC TD-IS Dozer $67.12/hr. x 112 = $7,515

Total $40,269

The District owns all the necessary equipment and machinery that will be required for this project. The hourly rates are the rates established by the United States Army Corps of Engineers within the Construction Equipment Ownership and Expense Schedule for the Region. Estimated number of project hours for each machine were extrapolated from using actual numbers and data from similar sized projects the District has completed in the past.

• Materials. Identify any construction materials and non-movable equipment that will be purchased from a vendor. Include estimated purchase price, quantity, and total cost.

Example:

27' PVC Pipe $26.49 1479 linear feet $39,179

24" PVC Pipe $20.42 2703 linear feet $55,195

27 X 24 reducer $278.23 1 each $278

24 X 21 reducer $185.59 1 each $186

27 X 10 Turnout $970.76 2 each $971

24 X 10 Turnout $382.89 1 each $383

Total $96,192

All of the materials and supplies needed for the project are listed above. The supplies are itemized by major category, unit price, quantity and purpose. All costs were derived from actual product costs or by quotes received on each product within the last 365 days. 

• Contractual services. For each contract, regardless of dollar value, describe the services to be obtained and the applicability or necessity of each to the project. Identify the total estimated cost and the basis(es) used to develop the estimate. For all construction contracts and each contract with an estimated amount meeting or exceeding $250,000 or representing 35% or more of the total project cost, provide a separate detailed description of the estimated costs. A detailed estimate can be included with the application in lieu of a description. For contracts with an estimated cost equal to or greater than the micro-purchase threshold (currently $10,000) identify the procurement method to be used and the basis of selection.

• Example:

Principal Engineer $250/hr. x 460 = $115,000

Construction Manager $135/hr. x 229 = $30,915

Project Manager $150/hr. x 327 = $48,975

Senior Engineering Technician $105/hr. x 224 = $23,520

Senior Construction Inspector $86/hr. x 957 = $82,259

Total $300,669

The City will contract with an engineering services contract will be awarded for final design and engineering, preparation of construction contract bidding documents, and construction oversight and inspection. The principal engineer is anticipated to spend 184 hours on final design, 89 on bidding documents and 89 hours for construction oversight. The construction manager is anticipated to spend 44 hours, 47 hours, and 138 hours on each of the respective tasks, the Project Manager, 183, 44, and 100 hours, the Senior engineering technician 133, 40 and 52, and the Senior Construction Inspector, 30, 27, and 900 hours. The estimate is based on the costs incurred for a previous similar project.

• Other Construction-related Costs. Identify any other construction-related costs (e.g. permitting, etc.) and indicate the applicability or necessity of each to the project. Include quantity, unit cost, total cost, and the basis for the estimate. Note: Do not include costs that are anticipated to be paid by a contractor under the terms of the contract. Those items should be included in the contract estimate.

Example: The budget includes $3,600 for construction-related permits required by law. The estimate is based on the permitting costs for a similar project completed last year.

Other

This category contains items not included in the previous categories, such as third-party in-kind contributions, tuition remission, rental costs, etc. Third-party in-kind contributions are all services and donations made to the project that do not involve a payment or disbursement and represent donated items or services that are necessary to the performance of the project. This includes services provided by project partners that will not be reimbursed, volunteer hours, donated equipment, donated existing supplies, etc.

Narrative: For all costs other than third-party contributions, list items by type or nature of expense, breaking down costs by cost per unit, quantity, and total cost and identify the bases of cost (quote, invoice, etc.). Describe the necessity of the costs for successful completion.

• Narrative: For all costs other than third-party contributions, list items by type or nature of expense, breaking down costs by cost per unit, quantity, and total cost and identify the basis of cost (quote, invoice, etc.). Describe the necessity of the costs for successful completion of the project and exclude unallowable costs. Recommend reviewing § 200.420 through § 200.476, General Provisions for Selected Items of Cost. HYPERLINK "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.420"

Example:

The budget estimate includes $1,200 for rental of a facility for the planned two 2-day public meetings of the watershed group ($300/day x 4 days). The estimated cost is based on the published rental rate of meeting space at a local community college.

• Third-party Contributions Narrative: Describe any third-party servicers and donations (personnel costs, supplies, etc.), including the name of the contributor as well as any work that will be performed by volunteers. Indicate the applicability or necessity of each to the project and describe the basis(es) of the valuation. All third-party contributions must meet the requirements under § 200.306 Cost sharing, including the valuation of the contribution.

Example:

The project budget includes in-kind services from the Conservation District. Two conservation planners will participate in planning meetings and assist with the review of the final plan. The contribution is valued at $1,650 (35 hours x $30/hr. + 20% fringe, $240 in mileage costs, and $150 overhead/indirect costs). Employee compensation costs are based on the District’s compensation schedule for these positions and the actual fringe rate. Travel costs are for mileage to six planning meetings and are estimated at 70 miles per round trip from County offices to the City at $0.58 per mile. The District does not have a current Federal indirect cost rate agreement so the de minimis was used to value indirect costs.

Indirect Costs

Option 1: Show the rate reflected in the current Federal indirect cost rate agreement, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs. A copy of the current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate agreement must be included with your application.

Option 2: If your organization does not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, the budget may include a 15% de minimis rate of modified total direct costs. Per § 200.1 Definitions,

Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $50,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $50,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

For further information on the de minimis rate, refer to § 200.414 Indirect costs.

Option 3: If your organization does not have a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement in effect and has sought a rate extension for a Predetermined or Final rate, or to renegotiate a rate that is greater than the de minimus rate (Option 2), include the computational basis for the indirect expense pool and corresponding allocation base for each rate. It is important to note that any subsequent negotiated rate cannot be applied to the award prior to its effective date.

Note: If Option 3 is selected; submit the indirect cost rate proposal to your cognizant Federal agency, provide confirmation of the submission to Reclamation, and obtain indirect rate approval. Information on “Preparing and Submitting Indirect Cost Proposals” is available from Interior, the National Business Center, and Indirect Costs and Acquisition Audit Services at https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/indirect-cost.

Note: Construction costs are capital expenditures and must be excluded from the indirect cost base.

• Narrative: Identify whether your organization has a current Federal negotiated indirect cost agreement. Describe the costs included in the indirect cost base and identify the indirect cost rate used and total costs. Include the amount of Federal funding that will be used to pay indirect costs.

Example:

The District does not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate agreement so indirect costs were calculated using the 15% de minimis rate against MTDC as detailed below. Federal funding will not be used to pay these costs.

. Personnel $28,000

Fringe Benefits $7,000

. Travel $2,000

Equipment NA

Supplies $5,000

Contractual $10,000

. Construction NA

. Other Direct Costs $1,000

Total $53,000 x 15% = $7,950

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General NOFO FAQ.pdf

Bureau of Reclamation
Financial Assistance Operations
Frequently Asked Questions in response to Notices of Funding Opportunity
Where do I need to register to be able to apply for a grant through the Bureau of
Reclamation?
Registrations are required in multiple systems. Required registrations include (1) establishing a
Unique Entity ID (UEI) in SAM.gov; (2) registering in the System for Award Management
(SAM); (3) and registering in Grants.gov. Your authorized organization representatives (also
referred to as signing officials, entity administrators, or e-business points of contact) are
responsible for ensuring the various organization registrations needed to apply for grant funding
are in place and active. While this process can often be completed in less than two weeks, some
organizations encounter complicated situations that can take six weeks or longer to complete the
mandatory registrations. Failure to start this process in a timely fashion (i.e., six weeks or more
before the application deadline) can lead to your entity application being ineligible for
consideration.
How long will it take to get registered?
It may take six weeks or more to complete the process. While many organizations are able to
complete the process relatively quickly, issues can arise that make this process take much longer.
Be sure to start the registration process at least six weeks before the application deadline. Failure
of an applicant to submit on time because they did not complete registration in SAM.gov or
Grants.gov will result in your application being found ineligible for consideration.
How can I get help with grants.gov?
First, check out the support center website: www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html
If you can’t find your answer there, you can email support@grants.gov or call 1-800-518-4726
(open 24/7 except for federal holidays).
Who can I contact for help with the UEI and/or SAM.gov registration process?
Please visit the Federal Service Desk at www.fsd.gov where you can find answers to many
common issues. Through that website, you may also submit a help desk ticket or use the live chat
feature. You can also call the Federal Service desk at 866-606-8220.
Additional guidance on registration:
SAM Registration (UEI)
First, you must register with SAM.gov to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The UEI is a
12-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to all entities (public and private companies,
individuals, institutions, or organizations) to do business with the Federal Government.
Organizations will also need to designate an E-Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC).

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After obtaining the UEI for the organization from SAM.gov, you must return to Grants.gov to
continue registration.
Your organization’s EBiz POC must:
1. Create a Grants.gov account with the same email address as used in SAM.gov for EBiz
POC, and
2. Add a profile with Grants.gov using the UEI obtained from SAM.gov
www.sam.gov/content/entity-registration
• SAM.gov will assign you a Unique Entity ID as part of entity registration.
• If your entity fails TIN or CAGE code validation, you will receive an email with
instructions on updating your information and resubmitting your registration. Please
check your spam or junk mail for messages during this time; messages will be sent to the
Government Business POC. You may need to work with the IRS or CAGE to update
your information before resubmitting your registration.
How do I check the status of my entity registration?
If you have a role with an entity and are signed in to your SAM.gov account, you can check your
entity registration status. You can also check the status of an entity’s registration as a federal
user. If none of these is the case, you cannot check an entity’s registration status.
1. Sign in to SAM.gov. You must be signed in to check your registration status.
2. From the home page, select the “Check Registration Status” button. The page is also
linked in the footer of all pages on SAM.gov.
3. Enter a Unique Entity ID or CAGE Code and select “Search.” The entity’s registration
status will display below.
What do the different registration statuses mean?
When you request a Unique Entity ID (SAM) and confirm your
organization’s information, your entity is assigned a Unique
Entity ID (SAM). The status of your entity record is “ID
Assigned.” This status indicates you have an identifier assigned
ID Assigned and do not have an active entity registration in SAM.gov. This
status is visible to all authenticated SAM.gov users if the entity
has opted into public display. This status is only visible to users
who have a role with the entity and federal users if the entity
has opted out of public display.
The “Pending ID Assignment” status means your entity
information is in the process of validation and a Unique Entity
Pending ID
ID has not been assigned. You will see this status if you
Assignment
submitted a validation incident ticket while trying to validate
your entity name and physical address during registration or

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receiving a Unique entity ID. This status is visible to the person
who started to register or receive a Unique Entity ID and to
help desk agents.
When SAM.gov has established a Unique Entity ID for an
entity, but that entity has not gotten its UEI on SAM.gov, or
SAM.gov is waiting for the entity to be validated, it will be in
Unvalidated ID
the “Unvalidated ID” status. This status is only viewable by
federal users with permissions to view sensitive entity
information.
If you begin but do not complete an entity registration
in SAM.gov, you will have an entity record with the “Work in
Work in Progress Progress'' status. Work in Progress Registrations are held
Registration in SAM.gov for up to 90 days. If you do not access or submit
your Work in Progress Registration within the 90-day
timeframe, the system will remove it.
If you have submitted a registration, and it is pending the TIN
Submitted and CAGE validation, you will have an entity record in the
Registration “Submitted” status. Once the validations are complete, then the
status will update to the “Active Registration” status.
After you submit your registration for review and it passes all
the required processing and validation, your registration will
have the "Active Registration" status. You must renew your
registration each year to remain in the “Active Registration”
status. Entities with an Active Registration that opted into
Active Registration
public display are searchable and viewable by authenticated
users in SAM.gov. Entities with an Active Registration that
opted out of public display are searchable and viewable only by
authenticated federal users and users who have a SAM.gov role
with the entity.
If you do not take action to renew your entity registration each
year, your registration will expire and have the “Inactive
Registration” status. Inactive Registrations that opted in to
Inactive public display remain searchable and viewable by authenticated
Registration users in SAM.gov. Inactive Registrations that opted out of
public display are only searchable and viewable by
authenticated federal users and authenticated public users with
roles with the entity in SAM.gov.
If an administrator of an entity deactivates a registration
record, the record is removed from the system. It is not
Deleted/Deactivated searchable or viewable by any SAM.gov user, and it is not
recoverable. If you want to re-register the entity, you must wait
24 hours from deactivation and start a new entity registration.

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Why is my entity registration not showing as active yet?
If you notice your registration has had a status of Submitted for longer than 14 days, and you
have not otherwise been contacted to correct or update any information, please contact the
Federal Service Desk at 866-606-8220 or www.fsd.gov
How do I start the application process on Grants.gov?
To begin the application process under this grant announcement, go to www.grants.gov and click
the red “Apply” button at the top of the view grant opportunity page. If you encounter technical
difficulties or the Apply button is grayed out, please contact grants.gov for assistance at the
grants.gov support center at support@grants.gov or 1-800-518-4726. Please note: To apply
through Grants.gov, you must use Adobe Reader software and download the compatible Adobe
Reader version. For more information about Adobe Reader, to verify compatibility, or to
download the free software, please visit Adobe Reader Compatibility Information on Grants.gov.
What if I have multiple accounts with SAM or multiple UEIs?
Applicants need to ensure that the AOR who submits the application through Grants.gov and
whose UEI is listed on the application is an AOR for the applicant listed on the application.
Additionally, the UEI listed on the application must be registered to the applicant organization's
SAM account, and the organization’s name as registered in SAM must match the name of the
organization associated with the UEI. If not, the application may be deemed ineligible.
Can I submit a paper application?
Paper applications are generally not accepted. If you believe you need an exception due to
extenuating circumstances, you must submit a request in writing to the grants contact listed in the
Financial Assistance Contact Section of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) at least 15
days before the application deadline, providing a detailed explanation and supporting
documentation to justify your request. Approval of such requests is subject to the discretion of
the Grants Officer. Failure to register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov is not an acceptable
justification.
If your request is approved, the application must be received by the Bureau of Reclamation
before the deadline.
Can I submit a late application?
Late applications are not accepted. Any applications received after the deadline, regardless of the
form of submission, will be deemed ineligible. We strongly encourage you to plan ahead and
submit early. Failure of an applicant to submit timely because they did not properly or timely
register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov is not an acceptable reason to justify a late submission. Minor

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problems are not uncommon during submissions to Grants.gov. It is essential to allow sufficient time
to ensure that your application is submitted to Grants.gov before the due date identified in the NOFO.
How do I know my application was received?
After submitting an application to Grants.gov, it provides users with the electronic equivalent of
a postmark stamp on a confirmation screen. It contains the date and time the application was
received by Grants.gov. Applicants should print out this page for their records. You may also
verify the status of your application while logged in at this link:
www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/track-my-application.html
Please note that successful submission through Grants.gov does not mean your application is
eligible for award.

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Submission Instructions & Tips.pdf

SUBMISSION SYSTEM REGISTRATIONS
INSTRUCTIONS & TIPS
**Applicants must register in SAM.GOV
SAM.gov and provide a valid
UEI in their application. ** ☐Register in SAM.gov or make sure your current
registration is up to date. Begin as soon as possible. It
• Keep an active registration in can take 2 weeks or more to complete this step.
SAM.gov with current
Get a UEI. You will receive your UEI when you
☐
information for active awards
register in SAM.gov.
or applications.
• Individuals applying as Available resources to complete registration.
• Already registered? Review and update your entity
natural persons (unrelated to
information and financial assistance certification
a business or nonprofit) are
compliance if needed.
exempt from these • Financial assistance registrants must review and
requirements per 2 CFR certify compliance with the SAM.gov “Financial
Assistance General Representations and
25.110(b).
Certifications”.
• This program may allow • Need help? Find help topics and contact
information on the SAM.gov Help page.
applicant to apply while
SAM.gov registration is in
GRANTS.GOV
progress, with prior approval
and following bureau or ☐Register in Grants.gov. See how to register in
Grants.gov.
office policy.
Grants.gov has helpful pages to assist with this process:
• How to register in Grants.gov, see Applicant
Registration
Application System Technical
• How to add a profile for your organization in your
Support
Grants.gov account, see Applicant Registration.
For Grants.gov assistance,
• How to request role creation for the people who
contact:
need to access Grants.gov, see How to Authorize
Grants.gov Customer Support
Grants.gov Roles.
1-800-518-4726
• This function also assigns your authorized
organization representative and point of contact.
See Applicant Contacts.
• How to track your role creation request see Track
Profile Status.

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HOW TO APPLY
GRANTS.GOV
TIP: Make sure that at least one person in your organization has a role that allows them to
create a workspace for your grant application. For more information about assigning roles,
visit Manage Roles for Applicant in the Grants.gov Online Help.
Workspaces provide flexibility for submitting application forms that fit your organization.
Benefits:
• Control access to draft forms
• Anyone with AOR or workspace manager can create a workspace
Three approaches:
1. Basic: Fill out online or download PDFs, then upload completed forms.
2. Intermediate: Workspace owner controls access. Ideal for complex organizations.
3. Advanced: Share access with team members without your UEI, limited access to forms.
Grants.gov provides step-by-step guides with training videos for each approach:
• Basic Approach guide: Quick start
• Intermediate Approach guide: For complex setups
• Advanced Approach guide: Detailed with videos
1. Select the grant opportunity you want to apply for.
Click Search Grants and enter your criteria or an opportunity number. A list of results
will appear.
2. Click an opportunity number.
The system will display the View Grant Opportunity page.
3. Click the Apply button.
The system will display the Apply Now Using Workspace page.
4. Enter a name for your application.
Select a profile if needed, or a workspace owner if you lack privileges.
5. Click Create Workspace.
The system will display the Manage Workspace page. You can now add participants.
Ways to complete forms:
• Online within your workspace.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR — XXXXXX Bureau 2

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• Download, complete offline, then upload.
• Reuse forms from a past application.
Before you submit your application, make sure you have completed all required forms. It is
best to submit your application well before the deadline, just in case a submission error
occurs.
On the Forms tab, click the Check Application button.
If there are any issues, a list of errors will be displayed. Resolve any errors before clicking the
Check Application button again.
Click the Complete and Notify AOR button, if it is available.
This button will be available only if you do not have an AOR role. When you click it, all users in
your organization with an AOR role (or a custom role with one of the Submit Applications
privileges) will receive an email telling them that the application is ready to submit.
Click the Sign and Submit button, if it is available.
This button will be available only if you have a standard or expanded AOR role, or if you have
been assigned a custom role with one of the Submit Applications privileges. If you have one of
these roles, the Sign and Submit button will be available when:
• The forms you select for submission have passed the check application process.
• Your organization's SAM.gov registration is active.
• The grant application deadline has not passed.
Submitting a revised grant application:
If you already submitted a grant application for this opportunity, you will be asked if you want
this submission to replace it. Select Yes. If you submitted your grant application from the same
workspace, the previous grant tracking number will be preserved.
A confirmation window will be displayed with information about tracking your grant
application.
Tracking Your Application
To see whether your application has been received by the awarding agency, you can go to Check
Application Status. You will be notified by the awarding agency after they complete their own
process.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR — XXXXXX Bureau 3

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Grants.gov provides 24/7 support. Call 1-800-518-4726 or email support@grants.gov. You
will be assigned a ticket number, which we'll need to locate your issue later.
You can also find training and videos at Training Resources and Videos for Grants.gov.
For help with SAM.gov, call 866-606-8220. You can also chat with the Federal Service
Desk.
GRANTSOLUTIONS
ToG oap tpol yG ethttrionugg hSt GarrtaendtS –o Rluetiqouness, tf oal lUoswe rt hAecsceo sutenpts -: GrantSolutions.
1. Register your organization. Send an e-mail to help@grantsolutions.gov with:
• Subject: New Organization Request
• Entity name (organization or individual applying as a natural person)
• Entity type
• SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (not required for individuals)
• Employer Identification Number (individuals, do not include your SSN)
• Address
• Contact details (First and last name, e-mail, phone)
For entities required to register in SAM.gov, this information should be the same as
entered on the entity’s SAM.gov profile.
2. Assign system user roles. Follow the GrantSolutions “Recipient user” registration
instructions. Submit a separate Recipient User Account Request form for each official to
be assigned a system role. At minimum, the Authorizing Official (ADO) and Principal
Investigator/Program Director (PI/PD) must be assigned.
3. Log in. GrantSolutions requires users to log in through Login.gov. Each user must create
a Login.gov account. For instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web
page.
4. Find and apply to this Funding Opportunity. After logging in, click on either the
“Begin an application” link (first time applicants) or the “Funding Opportunity” link to
go to the “Competing Announcements-Application Kits” list screen. Search the list for
this Funding Opportunity’s title and number. Click on the associated “Apply” link.
Follow the prompts from there. For detailed instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training
Resources web page.
5. Need help? Find help topics and contact information on the GrantSolutions Contact Us
page.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR — XXXXXX Bureau 4