WaterSMART Drought Response Program

Foa_Content_of_R26AS00016_Final.pdf

Bureau of Reclamation
Notice of Funding Opportunity
WaterSMART Drought Response Program
Funding Opportunity Number
R26AS00016

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Table of Contents
BASIC INFORMATION .................................................................................................................2
ELIGIBILITY ..................................................................................................................................3
Cost Sharing Requirement ...........................................................................................................4
GET READY TO APPLY ...............................................................................................................4
Required System Registrations ....................................................................................................5
PROGRAM OVERVIEW ...............................................................................................................5
Program Goals ..............................................................................................................................5
Program Description ....................................................................................................................5
Task A: Infrastructure Projects ....................................................................................................6
Task B: Water Management and Planning Projects .....................................................................7
Ineligible Projects ........................................................................................................................9
Legislative Authority .................................................................................................................12
Type of Award ...........................................................................................................................12
PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION ..............................................................................................12
Application Content and Format ................................................................................................12
Application Documents ..............................................................................................................13
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES ..............................................................19
Address to Request Application Package ..................................................................................19
Submission Dates and Times .....................................................................................................19
Submission Instructions .............................................................................................................19
APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ................................................................................20
Eligibility Review ......................................................................................................................20
Merit Review ..............................................................................................................................21
Merit Review Criterion A: Severity of Drought and Impacts (15 points) .................................22
Merit Review Criterion B: Project Benefits (20 points) ............................................................22
Merit Review Criterion C: Planning and Support (10 points) ...................................................25
Merit Review Criterion D: Readiness to Proceed and Project Implementation (15 points) ......27
Merit Review Evaluation Criterion E. Nexus to Reclamation (5 points) ..................................29
Merit Review Evaluation Criteria F. Presidential and Department of Interior Priorities (20
Points) ........................................................................................................................................29
Merit Review Evaluation Criteria G. Construction Priority (10 Points) ....................................30
Merit Review Evaluation Criteria H. Cost Share Priority (5 Points) .........................................30
Review and Selection Process ....................................................................................................30
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Risk Review ...............................................................................................................................31
AWARD NOTICES ......................................................................................................................32
POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION ................................................32
Administration and National Policy Requirements ...................................................................32
Reporting ....................................................................................................................................35
BASIC INFORMATION
Announcement Type: Initial
Funding Opportunity Number: R26AS00016
Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.514
Estimated Total Program Funding: $13,500,000
Expected Number of Awards: 20
Award Ceiling: $1,500,000
Award Floor: $25,000
Approximately 8-20 awards will be awarded under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO),
depending on the amount requested by each applicant and available Federal appropriations.
Applicants are invited to submit proposals under the following funding groups:
Funding Group I: Up to $500,000 in Federal funds, not to exceed 50% of project costs.
Drought Contingency Planning applications are limited to applying under Funding Group
Funding Group II: Up to $1,500,000 in Federal funds, not to exceed 50% of project costs.
Construction Start Date Limitation - Proposed projects must not start construction until at
least 12 months after the submission deadline. The estimated start date is dependent upon the
complexity of the project and degree and significance of environmental impacts associated
with the project. Some projects may require more than 12 months to start construction.
Cost Sharing Required?
Yes
Closing Date Explanation
July 28, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
U.S. states and local governments may be required under Executive Order 12372,
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs to submit their application to their State Single
Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. For more information, see the Intergovernmental Review
SPOC List.
Have Questions?
For questions regarding application and submission, contact the NOFO team at bor-sha-
fafoa@usbr.gov.
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For questions regarding applicant and project eligibility or application content, contact the
Program Coordinator, Sheri Looper, slooper@usbr.gov, 916-612-7816.
Please include the NOFO number R26AS00016 in the subject line of any email correspondence.
Executive Summary
Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-
Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and other entities as they plan for and
implement actions to increase water supply and hydropower reliability. The WaterSMART
Drought Response Program NOFO invites eligible applicants to submit proposals for projects
designed to improve drought resilience by developing effective water management strategies and
drought contingency plans. Funding under the Drought Response Program supports a range of
initiatives including infrastructure improvements for increased water storage and distribution
capabilities, water source diversification, decision-making tools for water management, and
comprehensive planning to prepare for and respond to drought conditions.
WaterSMART Drought Response Program demonstrably advances Trump administration
priorities, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14154 (January 20, 2025):
Unleashing American Energy (E.O. 14154) and Secretarial Order 3418, and aligns with other
priorities and requirements, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14332
(August 7, 2025): Improving Oversight in Federal Grantmaking (E.O. 14332).
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible Applicants
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Additional Information on Eligibility
Applicants eligible to receive an award under this funding opportunity are described below.
Category A Applicants
• States, Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts;
• State, regional, or local authorities, the members of which include one or more
organizations with water or power delivery authority; and
• Other organizations with water or power delivery authority.
Category A applicants must be located in the Western United States or Territories; specifically:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada,
New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington,
Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands and
Puerto Rico.
Category B Applicants:
Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with, and with the
agreement of an entity described in Category A.
Category B applicants should include with their application a letter from the Category A partner
stating that the Category A partner:
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• Is acting in partnership with the applicant;
• Agrees to the submittal and content of the application; and
• Intends to participate in the project in some way, for example, by providing input,
feedback, or other support for the project.
Partners do not necessarily need to contribute cost share funding. All Category B applicants
must be located in the United States or the specific Territories identified above.
Ineligible Applicants - Those not eligible include, but are not limited to, the following entities:
• Federal Governmental entities
• Individuals
• Institutes of higher education
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants in Puerto Rico and Alaska and Category B applicants are not
eligible to apply for Drought Contingency Plans as applicant eligibility is defined in the
Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1999, as amended.
Cost Sharing Requirement
Cost Sharing Required?
Yes
50% of total project costs.
All cost-share contributions must be non-Federal in original source and meet the requirements of
2 CFR 200.306. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including cost share and
third-party contributions. For example, if the total project cost is $1.5 million, the minimum
amount of non-Federal cost share would be $750,000.
Total Project Costs - $1,500,000
Cost Share- x 50%
Applicant share of project costs $750,000
Federal share $750,000
Note: This cost-sharing requirement is not applicable to American Samoa, Guam, the Northern
Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands1. Cost-share waivers may be considered for Drought
Contingency Plans (see Attachment C for more details).
1See Public Law 95-134, Title V, § 501 (1977) (codified at 48 U.S.C. 1469a), as amended by
Public Law 96-205, Title V, § 601
GET READY TO APPLY
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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.
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.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Program Goals
• Through WaterSMART, Reclamation leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work
cooperatively with States, Tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement
actions to increase water supply reliability through investments in infrastructure and
attention to local water needs.
The objective of the WaterSMART Drought Response Program NOFO is to invite
eligible applicants to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with
Reclamation on drought resiliency and planning projects designed to increase water
management flexibility and reliability, helping entities prepare for and address impacts of
drought and water supply shortages. Projects funded under this NOFO are proactive
measures to build long-term drought resiliency.
Program Description
In general, projects under this NOFO will increase water supply reliability and build long-term
resilience to drought. Proposed projects should aim to reduce the need for emergency drought
response actions, such as water hauling programs and temporary infrastructure, while providing
sustained benefits that build long-term resilience. This NOFO provides funding under two task
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areas: Task A: Infrastructure Projects and Task B: Water Management and Planning Projects.
Eligible projects under each task area are described below.
Phases of a larger project may be eligible for funding under this program, so long as the phase
proposed for funding will generate benefits to address drought resiliency or water supply
reliability, independent of completing additional phases.
Certain restrictions apply to water reclamation, reuse, desalination, and water storage projects,
including phases of these types of projects. Please see Water Reclamation, Reuse, and
Desalination and Small Surface and Ground Water Projects below for more information.
Proposed projects will be reviewed by the Program Office to determine eligibility for merit
evaluation. Additionally, projects may be prioritized based on project type and task area (Tasks
A and B), ensuring a balanced distribution across both task areas and a diverse range of projects
within each task area.
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.
Task A: Infrastructure Projects
Investments in infrastructure improve drought resiliency by increasing water management
flexibility and providing alternative sources of water supply. Infrastructure projects include, but
are not limited to the following:
• System modifications or improvements. Projects that will increase flexibility of water
conveyance and deliveries, facilitating access to water supplies in times of drought.
Projects include, but are not limited to:
o Constructing or modifying surface water intakes to access supplies when water
levels are low (e.g., at dead pool), or to allow access at different locations.
o Constructing new conveyance system components (pipelines, canals, pumping
plants, etc.) to increase delivery flexibilities, facilitate voluntary water marketing,
or to deliver water from alternative sources.
o Constructing connections between water delivery systems to provide more
options for water conveyance.
o Installing barriers or other facilities to prevent saltwater intrusion into surface
supplies.
• Storing water and/or recharging groundwater supplies. Projects that enable the
capture or storage of additional water supplies that can be made available during drought.
Projects include, but are not limited to:
o Developing or expanding surface water storage facilities such as off-stream
storage ponds.
o Installing water towers and storage tanks to store water for municipal and
domestic use.
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o Installing recharge ponds or injection wells to increase recharge and storage of
surplus, inactive, or reclaimed water for later beneficial use.
Note: Multiple recharge basins or injection wells in one application will be
considered as one project (or a phase of a larger project, if applicable). Storage
projects have cost limitations for eligibility under this NOFO. See Small Surface
Water and Groundwater Storage Projects below for more details.
• Developing Alternative Water Supply Sources Through the Treatment and Reuse of
Surface Water and Reclaimed Water. Projects that develop alternative water supplies
to build drought resiliency. Projects include, but are not limited to:
o Constructing or expanding water treatment facilities to treat impaired surface
water, municipal wastewater or stormwater runoff for later beneficial use.
o Constructing stormwater capture and reuse systems, including stormwater
infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens, cisterns, and bioswales.
o Installing residential grey water and rain catchment systems.
Note: Water reclamation, reuse, and desalination projects have eligibility
limitations under this NOFO. See Water Reclamation, Reuse, and Desalination
information below for more details.
• Groundwater Recovery and Treatment Projects. Projects that implement the
sustainable use of groundwater or the recovery of recharged water to build drought
resiliency. Projects include, but are not limited to:
o Constructing or rehabilitating a well to provide back-up water supplies during
times of drought.
o Constructing an extraction well at groundwater banks or other recharge areas to
improve extraction and return capabilities during dry years.
o Constructing an aquifer storage and recovery well
o Treating impaired groundwater for beneficial use.
Note for applicants applying for groundwater projects: Applications for
groundwater projects (including rehabilitation and the treatment of well water) will be
limited to two wells per applicant. If two wells are included in the same application
the wells must be located within the applicant’s service area. This limitation does not
apply to monitoring or injection wells.
Task B: Water Management and Planning Projects
Task B projects are intended to help entities better manage water supplies through decision
support tools, modeling, the identification of potential strategies to address drought, and
comprehensive drought planning. Projects include but are not limited to the following:
• Developing water management, water marketing, and modeling tools to help
communities evaluate options and implement strategies to address drought.
o Developing online decision support tools to help communities identify alternative
water supplies or water management options in times of drought.
▪ For example, in 2019, Reclamation awarded the Texas Water
Development Board with a Drought Resiliency Grant to modify their
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existing drought prediction tool to provide more accurate forecasting of
average May through July rainfall, reservoir levels, and reservoir storage
across the state by county. The project was completed in 2022, and the
forecasts are updated bi-weekly and made accessible for water managers
through the Water Data for Texas website:
www.waterdatafortexas.org/reservoirs/statewide.
o Installation of monitoring equipment to accurately track water supply conditions
(e.g., stream flow measurement structures, groundwater monitors, reservoir level
monitors) to improve water management practices, optimizing water resources
and supporting informed decision-making.
o Developing new models or improving existing models for analyzing and
predicting drought conditions. Such models should be based on proven methods
to analyze drought frequency, duration, and intensity, as opposed to research type
efforts.
o Developing water budgets and tiered pricing programs that incentivize decreased
consumptive use.
o Real-time operational modeling to track supply conditions and demands.
Modeling can be used to analyze different operational scenarios to optimize
pumping capacities, evaluate user restrictions, water delivery needs, etc., and
determine how to best meet compliance requirements such as temperature control
points, water quality, or other environmental compliance (e.g., Endangered
Species Act), and Clean Water Act.
o Assessing water quality with respect to the level of drought to determine
appropriate measures to protect water quality for fish and wildlife, agriculture,
and human consumption (e.g., water quality testing or constructing groundwater
monitoring wells).
o Developing tools to facilitate water marketing, connecting willing sellers and
willing buyers that want to participate in the buying, selling, leasing, or
exchanging of water.
• Developing or updating Drought Contingency Plans (comprehensive drought plans)
that, when implemented, will increase water reliability and improve water
management through the use of expanded technologies for drought forecasting,
planning mitigation actions, and identifying drought response actions.
o Drought contingency planning efforts are to develop and update comprehensive
drought plans designed to build resilience to drought in advance of a crisis.
Applicants under this NOFO may request funding to develop a new drought plan
or to update an existing drought plan (collectively, Drought Contingency Plans).
Drought Contingency Plans funded under this NOFO must include six
required project elements: 1) Drought Monitoring, 2) Vulnerability Assessment,
3) Mitigation Actions, 4) Response Actions, 5) Operational and administrative
Framework, and 6) Plan Development and Update Process.
Proposed Drought Contingency Plans should be divided into two phases (Phase I and Phase II):
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• Phase I includes the establishment of a drought planning task force, development of a
detailed work plan, and development of a communication and outreach plan.
• Phase II begins after the detailed work plan is accepted by Reclamation. In Phase
II, the planning lead develops the plan or plan update including the required
Drought Contingency Plan elements.
See Attachment C for detailed information regarding the Drought Contingency Plan’s six
required elements, Phase 1, and Phase 2.
Ineligible Projects
Projects that are not eligible for funding under this NOFO include, but are not limited to:
• Operations, Maintenance, and Replacement: In accordance with Section 9504 of Secure
Water Act, projects that are considered normal operations, maintenance, and replacement
(OM&R) are not eligible for funding under this NOFO. OM&R is described as system
improvements that replace or repair existing infrastructure or function without providing
increased efficiency or effectiveness of water distribution over the expected life of the
improvement. Examples of ineligible OM&R projects include:
o Replacing malfunctioning components of an existing facility with the same
components
o Improving an existing facility to operate as originally designed
o Performing an activity on a recurring basis, even if that period is extended (e.g., a
10-year interval)
o Sealing expansion joints of concrete lining because the original sealer or the water
stops have failed
o Sealing cracks in canals and/or pipes, including those sealant projects intended to
improve facilities with inherent design and construction flaws
o Replacing broken meters with new meters of the same type
o Replacing leaky pipes with new pipes of the same type
o Completion of one-time leak detection surveys
• Water Conservation Projects: Projects primarily focused on water conservation are not
eligible under this NOFO, including:
o Lining or piping canals to conserve water.
o Installing landscape irrigation measures.
o Turf replacement.
o Water metering and measurement projects are ineligible as a standalone project
but may be included if it is a necessary subcomponent of an eligible project type.
• Water Reclamation, Reuse, and Desalination: Projects or project components that are
required to comply with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act are not eligible for
funding under this program.
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Any projects or project elements that are part of a congressionally authorized Title XVI
Water Reclamation or Reuse Project are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.
Any projects or project elements that are part of a water desalination or recycling project
eligible for funding under Section 4009(a) or 4009(c) of the WIIN Act, P.L. 114-322 are
not eligible for funding under this NOFO.
In addition, if a water desalination, reclamation, or recycling project has a total estimated
project cost of more than $20 million, that project is not eligible under this NOFO and
should be pursued under the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program or the
WaterSMART Desalination Planning and Construction Program. Note, this applies to
phases or project elements of a desalination, reclamation, or recycling project that are
part of a larger project with a total estimated project cost of more than $20 million.
See the Title XVI-Water Reclamation and Reuse webpage,
https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/title/titlexvi.html , for more information.
• Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects: An application for funding of
a small surface or groundwater storage project (including groundwater recharge, injection
wells, and aquifer storage and recovery wells) with a total estimated project cost of more
than $10 million, or that is a phase of a larger project that exceeds $10 million, is not
eligible under this NOFO. Applicants proposing such projects may wish to consider
Reclamation’s Small Storage Program. See the Small Storage Program webpage,
https://www.usbr.gov/smallstorage/, for more information.
• Water, Land Purchases, and Easements: The purchase of water, land, or land with the
primary purpose to secure a permanent easement, are not eligible under this NOFO and
cannot be included as part of the non-federal cost-share.
• Emergency Drought Response Projects: Emergency drought response projects that
provide temporary benefits, including projects involving temporary facilities (e.g.,
temporary pipes and pumps), water hauling services, and water purchases. Applicants
seeking funding drought emergency relief should request emergency drought assistance
under Reclamation’s Drought Response Program. See the WaterSMART Drought
Response Program webpage, www.usbr.gov/drought/, for more information.
• Building Construction: Proposals to construct a building are not eligible for Federal
funding under this NOFO (e.g., a building to house administrative staff or a building to
house promotion of public awareness for water conservation).
• Pilot Projects: Proposals to conduct a pilot study to evaluate technical capability,
economic feasibility, or viability for full-scale implementation or to test an unproven
material or technology are not eligible for Federal funding under this NOFO.
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• On-Farm Improvements: Projects to conduct on-farm improvements are not eligible
under this NOFO. Applicants interested in on-farm improvements should contact the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to
investigate opportunities for Federal assistance. For more information on NRCS
programs, including application deadlines and a description of available funding, please
contact your local NRCS office or see www.nrcs.usda.gov for further contact information
in your area.
Applicants interested in projects for water delivery systems improvements that will
enable farmers to make additions on-farm improvements in the future should consider
Reclamation's Water and Energy Efficiency Grants. See the WaterSMART Water and
Energy Efficiency Grants webpage, https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/weeg/index.html,
for more information.
• Projects Receiving Other Federal Financial Assistance: Proposals for projects or
activities that are funded under another Federal Financial Assistance agreement are not
eligible for funding under this NOFO.
Multiple Applications - Multiple applications for funding may be submitted for consideration
under this funding opportunity, provided that the project scopes are not duplicative. No more
than $1,500,000 will be awarded to a Category A applicant under this NOFO. Category B
applicants may be awarded up to a total of $3,000,000 given that the Category A partners are not
duplicative on projects selected for award.
In general, if you are seeking funding for multiple project components, and the components are
interrelated or closely related (e.g., a project to construct a new storage and conveyance system
coupled with a decision support tool for operation of the system), you should combine these in
one application. However, if the projects are only loosely related or are independently operated,
you should submit them as separate applications.
Technical Assistance - Technical assistance should be discussed with Reclamation staff prior to
applying. By request, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award of the project. If
you plan to receive Reclamation’s assistance, you must account for these costs in your budget.
To discuss available assistance and associated costs, contact the Program Coordinator identified
in the Have Questions section above.
For more information regarding WaterSMART Drought Response Program, including previously
funded projects and applications, visit https://www.usbr.gov/drought/.
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.
Projects funded under this NOFO are subject to the following Buy America preferences:
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• All iron and steel products used in the project must be produced in the U.S., including
beams, bars, rods, and tubing.
• All manufactured products must be made in the U.S., requiring substantial transformation
and final assembly in the country.
• All construction materials, such as cement and concrete, must be sourced domestically.
Buy America preferences need to be taken into consideration when developing the project
budget.
Legislative Authority
Section 9504(a) of the Secure Water Act, Subtitle F of Title IX of the Omnibus Public Land
Management Act of 2009, Public Law (P.L.) 111-11 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 10364), as
amended.
Title I of the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1999, P.L. 102-250, (43
U.S.C. Section 2201, et seq.), as amended.
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.
Awards will be made through a grant or cooperative agreement, depending on the project. If a
cooperative agreement is awarded, the recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial
involvement in the project. This may include collaboration or participation in the management of
the project and/or review, input, and approval during implementation 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.
To be eligible under this NOFO for a Drought Contingency Plan, applicants must participate in a
technical consultation with the Reclamation Drought Coordinator before submitting an
application. During this technical consultation, the Reclamation Drought Coordinator will
discuss the six required elements of a drought plan or plan update (as outlined in Attachment C),
planning steps, and eligible tasks. Reclamation reserves the right to remove an application from
consideration if a technical consultation was not completed. To schedule a technical consultation,
contact the program coordinator identified in Have Questions.
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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
Required from all applicants
equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form also
represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to
43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying
SF-424A, Budget Information – Construction and Non- Required for construction and
Construction Programs non-construction projects
Required if requesting more
than $100,000 in Federal
funds and the applicant has
used or plans to use funds
SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
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)
SF-424A Budget Information
Reclamation uses the SF-424A for both construction and non-construction programs. The SF-
424A should be fully filled out, including both the costs that will be paid with Federal funds and
those that will be paid with the non-Federal funds. In Section D of the SF-424A – Forecasted
Cash Needs, applicants do not have to project cash needs by quarter. Instead, include all costs in
the first quarter of the first year and enter “0” in all other fields of Section E – Budget Estimates
of Federal Funds Needed for Balance of the Project.
Project Abstract Summary
Failure to include a Project Abstract Summary will not result in removal of the proposal from
consideration by Reclamation.
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Project Narrative
The Project Narrative, including responses to the Merit Review Criteria shall be limited to a
maximum of 35 consecutively numbered pages. If this section exceeds 35 pages, only the first 35
pages will be evaluated. The full application, including all attachments, should not exceed
100 pages. If the application exceeds 100 pages, only the first 100 pages will be considered
in the merit review.
The font should be at least 12 points in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ by 11
inches, including charts, maps, and drawings. Margins should be standard 1-inch margins.
Oversize pages will not be accepted.
The Project Narrative should include the components described below. Applicants should only
describe the work that is reflected in the budget - do not include activities that are already
complete or will be completed in a future phase.
Title Page
Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature
of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, e-mail
address, and telephone of the Project Manager.
Table of Contents
List all major sections of the proposal in the table of contents.
Executive Summary
The executive summary should include:
• The date, applicant name, city, county, and state.
• The Task Area (Task A or B) under which you are applying.
• Applicant Category: Indicate whether you are a Category A applicant or Category B
applicant. If you are a Category B applicant, please briefly explain how you are acting in
partnership with a Category A partner. Note: If you are a Category B applicant, you must
include a letter from the Category A partner confirming that they are partnering with you
and agree to the submittal and content of the application (see the Eligible Applicants
section). See the Letter of Partnership (Category B Applicants) section for additional
information.
• Length of time and estimated completion date for the proposed project (month/year).
• Whether or not the proposed project is located on a Federal facility.
• Relevant background information about the applicant and service area such as services
provided, population served, irrigated acres served, crops grown in the project area, etc.
• For Task A projects, include details regarding the applicant’s or applicant’s Category A
partner’s water supplies. This should include water delivered or diverted from all water
sources including water supply contracts, water rights, applicant or partner owned wells,
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and any other long-term water supplies that are part of the water use portfolio (e.g.,
drainage from upstream users, reclaimed/recycled water, water transfer agreements).
Include the 10-year average annual water supply from 2016 to 2025 (in acre-feet).
Utilizing the following chart in your proposal is highly recommended:
Surface Water Recycled M&I Other Total
Agency Groundwater (acre-
Year Total Water (acre- (acre-
feet)
(acre-feet)* (acre-feet) feet) feet)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Total Annual Water Supply for 2016-2025 =
Average Annual Water Supply = __________________ acre-feet
(Divide Total Supplies for 2016-2025 by 10)
*Include water transfers and exchanges that occur on a long-term basis. Exclude single year
transfers.
• A short paragraph project summary that provides the location of the project, a brief
description of the work that will be carried out, any partners involved, expected benefits,
how those benefits relate to the water management issues you plan to address, and what
planning document and objective the project supports. Include a description of drought
conditions in the project area and how this project is expected to help alleviate impacts of
those conditions or other concerns in the area. This information will be used to create a
summary of your project for Reclamation’s website if the project is selected for funding.
o Example: The Southern San Joaquin Municipal Utility District, located in Delano,
California, will convert 160 acres into spreading ponds for groundwater recharge.
This will provide additional recharge capacity of approximately 5,560 acre-feet
per year of water that can be recovered for later beneficial use. The San Joaquin
Valley experiences severe drought conditions and reduced water deliveries.
Increased recharge capacity can play a crucial role in alleviating impacts drought
conditions, helping to ensure a more resilient water supply for the region. The
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project is supported by the Poso Creek Integrated Regional Water Management
Plan and the regional Drought Contingency Plan.
Project Location
Provide detailed information on the proposed project location or project area including a map
showing the geographic location. For example, [project name] is located in [state and county]
approximately [distance] miles [direction, e.g., northeast] of [nearest town]. The project latitude
is [##°##’N] and longitude is [###°##’W].
Technical Project Description
Provide a comprehensive description of the technical aspects of your project, including the goals
and objectives of the project and the approach for the on-the-ground project. This description
should provide detailed information about the project materials and equipment including what is
currently installed and a description of the upgrade being made. Include in your description the
necessary site preparation, removal of materials, motorized and rotating equipment required for
installation, site laydown and mobilization areas, and areas impacted by construction. This
section provides an opportunity for the applicant to provide a clear description of the technical
nature and installation process of the project and to address any aspect of the project that
reviewers may need additional information to understand.
Please do not include your project schedule and milestones here; that information is requested in
response to the Merit Review Criterion D—Implementation and Results. In addition, please
avoid discussion of the benefits of the project, which are also requested in response to Merit
Review Criterion B-Project Benefits. This section is solely intended to provide an understanding
of the technical aspects of the project.
If the work for which you are requesting funding is a phase of a larger project, please only
describe the work that is reflected in the budget and exclude description of other activities or
components of the overall project.
Merit Review Criteria
“The Merit Review Criteria” section provides a detailed description of each criterion and sub-
criterion and points associated with each. The merit review criteria portion of the application
should thoroughly address each criterion and sub-criterion in the order presented to assist in the
complete and accurate merit review of the proposal.
Copying and pasting the merit review criteria and sub-criteria in Project Narrative’s Merit
Review Criteria into your applications is suggested to ensure that all necessary information is
adequately addressed.
Letters of Support:
Attach all support letters from stakeholders at the end of your application (see Merit Review
Criterion C). Letters of support will not be counted towards page limits.
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Letter of Partnership (Category B Applicants)
Category B applicants need to submit a Letter of Partnership from their eligible Category A
partner, confirming their collaboration and agreement with the application. Ideally, this letter
should be included with the application; however, if selected for an award, it must be received
before the financial assistance agreement is finalized.
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 B for Budget Narrative Guidance. Attachment A 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.
Program Cost Restrictions
Proposal costs: The costs for preparing and submitting an application in response to this funding
opportunity, including developing data necessary to support the proposal, are not eligible project
costs and must not be included in the project budget.
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Other project costs: The costs for the purchase of water or land, or to secure an easement other
than a construction easement are not eligible project costs under this funding opportunity.
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs
Include costs in the budget for completing compliance activities for Federal environmental and
cultural resources laws and regulations. Applicants should 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.
Some of the projects funded under this NOFO typically incur high compliance costs (e.g.,
between $30,000 and $200,000 per project). In some cases, Reclamation may be able to
complete a portion of its compliance activities without additional cost to the recipient. The actual
amount of costs to the recipient associated with compliance will be identified while developing a
final project budget for inclusion in the financial assistance agreement. If it is determined that the
recipient will need to contribute funds for compliance costs, funds will be withheld from the
grant agreement to cover such costs or will be incorporated into the budget as a cost-shared line
item. If the recipient is responsible for covering a portion of the compliance costs, under no
circumstance will the funds awarded exceed the amount allowable under this NOFO and cannot
exceed what was requested in the application. If a portion of the amount budgeted in your
application for compliance is not needed for compliance activities, that amount may be
reallocated to other project costs during the process of developing a financial assistance
agreement, so long as the non-Federal cost share contribution is maintained.
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.
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
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Letters of Commitment
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.
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 Alisha
James 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: 07/28/2026
Closing Date Explanation
July 28, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
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.
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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
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.
Applications will be removed if they do not include:
• Completed SF-424 and SF-424A forms
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• SAM registration, with a valid UEI (unless an exemption at 2 CFR 25.110 applies, see
below)
• 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
The merit review criteria should be addressed in the Project Narrative. Applications should
thoroughly address each criterion and any sub-criterion in the order presented below.
Applications will be evaluated against the merit review criteria listed below. It is recommended
that applicants directly copy and paste the criteria in their application, answering applicable
questions to their project and removing any irrelevant merit review questions.
Merit Review Criteria Scoring Summary
Points:
A. Severity of Drought Conditions and Impacts
15
B. Project Benefits
20
C. Planning and Support
10
D. Readiness to Proceed and Project Implementation
15
E. Nexus to Reclamation
5
F. Presidential and Department of Interior Priorities
20
G. Construction Priority
10
H. Cost Share Priority
5
Total 100
Note: Projects may be prioritized to ensure balance among the program task areas and to ensure
that the projects address this NOFO’s goals and objectives.
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Merit Review Criterion A: Severity of Drought and Impacts (15 points)
Up to 15 points may be awarded based upon the severity of actual or potential drought impacts
to be addressed by the project. Proposals should focus on local drought impacts to water
supplies, industries, and users which the project will directly address. Proposals that focus on
local conditions versus statewide conditions will be given higher consideration on this criterion.
In addition, proposals that address more urgent needs will receive higher priority consideration
on this criterion than proposals that address less significant needs and impacts.
• Describe recent, existing, or potential drought conditions in the project area.
o Is the project in an area that is currently suffering from drought or water scarcity,
or which has recently suffered from drought or water scarcity? Describe existing
conditions, including when and the period of time that the area has experienced
drought or water scarcity conditions. Include information to describe the frequency,
duration, and severity of current or recent conditions. You may provide information
relating to historical conditions. Please provide supporting documentation (e.g.,
Drought Monitor, droughtmonitor.unl.edu).
o Describe any projected increases to the severity or duration of drought in the project
area. Provide supporting documentation for your response.
• Describe the local impacts of drought.
o What are the ongoing or potential drought impacts to specific sectors in the
project area (e.g., impacts to agriculture, environment, hydropower, recreation,
tourism, forestry), and how severe are those impacts? Impacts should be
quantified and documented to the extent possible. For example, impacts could
include, but are not limited to:
o Whether there are social concerns (e.g., public health, food security, loss of
livelihoods and incomes) associated with current or potential conditions (e.g.,
water quality concerns, potential shortages of drinking water supplies).
o Whether there are ongoing or potential environmental impacts affecting
vegetation, water quality, wildlife, and ecosystems.
o Whether there are local or economic losses associated with current water
conditions that are ongoing, occurred in the past, or could occur in the future (e.g.,
business, agriculture, reduced real estate values).
o Whether there are other water-related impacts not identified above (e.g., tensions
over water that could result in a water-related crisis or conflict).
Merit Review Criterion B: Project Benefits (20 points)
Up to 20 points may be awarded based on the expected drought resiliency and other benefits of
the proposed project. The following criteria will be used to prioritize proposals that demonstrate
that project benefits and increased water yield will address the identified impacts in Criterion A.
Proposals containing a well-supported and detailed description of both quantifiable and
qualitative benefits will receive the most points under this criterion.
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Task A projects will be evaluated under sub-criterion B.1. Task B projects will be
evaluated under sub-criterion B.2. Only respond to sub-criterion relevant to the project
task area.
Task A: Sub-criterion B.1. - Project Benefits
This section of the criterion is to assess the significance of the project in advancing drought
through augmenting and diversifying water supplies, thus improving water supply reliability.
• What is the estimated quantity of additional supply the project will provide, and how was
this estimate calculated? Clearly state this quantity in acre-feet per year (AFY) as the
average annual benefit over ten years (e.g., if the project captures flood flows in wet
years, state this and provide the average benefit over ten years or longer including dry
years).
• What percentage of the total water supply does the project’s water yield represent? How
was this estimate calculated? Use the 10-year average that was presented in the Executive
Summary to calculate this percentage. It is recommended to use the following chart:
Total Project Water Yield in AFY
Average Annual Water Supply in AFY
(From Table in Executive Summary)
Percentage Yield
(Divide Total Project Water Yield by Average Annual Water Supply)
Example: The project water yield is 10,000 AFY. The average annual supply is 200,000
AFY. The percentage of the total water supply is 10,000/200,000 = 5%
• How will the project build long-term resilience to drought? Include factors such as the
predictability of supply, variability in availability, and the likelihood of interruptions or
failures.
• Describe the water users and/or sectors who will benefit from the project.
o Are there intentional, direct environmental benefits that are expected to result
from project implementation (e.g. fish screens, dedicated instream flows during
dry periods, habitat improvements?) If so, quantify the direct benefits and provide
reasonable support.
• How many years will the project continue to provide benefits?
o Provide a qualitative description of the degree/significance of the benefits
associated with the additional water supplies as it relates to the impacts discussed
in Criterion A.
• How will the project supply help buffer against water shortages, reduce the need for
emergency responses, and enhance the resilience of water systems?
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Groundwater recovery projects only: Failure to address the following bullet points may result
in the removal of your application from funding consideration:
• In AFY, what is the estimated capacity of the new well(s)? How was the estimate
calculated?
• How much water do you plan to extract through the well(s), and how does this fit within
and comply state or local laws, ordinances, or other groundwater governance structures
applicable to the area?
• Will the well be used as a primary supply or supplemental supply when there is a lack of
surface supplies?
• Does the applicant participate in an active recharge program contributing to groundwater
sustainability?
• Provide information documenting that proposed well(s) will not adversely impact the
associated aquifer (overdraft or land subsidence). This should include aquifer description,
information on existing or planned aquifer recharge facilities, a map of the well location
and other nearby surface water supplies, and physical descriptions of the proposed well(s)
(depth, diameter, casing description, etc.). If available, information should be provided on
nearby wells (sizes, capacities, yields, etc.), aquifer test results, and if the area is currently
experiencing aquifer overdraft or land subsidence.
• Describe the groundwater monitoring plan that will be undertaken and the associated
monitoring triggers for mitigation actions. Describe how the mitigation actions will
respond to or help avoid any significant adverse impacts to third parties that occur due to
groundwater pumping.
Task B: Sub-Criterion B.2.-Project Benefits
This section of the criterion is to assess the extent of the benefits expected to occur upon
implementation of the project or Drought Contingency Plan (collectively referred to as project)
and how effective the project will be in building drought resilience, avoiding crises, or the need
for emergency response during drought. Applications that include strong supporting information
for the estimated project benefits will score higher.
• Describe the impacted water users and/or sectors who will benefit from the project.
• How will the project improve the management of water supplies? For example, will the
project increase efficiency, increase operational flexibility, or facilitate water marketing
(e.g., improve the ability to deliver water during drought or access other sources of
supply?) If so, how will the project increase efficiency or operational flexibility for
drought resiliency?
• How will the project or resulting information be applied, and who will use the project or
data developed?
• Will the project make new information available to water managers? If so, what is that
information and how will it improve water management? Provide a qualitative
description of the degree/significance of the associated benefits.
• How soon following completion of the project will the project or information be able to
be used?
• Describe how widespread and significant the project benefits are expected to be.
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o Will the project help meet the water supply needs of a large geographic area,
region, or watershed? If the project will not address the water supply needs of a
large geographic area, why is the area significant and appropriate for the project?
• Are there intentional, direct environmental benefits that are expected to result from
project implementation? If so, quantify the direct benefits and provide reasonable
support.
Merit Review Criterion C: Planning and Support (10 points)
Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent to which the proposed project is supported
by an existing collaborative effort or builds upon prior planning efforts and the extent to which
the proposal demonstrates diverse stakeholder support for and/or involvement in the project.
Task A projects will be evaluated under sub-criterion C.1. Task B projects will be
evaluated under sub-criterion C.2. Only respond to sub-criterion relevant to the project
task area.
Task A: Sub-Criterion C.1- Planning and Support - Task A projects that are clearly supported
by a previous drought planning effort that was inclusive of diverse stakeholder input will be
awarded the most points under this criterion. Note: Diverse stakeholders input includes a mix of
entities internal and external to the applicant’s organization (e.g., municipal, agricultural,
recreational, environmental non-profits, landowners, Tribes, and state and local water
management entities, among others.)
While the proposed project may be supported by multiple planning efforts, please provide
specific details related to only one relevant plan. If multiple plans are cited, the Application
Review Committee will only use the information regarding the first plan cited to evaluate
this criterion. Cited plans may include but are not limited to Drought Contingency Plans,
Integrated Resource Water Management Plans, Urban or Regional Water Management Plans,
Watershed or Basin Management Plans, Adaptation Plans, and Sustainable Water Management
Plans.
Attach the sections of the plan referenced in the application as an appendix. These pages will be
included in the 100-page maximum for the application. Provide clear citations to the relevant
sections when answering the criteria below. Do not include links to external documents or
websites, as the Application Review Committee will not review material outside the proposal
package.
Task A Plan Description and Objective: Is your proposed project supported by a specific
planning document? If so, identify the plan by name and describe the plan, including:
• When was the plan developed? How often is it updated?
• What is the purpose and objective of the plan?
• What is the geographic scope of the plan?
• Explain how the applicable plan addresses drought (e.g. contains a system for monitoring
drought, drought response actions, drought vulnerability assessments, identification of
drought mitigation projects).
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Task A Plan Development Process: Was the plan developed through a collaborative process?
Describe the process including the following:
• Who was involved in developing the plan? Identify specific entities or organization and
describe their involvement.
• What stakeholders were involved in preparing the plan and do they represent diverse
interests (e.g., agricultural, municipal, tribal, environmental, recreational interests)?
Describe the process used for interested stakeholders to provide input during the
development of the plan.
• If the plan was prepared by an entity other than the applicant describe whether and how
the applicant was involved in the development of the plan or why they were not part of
the planning process.
• Tribal Plans: For some Tribal plans, collaboration could include working with entities
representing multiple interests within the Tribe (e.g., Tribal water agencies; Tribal fish
and wildlife agencies, cities, or towns on Tribal land; Tribal fisheries, industries, or
agriculture; and Tribal community members). For Tribal plans that were developed
collaboratively with multiple Tribal interests, but did not include collaboration with
external entities, provide an explanation as to why collaboration with entities external to
the Tribe were not involved in the development of the strategy or plan.
Task A Project Identification and Prioritization in Plan: Is the proposed project identified by
name and location as a potential drought mitigation or water management action?
• Is the project prioritized within the plan and if so, is it identified as a high, mid, or low
priority project? Explain the methodology used to prioritize projects within a plan. Why
are you choosing to implement this project over other projects in the plan?
• If the proposed project is not specifically identified in the plan, does the project clearly
support a goal or need identified in the plan?
Task A Stakeholder Support: Provide specific details regarding any support and/or partners
involved in the project. Please attach any relevant supporting documents (e.g., letters of support
or memorandum of understanding).
• Does a diverse group of stakeholders support the project? What is the extent of other
stakeholder or partner involvement in the project?
• Are any stakeholders providing support for the project through cost-share contributions
or through other types of contributions to the project?
Task B: Sub-Criterion C.2- Planning and Support
Task B Previous Planning Efforts: Identify any previous or on-going planning efforts related
to the proposed project.
• Explain how any prior or on-going planning efforts relate to proposed project and how
the proposed project adds value and builds on any prior or on-going planning efforts.
• Is the proposed project supported by an existing water planning effort or does it build
upon other planning or management tools within the project area? If yes, describe in
detail.
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Task B Stakeholder Involvement and Support: Provide specific details regarding any support
and/or partners involved in the project. Please attach any relevant supporting documents (e.g.,
letters of support or memorandum of understanding).
• Identify stakeholders in the project area who have committed to be involved in the
project, and describe what sector(s) the participating stakeholders represent and how they
will engage in this effort (e.g., will they contribute funding or in-kind services, or
otherwise engage in the project development and implementation)?
• Provide documentation of the commitment by stakeholders to participate in the project.
This could include letters from stakeholders committing to be involved; such letters
should explain what their specific interest is and how they plan to participate.
• Describe stakeholders in the project area who have expressed their support for project,
whether or not they have committed to participate.
• What will the applicant do during the planning or implementation process to ensure
participation by a diverse array of stakeholders?
o If some sectors are not yet represented, explain how this will be accomplished.
Support could include a description of stakeholder interests in the project area,
and what you will do to engage them (e.g., workshops, public meetings, or
outreach tools such as using local media, outreach to known stakeholder groups,
web-based outreach, social media, or other kinds of announcements).
Merit Review Criterion D: Readiness to Proceed and Project Implementation
(15 points)
Up to 15 points may be awarded based upon the extent to which the proposed project is capable
of proceeding upon entering into a financial assistance agreement.
Applications that include a detailed project implementation plan (e.g., design (if applicable),
estimated project schedule that shows the stages and duration of the proposed work, including
major tasks, milestones, and dates), contacted their local Reclamation office, and have initiated
applicable environmental and cultural compliance will receive the most points under this
criterion.
• Describe the implementation plan of the proposed project. Include an estimated project
schedule that shows the stages and duration of the proposed work, including major tasks,
milestones, and dates for completing the project within the applicable timeframe.
Milestones may include but are not limited to preliminary and/or final design,
environmental and cultural resources compliance, permitting, and
construction/installation. See Construction Start Date Limitations when developing the
project schedule.
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Example Milestone/Schedule:
Planned Completion
Milestone/Task/Activity Planned Start Date
Date
Task 1: Environmental Compliance
April 2027 April 2028
Task 2a: 60% Final Design
August 2027 October 2027
Task 2b: 100% Final Design
October 2027 February 2028
Task 3: Bidding
March 2028 April 2028
Task 4: Construction of Recharge Pond
May 2028 September 2028
Task 5: Installation of Conveyance Pipeline
September 2028 December 2028
• Describe any permits or approvals that will be required (e.g., water rights, water quality,
stormwater, State Historical Preservation Office, other regulatory clearances). Include
information on permits or approvals already obtained. For those permits and approvals
that need to be obtained, describe the process, including estimated timelines for obtaining
such permits and approvals.
• Identify and describe any engineering or design work performed specifically in support of
the proposed project. If design work has commenced, what phase of design is the project
current in (e.g., preliminarily or final and percentage-30%, 60%, 90%, or complete). If
additional design is required, describe the planned process and timeline for completing
the design. Projects that are further in design will receive more points.
• Describe any land purchases that must occur before the project can be implemented, and
the status of the purchase. (While land purchases are not allowable costs under this
NOFO, this information is still important to assess the readiness to proceed.)
• If the project is completely or partially located on Federal land or at a Federal facility,
explain whether the agency supports the project and has granted access to the Federal
land or facility, whether the agency will contribute toward the project, and why the
Federal agency is not completing the project.
• Describe your approach to ensuring compliance with the National Environmental Policy
Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and
other applicable State and Federal laws for the proposed project. You are highly
encouraged to contact your local Reclamation office to discuss the potential compliance
requirements for your project and the associated costs.
o Describe any archeological or culturally significant sites, as well as buildings,
structures, and objects within the project area that have historic significance or
appear on state or national registers.
o Describe any threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat in the
project area. Please refer to https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/ to help you identify.
Drought Contingency Planning Projects Only - Address the following
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• Describe how each of the six required elements of a Drought Contingency Plan
(Attachment C), as applicable, will be addressed within the project timeframe. If the
proposal is for a plan update, please explain whether all or only some elements of the
existing plan will be updated, and why. Include a preliminary project schedule that shows
the stages and duration of the proposed work including major tasks, milestones, and
dates. For each task and milestone, indicate who will have the primary responsibly for
completion. Proposals that provide a detailed project schedule and budget, broken down
by tasks and subtasks (e.g., six required elements) and separated by the responsible
parties, will be prioritized.
• Describe the availability and quality of existing data and models applicable to the
proposed plan or plan update. Your response to this sub-criterion should demonstrate
your understanding of the tasks required to address the required elements of a Drought
Contingency Plan under this program.
• Identify staff with appropriate technical expertise and describe their qualifications.
Describe any plans to request additional technical assistance from Reclamation or by
contract.
Merit Review Evaluation Criterion E. Nexus to Reclamation (5 points)
Up to 5 points may be awarded if the proposed project is connected to a Reclamation project or
Reclamation activity. Previously awarded grants do not constitute as a nexus under this criterion.
Please consider the following:
• Does the applicant have a water service, repayment, or OM&R contract with
Reclamation? If so, please provide the contract number(s), or is the applicant a Tribe?
• If the applicant is not a Reclamation contractor, does the applicant receive Reclamation
water through a Reclamation contractor or by any other contractual means?
• Will the proposed work benefit a Reclamation project area, activity, or tribal trust
responsibility?
Merit Review Evaluation Criteria F. Presidential and Department of Interior
Priorities (20 Points)
Up to 20 points may be awarded based on the extent that the project demonstrably:
• advances the Trump Administration’s priorities, including E.O. 14154: Unleashing
American Energy, justifies alignment with priorities and requirements in E.O. 14332:
Improving Oversight in Federal Grantmaking;
• includes primary project elements that develop, demonstrate, and or implement artificial
intelligence (AI) technologies that advance the Trump Administration and Department of
Interior’s priorities for AI, including OMB M-25-21 Accelerating the Use of AI through
Innovation, Governance, and Public Trust; S.O. 3444: Leading Interior’s Path to
Artificial Intelligence Transformation;
• aligns with Secretary Burgum’s strategic objectives, including those identified in S.O.s
3417: Addressing the National Energy Emergency, 3418 Unleashing American Energy,
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3419 Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost-
of-Living Crisis;
• aligns with goals and objectives in the U.S. Department of the Interior FY 2026-2030
Strategic Plan; and
• supports water management and enhanced operational flexibility in Reclamation States,
with priority given to the Colorado River Basin, which is experiencing long-term drought
conditions.
Please address only those priorities that are applicable to your project. All priorities will be
given equal consideration. A project will not necessarily receive more points simply because
multiple priorities are addressed. Points will be allocated based on the degree to which the
project supports, advances, or otherwise demonstrates an enhancement of one or more of the
priorities identified, and whether the connection to the stated priority (or priorities) is (are) well
supported.
Merit Review Evaluation Criteria G. Construction Priority (10 Points)
Up to 10 points may be awarded based on the extent that the proposed project is a construction
project that can be completed within the allowable project duration. Projects that focus on
construction of hard infrastructure to deliver durable, long-term improvements in water
reliability and resilience will be prioritized. Hard infrastructure is tangible or built infrastructure.
Please identify the hard infrastructure construction components of the project, if applicable.
Merit Review Evaluation Criteria H. Cost Share Priority (5 Points)
Up to 5 points may be awarded to proposals that include non-Federal cost share contributions
exceeding the minimum by at least 5 percent. Projects with a higher non-Federal cost share may
be awarded more points. State the percentage of non-Federal funding provided using the
following calculation:
Non-Federal Funding / Total Project Cost = %
See Cost Sharing Requirement and Budget Narrative for more information on cost-share
requirements and eligible costs.
Note: projects selected for award will have reported cost-share amounts verified. If reported cost
share is found to be ineligible, there may be impacts to award. Accordingly, please ensure
reported cost share amounts are accurate and eligible.
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
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• identify costs requiring prior approval
• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly
• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.
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. The review of applications will follow the requirements of
E.O. 14332, such as ensuring review by senior appointees, and that selections demonstrably
advance the President’s policy priorities consistent with applicable law. Geographic dispersion,
project types, applicant types, previous award history, and applicant success in implementing
Gold Standard Science (E.O. 14303) may be considered during the review. Selections are
finalized once all reviews are complete, and all applicants are notified.
Risk Review
Prior to making an award, the applicant will be assessed for their level of risk per 2 CFR
200.206. This assessment includes the applicant's financial management capabilities, project
delivery experience, staffing resources, past award performance, administration and reporting
compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential for challenges. If an award will
be made, special conditions may be applied to the award corresponding to the assessed risk. For
awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $350,000), a review of the applicant's
eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant's SAM.gov records will also be
performed per 2 CFR 200.206.
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
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• 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
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: 07/28/2027
Anticipated Project End Date: 10/03/2030
Reclamation anticipates contacting potential award recipients and unsuccessful applicants in
Winter 2027, 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 the information on the enrollment process for recipients, will be sent to
you by ASAP staff if selected for award.
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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, as applicable.
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, Endangered Species Act, and National Historic
Preservation Act before any ground-disturbing activity may begin.
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.
Official Resolution
Prior to award, the recipient must provide an official resolution adopted by the organization’s
governing body, or, for state government entities, an official authorized to commit the recipient
to the financial and legal obligations of the financial assistance award. The official resolution
verifies:
• The identity of the official with legal authority to enter into an agreement
• The board of directors, governing body, or appropriate official who has reviewed and
supports the application submitted
• That the organization will work with Reclamation to meet established deadlines
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.
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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.
Requirements for Agricultural Operations under P.L. 111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(B)
In accordance with Section 9504(a)(3)(B) of P.L.111-11, financial assistance will not be awarded
for an improvement to conserve irrigation water unless the recipient agrees to both of the
following conditions:
1. Not to use any associated water savings to increase the total irrigated acreage of the
recipient and
2. Not to otherwise increase the consumptive use of water in the operation of the recipient,
as determined pursuant to the law of the state in which the operation of the recipient is
located.
If the recipient is a Tribe, a financial assistance agreement will not be awarded unless the
recipient agrees to not use any associated water savings to increase the total irrigated acreage or
otherwise increase the consumptive use of water more than the water right of the Tribe, as
determined by a court decree, a settlement, a law, or any combination of these authorities.
Title to Improvements P.L.111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D)
If the project results in a modification to a portion of a federally owned facility that is integral to
the existing operations of that facility, the Federal government shall continue to hold title to the
facility and the improvements thereto. Title to improvements, P.L.111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(D)
that are not integral to existing water delivery operations shall reside with the project sponsor.
Operation and Maintenance Costs under P.L.111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(E)(iv)
The non-Federal share of the costs for operation and maintenance of any infrastructure
improvement funded through an agreement awarded under this NOFO shall be 100 percent.
Improvements to Federal Facilities
Note that improvements to Federal facilities that are implemented through any project awarded
funding must comply with additional requirements. Reclamation may also require additional
reviews and approvals prior to award to ensure that any necessary easements, land use
authorizations, or special permits can be approved and that the development will not impact or
impair project operations or efficiency, consistent with the requirements of 43 CFR Section 429.
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Liability under P.L.111-11, Section 9504(a)(3)(F)
Except as provided under 28 U.S.C. Chapter 171 (commonly known as the Federal Tort Claims
Act), the United States shall not be liable for monetary damages of any kind for any injury
arising out of an act, omission, or occurrence that arises in relation to any facility created or
improved through an agreement awarded under this NOFO, the title of which is not held by the
United States.
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.
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.
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• 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) and 2 CFR 170
requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation, and
information on all sub-awards, subcontracts and consortiums equal to or over $30,000 to
SAM.gov.
• Report any required mitigation to lessen environmental impacts of the project.
• 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
Reclamation will host a webinar to provide general information regarding this NOFO and answer
questions. For more information regarding this NOFO, the general information webinar, and
WaterSMART Drought Response Program, including previously funded projects and
applications, visit https://www.usbr.gov/drought/.
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> Download XLSX file: Attachment A - Budget_Detail_and_Narrative.xlsx

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Attachment B - Budget_Narrative_Guidance.pdf

Budget Narrative Guidance
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)
SECTION B – BUDGET CATEGORIES
6. Object Class Category*
a. Personnel
b. Fringe Benefits
c. Travel
d. Equipment
e. Supplies
f. Contractual
g. Construction
h. Other Direct Costs
i. Total Direct Costs (sum 6a-6h)
j. Indirect Costs
k. TOTALS (sum 6i and 6j)
*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.

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*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.

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a. 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

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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.
b. 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:

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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.
c. 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

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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.

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d. 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.

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e. 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.

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f. 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

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Page 10
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%).
g. Construction

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Page 11
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.
o 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:

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Page 12
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,

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Page 13
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.
h. 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

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Page 14
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.

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Page 15
i. 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:

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Page 16
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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Attachment C - Drought Contingency Planning.pdf

Attachment C - Drought Contingency Planning
Projects
A. Project Requirements
Drought contingency plans (new plan development and plan update) funded under this NOFO
must are required to address the six elements of a drought contingency plan outlined below in
Section B, Required Elements for New Plans or Plan Updates. In developing these required
elements, successful applicants will be required to follow procedural steps outlined below in
Section A.1 and A.2.
Once the applicant has been informed that a proposal submitted under this NOFO has been
selected for funding, Reclamation will enter into a cooperative agreement with the applicant,
documenting the requirements and conditions related to the provision of financial assistance. The
cooperative agreement will be divided into two phases: Phase I for the establishment of a
drought planning task force and development of a detailed work plan and Phase II for
development or update of a drought contingency plan. The cooperative agreement will require
the following drought contingency planning:
A.1 Phase I Requirements
Phase I must include the establishment of a drought planning task force and the development of a
detailed work plan that includes a communication and outreach plan.
• Establishment of a Drought Planning Task Force — At the outset of the planning
process, the planning lead will develop a Drought Planning Task Force (Task Force)
made up of interested stakeholders within the planning area that want to actively
participate in developing the Drought Contingency Plan. The Task Force must have
diverse membership representing multiple interests in the planning area.
• Development of a Detailed Work Plan —The detailed work plan will be developed by
the planning lead in consultation with Reclamation and will describe in detail how the
various tasks included in developing or updating the plan will be accomplished, along
with a detailed work schedule, and the responsibilities of Reclamation (Reclamation will
provide input on this element), the planning lead, the Task Force, and other interested
stakeholders. The work plan also includes a communication and outreach plan describing
how stakeholders and the public will be involved in the planning process. The work plan
must be submitted to Reclamation for review and acceptance before substantive work on
the plan development or update may begin.

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A.2 Phase II Requirements
After the detailed work plan is reviewed and accepted by Reclamation, the planning lead will
then develop the plan or plan update including the required elements described below.
B. Required Elements for New Plans or Plan Updates
All new drought contingency plans must address each of the six elements described immediately
below. Updates to an existing drought plan may focus on only those elements that have not yet
been developed in the plan or that require further development or updating; however, completed
plan updates must address each of these six elements.
The six required elements for drought contingency plans developed or updated under this NOFO
are:
1. Drought Monitoring—The drought contingency plan must establish a process for
monitoring near and long-term water availability, and a framework for predicting the
probability of future droughts or confirming an existing drought.
2. Vulnerability Assessment—The drought contingency plan must include a vulnerability
assessment evaluating the risks and impacts of drought. The assessment will drive the
development of potential mitigation and response actions and must be based on a range of
future conditions, including uncertainties related to changing hydrologic conditions.
3. Mitigation Actions—The drought contingency plan must identify, evaluate, and
prioritize mitigation actions and activities that will build long-term resiliency to drought
and that will mitigate the risks posed by drought.
4. Response Actions—The drought contingency plan must identify, evaluate, and prioritize
response actions and activities that can be implemented during a drought to mitigate the
impacts.
5. Operational and Administrative Framework—The drought contingency plan must
identify who is responsible for undertaking the actions necessary to implement each
element of the drought contingency plan, including communicating with the public about
those actions.
6. Plan Development and Update Process—The drought contingency plan must describe
the process that was undertaken to develop the plan, including how stakeholders were
engaged and how input was considered. In addition, the drought contingency plan must
also include a process and schedule for monitoring, evaluating, and updating the drought
contingency plan.
For further guidance on approaches for meeting the program requirements, please see the
Drought Response Program Framework, available at www.usbr.gov/drought.
C. Request for a Cost Share Reduction or Waiver
Reclamation may reduce or waive the non-Federal cost share requirement upon request by the
applicant if an overwhelming Federal interest and a significant financial need are identified. If

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the funding plan identifies less than 50 percent non-Federal cost share match, please include the
request for a cost-share reduction or waiver in the proposal. The request must include
information and documentation addressing the factors set forth immediately below.
Reclamation will use the following factors when considering whether to reduce or waive the
non-Federal cost share requirement. Please address each of the following criteria and provide an
explanation for the applicability of each criterion with supporting documentation:
• Overwhelming Federal Interest. Reclamation will make a determination of whether an
overwhelming Federal interest exists based on factors such as the programs and policies
of the President and the Secretary of the Department of the Interior.
• Financial Hardship. In determining whether a significant financial need exists the
following factors will be considered:
The population-weighted median household income within the study area and the
o
state based on the latest available data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American
Community Survey (www.census.gov/acs/www/data/data-tables-and-tools/).
Family poverty level for the state as estimated by guidelines published annually by
o
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-
guidelines)
The population-weighted average unemployment rate within the study area based on
o
the latest available data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey
(www.census.gov/acs/www/data/data-tables-and-tools/)
A current financial statement of the applicant and a statement that the applicant does
o
not possess sufficient funds or assets to pay for all or part of the required cost share
For more information regarding cost share waivers, please contact the Program Coordinator,
Sheri Looper, slooper@usbr.gov, 916-612-7816.

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NOFO Frequently Asked Questions.pdf

Bureau of Reclamation
Financial Assistance Operations
General Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
to
Notice of Funding Opportunities
1) Where do I need to register to apply for a grant through the Bureau of Reclamation?
To apply for a grant through the Bureau of Reclamation, your organization must complete the following
required registrations:
• Unique Entity ID (UEI): Establish a UEI number in SAM.gov. A UEI is required for federal
grant applications.
• System for Award Management (SAM): Register your organization in SAM.gov. This
registration is required for all entities seeking federal funding. Confirm your SAM.gov
registration account is active and up to date at application submission.
• Grants.gov: This is the default system for applying for Federal grant opportunities. You will
need to create an account and register your organization.
It is important to have your authorized organization representatives (also referred to as signing officials,
entity administrators, or e-business points of contact) responsible for maintaining active registrations. The
registration process may be completed in two weeks; however, some organization may experience delays
that could extend this timeframe to six or more weeks.
To avoid issues with ineligibility for grant consideration, it is recommended to start the registration
process at least six weeks prior to the application deadline. This proactive approach is crucial to ensuring
your organization is ready to apply grant opportunities.
2) How long will it take to get registered?
It may take six weeks or more to complete the process. While many organizations can 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.
3) How can I get help with grants.gov?
First, check out the Applicant support center website: Applicant FAQs | Grants.gov
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).
4) Who can I contact for help with the UEI and/or SAM.gov registration process?
Page 1 of 6

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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 1-866-606-8220.
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).
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.
5) 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.
6) What do the different registration statuses mean in SAM.gov?
Answer:
Page 2 of 6

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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
ID Assigned identifier 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 ID has not been assigned. You will
Pending ID see this status if you submitted a validation incident ticket while trying to
Assignment validate your entity name and physical address during registration or 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
Unvalidated ID entity to be validated, it will be in 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 Progress'' status. Work in Progress
Work in Progress
Registrations are held in SAM.gov for up to 90 days. If you do not access or
Registration
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 and CAGE
Submitted validation, you will have an entity record in the “Submitted” status. Once the
Registration 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 public
Active Registration
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
Inactive Registrations that opted in to public display remain searchable and viewable
Registration by authenticated 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 searchable or viewable by
Deleted/Deactivated 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.
Page 3 of 6

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7) 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.
8) 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.
9) 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.
10) Can I submit a paper application?
The applicant may submit a paper application if approved by the Reclamation Grants Officer and if the
applicant is found to be under exigent circumstances (i.e., Federally declared disaster area). Applications
sent by mail without prior approval will be rejected and deemed ineligible.
The applicant may request an exemption from the required electronic application submission due to
exigent circumstances, by submitting an email request to the Reclamation Grants Officer for approval.
Applicants may email exemption requests to bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov. All emailed exemption requests
must include the following information:
❑ NOFO Number and the language: “Exigent Circumstances Request for FY [insert year]” in the
subject line of the email,
❑ NOFO title and number,
❑ Application due date of the specified NOFO,
❑ Assistance Listing number,
❑ Name of the applicant organization and UEI number(s),
❑ Authorized organizational representative name and contact information (phone and email
address),
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❑ The name and email of the point of contact regarding matters involving the application, and
❑ The exigent circumstances justification to prevent an electronic application submission.
The Grants Officer must receive exigent circumstances requests no later than 2 weeks or 14 days
before the application due date listed within the NOFO. Reclamation will acknowledge requests for
exemption from required electronic application submission with a written approval or disapproval via
email from the Grants Officer within 7 business days.
11) 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 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.
12) 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.
13) Why can’t I upload a revised document?
You will need to download duplicate forms from the specific opportunity link itself, so they will be
recognized by the system. After downloading and uploading all the files into the forms again you will be
able to submit. If for some reason that doesn’t work, you will need to contact the helpdesk.
14) Why is the Apply button grayed out?
If you encounter technical difficulties or the Apply button is grayed out, you may not have the role
necessary to move forward. According to Grants.gov, "The Standard AOR role allows the user to submit
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the final application, among other things. The Workspace Manager role, meanwhile, is the most basic
core role in Grants.gov. It is the minimum role required to create a workspace and begin work on an
application." See more information about roles here: Workspace-Roles | Grants.gov.
Please contact grants.gov for further assistance at the grants.gov support center at support@grants.gov
or 1-800-518-4726.
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