WaterSMART

Water Conservation Field Services

Program

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

Upper Colorado Basin Region
Financial Assistance for Fiscal Years 2020-2021

U.S. Department of the Interior December 2019

Mission Statements
The Department of the Interior conserves and manages the Nation’s
natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment
of the American people, provides scientific and other information
about natural resources and natural hazards to address societal
challenges and create opportunities for the American people, and
honors the Nation’s trust responsibilities or special commitments to
American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities
to help them prosper.

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and

protect water and related resources in an environmentally and
economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

iv
Synopsis
Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper
Colorado Basin

Funding Opportunity Water Conservation Field Services Program (WCFSP)

Title:

Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Funding Opportunity: BOR-UC-20-F002

Catalog of Federal 15.530 Water Conservation Field Services Program

Domestic Assistance
(CFDA) Number:

Dates: This FOA covers two application submittal periods.

(See FOA Sec. IV.B)
Application due date for FY 2020 funding:
May 28, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Application due date for FY 2021 funding:

February 17, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Funding available for projects submitted under both submittal

periods is contingent on available appropriations.

Any amendment to evaluation criteria, priorities, or eligibility

would be finalized at least 60 days prior to the second
application deadline.

Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants include any state, Indian tribe, irrigation
(See FOA Sec. I.B & III.A) district, water district, or other organization with water or
power delivery authority located in the geographic areas
covered by the Albuquerque Area Office, Provo Area Office,
and Western Colorado Area Office.

Regardless of the applicant, all projects must meet the criteria

listed on page 2, under the heading “B. Eligible Projects.”

Recipient Cost Share: 50 percent or more of total activity costs must be met with
(See FOA Sec. III.B) non-federal funds

Federal Funding Up to $50,000 for Demonstrating Conservation Project

Amount: Technologies and no more than $25,000 for Water
(See FOA Sec. II) Conservation and Management Plans and System
Optimization Reviews.

v
Estimated Number of From 6 up to 20 and subject to availability of funds
Agreements to be
Awarded:
(See FOA Sec. II)

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

Table 1 Application Checklist

√ What to submit
Standard Form (SF)- 424 application cover page Page 9
(Available in application packet on grants.gov) Sect IV, C.1
Assurances Page 9
(Available in application packet on grants.gov) Sect IV, C.2
• Form SF424B OR
• Form SF424D, as applicable
Title page Page 9
• Names, addresses, phone numbers, email Sect IV, C.3
address
• Funding Category
Technical Application Page 9
• Scope of work Sect IV, C.4
• Narrative / Executive Element A
Summary
• Program and Anticipated Water
Management Benefits
• Activity Schedule showing planned
timeline of project
Evaluation Criteria writeup pertinent to your type Page 9-10
of project (WCMP, SOR, Demo) including Sect IV, C.4
Supplemental Questions Element B
Project budget proposal: Page 10- 16
• General requirements Sect IV, C.4
• Budget Proposal Element C
• Budget narrative
• Budget forms SF-424A or SF-424C as
applicable
Funding Plan/Cost Share Information Page 16-18
Sect IV, C.4
Element D
Official Resolution or Statement of Intent. Can be Page 17
provided once the Board has met. Sect IV C.4

iii
Acronyms and Abbreviations
ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments
CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CPA Certified Public Accountant
D&B Dun and Bradstreet
DOI U.S. Department of the Interior
DUNS Data Universal Number System
ESA Endangered Species Act
FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement
FY Fiscal Year
NBC National Business Center
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NHPA National Historic Preservation Act
OMB Office of Management and Budget
P.L. Public Law
Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
SF Standard Form
SOR System Optimization Review
WaterSMART Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow
WCMP Water Conservation and Management Plan
WCFSP Water Conservation Field Services Program

v
Agency Contacts - for Inquiries Concerning
Application Delivery Instructions
There will be no pre-application conference. Organizations or individuals interested in submitting
applications in response to this announcement may direct application submittal questions by calling or
emailing one of the Grants Management Specialists.

REQUEST PAPER APPLICATION DELIVERY

DIRECT COPIES OF ADDRESSES
QUESTIONS TO DOCUMENTS BY POSTAL BY EXPRESS
FROM SERVICE SERVICE

Bureau of Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation

Attn: Glen Josephson Attn: Glen Josephson Attn: Glen Josephson Attn: Glen Josephson
Mail Code: UC-827 Mail Code: UC-827 Mail Code: UC-827 Mail Code: UC-827
125 South State St., 125 South State St., 125 South State St., 125 South State St.,
Room 8100 Room 8100 Room 8100 Room 8100
Salt Lake City, UT 84138 Salt Lake City, UT 84138 Salt Lake City, UT Salt Lake City, UT
Phone: (801) 524-3756 Phone: (801) 524-3756 84138 84138
Email: Email:
[email protected] [email protected]
Fax: (801) 524-3856 Fax: (801) 524-3856

For Technical Inquiries about Your Application

Organizations or individuals may direct technical questions by calling or emailing the Technical
Representative. See Table below for contact information:

UC Basin Water Conservation

DIRECT TECHNICAL QUESTIONS TO

Bureau of Reclamation
Attn: Gary McRae
Mail Code: UC-414
125 South State St.,
Room 6107
Salt Lake City, UT 84138-1147
Phone: (801) 524-3656
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (801) 524-3847

vii
Table of Contents
Synopsis.............................................................................................................. v
Application Checklist ........................................................................................ iii
Section I -- Funding Opportunity Description .................................................. 1
A. Program Information ........................................................................................ 1
B. Eligible Projects ................................................................................................. 2
C. Project Requirements ........................................................................................ 3
D. Program Authority ............................................................................................. 4
Section II -- Award Information ........................................................................ 5
A. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
Requirement ....................................................................................................... 5
B. Total Project Funding ....................................................................................... 5
C. Project Funding Limitations............................................................................. 5
D. Reclamation Responsibilities ............................................................................ 5
E. Award Date ......................................................................................................... 6
Section III -- Eligibility Information ................................................................. 7
A. Eligible Applicants ............................................................................................. 7
B. Cost Share Requirements and Guidelines ...................................................... 7
C. Length of Project ............................................................................................... 7
Section IV -- Application Submission Information and Instructions ............... 9
A. Application Delivery Methods ......................................................................... 9
B. Application Submission Date and Time....................................................... 10
C. Technical Application Content ...................................................................... 10
Section V -- Application Review Information...................................................21
A. Review, Evaluation and Selection Process ................................................... 21
B. Other Factors ................................................................................................... 25
C. Review and Selection Process ........................................................................ 26
Section VI -- Award Administration Information ............................................ 27
A. Award Notices.................................................................................................. 27
B. Award Document ............................................................................................ 27
C. Reporting Requirements and Distribution ................................................... 27
D. Conflicts of Interest......................................................................................... 28
E. Data Availability ............................................................................................... 29
Upper Colorado Basin Map ..............................................................................31

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Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

Section I -- Funding Opportunity Description

A. Program Information
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for
Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water
supplies for future generations in support of DOI priorities. Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of
Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with states,
tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply reliability through
investments in existing infrastructure and attention to addressing local water conflicts. WaterSMART
provides support for the Department’s priorities, including creating a legacy of conservation stewardship,
sustainably developing our energy and natural resources, modernizing our infrastructure through public-
private partnerships, striking a regulatory balance, and restoring trust with local communities by improving
relationships and communication with states, tribes, local governments, communities, landowners and water
users. WaterSMART also supports Reclamation’s priorities, including increasing water supplies, leveraging
science and technology to improve water supply reliability, addressing ongoing drought, and improving
water supplies for tribal and rural communities.

Reclamation established the Water Conservation Field Services Program (WCFSP) in 1996 to proactively
encourage water conservation in the operations of recipients of water from Federal water projects and to
assist agricultural and urban water districts in preparing and implementing water conservation plans in
accordance with the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (RRA). Through the WCFSP, Reclamation makes
cost-shared financial assistance available for the development of water conservation plans, designing water
management improvements, identifying water management improvements through System Optimization
Reviews (SOR) and improving the understanding of water conservation techniques through demonstration
activities.

Through this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), Reclamation provides planning funding for
projects that, when implemented, will increase water reliability and improve water management through the
use of expanded technologies and improved modeling capabilities, consistent with the goals of the October
19, 2018 Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West.

For further information on the WaterSMART Program, please see https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/.

The WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects FOA provides cost-shared financial assistance for
small-scale water management projects (up to $75,000 in Federal funding for each project) that have been
identified through previous planning efforts. Reclamation has developed a streamlined selection and review
process to reflect the small-scale nature of these projects.

The WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants FOA provides cost-shared financial assistance for
larger water conservation projects (up to $1.5 million in Federal funding for each project) resulting in
quantifiable and sustained water savings.

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Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

B. Eligible Projects
Reclamation is providing financial assistance for a variety of cooperative planning, and demonstration
projects to promote water management and conservation. To be eligible for financial assistance, a proposed
activity must be within the geographic areas covered by the Albuquerque Area Office, Provo Area Office,
and Western Colorado Area Office (see map on last page), or activities outside those geographical areas
must be within an area authorized to be served by a project under the Upper Colorado Basin.

Types of Projects

Activities to be considered for financial assistance should address one of the following, listed in order of
funding preference:

(a) Water Conservation and Management Planning (WCMP)

Help water purveyors develop written water management and conservation plans that are modeled after
plans described in Achieving Efficient Water Management: A Guidebook for Preparing Agricultural Water
Conservation Plans, Second Edition (Guidebook,
https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/waterconsv/pdfs/Guidebook2000.pdf ).

WCMPs provide entities an opportunity to document data on current water supply and demand, prepare a
forecast for future water demands, identify water conservation goals, and determine conservation measures
(e.g., cost/pricing of water, water accounting, landscape efficiency, information and education, water use
regulation).

(b) System Optimization Review

A review to assess the potential for water management improvements and to identify a plan of action that
contains recommendations for implementing specific improvements that have the potential to enhance
water management. The review can include an analysis of the entire water delivery system, district,
watershed, or a portion thereof. SORs are intended to take a broad look at system-wide efficiency and are
not focused on single project-specific planning.

The following are components of a SOR:

• Gather information;
• Identify, describe, and prioritize water management issues;
• Establish goals;
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize potential improvement projects with the ability to mitigate the
identified issues and accomplish goals.
o The evaluation of improvement projects could consider: the water management benefits
associated with the improvement, anticipated construction and operating costs (as
applicable), as well as, environmental, regulatory, cultural, and economic impacts.
o As part of the evaluation, efforts to better quantify the associated benefits of the proposed
improvement projects are eligible subtasks (e.g., soil infiltration tests, required monitoring
activities).

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Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

If an applicant’s previous planning efforts have addressed some of the components above, the applicant can
propose funding for the remaining components for a complete system analysis. The SOR Final Report will
serve as the final product of the SOR analysis and will summarize the analysis performed.

SORs allow an entity to assess their system with an efficiency focus; issues determined from the system
analysis inform the identification and selection of potential improvement projects (e.g., Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and automation to reduce specific issues such as spills, over-deliveries, and
seepage).

(c) Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies

Demonstration activities are those that include the installation or application of a particular technology in a
new way, or in a new setting, with the intent of reporting the results to others for wider adoption. The
activities should demonstrate innovative technologies in water conservation to increase technical
understanding of unfamiliar water management and conservation practices that have not been previously
used locally. The proposed activity should not only “publicly” demonstrate a new or unfamiliar practice; it
should contain a process for informing interested individuals and organizations about the outcome of the
demonstration.

Proposals for the development of planning studies are not eligible for funding under this FOA. This
includes proposals for the development of appraisal investigations, feasibility studies, special studies,
drought contingency plans, Basin Studies, or studies authorized under the Title XVI Water Recycling and
Reuse Program, through Public Law (P.L.)102-575, as amended (43 United States Code 390h et seq.), or
under the Rural Water Program, pursuant to the Rural Water Supply Act of 2006, P.L.109-451.

Proposals for on-the-ground construction activities are not eligible for funding under this FOA. However,
potential on-the-ground activities identified by successful completion of a WCMP, SOR, or Demonstrating
Conservation Project Technologies project described below, further engineering, construction and
associated environmental compliance may be eligible for funding under WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale
Water Efficiency Projects, and Water and Energy Efficiency Grants. https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/.

C. Project Requirements
New and updated WCMPs and SORs developed under this FOA must be submitted to Reclamation for
review and acceptance at least 30 days before completion of the period of performance. The purpose of
Reclamation’s review is to ensure that the WCMP or review meets program requirements and includes the
required elements. New and updated WCMPs and SORs must include a list entitled “Potential Actions and
Activities” that identifies, evaluates, and prioritizes all actions and activities, for the applicant and their
customers/stakeholders/water users, that:

Conserves water supplies.

Better manages water supplies.
Mitigates the identified issues in the WCMP or SOR
Accomplishes the goals identified in the WCMP or SOR.

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Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

Note that proposals for the development of planning studies are not eligible for funding under this FOA.
This includes proposals for the development of appraisal investigations, feasibility studies, special studies,
drought contingency plans, Basin Studies, or studies authorized under the Title XVI Water Recycling and
Reuse.

D. Program Authority
WCFSP activities are eligible for financial assistance under P.L. 111-11, Section 9504(a).

1. In accordance with Section 9504(a)(3)(B) of P.L. 111-11, grants and cooperative agreements under this
authority will not be awarded for an improvement to conserve irrigation water unless the applicant agrees to
both of the following conditions:

● Not to use any associated water savings to increase the total irrigated acreage of the eligible
applicant; and

● Not to otherwise increase the consumptive use of water in the operation of the eligible applicant, as
determined pursuant to the law of the State in which the operation of the eligible applicant is
located.

2. Applicants shall adhere to Federal, State, Territorial, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as applicable,
and shall obtain all required approvals and permits. Applicants shall also coordinate and obtain approvals
from site owners and operators.

3. If the activities funded through an agreement awarded under this FOA result 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
that are not integral to existing water delivery operations shall reside with the project sponsor.

4. The non-Federal share of the cost of operating and maintaining any infrastructure improvement funded
through the award shall be 100 percent.

5. Liability
IN GENERAL.—Except as provided under chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (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 under the award, the title of which is not held by the United States.

TORT CLAIMS ACT.—Nothing in this section increases the liability of the United States beyond
that provided in chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Federal Tort
Claims Act’’).

4
Section II. Award Information

Section II -- Award Information

A. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering

System (DUNS) Requirement
Applicants must provide a D&B DUNS number on their application. If you do not have a DUNS
number, one may be obtained at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number Request
Line at 1-866-705-5711, or by going to the DUNS Government Contractor and Grantee website at:
http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

B. Total Project Funding

FY 2020 appropriations include approximately $250,000 available for award under this FOA.
Information about FY 2021 funding will be provided when appropriations information is released.
Additional funds might become available during the fiscal year, at which time ranked applications
that did not make the initial cut may be funded according to ranking, based upon Program priority.
Any awards are subject to a determination by Reclamation that FY20 and FY21 appropriations are
available and that awards can be made consistent with all program requirements.

C. Project Funding Limitations

To facilitate the broad and effective use of limited Federal funds, Reclamation’s share of any one
proposed activity shall not be less than $5,000 or more than $50,000.00 for demonstration projects,
and not more than $25,000 per award for other activities. For all projects, Federal funding
(including Reclamation and any other sources of Federal funds) cannot exceed 50 percent of the
cost of the proposed activities.

D. Reclamation Responsibilities
Recipients should expect Reclamation to be actively involved in the completion of the project
Substantial involvement by Reclamation will include:

● Collaboration and participation with the recipient in the management of the Project and
close oversight of the recipient’s activities to ensure that the program objectives are being
achieved.

● WCMPs and SORs oversight will include review, input, and final approval of the plans and
reviews respectively for conformance to program goals and objectives.

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Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

At the request of the recipient, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award. If you
would like to receive Reclamation technical assistance, you must account for these costs in your
budget. To discuss available assistance and these costs, contact your local Reclamation office, listed
at https://www.usbr.gov/uc/aboutus/ao.html.

E. Award Date
It is expected that potential award recipients will be contacted as soon as possible following grant
evaluations.

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Section III. Eligibility Information

Section III -- Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants
Under P.L. 111-11, Section 9502, an eligible applicant is a state, tribe, irrigation district, water
district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority. In addition, applicants must be
located within the geographic areas covered by the Albuquerque Area Office, Provo Area Office,
and Western Colorado Area Office.

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

• Federal governmental entities

• Institutions of higher education
• Individuals
• 501(c)(4) organizations
• 501(c)(6) organizations

B. Cost Share Requirements and Guidelines

Non-Federal cost share of at least 50 percent is required in association with this funding
announcement. Additional applicant cost sharing, above 50 percent, (level of partnering) will be
given greater consideration in the ranking process for proposed activities. List all partners and their
percentage of contributed funds. Cost sharing may be made through cash or in-kind contributions
from the applicant, or third-party partners.

The applicant’s proposal shall include a funding plan that describes how the non-federal share of the
costs will be obtained. Reclamation will make a determination of financial capability based on the
funding plan submitted.

All cost sharing must be in accordance with the criteria set forth in 2 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) 200. During the activity, indirect costs which are incurred and will not be recovered may be
included as part of your cost-share. In-kind contributions will be counted in-lieu of cash.

C. Length of Project
Normally water conservation projects should be completed within a 2-year timeframe; however,
Reclamation retains the right to extend the grant or cooperative agreement to no more than 5 years.

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Section IV. Application Submission Information and Instructions

Section IV -- Application Submission

Information and Instructions
Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications electronically through:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/home.html

All forms are available through grants.gov and at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html

Applications will only be accepted via grants.gov or traditional mail.

A. Application Delivery Methods

Applications may be submitted by one of the following methods only:

Electronic Submittal via Grants.gov

Grants.gov is an internet website that can be used to find and apply for grant funding opportunities.
In order to electronically submit an application, you must complete the Grants.gov registration
process. The registration process can take approximately two weeks to be completed; therefore,
registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet
required submission deadlines. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you
receive your e-authentication credentials. Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their
applications electronically through Grants.gov; however, electronic submittal of applications is not
required. If submitting through the grants.gov website, submit only one original. For more
information regarding submitting an application via Grants.gov, please visit the “Get Registered”
and “Apply for Grants” links at https://www.grants.gov.

Applicants have sometimes experienced significant delays when attempting to submit through
Grants.gov. If you plan to use Grants.gov, you are encouraged to submit your application several
days prior to the application deadline. If you are a properly registered Grants.gov applicant, and you
encounter problems with the Grants.gov submission process, you must contact the Grants.gov Help
desk to obtain a “Case Number.” This Case Number will provide evidence of your attempt to
submit an application prior to the submission deadline.

Hard-Copy Submittal
Applications may be submitted by hard-copy. All originals of the hard-copy applications should be
hand delivered or mailed to the contacts listed on page vi and received by the deadlines listed below.
Applicants using traditional mail shall submit an original of all application documents.

If an applicant wishes to submit a hard-copy as a back-up to the electronic submission, both will be
accepted. If the submissions differ, the latter one received prior to the funding period closing date
will prevail unless the applicant specifies otherwise. Regardless of the submittal method used,
applicants are responsible for ensuring their applications are accepted and received by Reclamation

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Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

by the established due date. It is the discretion of the applicant in the method of application delivery
chosen. The chosen method of delivery will not impact or determine award or non-award.

B. Application Submission Date and Time

Application submission date deadline:

Application due date for FY 2020 funding:

May 28, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Application due date for FY 2021 funding:

February 17, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time

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

C. Technical Application Content

Each applicant shall submit an application in accordance with the instructions contained in this
section. Do not include a cover letter or company literature/brochure. All pertinent information
must be included in your Technical and Activity Budget Proposal in accordance with the formats
described in this section. Your application should consist of three elements: Scope of work
(technical proposal) including evaluation criteria writeup, Budget Narrative, and the Funding Plan.
Use the application checklist to make sure you submit everything requested in this announcement.

The application shall be limited to twenty (20) 8-1/2-inch X 11-inch pages, excluding any required
forms stated in these instructions, single-spaced on one side of the page. The font used shall be
easily readable and shall be between 10 and 12 points. Applications will be prescreened for
compliance to the 20-page limit. The cover sheet (Standard Form 424) and Assurances (Standard
Form 424B or D, as applicable) will not be counted in the 20-page limit. All pages shall be
consecutively numbered, including pages with tables and exhibits.

The application must include the following elements in order to be considered complete:

1. SF-424 Application Cover Page

This fully completed form must be signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to
performance of the project. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424 may result in the
elimination of the application from further consideration.

2. SF-424 Assurances
An SF-424B – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs or an SF-424D – Assurances –
Construction Programs, signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to
performance of the project shall be included. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424B or
SF-424D may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

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Section IV. Application Submission Information and Instructions

*Note: The SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-424C and SF-424D forms may be obtained at
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html

3. Title Page
Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of
the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, email
address, telephone, and fax numbers of the project manager.
Clearly identify the funding category for the project.

(1) Water Conservation and Management Plan (WCMP).

(2) System Optimization Review (SOR).
(3) Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies (Demo).

4. Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria

Element A. - Scope of Work /Narrative/Executive Summary:
Describe in detail the project and work to be carried out. Identify the major tasks and include an
activity schedule. Discuss the approach to accomplish the proposed work. This discussion shall be
in sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the application.

Describe water conservation measures to be taken pursuant to the proposed action. Information
should be included that describes the degree of consultation, coordination and/or cooperation with
or among the parties that are involved in this application. Please highlight innovative elements of
the activity.

Element B. – Evaluation Criteria

Submit the answers to the supplemental questions that are pertinent (Planning, SOR,
Demonstration) in this section of your application. Note: This section is critical to evaluate your
proposal. (See below)

The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each criterion and
subcriterion in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your
proposal.

It is suggested that applicants copy and paste the evaluation criteria and subcriteria in Section V. A. (pages 19-22)
Evaluation Criteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

Supplemental Questions for FOA BOR-UC-20-F002

Please choose the set of questions that apply to your proposed activity. Answer all questions
pertaining to your project and include with your scope of work. Your proposal will be evaluated
based upon the answers to these questions, which will help identify the project’s ability to meet the
programs goals and objectives.

Water Conservation and Management Planning Activity

1. Why do you need financial assistance from Reclamation to complete the activity?
2. What steps will be followed in the development of the plan?
3. How will the public and outside participants be involved in the planning process?

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Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

System Optimization Review Activity

1. Why do you need financial assistance from Reclamation to complete the activity?
2. What steps will be followed in the development of the review?
3. How will the public and outside participants be involved in the review process?

Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies

1. Why do you need financial assistance from Reclamation to complete the activity?
2. How will the effectiveness of the demonstration be assessed?
3. Explain your process for disseminating the outcome.

Element C. – Budget Proposal Narrative

1. General Requirements.
Include a budget with the annual estimated project costs and an estimate of any out-year costs
associated with the project. Include the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services and
sources of funds provided to complete the project. The proposal must clearly delineate between
Reclamation and applicant contributions.

2. Budget Proposal Format.

The budget shall include detailed information on the categories listed below. Unit costs shall be
provided for all budget items, including the cost of work to be provided by contractors. Lump sum
costs are not acceptable in any category.

Additionally, applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the budget. It is
strongly advised that applicants use the budget format shown in Table 2 at the end of this section or
a similar format that provides this information.

3. Budget Narrative Format.

Submission of a budget narrative is mandatory. An award will not be made to any applicant who
fails to fully disclose this information. The Budget Narrative provides a discussion of, or
explanation for, items included in the budget proposal. You must provide a basis for and detailed
support for each cost element; i.e., did the rate come from quotes; historical documentation
modeling; an engineer estimate; or some other methodology?

Listed below are examples of the types of information to include in the narrative.

a. Salaries and Wages

Indicate program manager and other key personnel by name and title. Other personnel may be
indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries and wages, estimated hours or percent of
time, and rate of compensation proposed. All labor estimates, including any proposed
subcontractors, shall be allocated to specific tasks as outlined in the recipient’s technical proposal
description. Labor rates and proposed hours shall be displayed for each task.

Clearly identify any proposed salary increases and the effective date.

Generally, salaries of administrative and/or clerical personnel should be included as a portion of the
stated indirect costs. If these salaries can be adequately documented as direct costs, they may be
included in this section; however, a justification should be included in the budget narrative.

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Section IV. Application Submission Information and Instructions

b. Fringe Benefits
Indicate rates/amounts, what costs are included in this category, and the basis of the rate
computations. Indicate whether these rates are used for application purposes only or whether they
are fixed or provisional rates for billing purposes. Federally approved rate agreements are acceptable
for compliance with this item.

c. Travel
Include purpose of trip, destination, number of persons traveling, length of stay, and all travel costs
including airfare (basis for rate used), per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. For
local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation.

d. Equipment
Itemize costs of all equipment having a value of over $500 and include information as to the need
for this equipment. If equipment is being rented, specify the number of hours and the hourly rate.
Identify if the equipment is owned or rented. Reimbursement for use of owned equipment must be
based upon the actual cost to the recipient for the operation and use of the equipment. Do not use
rental rates as a means for reimbursement rate for owned equipment. If ownership rates are not
available, Corps of Engineers recommended rates should be used. These rates can be found at
http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACEPublications/EngineerPamphlets.aspx?udt_43545_param_page
=11. (Once at this site - search for “Construction Equipment Ownership” then ensure you pick the
right region for your state. To determine the right region, go to page two of any of the pulled-up
documents and it shows a map of the regions.)

e. Materials and Supplies

Itemize supplies by major category, unit price, quantity, and purpose, such as whether the items are
needed for office use, research, or construction.

f. Contractual
Identify all work that will be accomplished by subrecipients, consultants, or contractors, including a
breakdown of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and
materials that will be required for each task. If a subrecipient, consultant, or contractor is proposed
and approved at time of award, no other approvals will be required. Any changes or additions will
require a request for approval.

g. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs

In most cases, there will be no environmental compliance associated with a project because they
generally will involve nondestructive data collection, research, inventory, study, research, and
monitoring activities. If no environmental compliance is expected to be required based on the
nature of the planned activities, then the applicant is not required to include a line item in their
budget for environmental compliance activities. In these cases, the minimal cost for Reclamation
staff to confirm and document the absence of environmental issues will be considered an
administrative cost paid for by Reclamation.

However, if you believe that the proposed project will require some environmental compliance—
however small—then you must include a line item in your budget for environmental compliance
activities. For example, if the project will involve any disturbances to the surrounding environment,

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Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

such as clearing brush to perform a survey, or installing monitoring equipment on an existing

structure (e.g., headgates, canals) that would alter that structure, then some environmental
compliance will be required. In the application review and selection process, Reclamation will
consider whether the applicant has budgeted appropriately for environmental compliance, taking
into consideration the amount budgeted and the applicant’s responses to the questions set forth
below, in Section IV.C., “Environmental and Regulatory Compliance.”

How environmental compliance activities will be performed (e.g., by Reclamation, the applicant, or a
consultant), will be determined pursuant to subsequent agreement between Reclamation and the
applicant. If any portion of the funds budgeted for environmental compliance is not required for
compliance activities, such funds may be reallocated to the project, if appropriate.

h. Reporting
Recipients are required to report on the status of their project on a regular basis. Include a line item
for reporting costs (including final project and evaluation costs). Please see Section VI.C for
information on types and frequency of reports required.

i. Other
Any other expenses not included in the above categories shall be listed in this category, along with a
description of the item and what it will be used for. No profit or fee will be allowed.

j. Indirect Costs
Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the
applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circular cost principles (see Section III B.,
“Cost Sharing Requirement”) for the recipient’s organization. It is not acceptable to simply
incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

If you have separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and general and administrative costs, each
rate shall be shown. You should propose rates for evaluation purposes, which will be used as fixed
or ceiling rates in any resulting award. Include a copy of any federally approved indirect cost rate
agreement.

If you do not have a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement, or if you use unapproved rates,
explain why and include the computational basis for the indirect expense pool and corresponding
allocation base for each rate. Information on “Preparing and Submitting Indirect Cost Proposals” is
available from the DOI Interior Business Center, and Indirect Cost Section, at
https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services.

k. Total Cost
Indicate total amount of project costs, including the Federal and non-Federal cost-share amounts.

l. Budget Form.
In addition to the above-described budget information, the applicant must complete an SF-424A,
Budget Information, Non-construction Programs, or an SF-424C, Budget Information–
Construction Programs. These forms are available at
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html

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Section IV. Application Submission Information and Instructions

Normally design, construction management, cultural resources or National Environmental Policy

Act (NEPA) are not indirect charges.

Please see Table 2 on next page for a “Sample Budget Proposal Format.”

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Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

Table 2. Sample Budget Proposal Format

COMPUTATION
RECIPIENT RECLAMATION
BUDGET ITEM DESCRIPTION $/Unit and TOTAL COST
Quantity FUNDING FUNDING
Unit
SALARIES AND WAGES

FRINGE BENEFITS

TRAVEL

EQUIPMENT

SUPPLIES/MATERIALS

CONTRACTUAL/ 1
CONSTRUCTION

ENVIRONMENTAL AND
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE 2
OTHER

TOTAL DIRECT COSTS

INDIRECT COSTS - __%

TOTAL PROJECT COSTS

Below is a sample of what we use to review your budget, please provide as much detail as possible.

4. Budget Pricing Guide/Template

a. Estimating Techniques Used

1
Sub-Contracts should be broken out into specific line items. Lump sum estimates are not acceptable.
Applicants should attach a separate detailed budget for each line item to adequately address all budget items.
2
Environmental and regulatory compliance should be included only if the project involves any surface-disturbing
activities that could affect the surrounding environment. Negotiated indirect cost rate through the Interior Business
Center.

16
Section IV. Application Submission Information and Instructions

i. The two most common methods for estimating costs are (i) detailed costs by cost elements, and
(ii) parametric estimating. Detailed rationale needs to be provided for parametric estimating.

Some or all of the following cost element information may apply.

ii. Labor: does the budget contain the following as applicable?

• The kind of employee that will be working on the project (job classification/description such
as engineer, laborer, program manager)?
• The amount of time each person will be working? This can be a number of hours, days,
weeks, percentage of a year, etc.
• The wages paid to the employee? This can be an hourly rate, daily rate, annual salary, etc. to
correspond to the measure of the time budgeted but does not include fringe or other indirect
rates.
• Supporting documentation for the budgeted rate? This can be payroll records identifying the
individual or labor category.

iii. Fringe Benefits and Payroll Additives

If labor costs are budgeted:
• What is the fringe benefit rate or dollar amount?
• Supporting documentation such as negotiated rates or agreements, qualified certified public
accountant (CPA) recommendation or the actual compilation of the poll and base costs for
Reclamation evaluation.

iv. Equipment:
If equipment costs are budgeted:
• The kind of equipment that will be used on the project (type, model, size, etc.)?
• The amount of time each type of equipment will be working? This can be a number of
hours, days, weeks, percentage of a year, etc.
• The rate for the equipment? This can be an hourly, daily, annual, etc. to correspond to the
measure of the time.
• Is the equipment owned or rented? Reimbursement for use of owned equipment must be
based upon the actual cost to the recipient for the operation and use of the equipment, not
on rental rates. If ownership rates are not available, Corps of Engineers recommended rates
should be used.
• Is there standby time included?
• (Notes: Reimbursement for use of owned equipment must be based upon the actual cost to
the recipient for the operation and use of the equipment, not on rental rates. Also, standby
costs need to be identified and standby rates supported in the same manner. No operating
costs are allowed for standby.)

v. Material:
If material costs are budgeted:
• What items are being purchased, i.e. a description of the items?
• The quantity of each?
• The unit cost of the items?

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Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

• Consolidated Bill of Materials

vi. Other Direct Costs:

Other direct costs are anything that is not labor, fringe benefits, equipment, material, or overhead.
It can include supplies, room rental, advertising, internet access; copy costs, telephone use, and
travel, just to mention a few.

• What the purpose is for the cost?

• What the basis is for the cost in the budget, i.e. how did the requestor come up with the
dollar amount for the item?
• Do you have enough information to duplicate the calculation of the amount?

vi. Subcontracts:
Did the recipient provide supporting documentation for the subcontract costs determining them to
be fair and reasonable? (The budget information needed for subcontractors is identical to the
information needed for the recipient. The recipient should have used the same guidance for each
cost element budgeted for the subcontractor as you would for the recipient.)

vii. Contingencies:
Data provided in the Budget: If costs are budgeted for contingencies, can you determine:
• What events are the contingencies intended to cover?
• What the basis is for the contingency amount, i.e. how the dollar amount is calculated?

(There at two types of contingency costs– one that is reasonably certain to occur, and there
is a verifiable basis for the calculated amount; and one for which the probability of
occurrence is unknown, and there is no verifiable basis for the cost. The cost associated
with the first type of contingency is allowable to the extent it is supportable. Contingency
costs for the latter are expressly unallowable.)

viii. Overhead:
• The overhead rate(s) used (there may be more than one)?
• The base(s) to which the overhead is applied e.g. just labor costs, all direct costs, etc.?
• The pool, base and associated costs with each just as with fringe.
• Any agreements with the government or recommendations by qualified CPAs.

ix. Parametric Estimates

Either an entire budget or only some components may be estimated using parametric estimating
techniques.
• Rationale as to why use of the data is reasonable for the project described.
• Identify the specific parametric data used.

Element D. - Funding Plan

• Outline the funding plan for your project, this would list all partners and contributors;
• Please include a point of contact for all sources of funds, name, address, and phone number;
• Percentage contributed per partner; and

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Section IV. Application Submission Information and Instructions

• Type of contribution i.e. in-kind services, labor (include labor rates) or supplies (how much
and how many), or cash.

Official Resolution
Please provide an official resolution or statement from the board of directors or governing body
approving or accepting your application. If you expect to obtain the resolution by a certain date,
please include that information as a substitute until the resolution is signed, otherwise, the statement
will be due prior to award.

Environmental Compliance
Reclamation is required to address environmental compliance for all financial assistance provided by
the WCFSP. Applicants shall adhere to Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as
applicable, and shall obtain all required approvals and permits. Environmental compliance for most
WCFSP supported activities can be accomplished with a Categorical Exclusion Checklist (CEC). If
evaluators believe the proposed activity would require more extensive compliance measures, points
would be deducted from the score because of the added cost to Reclamation. Ultimately, though,
Reclamation has the prerogative to disqualify any application if it believes the environmental
compliance costs would be too high.

All projects being considered for award funding will require compliance with the NEPA before any
ground disturbing activity may begin. Compliance with all applicable state, Federal and local
environmental, cultural, and paleontological resources protection laws and regulations is also
required. These may include, but are not limited to, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species
Act (ESA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), consultation with potential affected tribes,
and consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office.

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

Under no circumstance may an applicant begin any ground-disturbing activities (including grading,
clearing, and other preliminary activities) on a project before environmental compliance is complete
and Reclamation explicitly authorizes work to proceed. This pertains to all components of the
proposed project, including those that are part of the applicant’s non-Federal cost share.
Reclamation will provide a successful applicant with information once environmental compliance is
complete. An applicant that proceeds before environmental compliance is complete may risk
forfeiting Reclamation funding under this FOA.

Terms and Conditions

Regulations and Guidance
If you are awarded a Cooperative Agreement or Grant as a result of this Request for Applications,
terms and conditions will be included in your agreement. Please review these terms and conditions
as they govern your agreement.

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Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

Awards as of a result of this FOA will:

• Incorporate in full, or by reference, the CFR regulations found at 2 CFR 200 and 43 CFR 18.
• Incorporate language for the right to inspect and evaluate work performed, assurances and
certifications, covenant against contingent fees, and applicable language from Executive
Order 13513 (Prohibition on Text Messaging and Using Electronic Equipment Supplied by
the Government While Driving), Pub. L. 112-239 (Whistleblower Rights), and the Uniform
Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.
• Require registration with the Department of Treasury Automated Standard Application for
Payments (ASAP) system. ASAP is a Recipient-initiated payment and information system
designed to provide a single point of contact for the request and delivery of Federal
funds. ASAP is the only allowable method for request and receipt of payment used by
Reclamation.

20
Section V. Application Review Information

Section V -- Application Review Information

A. Review, Evaluation and Selection Process

Available funding for financial assistance is generally limited and will not cover all anticipated
applications. Reclamation uses a formal process to identify the applications to be funded. The
process consists of a technical panel that evaluates and ranks each application on its ability to
meet Reclamation's program goals and objectives.

All applications will be evaluated and selected on a point basis. During the evaluation process, all
applications will be given a score based upon their overall merit. The applications with the highest
scores will be selected first for funding. The exact number to be funded will depend upon available
funds. Reclamation shall consider each activity for funding based on its objectives, plan of work,
responses to questions asked in this FOA, coordination with other agencies and organizations, and
environmental impacts.

Fifty (50) percent non-federal cost sharing for this activity is required. The amount of cost sharing
and number of non-Federal partners will be considered in the evaluation process. The cost share
may include cash, materials, supplies, use of facilities, direct labor costs, and contract costs with third
parties paid by the recipient.

The evaluation process will be comprised of three levels as follows:

First Level Screening –

All applications will be screened by the receiving Reclamation Grants Office to ensure that:

• Each application is received prior to the deadline posted for the announcement;
• The application meets the requirements of the announcement package, including separate
submission of technical and budget proposals and funding plans that are prepared in
accordance with the instructions stated in Sections IV.B and IV.C of this document;
• The applicant meets the eligibility requirements stated in Section III of this document;
• All required information and forms have been provided; and
• The activity meets necessary requirements for receiving financial assistance.

All applications will undergo the initial screening process. Incomplete applications or those
applications that are clearly not in support of the local WCFSP’s goals and objectives will be
eliminated from further consideration as will applications not having a connection to an Upper
Colorado Basin Reclamation project. Applications will also be screened to determine if the
proposed activity is eligible for funding using the available funding authorities. You may contact the
Grant Specialist or local Technical Representative if you need assistance.

An application must pass all first level screening criteria in order for it to be forwarded for further
consideration at the Second Level Evaluation phase.

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Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

Second Level Evaluation (Technical Review) -

The application review committee will compare the applications with the evaluation criteria shown
below and will assign points to each of the evaluation factors based upon how well the application
satisfies each factor, including answers to the supplemental questions. A total score will be
determined, and the applications ranked by total score.

The process of evaluating the remaining applications involves considering how well each proposed
activity satisfies its respective evaluation criteria elements (shown below). For each criteria element,
the application will receive points, up to the maximum shown, depending upon how well it is judged
to meet the criteria element. The evaluation score is the sum of the points assigned for each of the
criteria elements. All applications will then be ranked from the highest score to the lowest score.
Applications receiving the highest scores will be the first to be considered for funding. The exact
number of applications selected will depend upon available funds. Should additional funds become
available, the next lower-ranked applications would be considered for funding.

Evaluation Criteria -
Eligibility to Rank - Does the application contain all of the elements from the Checklist and does it
pass the first level screening?

Y= Yes, move on to Evaluation Phase

N= No, eliminated from consideration

Program Priority Point Tally in accordance with each funding category

1. Water Conservation and Management Planning = 100 total points

2. System Optimization Review = 90 total points

3. Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies = 85 total points

Applications will be evaluated using one of the following sets of criteria based upon the type of the
proposed activity. Numbers listed are the maximum number of points that can be assigned for each
criterion. Normally, the maximum number of points will not be assigned. The maximum number
of points available for each of the four activity types reflects the relative importance of the activity
types to achieving the goals of the WCFSP. Please choose a criteria category below and then address
each criterion as thoroughly as possible to obtain the highest score possible for your proposal.

Water Conservation and Management Planning – 100 Points

• Association with Reclamation Project Water Supplies or an Indian Trust Asset
(0 points if no tie to Reclamation or Indian Trust Asset); 20
• Reasonableness of cost (rates if budget is appropriate and verifiable); 10
• Likelihood that the proposed activity would be completed by applicant (rates performance
history and risk); 10
• Extent to which the completed activity will improve the applicant’s ability to

22
Section V. Application Review Information

modernize their existing water delivery infrastructure; 10

• Extent to which Federal funding would promote completion of an activity
that might otherwise be delayed or postponed (points based on financial need); 10
• Steps involved in proposed planning process; 10
• Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation Priorities (see below *); 10
• Reason for developing the plan; 5
• Considers other critical obligations, for example: ESA, Water Quality,
Fish & Wildlife, Indian Trust Assets, etc.; 5
• Amount and sources of non-Federal funding (i.e., cost share); 5
• Participants/Public to be included in the planning process. 5

System Optimization Review (SOR) – 90 Points

• Association with Reclamation Project Water Supplies or an Indian Trust Asset
(0 points if no tie to Reclamation or Indian Trust Asset); 15
• Extent to which the proposed analysis is expected to result in an action plan that will
improve water conservation and water use efficiency, and lead to modernized water delivery
infrastructure; 15
• Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation Priorities (see below *); 10
• Extent to which applicant’s Water Management Plan is complete and updated (N/A if
applicant is not required to have a plan in place); 10
• Reasonableness of cost (rates if budget is appropriate and verifiable); 10
• Extent to which Federal funding would promote completion of an activity that might
otherwise be delayed or postponed (more points awarded for greater financial need); 10
Extent to which the SOR is likely to address water resources challenges; 10
• Likelihood that the proposed activity would be completed by applicant (rates performance
history; lower risk & better track record scores higher); 5
• Amount and sources of non-Federal funding (i.e., cost share); 5

Demonstrating Conservation Project Technologies – 85 Points

• Association with Reclamation Project Water Supplies or an Indian Trust Asset
(0 points if no tie to Reclamation or Indian Trust Asset); 15
• Extent to which the proposed activity will demonstrate innovative
conservation technologies for improving water use efficiency (including
applied research to benefit development of new technologies; demonstration
of a specific conservation technology; or innovative application of existing
technology with the intent of evaluating results); 15
• Extent to which applicant’s Water Management Plan is complete
and updated (N/A if applicant is not required to have a plan in place); 10
• Reasonableness of cost (weighs if budget is appropriate and verifiable; 10
• Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation Priorities (see below *); 10
• Extent to which Federal funding would promote completion of an activity
that might otherwise be delayed or postponed (more points awarded for

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Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

greater financial need); 5

• Amount and sources of non-Federal funding (i.e., cost share); 5
• Likelihood that any environmental and cultural resources issues associated
with the proposal can be addressed at low cost and in a timely manner; 5
• Extent to which proposal demonstrates a sound implementation strategy; 5
• The applicant’s strategy for monitoring performance and reporting and
disseminating results. 5

*Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation Priorities

Points will be awarded based on the extent that the proposal demonstrates that the project supports
DOI and Reclamation priorities. Please address those priorities that are applicable to your project.
It is not necessary to address priorities that are not applicable to your project. 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 one or more of the priorities listed, and
whether the connection to the priority(ies) is well supported in the proposal.

Department of the Interior Priorities

1. Creating a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt
a. Utilize science to identify best practices to manage land and water resources and adapt to
changes in the environment;
b. Examine land use planning processes and land use designations that govern public use and
access;
c. Revise and streamline the environmental and regulatory review process while maintaining
environmental standards.
d. Review DOI water storage, transportation, and distribution systems to identify opportunities
to resolve conflicts and expand capacity;
e. Foster relationships with conservation organizations advocating for balanced stewardship
and use of public lands;
f. Identify and implement initiatives to expand access to DOI lands for hunting and fishing;
g. Shift the balance towards providing greater public access to public lands over restrictions
to access.

2. Utilizing our natural resources

a. Ensure American Energy is available to meet our security and economic needs;
b. Ensure access to mineral resources, especially the critical and rare earth minerals needed for
scientific, technological, or military applications;
c. Refocus timber programs to embrace the entire ‘healthy forests’ lifecycle;
d. Manage competition for grazing resources.

3. Restoring trust with local communities

a. Be a better neighbor with those closest to our resources by improving dialogue and
relationships with persons and entities bordering our lands;
b. Expand the lines of communication with Governors, state natural resource offices, Fish and
Wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, Tribes, and local communities.

4. Striking a regulatory balance

24
Section V. Application Review Information

a. Reduce the administrative and regulatory burden imposed on U.S. industry and the public;
b. Ensure that Endangered Species Act decisions are based on strong science and thorough
analysis.

5. Modernizing our infrastructure

a. Support the White House Public/Private Partnership Initiative to modernize U.S.
infrastructure;
b. Remove impediments to infrastructure development and facilitate private sector efforts to
construct infrastructure projects serving American needs;
c. Prioritize DOI infrastructure needs to highlight:
1. Construction of infrastructure;
2. Cyclical maintenance;
3. Deferred maintenance.

Bureau of Reclamation Priorities

1. Increase Water Supplies, Storage, and Reliability under WIIN and other Authorities

2. Streamline Regulatory Processes and Remove Unnecessary Burdens to Provide More

Water and Power Supply Reliability

3. Leverage Science and Technology to Improve Water Supply Reliability to Communities

4. Address Ongoing Drought

5. Improve the Value of Hydropower to Reclamation Power Customers

6. Improve Water Supplies for Tribal and Rural Communities

7. Implementation of new Title Transfer authority pursuant to P.L. 116-9.

Third Level of Evaluation (Managerial Review)

Program Management will conduct a final review to prioritize activities based on availability of funds
and to ensure WCFSP objectives are being met by the proposed activities.

B. Other Factors
Prior to award of a Grant agreement, the Grants Officer will consider several factors in the selection
process which are important, but not quantified, such as:

• Pre-award clearances, determinations, reviews, and approvals;

• allowability, reasonableness and allocability of proposed costs;
• financial strength and stability of the organization;
• past performance;
• only one activity is included in each proposal;

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Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

• adequacy of personnel practices;

• procurement procedures, and accounting policies and procedures, as established by
applicable OMB circulars; and
• current with other agreement reporting requirements.

C. Review and Selection Process

The Government reserves the right to reject any and all applications which do not meet the
requirements of this announcement and which are determined to be outside the scope of the
WCFSP. Awards will be made to the responsible applicants submitting applications which conform
to the announcement and are most advantageous to the Government considering the factors and
any significant sub factors listed above.

26
Section VI. Award Administration Information

Section VI -- Award Administration

Information

A. Award Notices
Successful applicants from this FOA will receive notification that the application proposal has been
recommended for funding. This notification is not an authorization to begin performance of the
work. An official Notice of Award is the authorizing financial assistance agreement signed by the
Recipient and then executed by the Reclamation Grants Officer. Unsuccessful applicants will be
notified that their proposal was not selected for award.

B. Award Document
If the applicant is awarded a financial assistance agreement as a result of this FOA, the proposed
project and other relevant information from the application will be referenced in the agreement.
The agreement document must be signed by a Reclamation Grants Officer before it becomes
effective.

C. Reporting Requirements and Distribution

If the applicant is awarded an agreement as a result of this FOA, the applicant will be required to
submit financial and progress reports during the term of the agreement. The specific terms and
conditions pertaining to the reporting requirements, including frequency, will be included in the
financial assistance agreement.

C.1. Financial Reports

• SF-425, Federal Financial Report

C.2. Program Performance Reports

Progress reports, including, but not limited to, the following information:
• a comparison of actual accomplishments to the milestones established by the financial
assistance agreement for the period;
• the reasons why established milestones were not met, if applicable;
• the status of milestones from the previous reporting period that were not met, if applicable;
• whether the project is on schedule and within the original cost estimate; and
• any additional pertinent information or issues related to the status of the project.

Final Program Performance Report: Recipients will be required to submit a final performance
report encompassing the entire period of performance, in addition to WCMP or SOR under this

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Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-UC-20-F002

FOA submitted for approval. The final performance report must include, but is not limited to, the
following information:

• Whether the project objectives and goals were met

• Discussion of the benefits achieved by the project and how the project contributes to water
conservation and management.
• How the project demonstrates collaboration

D. Conflicts of Interest
D.1. Applicability
This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps
to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial
assistance agreements. In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by
recipients and by subrecipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR 200.318 apply.

D.2. Requirements

Non-Federal entities must avoid prohibited conflicts of interest, including any significant financial
interests that could cause a reasonable person to question the recipient's ability to provide impartial,
technically sound, and objective performance under or with respect to a Federal financial assistance
agreement.

In addition to any other prohibitions that may apply with respect to conflicts of interest, no key
official of an actual or proposed recipient or subrecipient, who is substantially involved in the
proposal or project, may have been a former Federal employee who, within the last one year,
participated personally and substantially in the evaluation, award, or administration of an award with
respect to that recipient or subrecipient or in development of the requirement leading to the funding
announcement.

No actual or prospective recipient or subrecipient may solicit, obtain, or use non-public information
regarding the evaluation, award, or administration of an award to that recipient or subrecipient or
the development of a Federal financial assistance opportunity that may be of competitive interest to
that recipient or subrecipient.

D.3. Notification
Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing
any conflict of interest to the DOIs awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with
2 CFR 200.112, Conflicts of Interest. Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a
minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest.
The recipient is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts
of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by
subrecipients.

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Section VI. Award Administration Information

D.4. Restrictions on Lobbying

Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under this grant or cooperative
agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures
pursuant to 43 CFR Part 18 and 31 U.S.C. 1352.

D.5. Review Procedures

The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its
particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement and will determine
whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for
resolving it.

D.6. Enforcement
Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Government may be cause for
termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies
described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see
also 2 CFR Part 180).

E. Data Availability
E.1. Applicability
DOI is committed to basing its decisions on the best available science and providing the American
people with enough information to thoughtfully and substantively evaluate the data, methodology,
and analysis used by DOI to inform its decisions.

E.2. Use of Data

The regulations at 2 CFR 200.315 apply to data produced under a Federal award, including the
provision that the Federal Government has the right to obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use
the data produced under a Federal award as well as authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish,
or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes.

E.3. Availability of Data

The recipient shall make the data produced under this award and any subaward(s) available to the
Government for public release, consistent with applicable law, to allow meaningful third-party
evaluation and reproduction of the following:
• the scientific data relied upon;
• the analysis relied upon; and
• the methodology, including models, used to gather and analyze data.

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Upper Colorado Basin Map

Upper Colorado Basin Map

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