Application Preparation

Q: Is there an option to review applications/projects with Reclamation prior to submission, similar to the appointments WaterSMART applicants can schedule to discuss projects/applications?

A: Under the B2E program Reclamation can answer questions regarding applicant eligibility, application process, published criteria, and application completeness. We can also discuss and clarify any of the information in the RFA. However, Reclamation is unable to review and provide feedback with an applicant on a specific proposal's details prior to the application deadline (extended to Nov. 22, 2024).

Q: Is it acceptable to include technical reports, maps, and other supporting documentation in an appendix to the Technical Proposal and would that count toward the 40-page limit?

A: The technical proposal should include the requested information in the RFA. Any additional supporting document including technical reports and maps may be provided in the appendix and doesn't count toward the 40-page limit.

Budget Questions

Q: Page 11 of the RFA states: "You may include indirect costs that will be incurred during the project, which will not otherwise be recovered, as part of your project budget." How much and what type of administrative costs can be requested/covered? For example, can project management/coordination and grant management activities also be included in the project budget direct costs if indirect costs are included?

A: Any administrative costs specifically related to the proposal may be requested. Indirect costs should be included in section j. of the budget proposal and budget narrative. Guidance is provided in the RFA for how to include indirect costs in the budgets. (see APPENDIX B section j. Indirect Costs, pg. 15). Costs should not be duplicated in more than one budget category.

Q: Can project budgets include salaries/wages of employees of the applicant organization? Is this also true if the applicant is another federal agency, e.g., BLM?

A: All applicants can include salaries/wages and other administrative costs as part of the budget. IRA funds may also be used to fund staff time of federal agencies, with documentation that demonstrates that the federal agency is willing and able to perform the work. Expenses should be included in the appropriate budget category in the budget proposal and narrative (see APPENDIX B of the RFA).

Q: Can funds be used for hiring temporary workforce for project construction/implementation?

A: Yes, any labor costs directly tied to the implementation of the proposal including temporary and seasonal costs are eligible for grant funding. However, prevailing wage grant requirements would still apply to the temporary workforce.

Q: Can projects include budget items for state and federal compliance with policies and state laws?

A: Yes, as stated in section D.2.5 of the RFA, "Environmental and cultural resource compliance and permitting/approval costs are considered project costs, including those costs incurred by Reclamation, and will need to be included as a separate line item."

Q: Are there recommendations on how to accurately estimate Reclamation's NEPA and other compliance review time that should be included in the application's budget?

A: Time required to complete compliance work will depend on the complexity of the project, the area that the project is in, resources involved, and Reclamation local area office processes, among other factors. As such, it is recommended that contingency be included in estimates when submitting proposals. If the project is awarded, the applicant will need to coordinate with Reclamation's respective area office and discuss compliance needs and timelines.

Q: If there are components of a project that require contingency funding, how would Reclamation like for that component to be built into budgets?

A: Reasonable contingencies can be included in the budget narrative and budget proposal. Contingency amounts should reflect project unknowns and be in line with ranges used in the industry.

Q: Is it recommended that we receive quotes from contractors for project work to be included in the budget, or can we make our own estimates (based on prior work) and go through a bidding process following potential award?

A: Quotes from contractors are not required for the budget proposals and narrative. However, the applicants should make reasonable efforts to accurately estimate total project costs with the understanding that they will be responsible for any additional amounts if the actual project costs exceed the grant award.

Bundling of Projects in a Proposal

Q: Is an applicant allowed to submit more than one proposal for this funding opportunity?

A: Yes, applicants may submit multiple proposals or bundle multiple projects into a single proposal. Applicants should expect that Reclamation will approve or disapprove bundled proposals as a whole, so if an applicant wants Reclamation to consider projects on an individual basis, the applicant should submit them in separate proposals.

Q: What are the geographical limitations for bundling?

A: There is no limit on the number of projects that can be bundled into a proposal within a given geography, nor is there a limit on the total size of the project area. However, bundled projects should be a collection of smaller projects of similar scope, location, and resources. If projects will be employing different techniques for project implementation the technical details of each unique project should be included.

Q: We are considering an application that includes similar projects across all the upper basin states. Is this too large a geography?

A: Benefits and project impacts are better evaluated by the Subject Matter Expert panel if project scope, location, and resources are similar. Location in this context is referring to landscape characteristics or proximity. There is not a limit on the total size of the geography of a project area. However, to facilitate the state review, we recommend submitting separate bundled proposals per state where possible.

Q: Are there any advantages to proposals that involve a larger scope geographically but have the same applicants? (e.g., one proposal with all our projects involving a federal agency vs. a separate proposal for each upper basin state with all of our projects involving a federal agency in that particular state.)

A: Since states are providing a feasibility review of the proposals as part of the evaluation process, while not required, separate proposals by state will facilitate this review. Proposals within multiple states will be reviewed by all states where projects are proposed.

Q: When bundling projects, how much detail do we need to provide on project location and treatment?

A: Each project will need to be described in the initial proposal with locations and an explanation of treatment methods. The description should provide enough information for a panel of Subject Matter Experts to have a clear understanding of a project and how it will be implemented. In cases where project details still need to be designed including the exact siting information, the description should provide sufficient information to understand the proposal's overall feasibility and environmental benefit.

Q: Can projects cross state lines as long as both states have been contacted and is it preferable to keep projects within state boundaries?

A: Yes, projects may cross state lines and will require coordination with all states involved.

Cost Share Requirements

Q: Are there any cost share requirements? If so, what are they?

A: The B2E program does not have any cost share requirements; although projects with additional cost sharing may improve project feasibility and demonstrate collaboration which are evaluation considerations.

Q: Is cost share required to receive full consideration for the collaboration criteria of the merit review?

A: Cost share is not a requirement, and projects will not be penalized for not having a cost share. Projects with additional cost sharing may improve project feasibility, demonstrate collaboration, and increase project benefits which are evaluation considerations.

Eligibility of Applicants

Q: If an applicant is a federal agency, do they need to register on SAM.gov and have a UEI number?

A: No, Federal agencies are not required to register with SAM.gov when applying for B2E funding. Reclamation would enter into an interagency agreement with federal agencies.

Q: In addition to being a Public Entity or Federally Recognized Indian Tribe within the Upper Colorado River Basin, are there any additional requirements to be eligible to apply for funding under this program?

A: Yes, unless the applicant is a federal agency, applicants must be registered in https://sam.gov/content/home to be eligible for funding through this program. If you are not currently registered and would like to apply for funding, it would be prudent to register several weeks before the application deadline since the registration process could take a few weeks to complete. Additionally, proposals will need successful review by state water administration agencies.

Q: Do public (state-funded) universities qualify for the following funding opportunity?

A: Funds for the B2E program are authorized to fund public entities and Indian Tribes. Each applicant should explain why it qualifies as a public entity. Regarding whether a university falls soundly into the criteria of a public entity will matter on the institution's overall structure as well as their funding sources. As such, we are evaluating universities on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility of Projects

Q: If the environmental benefit from a project is primarily from water conservation, can that project fit within B2E?

A: The RFA requests a description of all benefits including water conservation. However, projects that provide verifiable and quantifiable water conservation fall under B2W and will not be given consideration when comparing B2E proposals.

Applications submitted under the B2E program should be primarily to provide environmental or ecosystem/habitat benefits. Projects that claim a water conservation benefit from the use of water rights that needs to be verified and measured by the state should be applied for under the upcoming B2W program. As such, if the applicant has claimed a quantified water conservation benefit that is derived from state water rights (i.e. change in water deliveries or change of beneficial use) then it should be under B2W. Projects for B2E can include incidental water conservation, especially to the natural environment, such as would occur from removal of invasive species, the modification of the natural river channel, or improvements to upland drainage areas.

Q: Are proposals that mitigate impacts where drought is only a part of the causal story eligible?

A: The purpose of section 50233 of the IRA is to mitigate drought impacts. The Request for Application identifies the need for applicants to demonstrate that the proposed ecosystem or habitat restoration project is tied to a drought impact to the environment. As such, Reclamation requests that the applicant provide a description in the Technical Proposal regarding how the drought is related to the impact (i.e. created, contributed, or exacerbated) and how the proposal will mitigate (in whole or in part) the drought impacts. The description should include references to any available scientific literature that supports your claim.

Q: What are some types of projects that might be eligible under the B2E program?

A: Eligible types of projects under this Request for Applications may include but are not limited to projects that: 1) Create connectivity of waterways, habitats, and ecosystems; 2) Restore streams that have increased erosion rates because of drought; or 3) Improve water quality that has decayed because of drought.

Q: Can a program be eligible as a project under B2E? For instance, can we apply to obtain money for our own stream restoration funding program?

A: Not likely. Applications need to provide a specific identifiable project that provides new quantifiable benefits to the Colorado River Basin.

Q: Are stewardship activities an eligible project? For example, maintenance and upkeep on past projects, like continued invasive species management/removal.

A: In general, projects that provide environmental or ecosystem/habitat restoration benefits that address issues directly caused by drought are eligible. For all projects, we recommend using the evaluation criteria listed in section E.1.2 of the RFA to evaluate the content of your technical proposal to determine how well the project aligns with the program. Projects will be evaluated for new quantifiable benefits. Proposals to fund an existing project's overhead and maintenance costs should quantify the new or expanded existing benefits to the river basin from this funding. Additionally, section C.3 of the RFA stipulates that Federal funds shouldn't be used to displace existing project funding. Applications should provide information that validates this.

Q: Can a proposal include planning, design, and construction for the same project? What information would Reclamation like to see from the applicant for a funding request like this?

A: Yes, proposals may include planning, design, and construction as part of the same project. Proposals will need to be able to demonstrate there is a high certainty the project can be fully completed within the 5-year time limit.

Q: Would a proposal primarily for planning and design (e.g. master plan) be considered an eligible project?

A. Planning and design are included within the list of eligible projects for this RFA. The review of proposals will consider the new quantifiable benefits of a project within the Colorado River Basin. A proposal that includes planning and design should demonstrate the environmental benefits of the planning and the likelihood and timeframe that the designed/planned projects will be implemented. The proposal should demonstrate broad community support for the project and a high probability that the project will be funded and implemented in the near future.

Q: How will Reclamation evaluate nature-based restoration projects, like Beaver Dam Analogue projects, that seek to improve hydrology (timing, amount, etc.)?

A: Proposals will be evaluated based on anticipated benefits. The proposal will need to demonstrate the basis for anticipated benefits the project provides and quantify those benefits to the extent possible.

Q: Can projects have an experimental or research component?

A: Proposals can include an experimental or research component. These components should be described in the Technical Proposal. This description should include how these efforts will lead to new or expanded system benefits to the river basin, including estimates of number of future water habitat restoration projects that would benefit from this research and overall positive impact of the research.

Q: Would a proposal that is exclusively for research or monitoring be considered eligible?

A: Proposals to fund research and monitoring costs should quantify how these efforts lead to new benefits or expand existing benefits to the river basin from this funding (i.e., how the efforts make an existing project more efficient). In general projects that provide environmental or ecosystem/habitat restoration benefits that address issues directly caused by drought are eligible. For all projects, we recommend using the evaluation criteria listed in section E.1.2 of the RFA to evaluate the content of the technical proposal to determine how well the project aligns with the program. Projects will be evaluated on several factors, including type and amount of new quantifiable benefits and the likelihood it will achieve those benefits.

Evaluation of Applications

Q: How will applications be evaluated?

A: Applications will be evaluated based on application completeness, program priority alignment, benefit of the project, collaboration and project approach and feasibility, among other factors. More specific information for the application review can be found in section (E) of the Request for Applications.

Federal Compliance

Q: What environmental and cultural compliance will be needed for B2E Projects?

A: All applications should propose a process to address compliance with applicable laws, including for NEPA compliance. Projects that are selected for funding will require compliance with federal environmental and cultural resource laws and other regulations, such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). More details regarding compliance with regulations can be found in section (H) of the Request for Applications.

Q: Are awardees required to go through a bidding process to hire consultants and contractors to execute the project work? Or can the awardees follow their own procurement procedures for these services?

A. Applicants whose projects are awarded are required to follow the procurement standards for federal awards contained in 2 CFR section 200.317 .

"When procuring property and services under a Federal award, a state must follow the same policies and procedures it uses for procurements from its non-Federal funds. The state will comply with §§ 200.321, 200.322, and 200.323 and ensure that every purchase order or other contract includes any clauses required by § 200.327. All other non-Federal entities, including subrecipients of a state, must follow the procurement standards in §§ 200.318 through 200.327".

The Budget Narrative Template in APPENDIX B of the RFA provides additional guidance on procurement. Applicants should have previously established procurement policies and procedures in effect and will be required to provide a copy of those policies and procedures to Reclamation. Additionally, subcontractors will be subject to the same federal requirements as applicants.

Q: is NEPA required prior to the October 14th deadline?

A: NEPA and compliance activities don't need to be completed prior to the October 14th application deadline but will need to be completed prior to any ground disturbance activities. Applications should include a process to address compliance with applicable Federal laws, including NEPA compliance. Activities from this process should also be incorporated in project budgets and schedules.

Q: Will we need to complete NEPA for projects on private or state land funded under B2E?

A: All projects that are selected for B2E grant funding will require compliance with federal environmental and cultural resource laws and other regulations, such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). More details regarding compliance with regulations can be found in section (H) of the Request for Applications.

Q: If a proposal includes project types that are consistent with another agency's approved project type (e.g., NRCS practice standards), would BOR be willing to adopt NRCS' environmental compliance and cultural resource approach?

A: All applications should propose a process to address compliance with applicable laws, including for NEPA compliance. There are situations when reliance on another federal agency's NEPA process is appropriate, and applications should provide an appropriate explanation any reliance on another federal agency's NEPA process as part of the application.

Funding Questions

Q: What is the estimated number of projects you plan to fund?

A: There is not a specific number of projects that will be funded under the B2E program.

Q: What is the highest dollar amount that can be requested on an application?

A: While the minimum is $300,000, no maximum has been established.

Q: How is Reclamation thinking about the amount of funding or number of projects awarded to each state?

A: There is no specified amount allocated to each state or between B2E or B2W programs.

Q: If our project is selected and funded, how long will we have to spend the money?

A: The Request for Applications provides two important dates regarding funding availability. Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) section 50233 must be awarded to projects before Sept. 30, 2026, at which time the authority for obligating funds expires. Projects that receive awards prior to that date will have 5 years to use the obligated funds before they cancel on Sept. 30, 2031.

Q: Can this funding be used as match funding for other federal grants?

A. B2E grants don't have any cost match requirements and there is no program limitation restricting using B2E funds as a cost match for another grant. The applicant should verify with the other grant program that they can accept the B2E grant funds for their cost matching requirements. In the case where a project has two separate federal funding sources, these funding sources should fund separate components of the larger project that also provide separate benefits. This should be described in the B2E Proposal and the benefits from the B2E funded components should be quantified to the extent possible.

Q: Is Reclamation intending to administer funds via reimbursement, like with WaterSMART grants?

A: Direct guidance is found under 2 CFR 200.305 where regulations for federal funding is provided. To summarize, funding may be requested by the grant recipient through its individual account in the Automated Standard Application for Payment System (ASAP) just prior to when a grant recipient needs to pay a bill associated with the grant. This allows applicants with limited available funds to pay for work related to the grant. As such, cash advances are allowed however, cash advances may not be held in accounts that accrue interest and all funds must not be held for more than 30 days. Recipients may draw down funds from their ASAP account as needed without prior approval, however, it is recommended that they do not draw funds until an invoice is accrued to avoid overpayment to a recipient's account from ASAP.

Q: Will Reclamation make partial awards, reduced awards, or only award certain components of a proposal (ie awarding 50% of the requested amount)?

A: Applicants should expect that Reclamation will approve or disapprove bundled proposals as a whole, so if an applicant wants Reclamation to consider projects on an individual basis, the applicant should submit them in separate proposals.

Q: Is a letter of commitment/obligation from a match source required in order for that match to be considered as part of the project?

A: If the proposal's budget includes a cost match from another funding source, the applicant should provide evidence to show the commitment of the other parties. Examples of the evidence of commitment can be a signed letter, board resolution, or other type of agreement.

Q: Is there flexibility of spending between proposal components (between project components of an individual project or between projects in a bundled proposal). In other words, if one component costs less and others more, can the savings from one project be used to pay for another that ended up being more expensive?

A: Yes, there is the flexibility to move funds between different budget components of a proposal (for both single and bundled project proposals). However, large shifts in funding between budget components will need Reclamation's grants officer's approval.

Geography Requirements

Q: Are there geographical limitations associated with this program?

A: Yes, projects need to be located in and provide benefits to the Upper Colorado River basin drainage area.

Q: Would potential NM projects be limited to the drainage basin or would projects in Albuquerque be considered?

A: The Upper Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation (B2E) Request for Applications identifies that this funding is available for projects within the drainage area of the Upper Colorado River Basin.

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Involvement

Q: Can NGO's and individuals apply for funding through this program?

A: While applications may only be submitted by Public Entities and Tribes, anyone may be a partner. It is often the case with funding opportunities that a non-government organization or individual approach a Public Entity or a Tribe to make them aware of potential projects that may qualify for funding.

Q: Can an NGO submit on behalf of a public entity or Tribe if authorized to do so.

A: An NGO may prepare applications for submittal and manage projects. However, the application must be submitted by a public entity or Tribe. Staff costs associated with NGO's participation in project implementation may be included in budgets. Any funding agreements will be between Reclamation and the public entity or Tribe.

Q: If a federal agency is the public entity applicant and is working in partnership with an NGO, how important is having a local and/or state-level public entity included as a partner?

A: There isn't a requirement for a local or state level entity to be included in a partnership as part of the proposal. As a reminder, each proposal requires review by the state in which the project resides.

Q: When an NGO partners with a public entity (e.g., state fish & wildlife agency), can the public entity applicant include NGO staff salaries for time spent administering the grant/implementing projects and indirect costs for the NGO?

A: Yes, any administrative costs specifically related to the proposal may be requested. Indirect costs should be included in section j. of the budget proposal and budget narrative. Guidance is provided in the RFA for how to include indirect costs in the budgets. (see APPENDIX B section j. Indirect Costs, pg. 15).

Q: How should NGOs receive funding, that is, as a sub-awardee or as a contractor? And how should this look in the application/budget?

A: Funds must be requested and received by the entity with the funding agreement. An NGO may prepare applications and manage projects. Staff costs associated with NGO participation and project implementation may be included in budgets and be funded by the grant. Funding agreements will be between Reclamation and the public entity or Tribe. NGO's may be listed in category f of the budget proposal as a subrecipient as determined through federal regulation (see § 200.331 Subrecipient and contractor determinations). Guidance for preparing category f of both the budget proposal and budget narrative is provided in APPENDIX B of the RFA (section f. Contractual, pg. 9)

Q: Is it allowed for a public entity to distribute funds to an NGO who then re-distributes it to other NGOs, to reduce the administrative burden on the applying public entity?

A: Yes, the public entity can subcontract with an NGO or other entity to implement a B2E Project (including administrative tasks). However, the public entity will need to submit the required reports to Reclamation for the awarded grant and be responsible to ensure all grant requirements met. Grant requirements are applicable to all subcontractors of the public entity.

Other IRA Section 50233 Programs

Q: Will there be a webinar for the B2W RFPs?

A: The B2W process is still in development. Once the B2W RFA is rolled out, Reclamation anticipates hosting a webinar for B2W.

Q: Will the SCPP be available and funded in 2025?

A: The SCPP is currently authorized through the end of 2024. There is draft legislation in Congress seeking to re-authorize the SCPP through the end of 2026. However, it's still unclear if and when the re-authorization will be acted upon by Congress. As such, currently, there are no specific funds for SCPP.

Partnering/Support

Q: Will applications with a smaller number of partners (e.g., a state agency and one NGO) be preferred over a larger application involving a mix of federal, state, and local agencies/public entities (e.g., a federal agency, multiple NGOs, and a state agency)?

A: Proposals with a diverse group of stakeholders generally reflect a wide level of support which will be one of several considerations in the evaluation process. During the evaluation, Reclamation will review the level and documentation of support from stakeholders with consideration of partnerships, resolutions of governing boards, letters of support from stakeholders, commitments of time money and resources, etc. (RFA Pg. 17). Section D of the RFA provides further information regarding what partnership information should be provided in the proposal.

Q: Are larger groups, including public entities, able to partner with smaller public entities to help bridge cash flow gaps?

A: As stated in the RFA, Reclamation encourages partnerships.

Q: Would a proposal be enhanced with the collaboration of a tribe?

A: While we don't have specific tribal participation evaluation criteria, collaborating with a tribe may show that a proposal will have greater community support and may reduce potential cultural/NEPA concerns. Proposals with a diverse group of stakeholders generally reflect a wide level of support which will be one of several considerations in the evaluation process.

Q: What verification will be required regarding land ownership rights? What are you looking for in terms of demonstrating interest in the underlying property (i.e. ownership, lease, ROW, etc.)

A: Applicant needs to provide an indication of the level ownership or control over the land or other resources needed for the project. The status of land ownership will be part of evaluation in terms of feasibility and risk.

Q: Can work be done on private land with the public entity as applicant?

A: Private landowners are welcome to partner with public entities to accomplish projects in conformance with the requirements of the RFA. Documented landowner support for the lifetime of the project would be important to demonstrate a long-term commitment of land resources. Further, Reclamation will review documentation that demonstrates how broadly supported projects are by the communities where they reside and if project sponsors are able to commit the resources needed to get the project implemented. This documentation can be in the form of partnerships, resolutions of governing boards, letters of support from stakeholders, commitments of time money and resources, etc.

Program Contacts

Q: Who do I contact for further information regarding this funding opportunity?

A: Please submit any questions regarding application and submission information and award administration to the attention of the Request for Applications (RFA) Team, at ucbefficiency@usbr.gov.

Scalability

Q: What is meant by project scalability in the RFA?

A: Scalability refers to how a project fits into a larger organized effort. This clarifies project benefits and risks within a larger framework. Also, scalability may allow greater flexibility in how a project is implemented based on budget and schedule. For instance, in scalable projects the scope of work may be adjusted depending on budget or implementation needs. Generally, for scalable projects the technical aspect of all the work is the same but the application area or the work intensity can be adjusted. Also, the environmental benefits of scalable projects are provided at a level commensurate to the scaled scope of work.

Schedule of Awards

Q: When will awarded applicants be announced?

A: Awards are anticipated to be announced in early 2025. All awarded applications will be transmitted to USASpending.gov and will be viewable by the public.

Q: Can the deadline be extended based on the time required to prepare an application?

A: There are no plans to extend the deadline at this time.

Q: Will there be another round of applications?

A: Reclamation intends to expend remaining $450 million through both B2E and B2W announcements this year. If unable to award full amount, Reclamation will consider another round.

Q: Does the application project schedule need to have work complete by 2031?

A: Yes, but benefits provided for consideration in the application may go beyond that time period.

State Involvement

Q: Why should I contact the state about my B2E grant Application?

A: State review of proposals is needed to ensure compliance with state water rights or related state law issues for the state or states in which the proposed project resides. Applicants are encouraged to contact appropriate state agency representatives prior to submitting proposals. State agency contacts for this funding opportunity are as follows:

• For Colorado: Amy Ostdiek, amy.ostdiek@state.co.us
• For New Mexico: Ali Effati, ali.effati@ose.nm.gov
• For Utah: Amy Haas, ahaas@utah.gov
• For Wyoming: Jeff Cowley, jeff.cowley@wyo.gov

We recommend this coordination occurs early to provide time for the state to information the applicant of any concerns that they and for the applicant to address these concerns prior to submitting their proposal to Reclamation.

Q: What if we want to partner with states? If state is reviewing, is that a conflict of interest?

A: This has been recognized as a potential problem, Reclamation and states are working to ensure separation between those reviewing and those submitting applications.

Q: Can the state shut my project down during their review?

A: A state review that indicates compliance with state laws and policies is needed for a project to be considered. If there are negative findings from a state review, the applicant will need to work with its respective state agency to resolve the findings prior to an application being considered for approval.

Q: Do Tribes need to vet their project with state authorities if there is no consumptive use of water proposed for the project?

A: As part of the evaluation process all applications will have a red flag review by the state in which the project resides, even if the project doesn't include consumptive use. While it is strongly encouraged that the applicants consult with the states prior to the Oct. 14 submission deadline, applications do not need to be vetted by the states prior to submitting to Reclamation.

Water Purchase

Q: Can the funds be used to lease or purchase water for instream flow benefits - if the environmental benefits of water leasing or purchase can be demonstrated in the application?

A: As described in the Request for Application, B2E funding is for planning, design, and construction of environmental, ecosystem, and habitat projects to address impacts of the drought. There are a large variety of projects that this funding may encompass, and as such, some projects may require a water purchase or lease to be implementable. If a water purchase or lease is needed to implement the project, this should be identified in the proposal, as well as the terms of any purchase or lease. Proposals that include a lease or purchase of water should include the following:

• Water right numbers
• Description of how purchased or leased water will be used in the system
• Timing regarding what months water will be added
• How long water would enter the system (years)
• The rate that water would enter

Applicants should explain how water purchased with federal funds will be used during and after the project and provide assurance that water will not be sold or used for purposes other than those proposed in the project application.