Opportunity Information: Apply for BOR DO 18 F006
The WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Year 2018 funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number BOR DO 18 F006) was a discretionary grant and cooperative agreement program offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation under CFDA 15.507. Released on March 19, 2018, with an original application deadline of May 10, 2018, this program was designed to help water and power delivery entities in the western United States stretch limited water supplies and improve system performance by pairing federal funding with strong local cost sharing. In plain terms, the Bureau of Reclamation was looking for practical, implementable projects where the applicant would bring meaningful matching resources, and Reclamation would help close the funding gap to get high-impact efficiency and reliability improvements built.
The central objective of the FOA was to invite states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations that have water or power delivery authority to leverage their own money and resources through cost-shared projects with Reclamation. The projects targeted multiple, closely related outcomes: conserving water and using it more efficiently, increasing hydropower production where relevant, reducing the risk of future water-related conflict in places identified as high risk, and improving long-term water supply reliability across the West. The opportunity also explicitly emphasized enabling farmers to pursue additional on-farm efficiency improvements over time, including upgrades that could potentially align with or qualify for future Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) support. That framing signaled that Reclamation wanted projects that not only delivered near-term water and energy benefits, but also set up a pathway for continuing improvements at the farm and district level.
Funding details reflected a mid-sized implementation grant program. The maximum award amount (award ceiling) was $1,000,000, and the Bureau anticipated making around 60 awards. Because the instrument types included both grants and cooperative agreements, applicants could expect that some awards might involve a more hands-on federal role, depending on project needs and oversight requirements. The overall activity category was Natural Resources, consistent with the program's focus on water conservation, infrastructure efficiency, and reliability outcomes rather than basic research.
Eligibility was aimed at public and quasi-public entities responsible for delivering water or power, including states and Indian tribes, and water-related districts such as irrigation and water districts. The listing also notes "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)," which typically means additional eligible entity types could apply if they met the requirement of having water or power delivery authority and otherwise fit program rules. The common thread is that the applicant needed to be in a position to implement real-world improvements to water delivery, measurement, control, conveyance, or related energy efficiency and hydropower-related components, and to share a significant portion of project costs.
Overall, this FOA can be summarized as a competitive, cost-shared funding opportunity intended to accelerate tangible water and energy efficiency projects in the western United States, with an emphasis on measurable conservation outcomes, improved operational efficiency, potential hydropower gains, reduced water conflict risk in vulnerable areas, and longer-term readiness for additional conservation investments at the farm and system level.Apply for BOR DO 18 F006
- The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Year 2018" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.507.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 19, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 10, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 60 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity?
This opportunity was the WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Year 2018, a discretionary grant and cooperative agreement program run by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. The Funding Opportunity Number was BOR DO 18 F006, and it was listed under CFDA 15.507.
When was the opportunity released, and what was the application deadline?
The funding opportunity was released on March 19, 2018. The original application deadline was May 10, 2018.
Who administered the program?
The program was administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation.
What type of funding instrument was used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?
The Bureau of Reclamation offered this opportunity through both grants and cooperative agreements. Because cooperative agreements were included, some projects could involve a more hands-on federal role depending on project needs and oversight requirements.
What was the overall purpose of the program?
The program was designed to help water and power delivery entities in the western United States stretch limited water supplies and improve system performance by pairing federal funding with strong local cost sharing. The focus was on practical, implementable projects that could be built and produce measurable benefits.
What were the main objectives and expected outcomes?
The FOA targeted multiple, closely related outcomes, including:
- Conserving water and using it more efficiently
- Increasing hydropower production where relevant
- Reducing the risk of future water-related conflict in places identified as high risk
- Improving long-term water supply reliability across the western United States
What kinds of projects did Reclamation want to fund?
Reclamation emphasized practical, implementable projects that deliver efficiency and reliability improvements. Based on the description provided, projects could include real-world improvements to water delivery, measurement, control, conveyance, or related energy efficiency components, including hydropower-related elements where applicable.
Was cost sharing required?
Yes. The program emphasized pairing federal funding with strong local cost sharing. In plain terms, applicants were expected to bring meaningful matching resources, and Reclamation funding would help close the gap to get high-impact improvements built.
How much funding was available per award?
The maximum award amount (award ceiling) was $1,000,000.
How many awards were expected?
The Bureau of Reclamation anticipated making around 60 awards.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was aimed at public and quasi-public entities responsible for delivering water or power. The description specifically referenced states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts, plus other organizations that have water or power delivery authority. The listing also noted "Others" with a reference to additional eligibility clarification in the full opportunity text.
Does an applicant need to have water or power delivery authority?
Yes. The common eligibility thread described was that the applicant needed to have water or power delivery authority and be positioned to implement real-world improvements.
What geographic area did this program focus on?
The program was intended to support projects in the western United States.
What was the program category or focus area?
The overall activity category was Natural Resources, consistent with the program's emphasis on water conservation, infrastructure efficiency, and water supply reliability rather than basic research.
Did the FOA prioritize measurable, near-term results or long-term planning?
The FOA emphasized tangible, implementable projects and measurable conservation outcomes, while also encouraging projects that support longer-term improvements and ongoing conservation investments at the farm and system level.
How did the program address farm-level efficiency improvements?
The opportunity explicitly emphasized enabling farmers to pursue additional on-farm efficiency improvements over time. It also highlighted that certain upgrades could potentially align with or qualify for future Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) support, signaling interest in projects that create a pathway for continuing improvements.
Was hydropower included as a possible benefit?
Yes. The FOA included increasing hydropower production as a targeted outcome where relevant to the project context.
Did the program address water-related conflict risk?
Yes. One of the targeted outcomes was reducing the risk of future water-related conflict in places identified as high risk.
What did Reclamation mean by "stretch limited water supplies"?
In the context provided, it referred to improving water conservation and efficiency through implementable projects that enhance system performance, leading to better use of available water supplies and improved reliability.
Was this opportunity competitive?
Yes. The FOA was described as a competitive, cost-shared funding opportunity intended to accelerate tangible water and energy efficiency projects.
Is this the FY 2018 opportunity, or an ongoing open application?
The information provided describes the Fiscal Year 2018 funding opportunity (BOR DO 18 F006) with 2018 release and deadline dates.
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| Funding Opportunity |
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| WaterSMART Grants: Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for Fiscal Year 2018 Apply for BOR DO 18 F009 Funding Number: BOR DO 18 F009 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| BLM-CO Strengthening Partnerships to Address Aquatic Invasive Species and Enhance Aquatic Habitats Apply for L18AS00009 Funding Number: L18AS00009 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Notice of Intent Apply for USGS 18 FA 0057 Funding Number: USGS 18 FA 0057 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| BLM-CO Enhancing Wildlife Habitats in Partnership, White River Field Office Apply for L18AS00011 Funding Number: L18AS00011 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| Estuarine Wetland and Nearshore Ecology Studies along the Pacific Flyway Apply for USGS 18 FAC 0060 Funding Number: USGS 18 FAC 0060 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $499,999 |
| Combat Wildlife Trafficking in Vietnam Apply for SFOP0004253 Funding Number: SFOP0004253 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Combat Wildlife Trafficking in South Asia Apply for SFOP0004254 Funding Number: SFOP0004254 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Water Conservation Field Service Program Apply for BOR UC 18 F001 Funding Number: BOR UC 18 F001 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Influence of Fire and forest restoration Apply for P18AS00104 Funding Number: P18AS00104 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $211,255 |
| Midwest Migratory Bird Conservation Program Apply for F18AS00096 Funding Number: F18AS00096 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| VALL SCA Interns for Plant Ecology Program. Apply for NPSNOIVALL1800319 Funding Number: NPSNOIVALL1800319 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $48,605 |
| Migratory Bird Joint Ventures Midwest Region - FY2018 Opportunities Apply for F18AS00100 Funding Number: F18AS00100 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Targeting Natural Resource Corruption Apply for 7200A18RFAA00015 Funding Number: 7200A18RFAA00015 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2018 – Caribbean Area Apply for USDA NRCS PR CIG 18 001 Funding Number: USDA NRCS PR CIG 18 001 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Invasive Plant Projects in Southern CO Apply for P18AS00110 Funding Number: P18AS00110 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $33,600 |
| Log Boom Installation Apply for BOR MP 18 N004 Funding Number: BOR MP 18 N004 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| NOTICE OF INTENT: Next Generation Ranger: Trade Skills Assistant Internships Apply for P18AS00111 Funding Number: P18AS00111 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $37,922 |
| Hemlock Project – Phase 2 Apply for BOR MP 18 N016 Funding Number: BOR MP 18 N016 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $235,250 |
| Youth Conservation Activities on Reclamation Lands Apply for BOR MP 18 N017 Funding Number: BOR MP 18 N017 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $90,000 |
| Notice of Intent Apply for USGS 18 FA 0091 Funding Number: USGS 18 FA 0091 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $9,226 |
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