The Bureau of Reclamation's Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines the Emergency Drought Relief for Tribes Program, authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. With an estimated total funding of $9,000,000, the program aims to provide emergency drought relief to federally recognized Indian Tribes located in 17 western states. This funding opportunity encourages eligible Tribes to implement near-term drought relief actions that enhance water resilience and address critical shortages due to drought impacts.
Eligible applicants must demonstrate that their projects align with program objectives such as mitigating drought impacts, improving water delivery efficiency, and increasing resiliency to declining water sources. Proposed projects should not require cost-sharing and can range between $50,000 to $2,000,000.
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 4:00 PM MT on October 14, 2025, following a detailed submission process. The review process will evaluate applications based on project need, benefits, and implementation readiness. Successful proposals will receive funding to help Tribes manage and protect their water resources effectively, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of water supplies amid ongoing drought conditions.
The Bureau of Reclamation’s Frequently Asked Questions document outlines essential steps and considerations for organizations seeking to apply for grants. Key registration procedures must be completed via multiple platforms, including obtaining a Unique Entity ID (UEI) through SAM.gov, registering in the System for Award Management (SAM), and Grants.gov. Organizations are advised to start the registration process at least six weeks before the application deadline to avoid ineligibility due to registration delays. The document details how to resolve issues related to the registration process and how to check registration status.
Applicants must submit their proposals through Grants.gov as paper applications are generally not accepted, barring exceptional cases. Late submissions are not permitted, and applicants must verify their application has been submitted successfully through Grants.gov. The document emphasizes the need for accurate registration to match the UEI with the organization’s name to prevent disqualification. Overall, it functions as a guide for prospective grant applicants to navigate the registration and application processes efficiently while adhering to federal standards.
The document outlines essential steps for organizations seeking to apply for federal grants through systems like SAM.gov and Grants.gov. It stresses the importance of registering in SAM.gov to acquire a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintaining an active registration with updated information for compliance. Applicants are directed to register in Grants.gov, where various application methods (basic, intermediate, advanced) are provided to suit organizational needs. The process involves selecting a grant opportunity, creating a workspace, and submitting applications while ensuring all forms are error-free and deadlines are met. Specific instructions for GrantSolutions are also included, emphasizing registration requirements and user role assignments. Additionally, contact information for technical support through both Grants.gov and SAM.gov is provided to assist applicants. Overall, this resource serves as a comprehensive guide for navigating federal funding opportunities, ensuring organizations understand the registration and application processes necessary for successful grant submissions.