WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026
ID: 357615Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Bureau of Reclamation (DOI-BOR)

Award Range

$500K - $10M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Environment

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Bureau of Reclamation is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects" for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026, aimed at restoring and protecting aquatic ecosystems in the Western United States. This initiative seeks to leverage both federal and non-federal funding to support collaborative projects that enhance the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitats, while also addressing priorities outlined in recent Presidential Executive Orders related to climate and equity. Eligible applicants include states, tribes, irrigation districts, and nonprofit conservation organizations, with funding amounts ranging from $500,000 to $10 million, and a total program funding of $95 million available. Interested parties must submit their applications electronically by 4:00 p.m. MT on February 17, 2026, and can direct inquiries to Alisha James at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document provides comprehensive guidance for preparing a budget narrative and estimate in conjunction with federal grant proposals. Key requirements emphasize compliance with cost principles outlined in 2 CFR Part 200, ensuring all costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable. The file is structured into various budget categories, including Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel, Equipment, Supplies, Contractual, Construction, and Other Direct Costs, along with specific directives for each category. Key components of the budget narrative must include a detailed breakdown of projected costs, justifications for salaries and expenses, and compliance with federal guidelines. The narrative must explain the purpose of proposed expenditures, the basis for cost estimates, and any necessary documentation, including in-kind contributions and indirect costs. The overall aim is to foster clarity and ensure that funding is appropriately allocated for project activities, aligning with federal requirements for grants and RFPs. This guidance is essential for applicants to secure funding while maintaining fiscal accountability and transparency in their budgeting process.
    Similar Opportunities
    WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects 2024
    Active
    Bureau of Reclamation
    The Bureau of Reclamation is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects 2024," aimed at enhancing water supply reliability through various conservation and infrastructure projects. Eligible applicants include states, tribes, irrigation districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority, particularly those located in specific states and territories. This initiative is part of the WaterSMART Program, which aligns with federal priorities to address climate change and support underserved communities, providing up to $5 million in funding with a matching requirement. Interested parties should submit their applications electronically by 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on March 11, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Alisha James at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov.
    WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects For Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025
    Active
    Bureau of Reclamation
    The Bureau of Reclamation is offering grants through the WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at enhancing water supply sustainability in the Western United States. The program invites eligible applicants, including states, tribes, irrigation districts, and nonprofit conservation organizations, to propose projects that conserve or improve the management of water resources, with a focus on cost-sharing with federal funding. This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that 40% of the benefits flow to disadvantaged communities, and emphasizes the importance of well-planned projects supported by existing water management strategies. Interested applicants must submit their proposals electronically by January 14, 2025, with a total funding pool of $12 million and individual awards ranging from $0 to $125,000. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Christina Munoz at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov.
    Water Conservation Field Services Program for Fiscal Year 2025
    Active
    Bureau of Reclamation
    The Bureau of Reclamation is offering a grant opportunity under the Water Conservation Field Services Program for Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at enhancing water conservation efforts in response to drought conditions in the Western United States. Eligible applicants include states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, and other organizations with water delivery authority located within the Lower Colorado Basin and associated territories, with a requirement for a 50% cost-share of the total project cost. This initiative is critical for developing water management plans and implementing innovative conservation technologies, reflecting the Department's commitment to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience. Interested parties must submit their applications electronically by February 3, 2025, with a total funding pool of approximately $500,000 available, and individual awards ranging from $1 to $100,000. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Chandrika Nasstrom at cnasstrom@usbr.gov or Diana Blake at dmblake@usbr.gov.
    WaterSMART Applied Science Grants
    Active
    Bureau of Reclamation
    The Bureau of Reclamation is offering WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aimed at supporting non-Federal entities in applied science projects that enhance hydrologic data access and water management tools. The primary objective is to improve water supply reliability and management through cost-sharing initiatives, with projects focusing on developing hydrologic information, modeling, forecasting capabilities, and nature-based solutions. This funding opportunity is critical for water managers in the Western United States and U.S. Territories, with a total program funding of $10 million and individual awards ranging from $1 to $400,000. Interested applicants must submit their proposals electronically via Grants.gov by February 10, 2026, and can contact Nathan Moeller at nmoeller@usbr.gov for further information.
    Native American Affairs: Technical Assistance to Tribes for Fiscal Year 2025
    Active
    Bureau of Reclamation
    The Bureau of Reclamation is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Native American Affairs: Technical Assistance to Tribes for Fiscal Year 2025," aimed at providing financial and technical assistance to federally recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations. The objective of this grant is to support projects that develop, manage, and protect tribal water and related resources, aligning with the Biden-Harris Administration's priorities on climate action and advancing equity for underserved communities. With an estimated total program funding of $10 million and individual awards ranging from $0 to $1 million, interested applicants must submit their proposals by 4:00 p.m. MST on February 27, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Christina Munoz at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov.
    FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Colorado Aquatic Resource Management
    Active
    Bureau of Land Management
    The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering a funding opportunity for its Colorado Aquatic Resource Management Program through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This initiative, with an estimated total funding of $999,000, aims to support projects that enhance and restore aquatic ecosystems, riparian areas, and wetlands, addressing critical issues such as habitat restoration, water quality, and climate resilience. Eligible applicants include private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, and non-profit organizations, while individuals and for-profit entities are ineligible. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by January 31, 2025, with funding amounts ranging from $5,000 to $45,000 for selected projects expected to commence by August 2025. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Thelma Mosley at tmosley@blm.gov.
    Sacramento River Valley Habitat & Facility Improvements IRA
    Active
    Bureau of Reclamation
    The Bureau of Reclamation has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the "Sacramento River Valley Habitat & Facility Improvements IRA" project, aimed at supporting ecosystem and habitat restoration efforts in the Sacramento Valley. This initiative, funded under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, seeks to enhance habitats for fish species, particularly Chinook salmon and Steelhead trout, in response to environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change. Eligible applicants, specifically nonfederally recognized Native American Tribal Organizations, may request funding between $2.5 million and $5 million, with a total program funding cap of $25 million available for 5 to 10 projects. Applications must be submitted electronically by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on February 11, 2025, and interested parties can contact Steven Larson at Snlarson@usbr.gov for further information.
    Bay-Delta Restoration Program: CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026
    Active
    Bureau of Reclamation
    The Bureau of Reclamation has announced the "Bay-Delta Restoration Program: CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants" for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026, aimed at enhancing water management and efficiency in California's Bay-Delta region. This funding opportunity seeks to support eligible projects that conserve water, protect ecosystems, and improve water quality through cost-share funding, requiring a minimum non-federal match of 50% of total project costs. With an expected allocation of $1.5 million for FY2025 and the potential for 2-4 awards annually, applicants can request up to $500,000 per project, provided their initiatives have a clear connection to the Bay-Delta. Interested parties must submit their applications electronically by February 13, 2025, and can reach out to Pete Arp at parp@usbr.gov for further information.
    FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington (ORWA) Aquatic Resource Management
    Active
    Bureau of Land Management
    The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering a funding opportunity for the FY25 IIJA/IRA Aquatic Resource Management program, aimed at protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems in Oregon and Washington. This program, supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, seeks to enhance water quality, availability, and habitat sustainability through cooperative agreements, with funding awards ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. Eligible applicants include private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, Native American tribes, and certain non-profit organizations, while individuals and for-profit entities are excluded. Interested parties must submit their applications by February 4, 2025, and can contact Shelli Timmons at srtimmons@blm.gov for further information regarding the application process and requirements.
    FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Headquarters (HQ) Aquatic Resource Management
    Active
    Bureau of Land Management
    The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering a funding opportunity through the FY25 IIJA/IRA Aquatic Resource Management program, aimed at protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems. This program seeks to address critical issues such as habitat degradation, water availability, and the management of invasive species, aligning with the priorities set forth in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Eligible applicants include private institutions of higher education, with a total funding amount of $500,000 available, and proposals must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by February 14, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Irene Sattler at isattler@blm.gov.