Federal Assistance Manual

CHAPTER 5-10W WATERSHED COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT PROGRAM – THE APPLICATION PROCESS

• 5-10W-00 Purpose and Applicability of this Chapter
• 5-10W-10 Policy
• 5-10W-20 Instructions for Preparing a Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program Application
• Exhibit 1 Standard Form 424
• Exhibit 2 OSM-51 Program Narrative
• Exhibit 3 Budget Information
• Exhibit 4 Certifications
• Exhibit 5 Assurances--Construction Programs

5-10W-00 Purpose and Applicability of this Chapter

This chapter explains how to apply for Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program (WCAP) funding.

5-10W-10 Policy

Applicants must submit a complete grant application to OSM at least 60 days prior to the intended start of the project. Applications may be submitted using an approved electronic system such as Grants.gov or the Financial and Business Management System (FBMS). Alternatively, applicants may submit an e-mail package or one signed original and one copy of the complete application. If the package is e-mailed, forms must include the name and title of the authorized official who signed them and the date signed, and the applicant must maintain the original signed forms in their files.

5-10W-20 Instructions for Preparing a Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program Application

An applicant must submit the following items to apply for a watershed cooperative agreement.

1. Completely fill out the SF 424, Application Face Sheet (Exhibit 1).
2. Program Narrative. Provide a program narrative statement explaining the proposed project. The following items must be addressed. The OSM 51 form (Exhibit 2) may be used to submit the program narrative; however, use of this form is optional.
   1. Need for the project.
   2. Purpose, goals and objectives of the project.
   3. One paragraph summary of the project.
   4. The work to be done and by whom.
   5. Who owns or will own and manage the project lands/waters.
   6. Does the applicant have the legal right of entry to the property for construction purposes? Provide a copy of the document.
   7. The project must use treatment technology with a high likelihood of success, with tangible results, and without the need for excessive maintenance. With this in mind, describe the technology and project design to be used, including material quantities, if available.
   8. The expected tangible results and how they will be monitored.
   9. An estimate of how long after the award of OSM funds will the project begin.
   10. A timetable for accomplishment of major project activities during the cooperative agreement performance period (maximum two years).
   11. Describe the long term maintenance, and renovation plan for taking care of any ongoing operational/maintenance requirements.
   12. Provide documented evidence that Federally mandated clearances including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) for endangered species (unless delegated to State) and State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) have been obtained. The ACSP Coordinator can assist in securing these clearances.
   13. List all permits that will be required and provide assurance from the applicant of compliance prior to construction. Primary permits of interest to OSM are the wetlands, floodplains and stream encroachments, and any state environmental permits. The ACSP Coordinator can assist in identifying these permits.
   14. Identify selected contractors and subcontractors, if any. All known contractors and subcontractors must have an Applicant Violator System (AVS)/debarment check before the award. The ACSP Coordinator can perform or assist with these checks. The applicant is responsible to perform an AVS/debarment check for contractors or subcontractors selected after the award, with the assistance of the ACSP Coordinator if needed. AVS/debarment checks should be documented in the quarterly and final performance reports.
   15. Provide long-term water quality and quantity information including at a minimum: flow, pH, acidity, total and ferrous Iron, and aluminum. A minimum of 12 monthly samples is preferred.
3. Itemized Budget Estimate. In tabular form, list total costs by project activity; apportion these costs to OSM funds, other Federal agency funds, non-Federal funds, and in-kind services provided by partners. Apportion OSM dollars to administrative, design, construction, project inspection/monitoring, and other major cost items (itemize). The use of the displayed Budget Information form is optional (Exhibit 3).
4. Budget Justification Narrative. Include a narrative justification for the project costs included on the itemized budget estimate form.
5. Your Organization: Briefly describe your organization, including the names and titles of your principal officers/members.
6. Your Financial Management System: Provide a brief description of your financial management system (accounting and internal controls).
7. Provide a copy of your organization’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 501(c)(3) designation.
8. Partners and Other Resources.
   1. Provide the names, affiliation, roles and contributions of each participating group/partner in the following categories: providing funding, providing in-kind services (time and materials), and supporting partners (in favor of project but not providing in-kind or financial contributions).
   2. Attach letters from contributing partners confirming their commitment of funds or in-kind services.
9. Local Support for the Project: Include letters of support for the project from local community groups, businesses and/or individuals.
10. Certifications (Exhibit 4). Include the form with your application.
11. SF 424D – Assurances for Construction Programs (Exhibit 5). Sign and date the form.

EXHIBIT 1 STANDARD FORM 424 - Print Form

EXHIBIT 2 OSM 47 Budget Report - Print Form

EXHIBIT 3

BUDGET INFORMATION - Construction Programs (Format)
Project Activity/Costs	OSM Funding	Other Federal Agency Funding	Non-Federal Partners Funding	Partners In-Kind Contributions	Total Cost
1. Administrative
2. Design
3. Construction
4. Project Inspection/Monitoring
5. Other Major Costs (Itemize)
6. TOTAL

EXHIBIT 4 Certifications - Print Form

EXHIBIT 5 Assurances--Construction Programs - Print Form

For more information contact grants@osmre.gov