Opportunity Information: Apply for 09SF811499
Apply for 09SF811499
- The Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Office in the recovery act sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Challenge Grants Water Marketing and Efficiency Grants for the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.507 WaterSMART (Sustaining and Manage Americas Resources for Tomorrow).
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 20, 2009 and posted on Mar 10, 2009.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 22, 2009. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $40,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $5,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 22 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Eligible applicants include irrigation and water districts, water authorities of Federally recognized tribes, entities created under State or Territorial law with water management authority, which may include water user associations, water conservancy districts, canal, ditch and reservoir companies, municipal water authorities, State or Territory agencies or departments with water management authority. i.e., State departments of water resources, State engineer s offices, and other State or Territory agencies, departments, and boards with water management authority. Applicants must also be located in the Western United States or Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented specifically, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. Those not eligible include entities without water delivery authority, such as other State governmental entities Federal governmental entities universities or individuals.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
This grant opportunity, titled "Challenge Grants Water Marketing and Efficiency Grants for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" (Funding Opportunity Number 09SF811499), was issued by the Bureau of Reclamation (Denver Office) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act). It is a discretionary funding program offering grants and cooperative agreements to help communities in the Western United States and certain U.S. Territories improve how they manage and deliver water. The central idea is to fund practical, near-term projects that make existing water supplies go further through water conservation, water-use efficiency improvements, and systems that allow water to be stored, transferred, or reallocated more effectively. At the same time, because this was Recovery Act funding, the program also emphasized job preservation and creation, assistance to communities affected by the recession, and infrastructure investments that would produce long-term economic value while delivering a clear, useful public service.
The program specifically sought projects that "bank" water, "market" water, conserve water, or otherwise increase efficiency in water delivery and use. Water banking and water marketing concepts were strongly encouraged, and proposals containing these elements were given priority during selection, provided they were allowed under applicable state law. The Department of the Interior framed water banks and markets as important tools for addressing shortages in the West by enabling water to shift toward higher-demand uses while still respecting existing water rights frameworks. Funding decisions were made through a competitive process, meaning applicants were evaluated against each other rather than funded automatically.
Awards under this opportunity were substantial. The estimated total funding available was $40,000,000, with an expected 22 awards. Individual awards were anticipated to range from $1,000,000 (award floor) to $5,000,000 (award ceiling). A cost-sharing or matching contribution was required, reflecting the program's "challenge grant" design where local entities leverage federal dollars with their own funds and resources. The funding fell under CFDA 15.507 (WaterSMART: Sustaining and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow), aligning it with broader federal goals around sustainable water management.
Eligibility was limited to entities with water delivery or water management authority located in Reclamation states and specified territories. Eligible applicants included irrigation and water districts; water authorities of federally recognized tribes; and entities created under state or territorial law with water management authority, such as water user associations, water conservancy districts, canal, ditch and reservoir companies, municipal water authorities, and state or territorial agencies or offices responsible for water management (for example, departments of water resources or state engineer offices). Eligible geographic areas included Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, plus American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. Entities without water delivery authority were not eligible, and the listing explicitly excluded federal governmental entities, universities, and individuals (as well as other state governmental entities that do not have the required water authority).
Applicants were also warned that Recovery Act submissions were not the same as earlier Water Marketing and Efficiency Grant applications that had been due January 14, 2009. Prior applicants had to reapply to be considered for this Recovery Act funding. In addition, Recovery Act awards came with added compliance obligations beyond typical grants, including extra reporting requirements, Davis-Bacon wage rate determinations (requiring prevailing wage rules on applicable construction work), and Buy American Act requirements affecting procurement and materials. Key dates included a posted date of March 10, 2009, an original closing date of May 19, 2009, and a revised closing date of May 22, 2009, with the opportunity later archived on June 22, 2009. For access issues or assistance, the opportunity listed a grants officer contact: Stephanie Bartlett at 303-445-2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the official title of this grant opportunity?
The official title is "Challenge Grants Water Marketing and Efficiency Grants for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is 09SF811499.
Which agency issued this funding opportunity?
This opportunity was issued by the Bureau of Reclamation (Denver Office), within the U.S. Department of the Interior.
What is the purpose of this grant program?
The program provides discretionary grants and cooperative agreements to help communities improve water management and water delivery by funding practical, near-term projects that stretch existing water supplies further through water conservation, water-use efficiency improvements, and systems that allow water to be stored, transferred, or reallocated more effectively.
How does the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) relate to this opportunity?
This funding was provided as part of the Recovery Act, so in addition to water management outcomes, the program emphasized job preservation and creation, assistance to communities affected by the recession, and infrastructure investments expected to deliver long-term economic value and a clear public service.
Is this an entitlement program where all eligible applicants are funded?
No. Funding decisions were made through a competitive process, meaning eligible applicants were evaluated against one another and awards were not automatic.
What types of projects were encouraged?
The opportunity specifically sought projects that "bank" water, "market" water, conserve water, or otherwise increase efficiency in water delivery and water use.
What are "water banking" and "water marketing" in the context of this grant?
Within this opportunity, water banking and water marketing were framed as tools to address shortages by enabling water to be stored, transferred, or shifted toward higher-demand uses while still respecting existing water rights frameworks, as allowed under applicable state law.
Were proposals with water banking or water marketing prioritized?
Yes. Proposals containing water banking and/or water marketing elements were given priority during selection, provided those elements were allowed under applicable state law.
How much total funding was estimated to be available?
The estimated total funding available was $40,000,000.
How many awards were expected?
The opportunity anticipated approximately 22 awards.
What was the expected award size?
Individual awards were anticipated to range from $1,000,000 (award floor) to $5,000,000 (award ceiling).
Was cost sharing or matching required?
Yes. A cost-sharing or matching contribution was required as part of the program's "challenge grant" approach, meaning applicants were expected to leverage federal dollars with their own funds and resources.
What CFDA program is this associated with?
The funding fell under CFDA 15.507, identified as WaterSMART: Sustaining and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was limited to entities with water delivery or water management authority located in Reclamation states and specified U.S. Territories. Examples listed as eligible included irrigation and water districts; water authorities of federally recognized tribes; and entities created under state or territorial law with water management authority (such as water user associations, water conservancy districts, canal, ditch and reservoir companies, municipal water authorities, and state or territorial agencies or offices responsible for water management).
Which geographic areas were eligible?
Eligible locations included Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, plus American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands.
Are federally recognized tribes eligible?
Yes. Water authorities of federally recognized tribes were listed among eligible applicant types, as long as they have water delivery or water management authority and are located in eligible areas.
Are state agencies eligible?
Yes, if they are state or territorial agencies or offices responsible for water management (for example, departments of water resources or state engineer offices) and have the required water management authority in an eligible area.
Who was not eligible to apply?
Entities without water delivery authority were not eligible. The listing also explicitly excluded federal governmental entities, universities, and individuals (and other state governmental entities that do not have the required water authority).
If an applicant submitted an earlier Water Marketing and Efficiency Grant application due January 14, 2009, did that submission carry over?
No. The opportunity warned that Recovery Act submissions were not the same as earlier Water Marketing and Efficiency Grant applications that had been due January 14, 2009. Prior applicants had to reapply to be considered for this Recovery Act funding.
Did this Recovery Act opportunity have additional compliance requirements?
Yes. Recovery Act awards included added compliance obligations beyond typical grants, including extra reporting requirements, Davis-Bacon wage rate determinations (prevailing wage rules on applicable construction work), and Buy American Act requirements affecting procurement and materials.
What is the posted date for the opportunity?
The posted date was March 10, 2009.
What was the application closing date?
The opportunity listed an original closing date of May 19, 2009, and a revised closing date of May 22, 2009.
When was the opportunity archived?
The opportunity was later archived on June 22, 2009.
Who can applicants contact for access issues or assistance?
The listed grants officer contact was Stephanie Bartlett at 303-445-2025.
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Office
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Recovery Act
Next opportunity: Region 7 Wetland Program Development Grants
Previous opportunity: Multi Species Conservation Program American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding Announcement
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 09SF811499
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (09SF811499) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Recovery Act WAP Formula Grants Apply for DE FOA 0000051 Funding Number: DE FOA 0000051 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| OVW Recovery Act Transitional Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking or Sexual Assault Apply for OVW 2009 2125 Funding Number: OVW 2009 2125 Agency: Office on Violence Against Women Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Bureau of Reclamations Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Apply for 09SF811500 Funding Number: 09SF811500 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Office Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: $126,000,000 |
| Recovery Act Tribal Crime Data Collection, Analysis and Estimation Project Apply for 2009 BJS 2163 Funding Number: 2009 BJS 2163 Agency: Bureau of Justice Statistics Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Recovery Act Evaluation of Internet Child Safety Materials Used by ICAC Task Forces in School and Community Settings Apply for NIJ 2009 2141 Funding Number: NIJ 2009 2141 Agency: National Institute of Justice Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Recovery Act Research and Evaluation of Recovery Act State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Apply for NIJ 2009 2142 Funding Number: NIJ 2009 2142 Agency: National Institute of Justice Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| OVW Recovery Act Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program Apply for OVW 2009 2129 Funding Number: OVW 2009 2129 Agency: Office on Violence Against Women Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| OVW Recovery Act Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assualt Coalitions Program Apply for OVW 2009 2130 Funding Number: OVW 2009 2130 Agency: Office on Violence Against Women Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: $154,000 |
| Recovery Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants Formula Grants Apply for DE FOA 0000013 Funding Number: DE FOA 0000013 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Recovery Act WIC EBT Expansion Apply for USDA FNS WIEBT ARRA 09 01 Funding Number: USDA FNS WIEBT ARRA 09 01 Agency: Food and Nutrition Service Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Recovery Act New SAM and EBT Grant Apply for USDA FNS WIEBT WISA ARRA 09 02 Funding Number: USDA FNS WIEBT WISA ARRA 09 02 Agency: Food and Nutrition Service Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Recovery Act Other WIC/MIS Projects Apply for USDA FNS WICMIS ARRA 09 03 Funding Number: USDA FNS WICMIS ARRA 09 03 Agency: Food and Nutrition Service Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Head Start Expansion Apply for HHS 2009 ACF OHS SH 0089 Funding Number: HHS 2009 ACF OHS SH 0089 Agency: Administration for Children and Families Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Early Head Start Expansion Apply for HHS 2009 ACF OHS SA 0087 Funding Number: HHS 2009 ACF OHS SA 0087 Agency: Administration for Children and Families Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| RECOVERY Air Force Fiscal Year 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Research Program Apply for AFOSR BAA 2009 3 Funding Number: AFOSR BAA 2009 3 Agency: Air Force Office of Scientific Research Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Recovery Act Smart Grid Demonstrations Apply for DE FOA 0000036 Funding Number: DE FOA 0000036 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Community Services Block Grant Training and Technical Assistance Program Capacity Building for Ongoing CSBG Programs and Strategic Planning and Coordination Supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Apply for HHS 2009 ACF OCS EQ 0037 Funding Number: HHS 2009 ACF OCS EQ 0037 Agency: Administration for Children and Families Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ARRA Airport Checked Baggage Inspection System Apply for DHS09TSA117 001 ARRA Funding Number: DHS09TSA117 001 ARRA Agency: Department of Homeland Security Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: $598,000,000 |
| RECOVERY ACT Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy (ARPA E) Apply for DE FOA 0000065 Funding Number: DE FOA 0000065 Agency: Headquarters Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Supplemental for Pandemic Flu Aggregate Reporting of Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Doses Administered Apply for CDC RFA IP08 80302SUPP09 Funding Number: CDC RFA IP08 80302SUPP09 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Recovery Act Funding Amount: $150,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "09SF811499", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.