Opportunity Information: Apply for R13SF80003
Apply for R13SF80003
- The Bureau of Reclamation Denver Office in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for 2013" 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 Nov 2, 2012 and posted on Oct 30, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 17, 2013. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $21,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 50 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Under P.L. 111 11, Section 9502, an eligible applicant is a State, Indian tribe, irrigation district, water district, or other organization with water or power delivery 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 the following entities Federal governmental entities Institutions of higher education Individuals
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for 2013 (Funding Opportunity Number R13SF80003) was a discretionary grant program from the Bureau of Reclamation (Denver Office) designed to help water and power delivery entities in the western United States and certain U.S. territories carry out practical projects that reduce water waste and improve energy performance. The central idea of the opportunity was to encourage applicants to partner with Reclamation through cost sharing, so that local, state, and tribal investments could be leveraged with federal support to produce measurable improvements in water conservation, system efficiency, and overall water supply sustainability.
This funding opportunity focused on projects that conserve and use water more efficiently, expand the use of renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, support endangered and threatened species, facilitate water markets, and address climate-related impacts on water resources. It also emphasized projects that could help prevent or reduce the risk of water-related crises or conflicts, reflecting the broader challenge of tightening water supplies across the West. In addition to standalone efficiency upgrades, the FOA explicitly positioned these grants as a way to complement larger planning and sustainability efforts already underway, particularly Reclamation's WaterSMART Basin Study Program.
A key feature of the announcement was its connection to Basin Studies. Basin Studies are collaborative assessments in which Reclamation and local partners evaluate whether future water demands in a basin can be met, analyze how climate change could affect supplies, and identify adaptation strategies. This FOA created a clear pathway for entities that had already completed a Basin Study to seek implementation funding for eligible adaptation actions identified in that planning process. In other words, the grant was not only about planning; it was meant to move selected, ready-to-implement strategies from paper into real-world infrastructure or management improvements.
The opportunity also highlighted water delivery system improvements that could enable additional on-farm conservation measures later. This matters because upstream or district-level upgrades, such as modernizing canals or improving control and measurement, can make it easier for individual farmers to adopt more efficient irrigation practices over time. The FOA further noted that some downstream, on-farm improvements could potentially align with or become eligible for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funding, signaling an intent to encourage coordinated, layered financing across federal programs where appropriate.
In terms of funding scale, Reclamation expected to make about 50 awards, supported by an estimated total program funding amount of $21,000,000. Individual awards ranged from a floor of $1,500,000? Actually the posted data list an Award Ceiling of $1,500,000 and an Award Floor of $1, which indicates projects could be funded at varying levels up to $1.5 million. Cost sharing or matching was required, reinforcing that recipients were expected to bring their own resources to the table rather than rely solely on federal dollars.
Eligibility was limited by both applicant type and geography under P.L. 111-11, Section 9502. Eligible applicants included States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority. Applicants also had to be located in the areas served under the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended, which the FOA listed as Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. The FOA specifically excluded federal governmental entities, institutions of higher education, and individuals from applying.
Key administrative details include the posting date of October 30, 2012, a creation date of November 2, 2012, and an application closing date of January 17, 2013 (with an archive date of January 18, 2013). The program was listed under CFDA 15.507 (WaterSMART - Sustaining and Manage Americas Resources for Tomorrow). For assistance accessing the full announcement, the contact provided was Michelle Maher, Grants Officer, at 303-445-2025.
WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for 2013 (R13SF80003) - FAQs
What is this funding opportunity?
The WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for 2013 (Funding Opportunity Number R13SF80003) was a discretionary grant program from the Bureau of Reclamation (Denver Office). It was intended to help water and power delivery entities carry out practical projects that reduce water waste and improve energy performance.
What was the main purpose of the program?
The central purpose was to leverage federal support through required cost sharing, so local, state, and tribal investments could be combined with Reclamation funding to produce measurable improvements in water conservation, system efficiency, and long-term water supply sustainability.
Who administered the grant?
The grant was administered by the Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Office.
What kinds of projects were emphasized?
The opportunity emphasized projects that:
- Conserve water and use water more efficiently
- Reduce water waste in delivery systems
- Improve energy efficiency and energy performance
- Expand the use of renewable energy
- Support endangered and threatened species
- Facilitate water markets
- Address climate-related impacts on water resources
- Help prevent or reduce the risk of water-related crises or conflicts
Was the program focused on planning or implementation?
It was focused on implementation. While it aligned with broader planning and sustainability efforts, the FOA positioned these grants as a way to move ready-to-implement strategies into real-world infrastructure or management improvements.
How did this opportunity relate to WaterSMART Basin Studies?
The FOA was explicitly connected to Reclamation's WaterSMART Basin Study Program. Basin Studies are collaborative assessments that evaluate whether future water demands can be met, consider potential climate change impacts on water supplies, and identify adaptation strategies. This FOA created a pathway for entities that had completed a Basin Study to apply for implementation funding for eligible adaptation actions identified in that study.
Do applicants need to have completed a Basin Study to apply?
The FOA described a clear pathway for Basin Study participants to pursue implementation funding, but it also discussed projects more broadly (including standalone efficiency upgrades). Based on the information provided, a completed Basin Study was highlighted as a strong alignment factor, not stated here as the only route to eligibility.
What types of water delivery system improvements were mentioned?
The FOA highlighted improvements to water delivery systems that could enable additional on-farm conservation later. Examples described at a high level included modernization of canals and improvements in control and measurement, which can make it easier for individual farms to adopt more efficient irrigation practices over time.
How did the FOA address on-farm conservation and other federal funding sources?
The announcement noted that some downstream, on-farm improvements could potentially align with or become eligible for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funding. This signaled an intent to encourage coordinated, layered financing across federal programs where appropriate.
How many awards were expected?
Reclamation expected to make about 50 awards under this funding opportunity.
How much total funding was estimated for the program?
The estimated total program funding amount was $21,000,000.
What was the maximum award size?
The posted award ceiling was $1,500,000, indicating awards could be made up to $1.5 million.
What was the minimum award size?
The posted award floor was $1, indicating projects could be funded at varying levels, including very small amounts, as reflected in the listing.
Was cost sharing or matching required?
Yes. Cost sharing (matching) was required, reflecting the program's intent to partner with Reclamation and leverage non-federal investment alongside federal funds.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was limited by applicant type and geography under P.L. 111-11, Section 9502. Eligible applicants included:
- States
- Indian tribes
- Irrigation districts
- Water districts
- Other organizations with water or power delivery authority
Which geographic areas were eligible?
Applicants had to be located in areas served under the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended. The FOA listed the following eligible states and territories:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
- American Samoa
- Guam
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Virgin Islands
Who was not eligible to apply?
The FOA specifically excluded the following applicant types:
- Federal governmental entities
- Institutions of higher education
- Individuals
When was the opportunity posted?
The posting date was October 30, 2012.
What was the creation date listed for the opportunity?
The creation date was November 2, 2012.
What was the application deadline?
The application closing date was January 17, 2013.
When was the opportunity archived?
The archive date was January 18, 2013.
What is the CFDA number for this program?
The program was listed under CFDA 15.507 (WaterSMART - Sustaining and Manage Americas Resources for Tomorrow).
What broader challenges did the FOA say it was trying to address?
The FOA framed the program in the context of tightening water supplies across the West and emphasized projects that could prevent or reduce the risk of water-related crises or conflicts, alongside improving efficiency and sustainability.
Who can be contacted for help accessing the full announcement?
The contact provided for assistance accessing the full announcement was Michelle Maher, Grants Officer, at 303-445-2025.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Natural Resources
Next opportunity: Community based Forest management Programs for REDD Readiness in Zambia
Previous opportunity: Baird Creek Property Acquisition
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 R13SF80003
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (R13SF80003) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY13 Water Conservation Field Services Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for R13SF30001 Funding Number: R13SF30001 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Lower Colorado Region Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Joint Venture Habitat Restoration and Protection Apply for F13AS00015 Funding Number: F13AS00015 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $295,000 |
| Rotary Screw Trap Data Collection and Analysis on American River Apply for F13AS00016 Funding Number: F13AS00016 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $91,577 |
| Lower Colorado River Multi Species Conservation Program Apply for R13SF30002 Funding Number: R13SF30002 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Lower Colorado Region Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Desalination and Water Purification Research and Development (DWPR) Pre proposal Solicitation Apply for R13SF80004 Funding Number: R13SF80004 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Denver Office Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| CTUIR Monitoring and Evaluation Apply for F13AS00018 Funding Number: F13AS00018 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $260,370 |
| Bay Delta Restoration Program CALFED Water Use Efficiency Grants Apply for R13AF20004 Funding Number: R13AF20004 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Mid Pacific Region Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Water Conservation Field Services Program Great Plains Region, Eastern Colorado Area Office Apply for R13SF60002 Funding Number: R13SF60002 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Region Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Water Conservation Field Services Program Great Plains Region, Oklahoma Texas Area Office Apply for R13SF60003 Funding Number: R13SF60003 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Region Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Water Conservation Field Services Program Great Plains Region, Nebraska Kansas Area Office Apply for R13SF60004 Funding Number: R13SF60004 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Region Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Water Conservation Field Services Program Great Plains Region, Wyoming Area Office Apply for R13SF60005 Funding Number: R13SF60005 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Region Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Blackfoot River Recreation Management Partnership Apply for L13AS00003 Funding Number: L13AS00003 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| BLM CESU Design Validation Evaluation Monitoring Protocols for Arid Ecosystems Apply for L13AS00005 Funding Number: L13AS00005 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $99,000 |
| CESU Arizona Translocation Analysis for Flat tailed Horned Lizard (FTHL) Apply for L13AS00006 Funding Number: L13AS00006 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Sustainable Landscapes, Clean Energy and Adaptation Apply for APS OAA 12 000003 ADDENDUM Funding Number: APS OAA 12 000003 ADDENDUM Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Water Conservation Field Services Program Southern California Area Office Apply for R13SF35001 Funding Number: R13SF35001 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Lower Colorado Region Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Water Conservation Field Services Program Yuma Area Office Apply for R13SF34001 Funding Number: R13SF34001 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Lower Colorado Region Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $220,000 |
| Land Management and Conservation Internship Opportunities in MT/Dakotas Apply for L13AS00007 Funding Number: L13AS00007 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $114,000 |
| Idaho Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS) FY 2013 Apply for L13AS00009 Funding Number: L13AS00009 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| BLM Utah Youth Initiative Program FY 2013 Apply for L13AS00008 Funding Number: L13AS00008 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $50,000 |
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 "R13SF80003", 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.