Water Conservation Field Services Program | BOR UC 17 F001

Water Conservation Field Services Program (BOR UC 17 F001) FAQs

1) What is the Water Conservation Field Services Program?

The Water Conservation Field Services Program is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. It supports efforts to improve water resource management and increase the efficiency of water use across the western United States, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where supplies are limited and demand is high.

2) Which federal agency administers this grant?

The program is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (often referred to as "Reclamation").

3) What is the main goal of the program?

The central goal is to encourage measurable water conservation and better system management. This includes improving operational efficiency and reducing water losses to help stretch limited supplies and improve long-term reliability.

4) What geographic area does the program focus on?

The opportunity focuses on the western United States, with particular relevance to arid and semi-arid regions where water scarcity and competing demands are persistent challenges.

5) How does this program fit into Reclamation's broader mission?

Reclamation's mission has evolved over more than a century. While early federal reclamation efforts emphasized building irrigation infrastructure to support settlement and agriculture, the agency today emphasizes water resource management. Conservation and efficient water use are described as key tools for addressing modern pressures such as scarce supplies, competing demands, and aging infrastructure.

6) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed for this opportunity is BOR UC 17 F001.

7) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

This opportunity is associated with CFDA 15.530, a federal assistance listing tied to Bureau of Reclamation water-related programs.

8) When was this funding opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on November 16, 2016.

9) What was the application deadline?

The original application deadline was January 18, 2017.

10) What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount (award ceiling) listed for this opportunity was $75,000.

11) About how many awards did Reclamation anticipate making?

Reclamation anticipated making around 20 awards. This suggests an emphasis on supporting multiple smaller, practical projects rather than funding a small number of large projects.

12) What is the activity category for this grant?

The activity category is Natural Resources, reflecting the program's focus on stewardship and improved management of water systems and supplies.

13) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly indicated as "Others," with additional clarification referenced in the full opportunity text. The description also notes that programs like this typically involve partnerships and are often used by local or regional water entities, districts, tribes, nonprofits, universities, or other qualifying organizations working on conservation or efficiency efforts.

14) What types of projects does the program typically support?

Based on the program description, supported efforts commonly include evaluating and implementing conservation practices, conducting planning or technical assessments, and carrying out on-the-ground improvements that reduce water losses or improve operational efficiency.

15) What kinds of water challenges is the program intended to address?

The program is framed around challenges common in the western United States, including limited water supplies, high demand, competing water uses, aging infrastructure, and long-term reliability concerns.

16) Why does Reclamation emphasize conservation and efficiency today?

After more than 100 years of project development, the agency emphasizes managing and optimizing existing water resources and systems rather than building entirely new infrastructure. Conservation and efficient use are positioned as practical strategies for meeting modern water scarcity and management challenges.

17) How does this program relate to the history of the Reclamation Act of 1902?

The Reclamation Act of 1902 launched federal reclamation efforts with the goal of helping settle and develop the American West by building irrigation infrastructure intended to support small family farms. Over time, Reclamation projects expanded beyond irrigation to include municipal and industrial water supplies, recreation, fish and wildlife needs, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. The Field Services conservation focus reflects the agency's modern shift toward water management and efficiency.

18) What is the underlying purpose of funding smaller projects (based on the stated award ceiling and anticipated number of awards)?

With a $75,000 award ceiling and roughly 20 anticipated awards, the opportunity appears designed to encourage multiple practical, implementable projects across different communities and water systems, supporting broad improvements in conservation and water management outcomes across the West.

19) What does "discretionary grant opportunity" mean in this context?

The opportunity is described as discretionary, meaning it is offered as a competitive grant program rather than as automatic or formula-based funding. (Additional specifics would be contained in the full opportunity text.)

20) Where should applicants look for the detailed eligibility clarification and other requirements?

The information provided indicates that eligibility is listed as "Others" with additional clarification referenced in the full opportunity text. Applicants would need to consult the full opportunity announcement associated with BOR UC 17 F001 for the complete eligibility details and any additional requirements.