Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects

The Bureau of Reclamation, under the Department of the Interior, is soliciting proposals through the WaterSMART Program for Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects via solicitation R26AS00079, posted on May 14, 2026, with a submission deadline of August 26, 2027. This funding opportunity supports the planning, design, and construction of projects that increase water supply reliability by reusing treated wastewater for urban and irrigation purposes, directly aligning with Trump administration priorities outlined in Executive Orders 14154 and 14332, as well as Secretarial Order 3418. Eligible applicants, including states, tribes, and other entities, must demonstrate how their projects will increase available reclaimed water supply, address water management challenges, provide economic benefits, and advance departmental and presidential priorities. Proposals are evaluated on a 100-point scale with weighted criteria emphasizing water supply gains (25 points), economic analysis (20 points), alignment with national priorities (20 points), construction priority (10 points), and other factors including regional collaboration and cost share. Applications must not exceed 40 pages total, including all attachments such as the Suggested Budget Template, and must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using standardized forms and formatting rules, including 12-point font and 1-inch margins. Awards will be made as cooperative agreements or grants under 2 CFR Part 200, with a fixed performance period of two years from September 30, 2027, to September 30, 2029. Projects must be located in the Western United States and comply with federal environmental laws including NEPA, ESA, and NHPA, while meeting procurement standards such as written justifications for contracts over $250,000 or 35% of total project cost. Applicants must have a current Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) registered in SAM.gov and may be required to submit the SF-LLL form if lobbying activities exceed $100,000 in non-appropriated funds. Key personnel must be identified by name, role, and confirmed labor rates, and any overlapping federal commitments must be disclosed. While no specific contract clauses, packaging requirements, or invoicing systems are listed, compliance with financial management, cost principles, and subaward reporting under 2 CFR 200 is mandatory. Payment will be processed via ASAP,