WaterSMART Drought Response Program
Agency: Bureau of Reclamation
- 15.514 -- Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief
Closed opportunityLast Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Important dates
- Closed: July 28, 2026
July 28, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
Award details
- Expected project funding: $13,500,000
- Expected awards: 20
Award min.
$25,000
Award max.
$1,500,000
- Funding opportunity number:R26AS00016
- Cost sharing or matching requirement:Yes
- Funding instrument type:
- Cooperative agreement
- Grant
- Opportunity Category:Discretionary
- Opportunity Category Explanation:Not specified
- Category of Funding Activity:
- Natural resources
- Category Explanation:Not specified
History
- Posted date: March 5, 2026
- Archive date: October 3, 2031
- Version: 3
Summary
Jump to documentsThrough WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and other entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply and hydropower reliability. The WaterSMART Drought Response Program NOFO invites eligible applicants to submit proposals for projects designed to improve drought resilience by developing effective water management strategies and drought contingency plans. Funding under the Drought Response Program supports a range of initiatives including infrastructure improvements for increased water storage and distribution capabilities, water source diversification, decision-making tools for water management, and comprehensive planning to prepare for and respond to drought conditions. WaterSMART Drought Response Program demonstrably advances Trump administration priorities, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14154 (January 20, 2025): Unleashing American Energy (E.O. 14154) and Secretarial Order 3418, and aligns with other priorities and requirements, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14332 (August 7, 2025): Improving Oversight in Federal Grantmaking (E.O. 14332).
Eligibility
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information on eligibility
Documents
| File name | Description | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| NOFO_Frequently_Asked_Questions.pdf | NOFO Frequently Asked Questions.pdf | Mar 5, 2026 07:14 PM UTC |
| Foa_Content_of_R26AS00016_Final.pdf | Foa_Content_of_R26AS00016_Final.pdf | Mar 5, 2026 07:13 PM UTC |
| Attachment_A_-_Budget_Detail_and_Narrative.xlsx | Attachment A - Budget_Detail_and_Narrative.xlsx | Mar 5, 2026 07:13 PM UTC |
| Attachment_B_-_Budget_Narrative_Guidance.pdf | Attachment B - Budget_Narrative_Guidance.pdf | Mar 5, 2026 07:14 PM UTC |
| Attachment_C_-_Drought_Contingency_Planning.pdf | Attachment C - Drought Contingency Planning.pdf | Mar 5, 2026 07:14 PM UTC |
Agency contact information
Email: bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov
bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov
Link to additional information
No additional information is available
