WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects
Agency: Bureau of Reclamation
Assistance Listings: 15.591 -- WaterSMART Desalination Construction Program
Description
Through 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 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). The WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects NOFO invites eligible applicants to submit proposals for the planning, design, and/or construction of facilities to desalinate seawater or brackish surface water or groundwater. By providing growing communities with new sources of local water supply, desalination projects diversify the water supply portfolio, increase water management flexibility during times of shortage, and make the water supply more reliable.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
Grantor contact information
Description
Office
Documents
| File name | Description | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment_B_-_Budget_Narrative_Guidance.pdf | Attachment B - Budget_Narrative_Guidance.pdf | May 14, 2026 05:30 PM UTC |
| NOFO_Frequently_Asked_Questions.pdf | NOFO Frequently Asked Questions.pdf | May 14, 2026 05:30 PM UTC |
| Submission_Instructions__Tips.pdf | Submission Instructions & Tips.pdf | May 14, 2026 05:32 PM UTC |
| Foa_Content_of_R26AS00034_Final.pdf | Foa_Content_of_R26AS00034 Final.pdf | May 14, 2026 05:29 PM UTC |
| Attachment_A_-_Budget_Detail_and_Narrative.xlsx | Attachment A - Budget_Detail_and_Narrative.xlsx | May 14, 2026 05:29 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
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Closing: August 26, 2027
This NOFO will have two application submission periods with a final closing date of August 26, 2027. The due dates for each...
closing period are:The first application submission period due date is August 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).The second and final application submission period due date is August 26, 2027, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT). Applications received after August 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) and before August 26, 2027, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), will be considered for the second application submission period.
Award
$120,000,000
Program Funding
10
Expected awards
$1,000
Award Minimum
$120,000,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
R26AS00034
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
Funding instrument type:
Cooperative agreement
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
Category of Funding Activity:
Natural resources
Category Explanation:
History
Version:
2
Posted date:
May 14, 2026
Archive date:
September 30, 2029
