WaterSMART Drought Response Program
Agency: Bureau of Reclamation
Assistance Listings: 15.514 -- Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief
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 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
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
Grantor contact information
Description
bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov
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 |
Link to additional information
--
Closing: --
July 28, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
Award
$13,500,000
Program Funding
20
Expected awards
$25,000
Award Minimum
$1,500,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
R26AS00016
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:
March 5, 2026
Archive date:
October 3, 2031
