Invitation for Source Water Grant Proposals
State of Nebraska Request for Proposal
Return To
Department of Water, Energy, and Environment
245 Fallbrook Blvd, Suite 100
Lincoln, NE 68521
- Phone: (402) 471-2186
- Fax: (402) 471-2909
Solicitation Details
| Solicitation Number | Release Date | Proposal Due Date and Time | Procurement Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWPG2024 | March 20, 2024 | July 1, 2024 at 4:45 PM | dwee.moreinfo@nebraska.gov |
This form is part of the specification package and must be signed and returned with proposal documents by the deadline listed above.
Scope of Service
2024 Invitation for Source Water Grant Proposals
The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) is inviting proposals for source water protection projects. Funding is authorized under Section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
These funds support drinking water protection projects in Nebraska. Program details, requirements, and application guidance are outlined in the attached materials.
Proposals will be reviewed by DWEE staff and partner organizations. Recommended projects will be submitted to the Director for approval.
Questions may be submitted to the Source Water Coordinator. Responses will be shared publicly on the DWEE website.
Proposal deadline: July 1, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Program Overview
Funding
Estimated annual funding: $150,000+
Eligible Applicants
Political subdivisions operating public water systems serving populations of 10,000 or fewer that demonstrate financial hardship.
- Median household income must be ≤ 120% of statewide MHI ($71,722)
- Applicants not meeting criteria may submit justification for consideration
General Project Requirements
- Projects must protect drinking water sources
- Must address water quality, quantity, or education
- Must demonstrate measurable outcomes
- Must show long-term commitment and sustainability
- Must occur within designated protection areas
- Require at least 10% non-federal match
Eligible Activities
- Contaminant source identification and research
- Removal of contamination pathways
- Pollution prevention and waste reduction
- Best management practices implementation
- Public education and outreach
- Development of drinking water protection plans
Ineligible Activities
- System operations and maintenance
- Land purchases
- Planning without implementation
- Personnel-only funding requests
- Security-related projects (e.g., fencing, cameras)
Funding Priority
- Development of protection management plans
- Projects with long-term sustainability
- On-the-ground implementation projects
- Nitrate contamination reduction
- Communities with approved protection plans
- Public education and awareness efforts
Drinking Water Protection Management Plans
These plans provide a framework for protecting community drinking water sources and may qualify communities for additional funding opportunities.
Learn more about EPA Subaward Policy: EPA Subaward Policy (external link)
Timeline
- July 1, 2024: Proposal deadline
- July–August 2024: Proposal review
- August 2024: Project selection
- September 2024: Project start (pending funding)
Submission Process
Submit proposals by email, mail, or in person:
- Email: DWEE.records@nebraska.gov
- Mail or Deliver: Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy
245 Fallbrook Blvd
Lincoln, NE 68521
Submission Requirements
- Proposals must be received by the deadline
- Late or faxed proposals will not be accepted
- Proposals must meet all RFP specifications
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Sourcewater RFP 2024 | 518.68 KB |