David White of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, advised attendees on using Grants.gov and discussed Reclamation’s WaterSmart funding for water conservation.

White summarized Grants.gov search options, explained common terminology (NOFO/FOA/NOFO), and urged applicants to read application instructions closely, complete required standard forms and submit online before hard deadlines (for example, midnight Eastern equals 9 p.m. Pacific). He said panels assess applications on the criteria in the NOFO and recommended applicants "answer the question directly" and provide clear budgets and supporting details.

On Reclamation programs, White said WaterSmart grants generally require a nonfederal cost share ("approximately 50%"), and almost all projects that involve ground disturbance will require NEPA environmental review before construction. He warned that NEPA timing can extend project schedules and that applicants should budget and plan accordingly: "If you apply in November, we select you in June, we're not gonna be able to do NEPA by August."

White recommended early contact with program officers for clarification and offered debriefs for unsuccessful applicants to improve future competitiveness. He also noted the potential impacts of federal appropriations uncertainty on some federal portals and staffing.