International Affairs Program
Territorial Domestic Water Supplies Program - Phase 2 now open.
Application submission deadlines:Proposals are due by 5:00 pm local time on February 27th to be included in the first review cycle.
Proposals are due by 5:00 pm local time on March 20th to be included in the second review cycle.
For eligible applicants in American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commowealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam, see program and application details below.
Upcoming Seminars and Workshops
Click here for more information regarding upcoming technical seminars, including registration details for the 2026 Safety Evaluation of Existing Dams International Seminar and Study Tour, occurring August 3-13, 2026.
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) was established in 1902 to help foster economic development in the 17 Western States by developing and building water supply projects. Today, Reclamation is a contemporary water management agency with numerous programs, initiatives, and activities that help meet water needs and balance competing uses of water in the West.
Reclamation has also been active internationally and is known worldwide for its expertise in dam safety and construction, water resources management, desalination, and sedimentation. From its inception, Reclamation has shared its expertise with other countries and has had a comprehensive International Affairs Program featuring activities such as technical assistance, technical training, visitor programs, technology exchange, and seminars/workshops.
The International Affairs Program plays an important role in managing Reclamation’s domestic program and in meeting the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) international obligations and initiatives, and has proven to be an important resource in supporting U.S. foreign policy throughout the world.
The Native American and International Affairs Office in the Commissioner's Office serves as the central coordination point for both the Native American Affairs Program and the International Affairs Program, is the main point of contact for Reclamation international activities, and is responsible for providing overall policy and guidance on international issues and foreign travel.
Mission Statement and Objectives: The International Affairs Program mission is to coordinate international activities for the Bureau of Reclamation and manage training and technical assistance programs in support of U.S. foreign policy goals. Program objectives are to:
- Further U.S. foreign policy
- Enhance public health and promote sustainable development in developing countries
- Obtain improved technology for the benefit of Reclamation water users and the U.S.
- Provide learning opportunities for Reclamation staff
Territorial Domestic Water Supplies Program
Proposals are due by 5:00 pm local time on February 27th to be included in the first review cycle. Proposals are due by 5:00 pm local time on March 20th to be included in the second review cycle.
With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), Reclamation will carry out a Domestic Water Supplies for Disadvantaged Communities Program in the U.S. Territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (Territories) to support the planning, design, or construction of water projects to provide domestic water supplies to communities or households that do not have reliable access to domestic water supplies.
Reclamation has determined that $11 million of the funds authorized by the IRA will be made available to the U.S. Territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (Territories) for projects that provide domestic water supplies to disadvantaged communities or households that do not have reliable access to potable water. The $11 million is intended for equal distribution among the Territories and that each Territory be allotted a maximum of $2.75 million.
Webinar: Territorial Domestic Water Supplies Program and WaterSMART Programs - This linked recording of a webinar offered on July 2, 2024, discusses the program's background, purpose, and eligibility and application requirements. Note: This webinar also discusses Reclamation WaterSMART programs which are separate from the Domestic Water Supplies Program, but are also available to the Territories.
This funding opportunity is Phase Two of the Territorial Domestic Water Supplies Program, following Phase One (announced on May 23, 2024). There are two significant differences between Phase One and Phase Two of this program:
- Phase Two calls for proposals for Financial Assistance only. Phase One allowed for proposals for Financial or Technical Assistance. Proposals for Technical Assistance will not be accepted in Phase Two.
- Phase Two calls for proposals for construction projects only.. Phase One allowed for proposals for planning, design, or construction. Proposals under phase two must demonstrate that planning and design are complete, and that all financial assistance will support construction activities.
- Required Budget Forms are available at Grants.gov and include:
- SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance
- SF-424A: Budget Information
- SF-424B: Assurances – Non-Construction Programs
- SF-424D: Assurances – Construction Programs
Program Purpose
The primary purpose of the Territorial Domestic Water Supplies Projects program is to support projects for domestic water supplies to existing households or communities in the Territories that do not have reliable access to domestic water supplies. Domestic water supplies are for human use and consumption. Domestic water supplies for communities include a communal benefit (e.g., school, hospital, nursing home, etc.).
Program Authority
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Section 50231. Domestic Water Supply Projects
"Bureau of Reclamation Domestic Water Supply Projects. In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated to the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, for fiscal year 2022, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $550,000,000, to remain available through September 30, 2031, for grants, contracts, or financial assistance agreements for disadvantaged communities (identified according to criteria adopted by the Commissioner of Reclamation) in a manner as determined by the Commissioner of Reclamation for up to 100 percent of the cost of the planning, design, or construction of water projects the primary purpose of which is to provide domestic water supplies to communities or households that do not have reliable access to domestic water supplies in a State or territory described in the first section of the Act of June 17, 1902 (43 U.S.C. 391; 32 Stat. 388, chapter 1093)."
Request for Proposals / Funding Announcements
Application Submission Details
Territorial Domestic Water Supply Projects - Financial Assistance Announcement - Request for ProposalsSend all complete proposal packages to TerritorialDomesticWaterProgram@usbr.gov
Upcoming Seminars and Workshops
Event Title: 2025 International Risk Analysis Workshop
Event details coming soon!
Date(s): March 31-April , 2025.
For more Information on upcoming seminars and workshops, please visit:Technical Seminars and Workshops (this link is also in the left-hand navigation column)
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