Q1: Are projects eligible that are already in the construction phase?

Funding a project that is already in the construction phase is made on a case-by-case basis. Projects that have completed the construction phase are not eligible for retroactive funding.

Q2: Are projects designed to meet legal or regulatory obligations eligible?

No. Projects designed solely to meet or mitigate legal/regulatory compliance obligations or tied to ongoing regulatory action are not eligible for funding. Projects must be an entirely voluntary action.

Q1: How are projects being evaluated?

Google and BEF will comprehensively evaluate proposals based on alignment with program goals, feasibility and technical merit, financial viability and cost-effectiveness, and the applicant’s capacity to execute the project. Projects that provide enough information to demonstrate they meet the criteria outlined are more likely to be selected for funding.

Q2 Can project budgets include salaries/wages of employees of the applicant organization or other administrative costs?

Applicants may include salaries and wages, as well as other administrative costs, in the budget. Include expenses in the appropriate budget category in the budget proposal and narrative.

Q3: If there are components of a project that require contingency funding, how should that component be built into cost estimates?

Include reasonable contingencies in the estimated costs. Contingency amounts should reflect project uncertainties and align with industry ranges.

Q1: What is the total budget available for this opportunity?

There is no specific budget or number of projects that will be funded under this opportunity. The expected cost ranges for each project type are outlined on the main EOI page.

Q2: Is there a minimum cost-sharing or matching contribution requirement for applicants?

There is no required minimum cost-share or matching-fund contribution for eligible applications.

Q3: Will the awarded funding support planning, design, and/or implementation of a project?

Applicants may use funding to support the implementation of a project, including planning and design, construction and implementation, operations and maintenance, and monitoring and reporting.

Q1: When will BEF inform applicants of the next steps?

Google and BEF will review all EOI submissions at the end of the submission period. BEF will invite select applicants to submit a full Technical Proposal during the Request For Proposals (RFP) phase. We aim to issue RFP invitations in Q3 2026, subject to the volume of submissions received. Google will make funding decisions in Q4 2026, subject to receipt of all required information.

Q2: What are the annual reporting requirements?

BEF will determine specific reporting requirements on a project-by-project basis. Reporting must provide sufficient detail to enable confirmation of project implementation for all project types and volumetric water benefits for applicable pilot and implementation projects during the reporting period. 

Annual reporting for implementation projects would typically include yearly updates on performance and significant changes, along with any documentation for measurement or metering that demonstrates that the volumetric water benefit claim is valid.

Q1: How many projects can be submitted by a single entity?

For this opportunity, there is no formal cap on the number of projects that a single entity may submit. However, we will prioritize projects with complete submissions and location-specific information.

Q2: What should I do if I don’t have all the information needed to submit the Google Form?

Applicants should make reasonable efforts to accurately submit all available project information. Initial cost estimates are acceptable as long as assumptions are clearly indicated in the submission. Applicants may submit additional details and backup documentation if a project is invited to submit a Technical Proposal through the RFP phase. However, Google and BEF will prioritize projects that submit complete information.

Q3: How should supporting documentation be submitted for the EOI?

You are welcome to submit additional information by sending it to the corresponding contact email address (BWS-EOI@b-e-f.org). Note that this EOI is not the entirety of the application process. Should your project be selected, you will be invited to respond to a formal RFP, which will require additional information.

Q4: Is there an option to review applications/projects with BEF prior to submission?

We have a very lean team and, unfortunately, are unable to meet with all potential interested applicants to discuss potential projects. For the EOI, we encourage potential partners to submit entries for any eligible projects. Direct initial questions to the corresponding contact email address. We will invite selected projects to submit a Technical Proposal and provide feedback as part of the RFP process.

Q5: Who should I contact if I have questions about a specific EOI category?

Submit all inquiries via email to: bws-eoi@b-e-f.org.

Q6: Can I request an extension for the EOI submission deadline?

To ensure a timely evaluation of project submissions, we will not grant extensions to the submission period. We encourage all applicants to submit via the specific Google Form well in advance of the closing date.

Q1: What can I expect if I am invited to the Request for Technical Proposal (RFP) phase?

BEF will invite select projects to submit a full Technical Proposal under the RFP phase. The Technical Proposal will request additional information to understand the project activities, implementing partners and their roles, the schedule, the monitoring plan, VWB estimates, and cost estimates. Partners will be asked to provide a completed Technical Proposal within six weeks of receiving an invitation. All Technical Proposals will be subject to third-party validation to confirm alignment with VWBA 2.0 guidance.

Q2: Can I submit an application for additional projects not included in my original EOI submission?

Please keep applications focused on the project that was submitted via the EOI and explicitly invited to submit an application in this RFP phase.

Q3: Is there an option to review applications/projects with Google prior to RFP submission?

BEF team members or partners will be available to answer questions from applicants invited to submit an application through the RFP process. Please reach out to the corresponding contact email address describing your inquiry, and a team member or partner will respond depending on needs.

Q4: Will my proposal be kept confidential?

BEF, Google, and our technical partners will review applications. All proposal materials will remain confidential. Any public announcements regarding projects selected for funding will be subject to review and approval by project partners.

Q5: Is it recommended that we receive quotes from contractors for project work to be included in the budget, or can we make our own estimates?

Quotes from contractors are not required for the Technical Proposal. However, applicants should make reasonable efforts to accurately estimate total project costs, understanding that they will be responsible for any additional funding if actual project costs exceed the grant award.

Q6: Are awardees required to go through a bidding process to hire consultants and contractors to execute the project work?

Awardees can follow their own procurement procedures to execute the project work.