Contra Loma Recreational Area Improvements | BOR MP 18 N024

Opportunity Information: Apply for BOR MP 18 N024

The Contra Loma Recreational Area Improvements grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number BOR MP 18 N024) is a discretionary grant released by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, under CFDA 15.524 (Natural Resources). It stems from Interior Order No. 3366, which directed the Department to expand and improve recreational access and experiences on lands and waters managed by the Department of the Interior. In line with that direction, the Bureau of Reclamation made funding available in April 2018 for recreation-focused infrastructure upgrades, and the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) was selected to receive up to $350,000 to carry out specific improvements at Contra Loma Reservoir within the Contra Loma Recreation Area.

The project is focused on upgrading existing visitor facilities at the south and east shore areas of Contra Loma Reservoir. The planned work includes replacing two existing chemical toilet units with more durable concrete vault toilet facilities, replacing the south shore fishing dock, and making Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility upgrades to parking areas and access pathways. In practical terms, the scope is about improving basic amenities, increasing reliability and long-term maintainability of restrooms, enhancing fishing access through dock replacement, and ensuring that key routes and parking areas better meet accessibility standards for visitors with mobility needs.

From an administration standpoint, Reclamation indicated that it does not anticipate substantial federal involvement in day-to-day project execution. Instead, its role is expected to be the typical stewardship and oversight associated with federal grants: monitoring performance, ensuring the project stays aligned with award conditions, and offering technical assistance if the recipient requests it. This framing suggests the recipient (EBRPD) is expected to manage design, procurement, construction coordination, and implementation, while Reclamation maintains the standard federal monitoring role.

Competition for this award was not conducted as a full and open solicitation. The justification provided is “unique qualifications” under a single-source rationale: EBRPD already operates and maintains the Contra Loma Recreation Area on lands and waters managed by the Department of the Interior, making it the logical entity to receive and administer funding for on-site facility upgrades. The opportunity listing also reflects that only one award was expected, with an award ceiling of $350,000.

The stated statutory authority for the award is Public Law 89-72, the Federal Water Project Recreation Act of July 9, 1965, particularly Section 1 and Sections 3(b)(1) and 3(c)(1). These provisions establish Congress’s policy that federal water projects should fully consider outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement opportunities, encourage coordination with other recreation developments, and promote the administration of recreation areas by non-federal public bodies when appropriate. The cited sections also describe cost-sharing expectations and conditions for expanding or modifying recreation facilities, including the principle that a non-federal public body typically bears not less than half of planning and capital costs for expansions or modifications and takes on operation, maintenance, and replacement responsibilities, with the federal share generally capped at 50 percent for expansion or modification costs.

Key listing details include: title “Contra Loma Recreational Area Improvements,” instrument type “Grant,” creation date May 30, 2018, and an original closing date of June 13, 2018. The eligible applicant field is broadly labeled “Others (see text field...),” but the actual award decision described in the notice is directed to EBRPD based on its operational responsibility for the site, reinforcing that this was effectively a targeted, single-recipient infrastructure upgrade award rather than an open competition for multiple entities.

• The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Contra Loma Recreational Area Improvements" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.524.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 30, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 13, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $350,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for BOR MP 18 N024

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