Pre-Award Sponsor Resources

If you are entering into an agreement with NRCS to complete work, and will be reimbursed for your expenses, you must submit the following required forms. Below, you'll find information and required documents for both the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) and Watershed Rehabilitation (REHAB) Programs. Sponsor requirements for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) can be found here. For additional help and guidance, connect with your local NRCS Watershed Program Manager.

Grants and Agreements Pre-Award Sponsor Requirements Presentation - May 18, 2022 (pdf) Training Webinar (YouTube)

Step One: Register with SAM.GOV

A SAM registration is required for organizations to bid on government contracts and also receive grants.

All Sponsors are required to register with SAM.GOV, maintain an active standing throughout the approved project and have an Unique Entity ID (UEI) prior to submitting the SF424 forms.

• SAMS Entity Checklist
• How to Register for a SAMS Account 
• Set-up a SAMS Account 

Step Two: Submit SF424 Forms

SF-424 forms are requests for Federal assistance. When the forms are complete, submit to your local NRCS Watershed Program Manager.

The following forms will need to be completed for New Agreements.

• SF424 and SF424A Instructions
• SF424 Form
• SF424A Form
• SF424C Form
• SF424D Form
• SF424D Instructions

Step Three: Certificates Required

• Certificate Regarding Lobbying

Step Four: Set Up a Federal USDA eAuth Account 

A USDA eAuth account provides access to USDA applications and services via the internet.

• How to Request an eAuthentication Account

Step Five: Register with ezFedGrants

ezFedGrants is the USDA solution that will let you apply for and manage USDA grants and agreements online.

• Onboarding Quick Reference
• How to Access the portal
• User Role Definitions
• Small Organizations Quick Guide
• Permissions Quick Reference
• Claim Creation and Submission Guide
• How to Submit Financial or Performance Reports

Step Six: Post-Award/Agreement Documents Required

Upload to ezFedGrants

• SF425
• SF425 instructions
• SF-425 is used for financial reporting and must be submitted with the SF 270
• SF270 Form
• SF270 TUTORIAL (video mp4)
• SF-270 form requests reimbursement When the forms are complete, upload to ezFedGrants OR submit to your local NRCS State Watershed Program Manager.