The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) intends to issue a grant agreement to Delta Stewardship Council under the authority of Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) 15.517, Fish & Wildlife Coordination Act, Public Law 85-624, 16 U.S.C. 742f(a) as amended, Department Manual Part 255 DM Section 1.1B(3). Estimated total amount of agreement is $2,024,169.00 with Reclamation providing $404,833.80 for Fiscal Year 2014. The purpose of the agreement is to ensure that planning and implementation of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act, Bay Delta Conservation Plan / Delta Habitat Conservation and Conveyance Program, Collaborative Science and Adaptive Management Program, IEP and Biological Opinion-associated initiatives are based on sound, independent science and engineering principles and practices through the independent peer review panels. The principal objective of the project is to conduct independent science and engineering evaluations in order to protect ESA listed species in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the San Francisco Bay estuary and upstream tributaries. (Refer to the Notice of Intent to Award Announcement No. R14AN20020 for additional information) A Determination by the Government not to compete this proposed financial assistance based upon Departmental Manual 505 DM 2, paragraph 2.14(B)(2) & (4) is solely within the discretion of the Government. This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive proposals. Questions concerning this announcement should be directed to Megan Bryant/Grants Management Specialist, by e-mail at mbryant@usbr.gov.