RiverSmart Homes Landscaping Installation Program

The RiverSmart Homes Landscaping Installation Program, administered by the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), aims to reduce stormwater pollution across the District through the installation of green infrastructure (GI) on private residential properties. This initiative is a part of the broader RiverSmart program, which promotes sustainable landscaping practices and water conservation in urban areas. Funded by a combination of local and federal sources, including the EPA Chesapeake Bay Implementation and Most Effective Basin Grants, the project is designed to address nonpoint source pollution and runoff from impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, and sidewalks that contribute significantly to water pollution in the District and the Chesapeake Bay. The program operates under two primary incentive structures: RiverSmart Homes and RiverSmart Rebates. RiverSmart Homes provides a pathway for residents to have GI, such as rain gardens or BayScapes, installed with the coordination of certified landscapers. Participants pay a fixed copayment and must agree to maintain the installation. Meanwhile, RiverSmart Rebates allows residents to install rain gardens independently or through contractors and later apply for reimbursement, offering flexibility for those seeking custom solutions. Both approaches aim to make GI accessible and appealing to homeowners while ensuring environmental efficacy. Over a typical two-year project period (with potential extensions), the grantee is expected to manage installations, inspect existing GI, offer training to local landscaping businesses, conduct public education on stormwater management, administer maintenance supports, distribute financial incentives, and coordinate an Ambassador program. Specific deliverables include the installation of at least 100 rain gardens and BayScapes, issuing at least $10,000 in rebates, and outreach to at least 300 new residents. Ambassadors, particularly recruited from Wards 7 and 8, will assist in community engagement, GI promotion, and program evaluation. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, faith-based entities, educational institutions, private enterprises, and government agencies. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage technical installations, engage the public, and track performance through DOEE's Surface and Groundwater System. Grant funds may be used for allowable expenses such as personnel, contractors, training materials, travel, and project supplies. Reimbursement is the standard funding mechanism, although advances may be considered under certain conditions. The application must be submitted through DOEE's Grants Management System (GMS) by January 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. DOEE will assess applications based on organizational experience, capacity, feasibility of plans for installation, training, and outreach, as well as budget detail and justification. The grant award is competitive, and partial funding may be awarded. Applications must include a project narrative, detailed work plan, budget, required certifications, and documentation demonstrating organizational standing and compliance. Evaluation of applications will follow a structured scoring rubric with a maximum of 100 points, including criteria such as the quality of installation plans, educational strategies, ambassador engagement, training approaches, and organizational capacity. Award decisions are anticipated within six to twelve weeks following the application deadline. Grantees will be required to submit quarterly progress reports and a final performance report detailing outputs and outcomes achieved. The performance period may be extended based on fund availability and grantee performance, offering a long-term opportunity to improve stormwater management throughout Washington, DC.

Ensure prompt installations and accurate tracking; tailor education to GI maintenance best practices