Water Resources Research Act Program National Competitive Grants FY2025 Program Announcement for Aquatic Invasive Species

The United States Geological Survey, through its Water Resources Research Act Program, has announced the fiscal year 2025 National Competitive Grants focused on aquatic invasive species. This opportunity is funded under the Water Resources Research Act of 1984, as amended, and is designed to support Water Resources Research Institutes that advance research in water quality, water quantity, and ecosystem resilience within the context of aquatic invasive species. The program is administered by the U.S. Geological Survey, which delegates responsibility for grant administration to these state-based research institutes. A total of 54 institutes are eligible to participate, spanning every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The purpose of the program is to foster innovative and scientifically rigorous research that examines the impacts of aquatic invasive species on water resources, particularly within the Upper Mississippi River Basin. Research priorities include evaluating the effects of invasive species on lakes, rivers, and tributaries; identifying biological, physical, and chemical conditions that influence ecosystem resilience and resistance to invasive species; and developing improved methods for assessing the detection, spread, and management of aquatic invasive species, including consideration of socioeconomic factors. The program specifically excludes funding for oceanography research, human health research, and projects that do not align with program objectives. The funding announcement provides a total program funding estimate of $1,387,500 with an expected four awards to be distributed. Each award is capped at a maximum of $346,875, with no minimum floor specified. A one-to-one non-federal match requirement is in place, meaning that applicants must match every federal dollar received with at least one dollar of non-federal funds. However, Guam, the U.S. territories in the Pacific, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are exempt from this requirement. Eligible cost shares may include indirect costs, non-federal salaries, and in-kind contributions, provided they comply with 2 CFR 200.306. Federal employees may collaborate but cannot serve as principal investigators or receive direct federal funds under these awards. Applications must be prepared and submitted through Grants.gov by the university that houses the Water Resources Research Institute. Required documents include the SF-424 and SF-424B forms, a complete proposal narrative, a detailed budget and justification, a matching commitment letter, and conflict-of-interest disclosures. The proposal narrative is evaluated against multiple criteria, including alignment with research priorities, integration with USGS science, scientific merit, expected benefits, information transfer, and student training potential. Proposals are peer reviewed by a panel composed of institute directors, university researchers, and USGS staff. Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The anticipated project start date is February 1, 2026, with an expected end date of January 31, 2029. Award notices will be issued electronically and outline all reporting requirements, including annual program and financial reporting. Funded projects must adhere to data management and reporting guidelines, including compliance with the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, proper use of metadata, and adherence to USGS open-data policies. Deliverables may include data, methods, analyses, and reports that support improved decision-making and aquatic invasive species management. Applicants should also note that performance reports, financial reports, and annual summaries are required throughout the grant period. Reports must detail progress toward goals, student support activities, publications, and collaboration with USGS. For programmatic technical questions, applicants may contact Christian Schmidt, Program Coordinator for the Water Resources Research Program, at cgschmidt@usgs.gov or 208-861-2866. For administrative questions, contact Sara Roser, Grants Specialist, at sroser@usgs.gov or 703-648-7357. Technical support for Grants.gov submissions is available through the Grants.gov helpdesk at support@grants.gov or 1-800-518-4726. This grant opportunity represents a recurring annual program designed to strengthen U.S. capacity to address aquatic invasive species challenges in a key watershed. Interested investigators must work through their respective Water Resources Research Institutes and ensure compliance with all submission requirements, cost-sharing rules, and evaluation criteria. The closing date is September 30, 2025, and early preparation is strongly recommended to allow time for institute coordination and compliance with submission requirements.