Depth-Resolved Algal Bloom Mapping at Lake Okeechobee, FL

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), through its Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), has issued a funding opportunity for a project titled “Depth-Resolved Algal Bloom Mapping at Lake Okeechobee, FL.” This initiative, governed by the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) framework, seeks a qualified partner to carry out a targeted environmental research and development (R&D) study. The grant supports a one-year cooperative agreement, with a total available funding amount of $95,500. This program aims to address the growing public health and environmental challenges posed by harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems, particularly at Lake Okeechobee, a major water body in Florida. Lake Okeechobee has experienced frequent and often severe outbreaks of HABs, which are a significant concern due to their ability to release toxins that contaminate drinking water, damage aquatic ecosystems, and negatively impact recreational activities. These blooms present both acute and chronic risks, including potential shutdowns of municipal water treatment facilities, increased treatment costs, public health threats, and economic losses in tourism and recreation. Additionally, blooms contribute to long-term ecological degradation, including hypoxia and shifts in aquatic biodiversity. In this context, the ERDC’s project seeks to advance the understanding of environmental triggers that contribute to HAB development and persistence in Lake Okeechobee, particularly given the lake's shallow depth and unique ecological dynamics. The funded work will consist of extensive water quality data collection during and around the bloom season, with a planned field campaign that spans several months. Activities include collecting surface and subsurface water samples using sensors, supported by experts in HAB ecology. Monitoring will be carried out approximately 30 days before and after the bloom period to ensure transitional patterns are also captured. A significant feature of this project is its comparative design, with newly collected data from Lake Okeechobee being compared against historical datasets from Clinton Lake in Kansas. This cross-lake comparison is intended to elucidate site-specific HAB behaviors and improve predictive capabilities. Eligible applicants must be non-federal partners of the Gulf Coast CESU and should demonstrate prior expertise working on Lake Okeechobee or the surrounding areas such as the canal near Clewiston, Florida. Applicants should also possess technical proficiency in the use of water quality monitoring instruments such as data sondes. The agreement includes significant government involvement: USACE will provide up to 22 hydrolab sensors and associated equipment, assist in deployment and retrieval, and collaborate in data interpretation and publication. Deliverables include monthly field data submissions, an annual summary report, and a peer-reviewed scientific publication co-authored with government personnel. The application process is structured in two phases. Interested applicants must first submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) by 12:00 PM Central Time on February 13, 2026. The SOI should be a concise, two-page document outlining the applicant’s qualifications, project experience, staff capabilities, and relevant facilities. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal by March 15, 2026, at the same time. Required components for full proposals include a technical proposal, a detailed cost proposal, biographical sketches, a data management plan, and disclosures of current and pending support. Final submission may be made via email or through Grants.gov. Proposals will be evaluated primarily based on the technical merit of the research and its relevance to Department of Defense missions. The government may award one or more cooperative agreements and reserves the right to negotiate the scope and terms of selected proposals. Reporting requirements include annual performance reports, quarterly financial reports, and a final closeout report. The final deliverable will be a peer-reviewed publication. Questions regarding the opportunity should be directed to Kisha M. Craig, the listed administrative point of contact.

Highlight site-specific experience with Lake Okeechobee and relevant technical expertise to increase selection chances.