Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program FY 2026

The Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program, managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation, provides funding for projects that enhance water supply forecasts through improved snow monitoring. The program is rooted in the legislative authority of the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Authorization Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-260, Section 1111) and is currently soliciting proposals under funding opportunity number R25AS00210. The primary focus is the deployment of aerial LiDAR snow surveys as a means of enhancing snowpack monitoring, which plays a critical role in predicting future water availability—especially in the Western United States where snowmelt is a major source of annual water supply. The purpose of this grant program is to foster technological advancement in snow monitoring that can translate to more accurate and actionable water supply forecasts. Successful proposals must demonstrate that aerial LiDAR surveys represent at least 80% of the federal funding request, and that the technology will enhance forecasting skill compared to existing operational snowpack monitoring systems. Applicants are expected to show how this enhanced capability will impact water management decisions and quantify those improvements through specific, measurable outcomes. Projects must also clearly identify water management entities involved and describe how the data and technology developed will be integrated into operational water forecasts. Eligible applicants include a wide range of governmental and non-governmental entities such as state, county, and local governments, federally and non-federally recognized tribal organizations, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies including small businesses, and individuals. However, all proposed activities must take place within the 17 Western Reclamation States, and must be directly related to the use of aerial LiDAR surveys for snowpack assessment. The total estimated program funding is $6.5 million, with individual awards ranging between $300,000 and $999,999. Up to seven awards are expected. Cost sharing is not required but is strongly encouraged and will be considered during merit review. The application must include a completed SF-424 and SF-424A, a budget narrative, a detailed project narrative (maximum 12 pages), and supporting documents such as resumes, letters of commitment, and optional summary slides. Applicants are required to be registered in SAM.gov and Grants.gov and must submit proposals electronically via Grants.gov. Submission must be completed no later than 4:00 PM Mountain Time on May 5, 2026. Late submissions will only be considered if a verifiable technical error on Grants.gov can be demonstrated. Evaluation of proposals is based on seven criteria, including non-federal cost share commitment, potential impacts and benefits for water management, the rigor of evaluation methods, level of involvement of water management agencies, integration into operational forecasts, quality assurance measures, and alignment with current federal priorities. The maximum score possible is 100 points. Applications that best demonstrate value, impact, and feasibility will be prioritized during merit and managerial reviews. Notices of Federal Award are anticipated by late August 2025, with the performance period expected to run from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2029. For questions regarding the application or eligibility, applicants should contact the program’s designated email ([email protected]) or reach out to Chris Frans at [email protected]. Applicants are advised that awarded projects must comply with federal data sharing, geospatial data, and reporting requirements, and all final reports will be made publicly available through the Bureau of Reclamation’s website. This program does not require match funding, but voluntary cost share is encouraged and can enhance competitiveness during the review process.

Cost share boosts scores; ensure 80% of funding request is for aerial LiDAR; align clearly with evaluation criteria; confirm Grants.gov submission validation.