WaterSMART: Applied Science Grants

The WaterSMART: Applied Science Grants program, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior through the Bureau of Reclamation, aims to enhance water management practices across the Western United States and eligible U.S. territories. This program is designed to support non-Federal entities in developing and improving water management tools, hydrologic data platforms, and modeling and forecasting capabilities to optimize the use of water resources and address pressing water supply challenges. The program reflects national priorities around improving the resilience of water systems, leveraging scientific data for operational planning, and responding to drought and climate variability. The Applied Science Grants fall under the broader WaterSMART initiative, which aligns with various presidential and departmental priorities, including the improvement of hydrologic forecasting and the integration of new technologies for efficient water use. The program specifically funds projects that enhance decision-making capabilities for water managers through the development or improvement of models, forecasting tools, and hydrologic data systems. Priority areas include improving operational models for irrigation and reservoir operations, integrating snowpack data into water supply forecasting, and expanding the accessibility and utility of hydrologic datasets. Projects must rely on established technologies and may not involve the development of new or experimental methods. Reclamation emphasizes the use of tools that support water supply reliability, drought management, watershed health, and flexible operations. Eligible activities also include training on new tools or software. Eligible applicants are divided into two categories. Category A includes states, Indian tribes, irrigation and water districts, and other entities with water or power delivery authority within specified Western states and territories. Category B consists of universities, nonprofit organizations, and federally funded research centers that are partnered with a Category A entity. Federal entities, individuals, and commercial organizations are not eligible. Category B applicants must submit a formal partnership letter from the Category A entity to be considered. A cost share of at least 50% of the total project cost is required, which may be met through applicant contributions or third-party in-kind support. Federal funding may not be used to satisfy the matching requirement unless explicitly authorized by statute. To apply, entities must complete several registrations, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and registering on SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and must include specific forms and documentation, such as SF-424, SF-424A, a project narrative, a detailed budget narrative, and supporting letters. The application must also provide geospatial data in industry-standard formats if applicable, and comply with environmental and cultural resource regulations. There are no requirements for letters of intent or concept papers, but applicants must carefully prepare materials addressing all merit review criteria. Applications are reviewed for eligibility, completeness, and responsiveness to the program’s goals. Eligible proposals are evaluated based on criteria such as the severity of the water management challenge addressed, project benefits, implementation readiness, dissemination plans, alignment with national priorities, and cost-share contributions. Successful applicants must also participate in at least one Reclamation-sponsored webinar to present their findings and share lessons learned. The funding opportunity allows for two application deadlines. The first is July 8, 2026, with awards anticipated in July 2027 and project completion expected by July 2029. The second deadline is April 13, 2027, with awards expected in April 2028 and project completion by April 2030. A total of approximately $6 million is available, with up to $3 million allocated per fiscal year. Individual awards may not exceed $400,000. Reclamation anticipates issuing around 20 awards. Projects will be administered through grants or cooperative agreements, with the expectation of substantial federal involvement in cooperative agreements. All projects must comply with federal reporting, financial, and environmental regulations, and all results may be publicly disseminated through Reclamation platforms.

Follow the merit review criteria order in your narrative; Do not propose novel methods; Ensure data is GIS-compatible and partnership documentation is included.