Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Central Midwest Water Science Center has announced a cooperative agreement funding opportunity under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program. This opportunity is made available through the Great Rivers CESU and is designed to foster collaboration between USGS scientists and a CESU-affiliated partner. The funding will support research aimed at regional water availability assessments within the Illinois River Basin (ILRB). The ILRB, defined as the watershed upstream of the Mississippi River confluence at Grafton, Illinois, was chosen as a Midwest Regional Integrated Water Availability Assessments (IWAAs) basin. This project builds on the USGS Integrated Water Science (IWS) Basin initiative, with a focus on nutrient issues and harmful algal blooms. The project specifically involves advancing the MODFLOW 6 groundwater flow model developed for the Illinois River Basin. The research objectives include the completion and publication of a Scientific Investigations Report (SIR) and a corresponding data/model release, the delivery of quarterly updates with shared presentations including annual meetings, and the drafting of an Open-File Report (OFR) or BAO-approved preprint to document proof-of-concept work on nitrate groundwater modeling. The objective is to support water resource prediction and availability assessments that integrate both human and ecological needs. The research outputs will contribute to a national framework of integrated water assessments. The award will be issued as a cooperative agreement, with one award anticipated for a 15-month project period. The estimated total funding available is $50,000, with funds fully obligated at the time of award. Proposals must reflect the full 15-month project period. The project budget should be carefully detailed, with allowable costs including personnel, fringe benefits, supplies, equipment, contractual services, travel, publication costs, and other direct costs. The CESU-negotiated indirect cost rate of 17.5 percent applies. Funding cannot be used for costs incurred prior to the official award date established by the Contracting Officer. Eligibility for this program is limited to partners of the Great Rivers CESU. Applicants must be active participants within this CESU network, which facilitates research, technical assistance, and education. All applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using the Funding Opportunity Number G25AS00340. The required application materials include a technical narrative covering problem statements, objectives, methodology, dissemination plans, schedule, and references. A budget narrative corresponding to the SF-424A form is also required, as well as a Data Management Plan (DMP) addressing data handling, sharing, and preservation. Applications will be reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and alignment with USGS goals. Evaluation criteria will include the clarity and relevance of project objectives, the strength of the technical approach, the adequacy of the budget, and the qualifications and experience of the applicant team. Applicants are encouraged to ensure clear documentation of their expertise in groundwater modeling and related research areas. Dissemination of results through publications and professional presentations is strongly encouraged, with all products required to adhere to USGS Fundamental Science Practices. Proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov by the specified deadline. While the announcement does not list a specific closing date, applications will be assessed upon submission. The main program contacts are Rachel Miller, Grants Management Specialist, reachable at rachelmiller@usgs.gov, and Jenny Murphy, a USGS hydrologist in the Southeast Region, reachable at 217-328-9727 or jmurphy@usgs.gov, for technical questions. Additional program support is available from the Grants.gov Help Desk. Award recipients will be expected to submit annual and final technical and financial reports, along with progress updates, as outlined in the award terms.