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, through its Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program, is offering a cooperative agreement funding opportunity for research focused on local- and regional-scale groundwater nitrate modeling of the Illinois River Basin. This initiative is part of the Integrated Water Availability Assessments (IWAAs), a national effort designed to evaluate and predict water availability in real time for both human and ecological uses. The Illinois River Basin, specifically the watershed upstream of the Mississippi River confluence at Grafton, Illinois, has been identified as a midwestern focus area due to its significant nutrient issues and harmful algal blooms. This project contributes to the larger Integrated Water Science Basin project, which aims to strengthen the capacity for national water prediction and integrated management. The research objectives include finalizing and publishing a MODFLOW 6 groundwater flow model for the Illinois River Basin, as well as developing a proof-of-concept nitrate groundwater model. Specific deliverables include a Scientific Investigations Report (SIR), a data/model release, quarterly updates and presentations, an Open-File Report or preprint documenting nitrate modeling progress, and dissemination of findings. These outputs are expected to advance understanding of subsurface nitrate dynamics, which directly affect water quality and ecosystem health across the region. The funding mechanism for this award is a cooperative agreement, with one award anticipated. The total funding available for the project is estimated at $50,000, with a project period of 15 months. Funds will be fully obligated at the time of award. Award recipients are expected to manage day-to-day operations and comply with reporting requirements, including progress reports, annual financial reports, and a final technical report that documents the results and conclusions of the work. All products must adhere to USGS Fundamental Science Practices, and data management must follow the agency’s policies on open access, archiving, and dissemination. Eligibility for this award is restricted to partners of the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number G25AS00340. Proposals must include a detailed technical narrative with sections on introduction, objectives, methods, products, schedule, and references, along with a budget narrative aligned with the SF-424A form. Required supplementary documents include a Data Management Plan, biographical sketches of key personnel, and current and pending support forms. Applications will be evaluated based on purpose and relevance, technical approach, budget justification, and the qualifications and past performance of the applicant team. Proposals are reviewed by USGS and other federal technical staff, with evaluations forwarded to the Contracting Officer for final determination. Award administration includes requirements for reporting, financial management, data sharing, and acknowledgment of USGS support in publications. Applicants are advised to carefully follow all application instructions, as incomplete submissions may result in delays or ineligibility. The cooperative agreement emphasizes collaboration between USGS scientists and CESU partners to achieve its research objectives. Applicants with questions about submission requirements should direct inquiries to Rachel Miller, Grants Management Specialist, at rachelmiller@usgs.gov. For technical questions related to the scientific scope and objectives, applicants may contact Jenny Murphy, USGS Hydrologist, at 217-328-9727 or jmurphy@usgs.gov. The program announcement outlines the need for precise compliance with federal guidelines and emphasizes the importance of timely submission. This award represents an opportunity for CESU-affiliated partners to contribute to advancing the scientific understanding of groundwater nitrate issues in the Illinois River Basin and supporting national water availability assessments.