[U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)](https://www.usgs.gov/)

October 30, 2025

Up to $50,000 total for a 15-month project; one award anticipated

Supports a CESU partner to advance groundwater nitrate modeling and water availability assessments in the Illinois River Basin.

Applicants must be a participating partner of the Great Rivers CESU.

--- ## Description This opportunity, offered by the USGS Central Midwest Water Science Center, funds a cooperative research project with a partner in the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The focus is on local and regional groundwater nitrate modeling for the Illinois River Basin (ILRB), contributing to the USGS Integrated Water Availability Assessments (IWAAs) program. The project will support finalizing, publishing, and extending the MODFLOW 6 groundwater flow model for the ILRB, emphasizing issues such as nutrient loading and harmful algal blooms (HABs). The ultimate aim is to build capacity for integrated water resource assessments at both regional and national levels. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals are due by **October 30, 2025** at 11:59 PM ET via Grants.gov. --- ## Funding Amount - **Estimated Total Funding:** $50,000 - **Award Ceiling:** $50,000 - **Award Floor:** $1 - **Number of Awards:** 1 anticipated - **Project Duration:** Up to 15 months; funds will be fully obligated at time of award --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** Only organizations that are a participating partner of the [Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)](https://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/unit_portal.asp?Unit_ID=20) are eligible. - **CESU Program:** Partnerships must provide research, technical assistance, and education relevant to the CESU mission. - **Other Restrictions:** No cost sharing or matching required. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** All applications must be submitted through [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360272) (Funding Opportunity Number: G25AS00340). - **Required Documents:** - Cover page with project and applicant information - Technical narrative including introduction, objectives, methods, planned products, schedule, and references - Budget narrative and SF-424A form (CESU indirect cost rate is capped at 17.5%) - Data Management Plan (DMP) in line with [USGS requirements](https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans) - Biographical Sketch for senior/key personnel ([template and instructions](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20A%20-Biographical-sketch-common-form-doi-omb-3145-0279%203.pdf)) - Current and Pending (Other) Support forms ([template and instructions](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20B%20-%20Common-form-current-and-pending-support-doi-omb-3145-0279%203.pdf)) - Project Abstract Summary ([instructions](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20C%20-%20Project%20Abstract%20Summary%20Requirement..docx)) - **Review Criteria:** Proposals will be evaluated on purpose/relevance, technical approach, budget justification, and qualifications/past performance. --- ## Additional Information - **Research Objectives:** - Publish a Scientific Investigations Report and data/model release of the MODFLOW model for the ILRB. - Provide quarterly updates and presentations, including at annual meetings. - Draft and submit an Open-File Report or preprint of a proof-of-concept nitrate groundwater model. - **Reporting Requirements:** Annual progress and financial reports, plus a final technical report. - **Geospatial Data:** All GIS data produced must comply with [Federal Geospatial Data Committee](https://www.fgdc.gov/) standards and be submitted in open formats with complete metadata. See [guidance](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20D%20-%20Geospatial%20Data%20instructions..docx). - **Publication:** USGS support must be acknowledged in all publications; use of the USGS logo is permitted under specific conditions. --- ## External Links - [Full Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360272) - [Great Rivers CESU Program Information](https://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/unit_portal.asp?Unit_ID=20) - [USGS Data Management Plans](https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans) - [Federal Geospatial Data Committee](https://www.fgdc.gov/) - [Program Announcement (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Program%20Announcement.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Name/Title | Email | Phone | |--------------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------| | Grants Management | Rachel Miller | rachelmiller@usgs.gov | — | | Technical Questions | Jenny Murphy | jmurphy@usgs.gov | 217-328-9727 | | Grants.gov Help Desk | — | support@grants.gov | 1-800-518-4726 |

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

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