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

October 8, 2025 (Full proposal)

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

Supports a CESU partner for collaborative research on groundwater nitrate modeling and regional water availability in the Illinois River Basin.

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

--- ## Description This opportunity, offered by the USGS Central Midwest Water Science Center, funds a collaborative research project with a partner from the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The project focuses on local and regional water availability assessments in the Illinois River Basin (ILRB), specifically targeting groundwater nitrate modeling using the MODFLOW 6 model. The research supports the USGS Integrated Water Availability Assessments (IWAAs) and will address issues such as nutrient loading and harmful algal blooms (HABs). The project aims to finalize, publish, and extend the use of the MODFLOW 6 groundwater flow model for simulating subsurface nitrate in the basin. --- ## Due Dates - **Full Proposal Deadline:** October 8, 2025 (11:59 PM ET, electronic submission via Grants.gov) --- ## Funding Amount - **Total Funding Available:** $50,000 (estimated program funding) - **Award Ceiling:** $50,000 - **Award Floor:** $1 - **Project Duration:** 15 months - **Number of Awards:** 1 anticipated - **Cost Sharing/Matching:** Not required --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** Must be a participating partner of the [Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)](https://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/GRRI_portal.htm). - **CESU Partnership:** Only organizations already affiliated with the Great Rivers CESU are eligible. - **Other Restrictions:** No cost sharing/matching required. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted electronically through [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360272) (Funding Opportunity Number: G25AS00340). - **Required Documents:** - Cover page with applicant and project details - Technical narrative (problem statement, objectives, methods, schedule, dissemination plan) - Budget narrative and SF-424A - Biographical Sketch (see [Attachment A](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20A%20-Biographical-sketch-common-form-doi-omb-3145-0279%203.pdf)) - Current & Pending Support (see [Attachment B](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 (see [Attachment C](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20C%20-%20Project%20Abstract%20Summary%20Requirement..docx)) - Data Management Plan - **Geospatial Data Requirements:** Projects producing geospatial data must comply with the [Geospatial Data Act of 2018](https://www.fgdc.gov/) and [GeoPlatform.gov](https://www.geoplatform.gov/) standards. See [Geospatial Requirements](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20D%20-%20Geospatial%20Data%20instructions..docx) for details. - **Evaluation Criteria:** Proposals are evaluated on purpose/relevance, technical approach, budget justification, and qualifications/experience. --- ## Additional Information - **Reporting:** Annual progress and financial reports required; final technical and financial reports due within 120 days of project end. - **Open Data:** All data and products must be made available for federal use and independent verification. - **Publication:** Recipients must acknowledge USGS support in all publications and adhere to USGS publication and data management standards. - **Indirect Costs:** CESU negotiated indirect cost rate is set at 17.5%. --- ## External Links - [Full Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360272) - [Great Rivers CESU Information](https://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/GRRI_portal.htm) - [USGS Data Management Plan Guidance](https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans) - [Geospatial Data Act Standards (FGDC)](https://www.fgdc.gov/) - [GeoPlatform.gov](https://www.geoplatform.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |--------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------| | Rachel Miller | Grants Management Specialist | [rachelmiller@usgs.gov](mailto:rachelmiller@usgs.gov) | | | Jenny Murphy | Technical Contact (Hydrologist) | [jmurphy@usgs.gov](mailto:jmurphy@usgs.gov) | 217-328-9727 | | Grants.gov Support | Application Support | [support@grants.gov](mailto: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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