Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The USGS Nevada Water Science Center is soliciting applications for a five-year cooperative agreement on improving discharge measurements and streamgage operations in the South Elko field area, with applications due December 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Eligibility is restricted to participating partners of the Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, who must demonstrate strong background in surface water hydrology in Nevada and the ability to collaborate weekly in person with USGS staff in Carson City, Nevada. Applicants preferably possess a BS/MS program in Hydrology and Hydrogeology. Cost share is not required.

One award is expected, with a ceiling of $300,000 and a floor of $1. Funding is up to $300,000 total over five years, with $100,000 available at award for Budget Year 1 and additional funding contingent on satisfactory progress. The anticipated period of performance runs March 1, 2027 through February 29, 2032. The indirect cost rate is capped at 17.5%.

The project has two phases. Phase One provides training in standard USGS hydrologic field and analytical methods and assesses emerging technologies. Phase Two deploys selected technologies, including image-based velocimetry, uncrewed aircraft systems, and radar-based velocity sensing, and evaluates them against established USGS methods. Phase Two also includes a basin-wide hydrologic review and recommendations for optimized streamgage operations.

Evaluation criteria are Purpose, Objectives, and Relevance (20 points); Alignment with Executive Orders and Secretarial Orders (25 points); Technical Approach (20 points); Budget Justification and Clarity (20 points); and Qualifications, Experience, and Past Performance (15 points). Preapplication coordination is required. Submissions go through Grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Number G27AS00054 on SF-424, and must include SAM.gov registration, a technical narrative, a budget narrative with SF-424A, biographical sketches, current and pending support, a data management plan, and a project abstract summary. Assistance Listing 15.808 falls under the U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection program. Awards draw on internal USGS projects and are funded only to the extent available funds permit.

Annual progress reports are due within 90 calendar days of each anniversary date, a final technical report within 120 calendar days of project completion, and SF-425 reports within 90 days of each reporting period. Questions go to Katie Calder, Grant Specialist, at katherine_calder@ios.doi.gov.