Evaluating Snow Water Equivalent and Soil Moisture in a Complex Wildfire-Impacted Area of the Rocky Mountains using a Mobile Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor

The Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is seeking a non-federal partner to conduct a comprehensive research project evaluating snow water equivalent (SWE) and soil moisture in wildfire-impacted areas of the Rocky Mountains. The primary objectives include collecting five to six mobile cosmic ray sensor transects to gather data on snowpack and soil moisture conditions across burned and unburned areas. Key contract requirements involve providing processed SWE and soil moisture data, performing comparative data analysis between burned and unburned regions, and developing insights to improve watershed modeling and seasonal snowmelt parameterization. Applicants must submit their proposal through a two-phase process, with an initial two-page Statement of Interest due by July 24, 2025, and a full proposal package due by August 25, 2025. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on the applicant's research methodology, technical capabilities, and potential to generate meaningful scientific insights for watershed management.

The total funding ceiling for this cooperative agreement is $248,000, with a three-year performance period under the Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering program (CFDA 12.630). The project is specifically limited to eligible non-federal partners of the Rocky Mountains Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit. Performance will involve conducting field research directly in the Rocky Mountain region, with the expectation of producing technical reports and potential peer-reviewed journal manuscripts. The research aims to collect data across various snowpack and soil moisture conditions to capture the complete water year cycle, with a focus on understanding direct runoff and infiltration processes in fire-impacted landscapes.