DEP-BWR-FY20-WQM grant announcement only

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking grant proposals from eligible entities outside the agency for bacteria data collection and/or associated capacity-building to perform data collection or analysis in the future. The goal is to increase the amount of bacteria data available for MassDEP's use in the assessment of primary and secondary contact recreation activities in surface waters across the Commonwealth. Grants of up to $15,000 each are available, with a total of at least $160,000 in funding for the SFY20 grant program. Proposals are due by December 20, 2019, and successful grantees will be required to complete a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) and submit data to MassDEP by November 15, 2020. Eligible expenses include monitoring project design, equipment/supply purchases, training, field staffing, data analysis, and assistance with data formatting and submission.

Eligible entities include non-profit organizations such as watershed groups, lake and pond associations, and academic institutions. MassDEP reserves the right to award lesser grant amounts based on the quality and quantity of proposals received. Evaluation criteria include the entity's capacity to conduct the proposed monitoring activities, the soundness of the monitoring plan, and the potential to increase the spatial coverage and amount of bacteria data available to MassDEP. The grant funding is available on a reimbursement basis, and entities are encouraged to provide matching funds for activities occurring after June 30, 2020.