DEP-BWR-NOI-RFP-FY25-WQM grant-announcement only

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking grant proposals from eligible tribal nations, watershed groups, lake and pond associations, and other non-profit organizations for the purpose of supporting ongoing or new water quality monitoring initiatives. The grant program, known as the Water Quality Monitoring Grant (WQMG) program, has a total funding pool of up to $200,000 available, with individual awards ranging from $20,000 to $75,000. Eligible projects include direct monitoring of surface waters, capacity-building actions, and the development of regional and long-term monitoring programs. MassDEP has identified priority data needs aligned with the Clean Water Act's requirements, and proposals that address these needs will be prioritized. The grant contract period will run from the date of execution through June 30, 2025, and successful applicants must submit a Close Out Memorandum and Project Data Submission Summary after the contract period ends. The application deadline is October 11, 2024, and awards are estimated to be announced in early January 2025.

While matching funds are not required, proposals that include matching sources of funding, including in-kind services and external funding, will be given priority. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to collect quality assured data and submit it to MassDEP or the EPA's Water Quality Exchange (WQX) online tool. Proposals that benefit environmental justice communities and involve collaboration with multiple organizations will also be prioritized. Successful documentation and submission of expenditures will be considered in the evaluation of an applicant's good standing for potential future WQMG program funding. Academic institutions and municipalities are not eligible for this grant opportunity, and there are no listed incumbent vendors or current contractors.