Harmful Algal Bloom Research Grant Program 2026

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Research Grant Program 2026, a competitive research funding opportunity designed to support projects addressing harmful algal bloom challenges through innovative, multi-disciplinary studies. Projects must address at least one prioritized research topic within the focus areas of Prevention and Mitigation, Causes of HABs, Monitoring and Modeling, or Communication, Engagement, and Outreach, as defined in the DEC HABs Research Guide, with all work to be conducted within New York State and demonstrating clear benefits to the state. Deliverables must include defined objectives, tasks, and measurable performance outcomes that can be completed within a three-year contract term between April 1, 2027, and December 31, 2030. Eligible bidders include governmental entities, academic institutions, public benefit corporations, municipal corporations, soil and water conservation districts, and not-for-profit organizations, with not-for-profit applicants required to be prequalified in the SFS Grants Management System by the application deadline. Projects will be evaluated on quality factors (45% weight), success factors (35% weight), and cost factors (20% weight), with applications requiring a minimum of 50 points to be considered for funding. Eligible project expenditures include personnel services (capped at 30% of budget), contractual services, supplies and materials (capped at 30%), equipment (capped at 30%), and in-state travel directly related to project implementation, while ineligible costs include indirect overhead, legal services, out-of-state travel, and administrative expenses not directly tied to project implementation. Key deadlines include a mandatory webinar on May 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET, a question and answer period closing August 14, 2026, and applications due September 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET through the NYS SFS Grants Management portal, with award announcements anticipated by October 31, 2026.

Approximately $2,500,000 in total funding is available from the Environmental Protection Fund, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $250,000 to a maximum of $750,000 per project, and bidders may apply as lead applicants on only one proposal. All applicants must provide a 10% cash or in-kind match, with grant funds covering up to 90% of eligible project costs. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in this new funding round. Contractors must comply with State of New York Contract for Grants requirements, including MWBE/EEO compliance, insurance requirements, SEQRA documentation, and quality assurance standards for environmental data collection, with not-for-profit applicants eligible to receive advance payments of up to 25% upon contract approval. While specific set-aside percentages for disadvantaged enterprises are not detailed in the available documentation, the evaluation criteria and compliance requirements reflect the state's commitment to equitable contracting practices and inclusive participation from diverse organizations.