WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH ACT PROGRAM NATIONAL COMPETITIVE GRANTS FY2025 (104g General)

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is offering competitive grants for Fiscal Year 2025 under the Water Resources Research Act Program (104g General), with an estimated total funding of $1,850,000 for approximately six awards, each with a ceiling of $310,000. Applications, due by September 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET, must be submitted through Grants.gov by State Water Resources Research Institutes. Eligibility is limited to these institutes, though any investigator at a U.S. institution of higher learning can apply through an institute. A 1:1 non-federal cost-sharing is required, with exemptions for certain U.S. territories. Funded projects must address two key priorities: the economic value of the USGS streamgage network and associated National Water Information System, and advancements in hydrologic modeling and machine learning integration. Ineligible applications include those involving human subjects, oceanography (estuaries are acceptable), or those not meeting program objectives. Applications must include various forms, a detailed project narrative (10-page limit for key sections), budget, data management plan, and conflict of interest disclosures.

The document details guidelines for collaborations with the USGS in federal grant proposals, particularly for WRRA nationally competitive research projects. It outlines two types of collaboration: unfunded, where university investigators build on ongoing USGS work (for Aquatic Invasive Species and PFAS proposals), and funded, for 104(g) General calls, with up to $40,000 available. A letter of support from the USGS co-PI's supervisor is mandatory for all collaborations to ensure discussed resources. For funded collaborations, proposals must clearly explain the USGS involvement, including personnel, their specific tasks, and how these relate to the project objectives, accompanied by a simplified budget. The document provides examples of USGS collaboration, including a detailed budget for a single co-PI overseeing data compilation and analysis, and another example for multiple USGS researchers collaborating on field work, data analysis, and modeling of sediment and nutrient movement, demonstrating how the $40,000 budget can be allocated across various activities and science centers.

This document outlines guidelines for disclosing current and pending support for federally funded research projects. It emphasizes transparency regarding an individual's research capacity, potential overlaps, and financial interests. Key requirements include separate submissions for each proposal and active project, and disclosure of all consulting activities, especially those involving foreign government-sponsored programs or entities that could impact scientific integrity or lead to conflicts of interest. Individuals must report direct and indirect foreign government support, even if channeled through intermediaries. The document also details specific information required for individuals and organizations, such as names, affiliations, and project details, ensuring compliance with federal regulations like U.S. National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33).