Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
🏛 Geological Survey (DOI-USGS1)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Nov 13, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Colorado Plateau CESU partner organizations conducting water quality research on the Colorado River. Eligible recipients must be participating partners in the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit network. The program supports research related to harmful algal blooms, water quality modeling, and ecosystem studies in reservoirs and free-flowing river sections from Lake Powell to the delta. Activities include field research, data collection, modeling, and technical analysis of aquatic systems.
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Program description
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Arizona Water Science Center (AZWSC) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research related to water quality modeling in reservoirs and free-flowing sections of the Colorado River from Lake Powell to the delta. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasingly affecting freshwater systems across the western United States, and the Lower Colorado River has emerged as a hotspot of concern. Historically oligotrophic and clear reservoirs have experienced significant cyanobacterial bloom events in the past decade, including documented microcystin (a potent algal toxin) concentrations over a hundred times higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s limit for safe recreational exposure.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (CESU-specific)
- Project narrative/research proposal
- Budget and budget justification
- Organizational documentation/proof of CESU partnership
- Qualifications of project team
- Timeline/work plan
Program contact
- 👤 Geological Survey
- 📧 katherine_calder@ios.doi.gov
- 📞 916-278-9331
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.808 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$240,000,000
-
$11,148,115
-
$10,533,234
-
$10,055,533
-
$8,476,627
-
$8,454,102
-
$7,659,261
-
$6,894,612
-
$6,800,079
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$6,644,228
Top States by Funding
- CO 9 awards $247.6M
- CA 24 awards $73.6M
- AK 17 awards $35.1M
- FL 7 awards $23.2M
- WA 4 awards $16.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.808). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2021 | $35,000,000 | |
| 2022 | $157,201,151 | |
| 2023 | $263,107,440 | |
| 2024 | $125,066,719 | |
| 2025 est. | $110,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $60,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Only organizations that are participating partners of the Colorado Plateau CESU can apply. You must have an established partnership agreement with the CESU network.
What geographic area does this grant cover?
The focus area is the Lower Colorado River, including Lake Powell reservoirs and free-flowing sections downstream to the delta region.
What types of research activities are funded?
Water quality modeling, harmful algal bloom research, cyanobacterial studies, toxin monitoring, and related ecosystem research on Colorado River water systems.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards range from $1 to $150,000. Actual funding depends on project scope and available resources.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, cost-sharing is not required for this cooperative agreement opportunity.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm your organization is a current Colorado Plateau CESU partner before investing application effort. Partnership status is non-negotiable for eligibility.
- Focus proposals on HAB prevention, early detection, or management within the Colorado River system. This is the agency's priority.
- Emphasize collaboration with USGS Arizona Water Science Center and alignment with their research objectives.
- Include specific, measurable water quality metrics and monitoring protocols. Vague research goals weaken competitiveness.
- Demonstrate how results will inform management decisions or protect public health from harmful algal blooms.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirmed CESU partner status—agencies reject ineligible applicants immediately. Not connecting research directly to HAB concerns or Colorado River water quality. Proposing work outside the Lake Powell to delta geographic scope.
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