Opportunity Information: Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 4740
The grant opportunity, titled "Understanding Thermal Mixing, Water Quality, and Algae Dynamics with the Pulsing of Releases from Jordan Reservoir in the Cape Fear River," is a US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP) effort focused on how dam release patterns from B. Everett Jordan Dam influence downstream river conditions. Rather than requesting full proposals up front, USACE is first collecting short Statements of Interest (RSOI) to identify qualified investigators who could later be invited to submit a full proposal once the final Statement of Objectives (SOO) is issued with the Request for Proposals.
At its core, the project is trying to connect operational decisions at Jordan Reservoir (especially pulsed or patterned releases) with real, measurable changes in the Cape Fear River system, particularly temperature structure, water quality, and algae behavior. The motivation is practical and basin-wide: the Cape Fear River serves major ecological functions and also supports a large human population, including numerous drinking water users. The basin was selected for SRP in 2016 because of its complex mix of stakeholders and needs, and because Jordan Dam operations can strongly shape downstream habitat and water quality conditions. A key concern driving the work is the history of harmful algal blooms, especially in the area behind Lock and Dam 1, where blooms have sometimes contributed to fish kills and have created treatment challenges for drinking water providers.
The anticipated work emphasizes four linked scientific objectives. First, the selected team is expected to improve understanding of thermal stratification in the Cape Fear River, with particular attention near Lock and Dam 1 and ideally an additional site somewhere between Jordan Dam and Lock and Dam 3. This is important because temperature layering and stability can influence dissolved oxygen, nutrient cycling, and algae growth, and it can also determine whether a river reach is prone to stagnant, bloom-friendly conditions. Second, the project aims to relate specific flow rates to the likelihood and strength of thermal mixing in the water column, essentially asking when and how different releases disrupt stratification or keep the river more uniformly mixed. Third, the work includes tracking water quality constituents with an emphasis on chlorophyll a, a common indicator used to approximate algal biomass, and examining how those indicators rise or fall under different flow conditions. Fourth, the project explicitly links these observations back to USACE water management, evaluating how releases from Jordan Reservoir influence downstream water quality outcomes and whether particular release patterns are effective at achieving desired ecological and water-supply benefits.
From a funding and structure standpoint, the opportunity is issued by the Department of Defense through the USACE Fort Worth District (with Wilmington District involvement via SRP) and is planned as a cooperative agreement under CFDA 12.300 (Science and Technology and other Research and Development). The notice indicates about $40,000 is expected to be available for the 12-month base period, with the possibility of additional funding in later fiscal years through up to four 12-month option periods, depending on funding availability and performance. While the base-period figure is relatively modest, the multi-year option structure signals USACE interest in work that can be extended if it proves valuable and aligns with SRP goals.
Eligibility is described as broadly open ("unrestricted") in the listing, but the text adds an important constraint: the awardee must be a non-federal partner associated with the appropriate CESU region, specifically the Piedmont - South Atlantic Coast, Chesapeake Watershed, or Southern Appalachian Mountains CESU Unit Region. This matters for institutions planning to respond, because it effectively narrows who can serve as the lead recipient under the CESU partnership framework even if many entity types could otherwise participate.
Administratively, applicants are not being asked for a full technical proposal or a detailed budget at the RSOI stage. Instead, interested parties submit a statement of interest that USACE will review to decide who to invite for full proposals once the final SOO is released. The posting timeline notes the RSOI must remain on Grants.gov for 30 days, and responses were due by 5:00 PM Central Time on July 27, 2021. Points of contact are provided for both grants administration (Sandra Justman, USACE Fort Worth District) and project management (Gregory W. Bonnell, USACE Regional Planning and Environmental Center), reflecting the cooperative and applied nature of the work, where coordination with USACE operations and stakeholders is likely part of execution.
Overall, the opportunity is best understood as an applied river-reservoir operations research project: measure and explain how pulsed dam releases alter river temperature structure and mixing, connect those physical changes to water quality indicators (especially chlorophyll a and bloom dynamics), and translate findings into actionable insight for USACE and basin partners who are trying to balance ecosystem health, harmful algal bloom risk reduction, and reliable water supply outcomes in the Cape Fear River Basin.Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 4740
- The Department of Defense, Fort Worth District in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Understanding Thermal Mixing, Water Quality, and Algae Dynamics with the Pulsing of Releases from Jordan Reservoir in the Cape Fear River" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.300.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 28, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 27, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $210,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "Understanding Thermal Mixing, Water Quality, and Algae Dynamics with the Pulsing of Releases from Jordan Reservoir in the Cape Fear River."
Which agency is offering this opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as part of the Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP). The notice is issued by the Department of Defense through the USACE Fort Worth District, with Wilmington District involvement via SRP.
What is the Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP) in this context?
SRP is the program framework under which USACE is pursuing applied research that connects dam operations to downstream ecological and water-quality outcomes. For this opportunity, SRP supports work focused on how Jordan Reservoir releases influence conditions in the Cape Fear River.
What problem is this project trying to address?
The project is intended to connect operational decisions at B. Everett Jordan Dam (especially pulsed or patterned releases) to measurable downstream changes in the Cape Fear River system, with emphasis on thermal structure, water quality, and algae dynamics. A key practical concern is harmful algal blooms, including blooms behind Lock and Dam 1 that have been associated with fish kills and drinking water treatment challenges.
What geographic area does the project focus on?
The focus is the Cape Fear River Basin downstream of Jordan Reservoir, with particular attention near Lock and Dam 1 and ideally an additional site somewhere between Jordan Dam and Lock and Dam 3.
Why is Lock and Dam 1 specifically mentioned?
Lock and Dam 1 is highlighted because harmful algal blooms have occurred in the area behind it, with impacts such as fish kills and complications for drinking water providers. The project emphasizes understanding conditions that may contribute to bloom-friendly, stagnant, or stratified water in that reach.
What is meant by "pulsing" or "patterned" releases from Jordan Reservoir?
In this opportunity, "pulsing" or "patterned" releases refer to operational release patterns from Jordan Reservoir that vary over time (rather than a constant flow), and the project aims to understand how those patterns affect downstream mixing, temperature structure, and water quality indicators.
What are the main scientific objectives described in the opportunity?
The anticipated work emphasizes four linked objectives: (1) improve understanding of thermal stratification in the Cape Fear River (particularly near Lock and Dam 1 and ideally another site between Jordan Dam and Lock and Dam 3); (2) relate specific flow rates to the likelihood and strength of thermal mixing; (3) track water quality constituents with emphasis on chlorophyll a and examine how indicators change under different flow conditions; and (4) connect findings back to USACE water management by evaluating how Jordan Reservoir releases influence downstream water quality outcomes and whether certain patterns achieve desired ecological and water-supply benefits.
What does the project mean by thermal stratification and thermal mixing?
Thermal stratification refers to temperature layering and stability in the water column, while thermal mixing refers to the disruption or reduction of that layering so the water column becomes more uniformly mixed. The opportunity notes these dynamics can influence dissolved oxygen, nutrient cycling, and algae growth, and may affect whether reaches become stagnant and more prone to bloom conditions.
What water quality indicators are emphasized?
The opportunity emphasizes tracking water quality constituents with a specific focus on chlorophyll a, described as a common indicator used to approximate algal biomass.
How does this work relate to harmful algal blooms (HABs)?
The work is motivated in part by the basin's history of harmful algal blooms, particularly behind Lock and Dam 1. By connecting flow patterns to mixing and to indicators like chlorophyll a, the project aims to better understand bloom dynamics and how operational releases may influence bloom likelihood or severity.
How will the results be used by USACE?
The opportunity frames the work as applied research intended to inform USACE water management, specifically evaluating how releases from Jordan Reservoir influence downstream water quality outcomes and whether certain release patterns can support desired ecological and water-supply benefits.
What type of award is planned?
The notice indicates the award is planned as a cooperative agreement.
What CFDA program is associated with this funding?
The opportunity is identified under CFDA 12.300 (Science and Technology and other Research and Development).
How much funding is expected?
About $40,000 is expected to be available for the 12-month base period, with the possibility of additional funding in later fiscal years through up to four 12-month option periods, depending on funding availability and performance.
How long is the project period?
The structure described includes a 12-month base period and up to four additional 12-month option periods, subject to funding availability and performance.
Is this a multi-year opportunity?
It may be multi-year. While the base period is 12 months, the notice describes up to four additional 12-month option periods that could extend the work if funding is available and performance is satisfactory.
Are applicants required to submit a full proposal right away?
No. USACE is first collecting short Statements of Interest (RSOI) to identify qualified investigators. Full proposals would be requested later, after USACE issues the final Statement of Objectives (SOO) along with a Request for Proposals.
What is an RSOI in this posting?
RSOI refers to a (requested) short Statement of Interest that USACE uses to identify qualified investigators who may later be invited to submit a full proposal once the final SOO is issued.
What is the SOO and why does it matter?
SOO stands for Statement of Objectives. In this opportunity, USACE indicates that the final SOO will be issued with the Request for Proposals, and that the RSOI stage occurs before that final SOO is released.
Is a detailed budget required at the RSOI stage?
No. The notice states that applicants are not being asked for a full technical proposal or a detailed budget at the RSOI stage.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed as "unrestricted," but the opportunity text adds a constraint that the awardee must be a non-federal partner associated with the appropriate CESU region: the Piedmont - South Atlantic Coast, Chesapeake Watershed, or Southern Appalachian Mountains CESU Unit Region.
What is the key eligibility constraint despite the "unrestricted" listing?
The key constraint stated in the text is that the awardee must be a non-federal partner associated with one of the specified CESU regions (Piedmont - South Atlantic Coast, Chesapeake Watershed, or Southern Appalachian Mountains). This effectively narrows who can serve as the lead recipient under the CESU partnership framework.
What is the application platform and posting period mentioned?
The posting timeline notes that the RSOI must remain on Grants.gov for 30 days.
When were responses due for the RSOI?
Responses were due by 5:00 PM Central Time on July 27, 2021.
Who are the points of contact listed for this opportunity?
Two points of contact are identified: Sandra Justman (grants administration, USACE Fort Worth District) and Gregory W. Bonnell (project management, USACE Regional Planning and Environmental Center).
Why are there separate contacts for grants administration and project management?
The notice distinguishes between administrative grants coordination and project management oversight, reflecting the cooperative and applied nature of the work and the expectation of coordination with USACE operations and stakeholders.
Why was the Cape Fear River Basin selected for SRP?
The basin was selected for SRP in 2016 due to its complex mix of stakeholders and needs, and because Jordan Dam operations can strongly shape downstream habitat and water quality conditions.
What kinds of outcomes does the opportunity say the project should support?
The opportunity describes outcomes tied to actionable insight for USACE and basin partners, aiming to balance ecosystem health, harmful algal bloom risk reduction, and reliable water supply outcomes in the Cape Fear River Basin.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Developing Case Studies from Pre/Post Natural disaster monitoring of natural features
Previous opportunity: Family Support through Primary Prevention (FSPP) Demonstration Sites
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 4740
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (W9126G 21 2 SOI 4740) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Environmental DNA Sampling in the Lower Roanoke River Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 4742 Funding Number: W9126G 21 2 SOI 4742 Agency: Department of Defense, Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $335,000 |
| Ecosystem Function Model Analysis on the Roanoke River Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 4749 Funding Number: W9126G 21 2 SOI 4749 Agency: Department of Defense, Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $160,000 |
| HBCU Cooperative Research in Housing Technologies Apply for FR 6500 N 55 Funding Number: FR 6500 N 55 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Monitoring of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in support of barrier island restoration efforts Apply for W81EWF 21 SOI 0024 Funding Number: W81EWF 21 SOI 0024 Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- Corps of Engineers Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $22,000 |
| Developing Case Studies from Pre/Post Natural disaster monitoring of natural features Apply for W81EWF 21 SOI 0023 Funding Number: W81EWF 21 SOI 0023 Agency: Department of Defense, Engineer Research and Development Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $23,500 |
| Understanding Adverse Effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances on Nontarget Species Apply for W81EWF 21 SOI 0025 Funding Number: W81EWF 21 SOI 0025 Agency: Department of Defense, Engineer Research and Development Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Technology Advancement Utilizing Suborbital Flight Opportunities "Tech Flights" Apply for 80HQTR21NOA01 21FO F1 Funding Number: 80HQTR21NOA01 21FO F1 Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $650,000 |
| Environmental Convergence Opportunities in Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems Apply for 21 596 Funding Number: 21 596 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,700,000 |
| NIJ FY 2021 Invited to Apply - Evaluation of Project Safe Neighborhoods Apply for O NIJ 2021 53001 Funding Number: O NIJ 2021 53001 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| NIJ FY 2021 Invitation to Apply - Criminal Justice Requirements and Resources Consortium Apply for O NIJ 2021 53002 Funding Number: O NIJ 2021 53002 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Oak Tree Mitigation Siting Plan Support at Fort Hunter Liggett, CA Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 4824 Funding Number: W9126G 21 2 SOI 4824 Agency: Department of Defense, Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $49,000 |
| Blue and Green Technology Conference 2022 Apply for PAS NEWZEALAND 2021 06 Funding Number: PAS NEWZEALAND 2021 06 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to New Zealand Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Advanced Technological Education Apply for 21 598 Funding Number: 21 598 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $7,500,000 |
| Natural Resources Support, Holloman AFB, NM Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 4916 Funding Number: W9126G 21 2 SOI 4916 Agency: Department of Defense, Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,247,800 |
| Invasive Species Management for Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL Apply for W9126G 21 2 4792 Funding Number: W9126G 21 2 4792 Agency: Department of Defense, Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $257,500 |
| Invasive Species Management for Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 4792 Funding Number: W9126G 21 2 SOI 4792 Agency: Department of Defense, Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $257,500 |
| Researching Methods to Improve Passage and Determine Impacts of Diversion and Flood Control Structures to Green Sturgeon Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 4931 Funding Number: W9126G 21 2 SOI 4931 Agency: Department of Defense, Fort Worth District Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Advancing Informal STEM Learning Apply for 21 599 Funding Number: 21 599 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| 2024 American National Election Study Competition Apply for 21 601 Funding Number: 21 601 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $14,000,000 |
| Combat Readiness - Rapid Development and Translational Research Award Apply for W81XWH 21 S CRRP Funding Number: W81XWH 21 S CRRP Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "W9126G 21 2 SOI 4740", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.