Detection, prevention, management, and scalable technologies for harmful algal bloom reduction | W81EWF 20 SOI 0017

Opportunity Information: Apply for W81EWF 20 SOI 0017

The grant opportunity titled "Detection, prevention, management, and scalable technologies for harmful algal bloom reduction" is a Department of Defense, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) research and development effort focused on harmful algal blooms (HABs) as a major aquatic nuisance species affecting USACE waterways, infrastructure, and operations. The problem statement is framed around growing frequency and duration of HAB events and the resulting environmental damage, public health threats, and economic losses. The announcement highlights large-scale economic impacts tied to nutrient pollution and HABs, including an estimate of about $1 billion in lost tourism revenue, and notes that other locations have experienced even larger impacts (with Florida cited at an estimated $4.5 billion). The program is particularly centered on the Western Lake Erie Basin and the broader Ohio region, but the underlying intent is to improve the Nation's overall capacity to detect, prevent, and manage HABs in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers where USACE has mission responsibilities.

The core purpose of the funding is to spur innovative, cost-effective solutions that can be demonstrated in real-world conditions and that have a clear pathway to scaling up. The opportunity is not limited to one type of intervention. It explicitly invites physical, chemical, and/or biological approaches, as long as they contribute to earlier detection, better protection, and more effective management of HABs. The emphasis on scalable technologies is central: the USACE is looking for solutions that do more than work in a lab or a small pilot setting, and instead can be expanded to address large bloom events or broad geographic areas.

The anticipated work is organized around three main objectives. Objective 1 is about developing and demonstrating a process or technology that reduces HAB events or their harm, which can take several forms: reducing how often blooms occur, limiting biomass growth and toxicity as the bloom forms, enabling early and rapid detection of HAB presence or conditions that trigger blooms, or mitigating algal biomass and toxins after an event occurs. Objective 2 requires a field demonstration, meaning the solution must be tested in an aquatic system under practical conditions. This field demonstration can show a reduction in algal biomass and toxicity and/or show a reduction in the nutrients that feed blooms, recognizing that nutrient availability is a key driver of bloom formation and persistence. Objective 3 focuses on scalability, requiring applicants to demonstrate the potential to expand the technology or process so it can handle a large bloom event or a large spatial extent rather than remaining a small localized treatment.

In terms of public benefit, the opportunity is positioned as a direct response to escalating HAB risks nationwide, with a clear message that improved detection and intervention can reduce health risks, ecological damage, and economic disruption. The expected outcome is better capability to manage HABs before, during, and after bloom events, paired with technologies that are practical to deploy at meaningful scales. The broader rationale is that scalable mitigation and monitoring tools will help agencies respond more quickly, reduce exposure to toxins for humans and wildlife, and lessen the socio-economic harms that come with widespread bloom outbreaks.

Administratively, this is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement, under CFDA 12.630, issued by the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers. The funding opportunity number is W81EWF 20 SOI 0017. The original posting date was April 21, 2020, with an original closing date of May 21, 2020. The opportunity anticipated one award, with an award ceiling of $2,000,000. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others" with additional clarification referenced in the full eligibility text of the announcement, indicating it may be open to a range of non-federal entities depending on the detailed eligibility language in the full notice.

• The Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- Corps of Engineers in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Detection, prevention, management, and scalable technologies for harmful algal bloom reduction" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.630.
• This funding opportunity was created on Apr 21, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 21, 2020. (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 $2,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for W81EWF 20 SOI 0017

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