Opportunity
Simpler Grants.gov #EPA-R5-GL2026-ZMB
EPA Cooperative Agreement for Great Lakes Biology Monitoring Program (Zooplankton, Mysis, Benthic Invertebrates)
Buyer
Environmental Protection Agency
Posted
May 01, 2026
Respond By
July 01, 2026
Identifier
EPA-R5-GL2026-ZMB
NAICS
541690
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Great Lakes National Program Office, is offering a cooperative agreement to support the Great Lakes Biology Monitoring Program (GLBMP). - Funding opportunity is for monitoring and analysis of zooplankton, Mysis, and benthic invertebrate populations across the Great Lakes. - Includes sample collection, taxonomic identification, enumeration, biomass calculations, statistical analysis, trend interpretation, and reporting. - Annual intensive benthic surveys and supplemental studies on artificial intelligence and lake-specific assessments are required. - Eligible applicants: Indian Tribes, state/local governments, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations. - Total available funding: $8,100,000 over six years (approx. $1.35 million per year). - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named; the focus is on scientific monitoring and analysis services. - Notable requirements: - Maintain comparability and continuity with historic sampling and taxonomic methods. - Ability to hire and train taxonomists. - Work will be performed aboard the EPA's R/V Lake Guardian and throughout the Great Lakes Basin.
Description
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the Environmental Protection Agency solicits applications for grants under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan IV. The program aims to monitor the water quality of the Great Lakes by assessing the lower food web components such as zooplankton, Mysis, and benthic invertebrates. The project involves sample collection and analysis to report on ecosystem conditions, assess impacts from invasive species, and inform fisheries and habitat management. Eligible entities capable of analyzing these biological components are invited to apply, with the goal of benefiting those living, recreating, or working within the Great Lakes basin.