DEP-BWR-NOI-FY27-WQMG Grant ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, through the Bureau of Water Resources Watershed Planning Program, is soliciting grant proposals to support new or ongoing water quality monitoring and data collection. The primary objective is to increase the volume of external data used for water quality assessments under the federal Clean Water Act. Eligible projects include water quality monitoring activities, such as sampling design and data collection, as well as capacity building to support future data submissions. All data must be generated according to MassDEP acceptance criteria and based on an approved Quality Assurance Project Plan. Applications are due by October 22, 2026, and must follow a strict 15-page limit using the provided proposal template. Proposals are scored out of 100 points based on organizational qualifications, the ability to contract within 30 days of award, and the capacity for quality-assured data collection. Priority is given to projects that benefit disadvantaged communities, utilize matching funds, employ collaborative coalition approaches, and target specific priority analytes. Municipalities and academic institutions are ineligible for direct funding, though academic institutions may serve as subcontractors. All awarded work and expenditures must be completed by June 30, 2027.