DEP-BWR-RFR-2025-WMA-Water Management Act Grant Opportunity

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Management Act Grant opportunity seeks proposals from eligible Massachusetts water suppliers and municipalities to support projects focused on water resource planning, demand management, mitigation activities, and studies addressing impacts of water withdrawals. The funding, ranging from approximately $500,000 to $2 million per project, emphasizes activities such as drought resilience, firm yield studies, rate analyses, and implementation of best management practices. Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal limited to 10 pages, supplemented by supporting attachments like maps, reports, and resumes, with all submissions due electronically by October 3, 2025. The review process evaluates proposals based on project benefit, regulatory compliance, community impact (notably benefiting Disadvantaged Communities), organizational qualifications, project budget and timeline, and financial need, with a total of 100 points available. Priority is given to projects in highly impacted basins and communities classified as Tier 1, 2, or 3 Disadvantaged Communities, with scoring weighted accordingly. Contractual and administrative requirements are governed by Massachusetts state law, including the Commonwealth Standard Contract Form, Terms and Conditions, and the Water Management Act regulations. Applicants must register in the Commonwealth’s procurement system (COMMBUYS), submit a W-9 with DUNS and Federal Tax ID, and provide documentation such as signed forms and an electronic funds transfer setup. The contract is a state grant agreement, not a federal procurement, with performance expected from contract signing through June 30, 2026. Deliverables include detailed project designs stamped by a Professional Engineer, as-built drawings, a final technical report, and evidence of ongoing maintenance for implemented BMPs. Payment is on a cost-reimbursement basis, contingent upon submission of invoices and supporting documentation, with final reimbursement requests due by June 30, 2026. The process emphasizes compliance, transparency, and accountability, with the MassDEP Grant Review Team overseeing evaluation and award decisions.