EPA-R5-GL2026-PCA Great Lakes Biology Monitoring Program: Phytoplankton and Chlorophyll-a Components

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971 included the transfer of 44 million acres to Alaska Native regional and village corporations. Some of these lands became contaminated prior to conveyance (transfer) from a variety of past activities such as fuel storage, power generation, waste handling practices, mining, and other activities. These contaminants can pose health concerns to Alaska Native communities, impact subsistence resources, and impair economic activity. Congress appropriated funding starting in fiscal year 2023 for EPA to establish and implement a grant program to assist Tribal entities in Alaska with addressing contamination on ANCSA lands that were contaminated prior to the time of conveyance. Grants may be used for site assessment and remediation, as well as related community outreach and involvement. Eligible entities include Alaska Native regional and village corporations, federally recognized Tribes in Alaska, Alaska Native nonprofit associations, and inter-tribal consortia comprised of Alaskan tribal entities. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis. As long as funds remain available, EPA expects to extend the closing date for this funding opportunity. Before submitting a proposal, please contact Contaminated ANCSA Assistance Program project managers to indicate interest. Details on how to apply are provided in the Contaminated ANCSA Lands Assistance Program Guidance.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicits applications from eligible entities for grants to be awarded pursuant to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Action Plan IV. The Great Lakes Biology Monitoring Program (GLBMP) fulfills EPA's statutory obligation specified in Clean Water Act Section 118(c)(B) to establish a Great Lakes system-wide surveillance network to monitor the water quality of the Great Lakes. The goals of the GLBMP are to (1) report on Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem condition using assessments of the lower food web (phytoplankton, chlorophyll, zooplankton, Mysis and benthic invertebrates) as indicators; (2) assess the impacts to the lower food web from invasive species including quagga mussels; and (3) inform fisheries and habitat management. The Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) is requesting applications for a project to complete sample collection and analyses in support of the zooplankton, Mysis, and benthic invertebrate components of the GLBMP. The targeted audience for this funding opportunity is eligible entities listed below capable of analyzing zooplankton, Mysis, and benthic invertebrate community abundance and composition. The intended beneficiaries of the GLBMP are all those who live, recreate, or work within the Great Lakes basin.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicits applications from eligible entities for grants to be awarded pursuant to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Action Plan IV. The Great Lakes Biology Monitoring Program (GLBMP) fulfills EPA's statutory obligation specified in Clean Water Act Section 118(c)(B) to establish a Great Lakes system-wide surveillance network to monitor the water quality of the Great Lakes. The goals of the GLBMP are to (1) report on Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem condition using assessments of the lower food web (phytoplankton, chlorophyll, zooplankton, Mysis and benthic invertebrates) as indicators; (2) assess the impacts to the lower food web from invasive species including quagga mussels; and (3) inform fisheries and habitat management. The Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) is requesting applications for a project to complete sample collection and analyses in support of the Phytoplankton and Chlorophyll-a components of the GLBMP. The targeted audience for this funding opportunity is eligible entities listed below capable of analyzing phytoplankton community abundance and composition and chlorophyll-a concentrations in water samples. The intended beneficiaries of the GLBMP are all those who live, recreate, or work within the Great Lakes basin.