Willow Creek Reservoir Water Quality Research and Evaluation Studies

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), through its Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), has issued a funding opportunity titled Willow Creek Reservoir Water Quality Research and Evaluation Studies. This initiative is designed as a cooperative agreement to support applied scientific research aimed at improving environmental conditions in Willow Creek Reservoir, located in Heppner, Oregon. The ERDC serves as a key research arm of USACE, focusing on engineering and environmental challenges relevant to national and community interests. This opportunity reflects the agency’s broader mission to support sustainable water resource management and public health through rigorous scientific investigation. The primary purpose of the funding is to advance scientific understanding and develop actionable strategies to improve water quality in the reservoir. The project addresses significant environmental concerns including harmful cyanobacteria blooms, low dissolved oxygen levels, and elevated nutrient concentrations. These conditions have led to public health advisories, ecological degradation, and negative impacts on tourism and recreation. The research funded under this program is expected to contribute to a comprehensive restoration strategy by combining empirical data collection, modeling, and evaluation of mitigation techniques. The scope of work is structured around four major research components. First, applicants will conduct empirical data acquisition and limnological analysis through regular water sampling and environmental monitoring. Second, the project requires development of a hydrodynamic model capable of simulating reservoir conditions and forecasting water quality outcomes. Third, researchers will evaluate mitigation strategies, including aeration systems and operational adjustments, to determine the most effective restoration approaches. Finally, the program emphasizes dissemination of findings through public and technical reporting to ensure transparency and community benefit. Funding is structured as a multi-year cooperative agreement with an anticipated total program funding of 500000 dollars and an award ceiling of 100000 dollars per year over a five-year period. The government will provide substantial involvement, including access to the reservoir, equipment, and collaboration in data collection and analysis. Funds are restricted from being used for profit or certain prohibited equipment, and recipients must comply with federal regulations including 2 CFR 200. Notably, no cost sharing or matching is required, as the project is fully funded by USACE. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to non-federal partners within the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit. This typically includes universities, research institutions, and affiliated organizations with demonstrated expertise in environmental science and water resource management. Applicants must maintain active registration in the System for Award Management and comply with federal certification and disclosure requirements. Additional restrictions apply to research involving human subjects or animals, requiring prior approval from appropriate oversight bodies. The application process follows a two-phase structure. In Phase I, applicants submit a Statement of Interest via email, including organizational information, qualifications, and relevant experience. Selected applicants are then invited to Phase II, where they must submit a full proposal including technical documentation, budget details, data management plans, and required federal forms. Applications are evaluated based on technical merit and relevance to Department of Defense priorities. The deadline for Statements of Interest is June 12, 2026, and full proposals are due July 9, 2026. The anticipated period of performance for the award is five years. Reporting requirements include regular progress, financial, and performance reports submitted on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis depending on the report type. The program is a one-time initiative, and award notifications will follow the completion of the review process. For inquiries, applicants may contact the designated agency representatives via email. This funding opportunity represents a targeted effort to address a critical environmental issue through collaborative scientific research and community-focused outcomes.

Emphasize strong technical merit and alignment with Department of Defense mission priorities; demonstrate prior relevant experience and capability in water quality research