Improving Lake Superior outflow regulation and quantifying uncertainty

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center is offering a federal funding opportunity focused on improving the regulation of Lake Superior outflows and enhancing the accuracy of water management systems. This initiative seeks to modernize how water discharge from Lake Superior is calculated and managed by addressing limitations in existing rating equations. Historically, these equations assumed binary gate operations, but current practices include partially open gates, creating a need for updated modeling and uncertainty analysis. The funding opportunity is designed to support research that improves ecological outcomes and strengthens water resource management across the Great Lakes system. The primary objective of this opportunity is to conduct a comprehensive uncertainty analysis for new outflow rating equations associated with a critical control structure on Lake Superior. These equations are being developed through a separate effort led by the University of Michigan, and successful applicants must collaborate closely with that team. The funded work will quantify uncertainty in discharge estimates based on varying gate openings and water levels, producing outputs that can be integrated into operational models used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Additional optional tasks may be funded depending on availability, including development of a hydrodynamic model of the St. Marys River and improvements to sediment tracking systems. Funding for this program is provided entirely by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The total program funding is approximately $400,000, with individual awards expected to be around $200,000. The agency anticipates making approximately three awards, though this number may vary. Awards will be issued as cooperative agreements, and the government will maintain substantial involvement, including providing data, computational resources, and technical support. The anticipated period of performance for the overall program is up to five years, while the primary task requires completion within approximately twelve months. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is restricted to non-federal partners of the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit. Applicants must also comply with federal requirements such as registration in the System for Award Management and adherence to federal regulations governing research, environmental compliance, and reporting. Additional restrictions apply to research involving human subjects or animals, requiring specific approvals before such work can begin. Religious organizations are permitted to apply on equal footing with other eligible entities. The application process consists of two phases. In Phase I, applicants must submit a Statement of Interest via email that includes organizational information, qualifications, and relevant experience. This initial submission is limited to two pages and does not require a budget. Based on these submissions, selected applicants will be invited to Phase II, where they must submit a full application package including technical proposals, budgets, data management plans, and required federal forms. Applications may be submitted via email or through Grants.gov, provided all registration requirements are met. Evaluation of proposals is based primarily on technical merit, relevance to Department of Defense missions, and the applicant’s ability to integrate with ongoing research efforts at the University of Michigan. Applications are reviewed independently and categorized as selectable or not selectable based on these criteria. Final award decisions also consider funding availability and program priorities. Applicants should be prepared to provide additional information during the award process, including revised budgets or certifications. Key deadlines for this opportunity include a Phase I Statement of Interest submission deadline of June 4, 2026, and a Phase II full application deadline of July 6, 2026 for those invited to advance. Questions regarding the opportunity may be directed to the listed grant specialist or grants officer via email. The opportunity is a one-time announcement with no indication of recurring cycles, and applicants are encouraged to monitor official channels for any updates or amendments to the funding announcement.

Emphasize technical merit and integration with University of Michigan modeling efforts; ensure uncertainty analysis aligns with existing models; clearly demonstrate capability in hydrodynamic or CFD modeling