Research Support for Science Communications and Water Resource Management Toolbox | BOR DO 19 N019

Opportunity Information: Apply for BOR DO 19 N019

The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation announced a discretionary funding opportunity called "Research Support for Science Communications and Water Resource Management Toolbox" (Funding Opportunity Number: BOR DO 19 N019; CFDA 15.560). The award is offered as a Cooperative Agreement, which generally signals an arrangement where the federal agency expects to be substantially involved in the work as it is carried out, rather than simply providing funds and receiving a final report. The opportunity was created on May 17, 2019, with an original closing date of May 31, 2019, indicating a relatively short application window and a targeted, time-sensitive effort.

The core purpose of the project is the development and further advancement of the Collaborative Conservation and Adaptation Strategy Toolkit (CCAST) by the University of Arizona. The toolkit is positioned as a practical, applied resource intended to strengthen both internal capacity within Reclamation and external capacity among partner organizations and stakeholders who rely on Reclamation-supported water systems and planning. In plain terms, the project focuses on making science and decision-support resources easier to share, easier to understand, and easier to use in real operational and planning contexts.

A central theme of the opportunity is science communication in service of water management. The toolkit is meant to function as a platform for sharing information, tools, and technologies that water managers can readily apply. That includes improving the ability to deliver scientific findings, analytical tools, and technical resources in ways that fit into ongoing planning processes and day-to-day operations, rather than remaining disconnected research products. By emphasizing "capacity to deliver and communicate science and tools," the grant highlights a common gap in resource management: having good science is not enough if agencies and stakeholders cannot translate it into coordinated decisions, policies, and on-the-ground actions.

Another major goal is supporting collaborative conservation and climate adaptation planning by helping users identify and develop appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies. This suggests CCAST is envisioned not just as an information repository, but as a structured toolkit that can guide users through evaluating risks, comparing options, and selecting responses to changing conditions such as drought, shifting hydrology, and other stressors affecting water supplies. The language about adaptation and mitigation implies the toolkit can help frame and prioritize strategies that reduce vulnerability, improve resilience, and potentially lessen drivers of risk where applicable.

The funding details point to a single, relatively substantial award: an anticipated maximum (award ceiling) of $575,000 and an expected number of awards of 1. Eligibility is listed as "Others," with the instruction to consult the opportunity's additional eligibility information for specifics; however, the description makes clear that the University of Arizona is the developer under this Cooperative Agreement, indicating the opportunity is effectively directed toward that institution for the stated purpose. Overall, the grant supports a focused effort to build a usable, stakeholder-facing toolbox that bridges science and practice in water resources management, strengthens collaborative planning, and improves the ability of Reclamation and partners to plan for and respond to changing environmental and operational conditions.

• The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Research Support for Science Communications and Water Resource Management Toolbox" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.560.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 17, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 31, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $575,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for BOR DO 19 N019

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