Global Water Security Program

Please see the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) for complete opportunity details.

The purpose of this NFO is to provide the Department of Defense with an assistance mechanism for the recipient to furnish data and expert analysis on the water security implications of seasonal to decadal weather and climate events in support of DoD operational and strategic planning. In support of strategic planning efforts, the GWS program will have a particular focus on the food and energy implications of water availability and extreme weather events. Key customers for the GWS program support include OUSD(P) sponsored initiatives such as the Defense Operational Resilience International Cooperation (DORIC) program, Combatant Commands, allies and partners, and the interagency in support of DoD initiatives to build cooperation and planning. It is anticipated that the GWS program will become a scientific resource across the US Federal Government with a focus on security and stability implications of water, food, and energy challenges.

Reliable access to water for operations and the ability to anticipate and respond to sudden, extreme water-related hazards affects DoD operational capability to execute current mission requirements. In the future, increased water scarcity and extreme hydrological events, exacerbated by climate change, will create greater operational challenges, increase global instability and regional tensions, and potentially inflame existing and/or trigger new intra-state conflicts. Accurate and timely information regarding water-related challenges opens opportunities to anticipate, plan for, and reduce tensions through defense diplomacy.

The incorporation of climate and water security considerations into operational, tactical, and strategic planning are currently hindered by lack of resources to provide data and expertise to decision makers and stakeholders in formats that are accessible and actionable with a turnaround time rapid enough to meet planning and funding demands. The GWS program investments in data infrastructure, the hiring of subject matter experts, establishment of the Pathways to Impacts framework, and communication expertise will allow the GWS program to provide analysis products and expert support to a broad range of stakeholders within DoD and the interagency. This NFO specifies the OUSD(P) priority areas for the GWS program, as well as oversight and governance requirements.