Comprehensive Water Quality Management Planning Grant Application

Background
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) is issuing this Grant Application Solicitation to provide information necessary for the preparation of competitive applications for watershed-based water quality management planning. The goal is to develop a comprehensive water quality management plan that can be replicated in other watersheds throughout Iowa. This initiative is funded through the Clean Water Act Section 604(b), targeting Watershed Management Authorities and entities demonstrating characteristics of a Regional Public Comprehensive Planning Organization (RPCPO). Total funding available is anticipated to be up to $500,000, with individual requests capped at $125,000.

Work Details
Successful applicants will work with the Iowa DNR to create a Comprehensive Water Quality Management Plan that includes:

1) A physical environment inventory covering land use, precipitation, topography, soils, monitoring information, and impaired waters;

2) An assessment of issues such as flood control, water quality, erosion control, and public education;

3) Specific goals, objectives, and action steps with quantifiable estimates and expected results;

4) A detailed implementation schedule and budget identifying practices required to achieve stated goals.

The final deliverable should serve as an implementation guide for the Watershed Management Authority.

Period of Performance
The contract term will begin approximately on March 17, 2026, and will last for 24 months, concluding no later than June 30, 2028.

Place of Performance
The geographic location for performance will be within the state of Iowa, specifically targeting designated watersheds as defined by Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUC).

Bidder Requirements
Eligible applicants must be Watershed Management Authorities or RPCPOs located in Iowa. Each applicant must have a federal Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number. There is a requirement for a minimum local match of 25% of the requested funds (with at least 5% as cash). Applicants who have previously received funding must describe their current status and how additional funds will further their planning goals.