Harmful Algal Bloom Research Grant Program 2026

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is pleased to announce funding for projects that will implement objectives of the DEC HAB Roadmap and the DEC HABs Research Guide. a) Funding: Approximately $2,500,000 is available for the New York State DEC Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Research Grant Program. Funding for this grant opportunity is provided from the Environmental Protection Fund. There is a 10% match requirement for this grant opportunity. b) Nature of Projects to be Funded: The DEC HAB Research Grant Program is intended to support research projects that may range in structure from small, targeted laboratory or field studies by individual investigators or small teams, to regional-scale studies involving larger teams of investigators that will conduct multi-disciplinary projects. The projects must specifically address at least one of the focus area topics identified within the DEC HABs Research Guide. DEC has identified the following as priority topics for funding: Prevention and Mitigation Causes of HABs Monitoring and Modeling Communication, Engagement, and Outreach c) Proposed Project Timeframes: All projects must have defined objectives, tasks, and deliverables accounted for in performance measures that can be completed and invoiced within a three-year contract term. Costs outside of the contract period/term are ineligible. State of New York Contract for Grants must be fully approved by DEC, and if applicable, approved by the Attorney General and the State Comptroller. Time extensions beyond the contract term end date (no cost time extensions will be considered) will be determined by DEC based upon written justification from the Bidder. However, bidders should not submit a bid if they do not anticipate their project can be completed within the specified contract term. d) Minimum and Maximum Award Amounts:Minimum grant amount is $250,000; Maximum grant amount is $750,000.e) Bid Limit/Award limit:Bidders may apply as a “Lead” on only one application but may be listed as collaborators on no more than two additional applications. Bidders are eligible to receive a grant award as a “Lead” in this grant round on only one grant award. f) Eligible Project Locations:Eligible projects for grant funding must be located within New York State and describe how the project objectives and results will benefit New York State. Documentation must include a map or other statement of geographic extent. Business enterprises awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: none Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) SDVOB Goal: 6.00% Minority / Women Business Enterprise contracting goals (MWBE) MBE Goal: 30.00%