Year-Round and Winter Observing Request for Proposals

The Great Lakes provide drinking water, transportation corridors, fisheries, recreation opportunities, and ecosystem services that support millions of people throughout the region. Understanding and predicting changes in Great Lakes ecosystems requires observations that extend throughout the year. However, the existing Great Lakes observing network collects limited over-winter data because many observing platforms are seasonally operated. As a result, critical information is lacking during late fall, winter, and early spring, reducing our ability to support commercial shipping and fisheries, understand ice processes and seasonal ecosystem dynamics, evaluate climate-driven changes, and develop and validate forecasting tools.

To address these challenges, the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) is soliciting proposals to support the development, deployment, and operation of technologies and observing approaches that improve year-round monitoring of the ecological health of the Great Lakes. 

Successful projects will contribute to a more resilient and sustainable Great Lakes observing system by expanding observational coverage, supporting forecasting capabilities, informing management decisions, and improving understanding of changing ecosystem conditions. 

GLOS can support funding of governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and for-profit organizations based in the United States. GLOS expects to fund 3 projects, up to two years in duration, with the expectation that awardees will:

• Collaborate with GLOS team members to ensure adequate transfer to GLOS of any data, outcomes, tools, and/or other pertinent information produced with the support of the award,
• Allow access throughout the project to pertinent information and data, and
• Disclose in writing equipment purchases of more than $10,000.

Cost-sharing and/or in-kind contributions are highly encouraged but not required. GLOS reserves the right to request additional information from applicants prior to making an award.

Find all details in the full Request for Proposals.