The Water Supply Analyses Project for Coleman National Fish Hatchery Intake 2, offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, seeks to address the aging infrastructure and water supply limitations at the Coleman National Fish Hatchery (CNFH) in Battle Creek, California. This hatchery plays a pivotal role in supporting both economically significant sport fisheries and the recovery of endangered winter-run Chinook Salmon. Due to aging and underperforming water intakes, particularly Intake #2, the CNFH's ability to sustain fish production and recovery goals is at risk. The funding opportunity aims to support data collection, analysis, and modeling efforts necessary for the future design of a screened and fish-safe water intake system.

The program will fund a single award with a maximum of $600,000 to conduct fluvial geomorphic, hydrologic, bathymetric, and terrestrial surveys, along with a sediment transport analysis. These activities will inform the design of an updated water intake system that meets operational and ecological standards. The work includes mapping the upstream and downstream areas of Intake #2, evaluating historical water data, constructing a calibrated model of flow and sediment transport, and creating feasibility studies for fish-safe screens. The project must also produce recommendations to improve infrastructure in line with ecological needs and create a comprehensive final assessment to be used by future design teams.

The grant is open to all entity types, but the final awardee must be approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The grant does not require cost sharing. All entities must be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier. Applications must be submitted through GrantSolutions.gov, and registration in that system is also required. The grant opportunity closes on April 20, 2025, and selected projects are expected to begin on June 15, 2025. The period of performance ends on November 1, 2025, and all deliverables and billing must be completed before this date.

Applicants are required to submit a full suite of federal forms including the SF-424, SF-424A or C (depending on construction involvement), SF-429 if real property is involved, and SF-LLL if lobbying is involved. A project abstract summary, project narrative, and budget narrative must also be included. The project narrative should articulate the problem, objectives, methodology, timeline, personnel, location, stakeholder coordination, and evaluation plan. The budget narrative must justify all expenses and outline any indirect cost strategies, including de minimis or negotiated rates.

Evaluation of applications will consider expertise in hydrology, sediment transport modeling, fish passage engineering, and experience with anadromous salmonid restoration projects in California. At least one team member or subrecipient must be a qualified geomorphologist with over ten years of relevant experience. Review criteria also include the clarity of goals and methods, budget reasonableness, and the ability to provide timely updates.

Questions can be directed to RJ Bottaro, Battle Creek Program Manager, at rj_bottaro@fws.gov or (530) 536-0263, or Jacqueline Gonzalez, Administrative Officer, at jacqueline_gonzalez@fws.gov or (530) 536-0016. This grant is authorized under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act and is classified as a grant award (G type).