The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Water Mission Area (WMA) Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) Research and Development Program offers a funding opportunity through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) for research on high-resolution soil moisture mapping using UAV-based L-band sensing. This initiative aims to develop more precise soil moisture data at field and watershed scales by expanding upon existing methods like satellite and in-situ sensing, which are currently limited in spatial detail. With $320,000 anticipated for FY 2025, the program seeks a CESU-affiliated partner from the Chesapeake Watershed CESU network to support this research, with funding renewable up to four additional years based on performance and availability.

The project has three main objectives: (1) developing open-source software and data processing tools for UAV L-band data, (2) conducting UAV data collection at specified USDA and Innovation Test Bed (ITB) sites across multiple states, and (3) providing technical assistance to enhance future field campaigns and create best practices for data collection. UAV data collected will be compared with in-situ and cosmic ray neutron sensors to validate soil moisture measurements, and results are expected to be published in scientific journals.

Applications should include details about the lead investigator, supporting staff, and available facilities, with a detailed project narrative outlining the research problem, objectives, methodologies, anticipated products, and dissemination plans. Applicants must provide budget sheets that account for personnel, travel, lab expenses, equipment, and indirect costs (capped at 17.5% for CESU projects). A two-page Data Management Plan (DMP) is also required, detailing data sharing, security, and archiving protocols.

Proposals are evaluated based on project relevance, technical approach, budget justification, and team qualifications, with USGS technical staff reviewing and scoring applications. Selected recipients are responsible for regular reporting, including annual progress and financial reports, and a final technical report detailing outcomes. Publications resulting from this project must acknowledge USGS support, adhere to publication guidelines, and provide copies to USGS and the Department of the Interior's Natural Resources Library.

Applications are submitted through Grants.gov, and questions can be directed to Faith Graves, the designated CESU Contract Specialist at USGS.