Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Research Grant

WSDA research grant (2025-2027 state budget appropriation) funding research to develop an integrated pest management plan for burrowing shrimp in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor, so coastal shellfish cultivation on tidelands can continue. High burrowing-shrimp densities soften mudflats and cause shellfish to sink and suffocate. $276,000 is available after an 8% administrative fee (from a $300,000 model toxics control operating account appropriation). Application period open October 29-December 15, 2025; projects must be completed and deliverables received by June 30, 2027. Additional rounds of RFPs are possible at a future date.

Research institutions, agencies, and industry partners (WSDA is particularly interested in collaborative projects/partnerships with potential for rapid implementation). Funds may only be used for research to develop the burrowing-shrimp IPM plan for Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor.

No per-project award ceiling or floor is published. WSDA states only the size of the round: in the 2025-2027 state budget the Legislature appropriated "$300,000 of the model toxics control operating account for research grants to assist with the development of an integrated pest management plan to address burrowing shrimp," and "After an 8% grant administration fee, $276,000 is available to award." No match or cost-share is required.

Payment is reimbursement-only. "Performance-based contracting requires grant recipients to have the financial capability to pay project costs up-front, and request reimbursement for grant funds." "Reimbursement requests must be submitted at least quarterly and no more than monthly," supported by receipts, paid invoices, payroll records, travel logs and contractor invoices. Grantees must register in Washington's Statewide Payee System before the first request — "WSDA can make no payments until registration is complete."

Ineligible costs: "Indirect costs, including administrative overhead, are not allowed as part of your grant request." Equipment: "Items with a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more must follow the State Procurement rules."

Term and obligations: projects "may begin as soon as the grant is awarded and a contract with WSDA is executed" (contracts out for signature early February 2026) and "must be completed, and all deliverables received by June 30, 2027." Award recipients sign a Grant Agreement with WSDA, submit progress reports with each reimbursement request plus quarterly virtual reports to the IPM Working Group and a final report, and must be prepared to present in person at a Washington Sea Grant or Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association meeting. Records are subject to audit "for at least six years after the dispersal of funds." "Failure to properly manage a grant award may result in the obligation to repay grant funds and/or exclusion from future grant opportunities."

Submit proposals per the WSDA RFP by December 15, 2025, 5:00 PM PST. Applicant notifications January 2026; contracts out for signature early February 2026.