Specifications include, but are not limited to: VTDEC is seeking proposals for the 2020 field season surface water monitoring projects that align with one or more monitoring categories outlined in Appendix 1. 2020 LaRosa Analytical Support Grant Monitoring Project Categories. This table includes information on the four standardized monitoring designs being supported by the LPP this year. Waters under evaluation should be of significant interest to the local organization sponsoring the project and to VTDEC. Waters of interest include those listed as stressed or impaired, state priority waters, waters on which minimal or no monitoring has been performed in the past, waters where a suspected water quality problem needs further documentation, and/or waters where known problems remain undiagnosed. Proposals for new or existing multi-year projects will be accepted. However, continuation of existing multi-year projects will be subject to the monitoring needs for the data, new modifications to account for prior lessons learned, and project performance and reporting during prior years. The LPP is not necessarily suited for long-term trend detection in streams due to the variability resulting from widely fluctuating flow conditions encountered in these waterbodies. Thus, existing projects that have already determined water quality issues persist must demonstrate that direct steps are being initiated, in partnership with VTDEC-MAP and community resources to solve the problem. As in prior years, pre-scheduling of sampling events is necessary to optimize capacity at the VAEL. Due to limited laboratory resources that hampers the analysis of E. coli samples each day, this test is reserved for waters where the associated tactical basin plan has documented the presence of bacterial sources. The LPP will provide sample bottles, distilled water and/or preservatives that are required for the intended tests. Funding for transportation of samples to VAEL will not be covered by this grant. Additional costs that are not eligible under this LPP request include those associated with sample collection (e.g., field personnel or vehicle costs), equipment (thermometers, portable meters, transparency tubes, or sampling devises), as well as other project functions.