Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G24AS00400

Opportunity Information: Apply for G24AS00400

The US Geological Survey (USGS) is soliciting proposals for a discretionary cooperative agreement under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, specifically through the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. The opportunity is focused on applied research and related technical work that improves understanding of floodplain processes in the Upper Mississippi River System, with an emphasis on how surface water and groundwater interact (surface/subsurface hydrology), how floodplain soils function and change, and how vegetation responds to and influences these hydrologic and soil dynamics. In practical terms, the work supported by this award is meant to strengthen the science base for managing and restoring large river floodplains by examining linked hydrology-soils-vegetation relationships that drive floodplain health, habitat quality, and ecosystem services.

This award is offered as a cooperative agreement, meaning USGS expects to have substantial involvement during the project rather than simply providing funding and receiving final reports. Cooperative agreements are typically used when the agency anticipates active collaboration, such as refining study design, coordinating field activities, sharing data and methods, participating in interpretation of results, and aligning project outputs with management and science needs. The activity area is categorized as Science and Technology and other Research and Development, and the funding is associated with CFDA (Assistance Listing) 15.808, which covers USGS research and related assistance.

Eligibility is limited to entities that are already participating partners of the Great Rivers CESU. CESUs are structured partnerships that connect federal agencies with universities, nonprofit organizations, and other research institutions to provide research, technical assistance, and education. Because this opportunity is issued under the CESU mechanism, applicants must be within that established partnership network for the Great Rivers CESU; it is not open to the general public or organizations outside the unit. The eligible applicant type is listed as "Others," reflecting that the primary gatekeeping requirement is CESU partnership status rather than a broad set of standard applicant categories.

The opportunity number is G24AS00400, and it was created on 2024-06-13 with an original closing date of 2024-07-15. The stated award ceiling is $45,680, indicating the maximum amount available under this specific funding action. The notice lists "ExpectedAwards:" but does not provide a number, so the most conservative reading is that USGS anticipates making at least one award up to the ceiling, depending on the quality of submissions and program priorities.

Overall, this grant opportunity is a targeted, collaboration-oriented research award intended to leverage the Great Rivers CESU partnership to produce actionable science on floodplain hydrology, soils, and vegetation dynamics in the Upper Mississippi River System. It is best suited for an eligible CESU partner with the technical capability to conduct field and/or analytical work on river floodplains and an interest in co-developing the project with USGS scientists to deliver results that inform river management, restoration, and long-term monitoring.

• The Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-06-13.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $45,680.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for G24AS00400

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