Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The U.S. Geological Survey, within the U.S. Department of the Interior, is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit program in partnership with the Chesapeake Watershed CESU. This opportunity supports research focused on advancing geospatial artificial intelligence methods for automated landform mapping and improving national geospatial datasets. The program aligns with federal priorities related to artificial intelligence leadership, scientific innovation, natural resource management, and hazard preparedness, and is designed to strengthen federal geospatial infrastructure and scientific capabilities. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to advance GeoAI-enabled approaches to landform mapping and semantic characterization. The research objectives include expanding automated mapping capabilities beyond initial summit classifications, enhancing the Landform Reference Ontology through knowledge graph integration, and improving the positional accuracy of summit features within the Geographic Names Information System using lidar-derived elevation data. These objectives are intended to improve the quality, usability, and interoperability of national geospatial data products used across scientific, environmental, and emergency management applications. Funding under this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement mechanism, with an anticipated single award totaling approximately 29,994 dollars for a one-year period of performance. The cooperative nature of the award indicates that USGS staff will have substantial involvement in the project, including collaboration on research direction, data standards, and dissemination of results. Funds are expected to support personnel, data processing, equipment, travel, and other research-related expenses, provided they are justified and aligned with project objectives and federal cost principles. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to organizations that are active partners within the Chesapeake Watershed CESU network. CESU partnerships are collaborative arrangements among federal agencies, universities, and other organizations designed to provide research, technical assistance, and education. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity, expertise, and institutional affiliation necessary to conduct advanced geospatial research and to collaborate effectively with federal partners. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using the specified funding opportunity number. The submission package requires a detailed technical narrative that includes a project introduction, clearly defined objectives, a comprehensive methodology, and a dissemination plan for research outputs. Applicants must also include a detailed budget narrative aligned with the SF-424A form, outlining personnel, equipment, travel, and indirect costs. Additional required components include a data management plan, biographical sketches for key personnel, current and pending support disclosures, and a project abstract summary. Proposals will be evaluated based on clearly defined criteria including the relevance and clarity of objectives, technical approach, budget justification, and the qualifications and past performance of the applicant team. Successful proposals must demonstrate strong alignment with federal priorities, methodological rigor, and the ability to produce meaningful scientific outputs. While no explicit submission deadline is provided in the announcement, applicants are expected to monitor Grants.gov for timing and submission requirements. Award recipients will be required to submit progress reports, financial reports, and a final technical report, and must comply with USGS publication, data sharing, and reporting standards throughout the project lifecycle.