Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Hawaii-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The funding opportunity titled Testing model-guided biosurveillance for invasive species is offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) agreement with the Hawaiʻi-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. The program is part of broader modeling efforts, including the Across Trophic Level System Simulation Program, which supports ecological evaluation needs such as those related to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. This specific opportunity is focused on advancing innovative biosurveillance methods that leverage predictive modeling to improve early detection of invasive species, which pose ecological and economic risks when not identified and managed quickly. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to test a novel Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) approach that integrates predictive modeling with real-world biosurveillance practices. The project aims to determine whether models that predict first occurrences of non-native species can effectively guide on-the-ground survey efforts. Research activities include designing sampling frameworks based on invasion risk predictions, conducting botanical surveys, validating citizen science data, and assessing newly detected species populations. The work also involves depositing specimens into museum collections and applying decision frameworks to guide response actions based on ecological risk and species characteristics. Funding for this opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, with one anticipated award covering a three-year project period. The total estimated funding is 171003 dollars, with approximately 55078 dollars allocated for the first year. Continued funding for subsequent years is contingent upon satisfactory progress and availability of funds. Applicants are expected to submit proposals that reflect the full three-year scope, including detailed budgets aligned with federal requirements. The program does not explicitly state any matching requirement, indicating that cost sharing is not required. Eligibility is restricted to organizations that are partners within the Hawaiʻi-Pacific Islands CESU network. These partnerships typically include academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other research entities that collaborate with federal agencies on scientific and technical projects. The restriction to CESU partners means that applicants must already be affiliated with this specific unit to be considered eligible. This limitation ensures that the project leverages existing collaborative frameworks and expertise within the CESU network. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using the specified funding opportunity number. The submission package requires a comprehensive technical narrative, including a cover page with project and personnel details, and a proposal text that outlines the research problem, objectives, methods, and expected outcomes. Additional required components include a budget narrative aligned with the SF-424A form, a data management plan, and supporting documents such as biographical sketches and current and pending support disclosures. Applicants must also include a Project Abstract Summary that will be publicly available if the award is granted. The evaluation process is conducted by USGS and federal technical personnel, who assess proposals based on clearly defined criteria including relevance and objectives, technical approach, budget justification, and qualifications of the research team. Each category is weighted equally, emphasizing the importance of both scientific rigor and practical feasibility. Awards are ultimately determined by a Contracting Officer based on reviewer recommendations. Reporting requirements include annual progress reports, financial reports, and a final technical report summarizing project outcomes. No explicit application deadline or recurring cycle is provided in the announcement, suggesting that applicants must refer to the Grants.gov listing for timing details. Questions regarding the opportunity can be directed to Rachel Miller, Grants Management Specialist, via email. Technical inquiries may be addressed to Dr. Helen Sofaer, a Research Ecologist with USGS. Overall, this funding opportunity supports applied ecological research with direct implications for invasive species management and environmental protection.

Align proposal clearly with evaluation criteria including objectives, technical feasibility, and demonstrated expertise in invasive species management; ensure budget justification is detailed and reasonable; emphasize integration of modeling and field validation.