Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes Northern-Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The U.S. Geological Survey within the U.S. Department of the Interior is offering a cooperative agreement funding opportunity to support research focused on invasive Grass Carp spawning and early life history in Great Lakes tributaries. This opportunity is issued under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units program, which facilitates partnerships among federal agencies, universities, and other organizations to conduct applied research, technical assistance, and education. The program aligns with federal priorities outlined in recent executive actions and strategic frameworks addressing invasive species threats, particularly within the Great Lakes Basin. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to improve scientific understanding of when and where Grass Carp reproduction occurs in tributaries connected to the Great Lakes. Grass Carp are an invasive species that threaten aquatic ecosystems by consuming vegetation critical for fish and waterfowl habitats. The research aims to support management strategies by identifying spawning locations, tracking reproductive activity, and informing removal and control efforts. The funded project is expected to contribute directly to federal and regional initiatives to prevent the spread and ecological impact of invasive carp species. Funding under this opportunity totals approximately 450000 dollars, with one anticipated award. The project is structured as a three-year cooperative agreement, with an estimated 150000 dollars available in the first year and continuation funding dependent on performance and availability of funds. There is no cost sharing requirement. The award will involve substantial collaboration between the recipient and USGS scientists, including joint development of research approaches, data integration, and co-authorship of publications. Eligible applicants must be participating partners in the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. This restricts eligibility to organizations already affiliated with the CESU network, which typically includes universities, research institutions, and certain nonprofit or governmental entities. Applicants must complete required federal registrations, including SAM.gov and Grants.gov, prior to submission. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and include standard federal forms, a technical proposal, budget narrative, data management plan, and supporting documentation such as biographical sketches and current and pending support disclosures. The application process requires a comprehensive research proposal detailing objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, dissemination plans, and project timeline. Applicants must also provide a detailed budget justification aligned with federal cost principles. Evaluation criteria include alignment with federal priorities, quality and feasibility of the work plan, experience of the research team, and clarity and appropriateness of the budget. Proposals undergo eligibility screening followed by technical and merit review conducted by USGS personnel. The application deadline is June 29, 2026, with submissions due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Awards are expected to begin on October 1, 2026, and run through September 30, 2029. Applicants may contact the listed grant specialist via email for questions. This opportunity does not indicate recurring funding cycles and appears to be a single issuance aligned with current federal priorities related to invasive species management.

Align proposal closely with federal invasive species priorities clearly justify methodology and ensure budget aligns with project scope and federal cost principles