Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a cooperative agreement through the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) for research focused on the spatial ecology of large marine vertebrates in the Gulf of America. This opportunity is specifically available to partners already affiliated with the Gulf Coast CESU. The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units are interdisciplinary partnerships that connect federal agencies with research institutions to address environmental and resource management issues. The USGS's objective with this grant is to collaborate with a CESU partner to synthesize and analyze existing spatial data for imperiled and economically valuable marine vertebrate species, as well as identify and fill knowledge gaps to better inform resource management and conservation efforts. The proposed research seeks to evaluate long-term spatial usage patterns by marine vertebrates and to compile existing datasets currently dispersed across multiple organizations. These datasets often vary in structure and format, making regional assessments difficult without a harmonized data integration effort. The selected CESU partner will play a crucial role in organizing these datasets, standardizing data formats, conducting spatial analyses, and potentially collecting new data where gaps are identified. Results will directly inform management strategies such as catch limits, habitat restoration planning, and mitigation of human activities like dredging in marine environments. The cooperative agreement will span a total of four years, with an anticipated base year of funding at $206,000 and a total estimated project budget of $400,000 over the full period. Funding for years two through four is contingent upon satisfactory progress and available appropriations. Only one award is anticipated under this announcement, and applicants must present a comprehensive proposal that addresses technical narrative, budget, dissemination plans, and reporting. Applicants must submit their proposals electronically through Grants.gov under the funding opportunity number G25AS00325. The technical narrative must cover project goals, methods, anticipated products, schedule, and key personnel. Specific components must also include a cover page with contact information, a detailed budget with justification, and a data management plan. The CESU partner must adhere to a 17.5% indirect cost rate, and the project must comply with USGS data sharing policies. Biographical sketches and current and pending support documentation must also be submitted. The application will be evaluated on four weighted criteria: relevance and objectives (25%), technical approach (25%), budget clarity and justification (25%), and qualifications and past performance (25%). Submissions will be reviewed by USGS technical personnel, and final award decisions will be made by the Contracting Officer. Progress reports are required annually, with final technical and financial reports due within 120 days after project completion. Technical inquiries should be directed to Dr. Margaret Lamont at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (mlamont@usgs.gov, 352-209-4306), while administrative and application questions should be sent to Grant Specialist Rachel Miller (rachelmiller@usgs.gov). All application materials must be submitted by the closing date, October 4, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Ensure the Data Management Plan and Biographical Sketches conform to federal guidelines and include all necessary attestations and disclosures.