Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit - G26AS00054

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program, is offering a cooperative agreement to a CESU-affiliated partner to carry out a research project focused on riparian plant communities along the Colorado River. Specifically, this project aims to investigate how dam operations, particularly those related to hydropower-induced daily flow fluctuations, affect interactions among riparian plant species in the Colorado River ecosystem (CRe), a stretch that extends from Glen Canyon Dam to Lake Mead in Arizona. The research will integrate both new experimental data and existing long-term monitoring datasets, providing essential management insights into how to maintain or improve riparian vegetation health under current and future flow scenarios. The rationale behind this funding stems from observed gaps in understanding the ecological consequences of dam operations, particularly regarding the physiological and interactive responses of riparian vegetation to fluctuating water flows. Although large-scale vegetation monitoring programs have been in place for over a decade, the compounded effects of daily flow fluctuations and interspecies plant interactions have not been adequately studied. With changing environmental conditions and declining water levels in Lake Powell threatening the feasibility of hydropower operations, it becomes crucial to predict how riparian ecosystems will respond to the loss of these daily flow changes. This research will support the development of science-based guidance for future river management strategies aimed at enhancing or restoring desirable plant communities. The cooperative agreement will support one award, expected to run for five years. The base year funding is anticipated to be $83,688, with additional funds to be allocated for four subsequent budget years depending on satisfactory performance and availability of resources, bringing the total estimated project funding to $400,000. This opportunity is open exclusively to members of the Colorado Plateau CESU, ensuring that applicants are pre-vetted research partners with demonstrated experience in collaborative ecosystem studies. Eligible applicants must utilize Grants.gov to submit their proposals using Funding Opportunity Number G26AS00054. The application must include a detailed technical narrative addressing the problem statement, research objectives, methodology (including lab and field techniques), and a plan for disseminating results to relevant stakeholders and the broader scientific community. The narrative must also include a clear timeline, project milestones, and details on project personnel and facilities. A comprehensive budget narrative should accompany the technical proposal, covering personnel, fringe benefits, equipment, supplies, travel, and indirect costs—calculated with the CESU-negotiated indirect rate of 17.5%. Applications lacking detail or completeness in budget presentation may experience delays in award processing. Evaluation criteria include the relevance and clarity of the proposed research objectives (25 points), the technical approach including experimental design and modeling techniques (25 points), the appropriateness and clarity of the budget and staffing (25 points), and the qualifications and past performance of the research team (25 points). The program strongly encourages the publication of results and mandates data sharing under USGS’s Fundamental Science Practices. Award recipients will be required to submit annual and final performance and financial reports via the GrantSolutions portal. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Grants Management Specialist Rachel Miller ([email protected]). Technical questions can be addressed to Andrew Schultz, Emily Palmquist, or Dr. Joel Sankey at the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center. Proposals must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and the timeline will depend on when the application is submitted and approved.

Ensure proposed experiments are clearly designed and tied to hydropower effects; emphasize modeling capabilities and CESU-related experience.