Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has announced a funding opportunity through a cooperative agreement for a partner affiliated with the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The proposed project centers on assessing bat activity and disease status on two U.S. Navy properties located in Washington and Idaho. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to monitor and protect bat populations, which are critical to the Pacific Northwest’s ecosystems. Bats in this region provide essential services such as insect control and pollination, yet remain understudied, particularly regarding activity patterns and threats from disease. A primary concern is the spread of the fungal pathogen *Pseudogymnoascus destructans*, responsible for white-nose syndrome (WNS), which has significantly impacted bat populations across North America. The funding supports research at the Jim Creek Naval Radio Station in Washington and the Bayview Acoustic Research Detachment in Idaho. The two primary research objectives are: (1) analysis of acoustic data to detect presence, activity levels, and phenological patterns of bat species across the two sites; and (2) testing collected biological samples for the presence of the WNS pathogen. By evaluating both behavior and disease status, this project will provide a holistic understanding of bat communities on Navy lands, inform conservation efforts, and contribute to regional knowledge of bat ecology. The total funding available for this project is estimated at $40,000, which will be fully obligated at the time of award. Only one award is expected to be made for a project period of one year. The funding instrument will be a cooperative agreement, ensuring collaboration between USGS and the recipient throughout the project. Indirect costs are capped at 17.5% under CESU negotiated rates. Proposals must include a detailed technical narrative, budget breakdown (aligned with SF-424A), and a data management plan, among other required documents. The application must be submitted via Grants.gov using the funding opportunity number G26AS00059. Eligibility is limited to current partners of the Pacific Northwest CESU. The application requires a technical proposal with sections such as introduction, objectives, methodology, and expected products. Applications will be evaluated based on clarity of purpose, technical approach, relevance to USGS goals, proposed budget, and qualifications of personnel. The proposal must also include details on the principal investigator, co-investigators, project collaborators, and available research infrastructure. The closing date for applications was not stated as rolling or recurring, indicating that interested parties should adhere to the timeline established in the opportunity notice. While a final technical report is required within 120 days after the project end date, annual progress and financial reports may also be required depending on the project’s timeline. Questions regarding application procedures should be directed to Grant Specialist Rachel Miller at [email protected]. For technical inquiries, contact Dr. Rebecca McCaffery at [email protected] or 406-930-9656. This funding opportunity reflects USGS’s commitment to advancing applied ecological research through strategic partnerships.

Clearly define measurable objectives and demonstrate experience in bat ecology and data analysis. Ensure proposed methods match established standards for disease surveillance.