Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a scientific agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, has announced a funding opportunity through its Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, specifically targeting partners within the Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast CESU. This cooperative agreement seeks to support research aimed at deepening understanding of avian influenza virus (AIV) dynamics, particularly Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI), in wild bird populations. The funding opportunity emphasizes the importance of studying understudied waterbird species, disease transmission, and mortality patterns to improve forecasting and management of disease outbreaks in wildlife populations. The emergence of the clade 2.3.4.4b HP H5N1 virus in 2021 has dramatically altered the landscape of avian influenza in North America. Prior to this event, AIV primarily affected gulls and waterfowl, with seasonal prevalence patterns that were generally well understood. However, recent years have seen an expansion in the number of bird species affected, with nearly 281 new species impacted since 2021. This has prompted concern due to unprecedented mortality events in wild birds, particularly colonial nesting birds, raptors, and scavenging species. These developments highlight the critical need for updated and targeted scientific inquiry into how these viruses impact avian hosts and are spread across ecological systems. The specific objectives of the proposed research are threefold: to assess the impact of both HPAI and LPAI on selected bird species; to determine causes of death in birds fitted with transmitters, particularly those recovered after mortality events; and to analyze whether behavioral or movement signatures can act as early indicators of disease. These objectives collectively aim to explore the potential of transmitter-based tracking technologies as early-warning systems for disease outbreaks, which would be a significant advancement in wildlife disease surveillance and management. This grant opportunity is structured as a five-year cooperative agreement with a total anticipated funding amount of $499,000. Initial funding of $60,000 is available for the first budget year, with subsequent funding contingent on satisfactory project performance and available appropriations. Only organizations that are active members of the Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast CESU are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov using the funding opportunity number G26AS00096. There is no indication of a cost-share or matching requirement for this opportunity. Applicants must submit a full technical proposal including a cover page with key personnel and institutional information, a narrative outlining the research problem and methodology, detailed project goals and timelines, dissemination plans, and a comprehensive budget narrative. Supporting documentation such as biographical sketches, current and pending support forms, and a Data Management Plan are also required. Final technical and financial reports will be due at the end of the project period, and annual reports will be required throughout the duration of the cooperative agreement. Evaluation of proposals will be conducted by USGS technical personnel based on criteria including relevance of proposed research to understanding AIV dynamics, technical soundness, budget clarity, and applicant qualifications. Applicants must adhere to data management and publication guidelines, including the submission of products in compliance with USGS Fundamental Science Practices. Inquiries about the program should be directed to Grants Management Specialist Rachel Miller ([email protected]), and technical questions to Diann Prosser, Ph.D., Research Wildlife Biologist ([email protected]). This opportunity remains open on Grants.gov and is expected to recur annually depending on funding and program success.

Emphasize project relevance to avian influenza research; Clearly articulate technical methods; Demonstrate ability to analyze transmitter data; Align with USGS evaluation criteria