The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), through the Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC) in Gainesville, Florida, is offering a cooperative agreement to a partner within the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) to support research in the Aleutian Island Arc, a geologically significant but underexplored region of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The objective is to analyze the composition of fluids and gases in deep-sea environments to enhance scientific understanding of submarine volcanism and associated environmental conditions. The resulting data will contribute to informed natural resource and hazard management, especially in coordination with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The selected partner institution will conduct fieldwork using gas-tight titanium samplers aboard HOV Alvin to collect fluid and gas samples from hydrothermal systems and methane seeps. These samples will undergo rigorous analysis through techniques such as gas chromatography, noble gas mass spectrometry, ion chromatography, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Additionally, ship-based sensor operations will collect water column data to help detect hydrothermal activity. This research will involve close collaboration with USGS, BOEM, and NOAA to ensure the relevance and application of the findings to broader federal objectives and resource stewardship.
Funding for the cooperative agreement totals an estimated $71,400 over a three-year period. For Budget Year 1, approximately $57,900 is expected to be available. Funding for subsequent years is contingent upon satisfactory project performance and the continued availability of funds. Only one award is expected to be issued under this opportunity, and applicants must be existing CESU members of the Pacific Northwest CESU Program.
Applicants must submit proposals via Grants.gov, using the Funding Opportunity Number G25AS00324. The proposal must include a detailed technical narrative, budget justification, data management plan, biographical sketches, and current and pending support disclosures. All applicants are required to comply with federal guidelines regarding publication acknowledgment, internal confidentiality prohibitions, and geospatial data standards. A Project Abstract Summary must also be included and will be publicly available on USAspending.gov.
Proposals will be evaluated based on purpose and relevance, technical approach, budget clarity, and applicant qualifications. Specific attention will be paid to methodological rigor, the feasibility of the project timeline, and the expertise of the research team in submarine volcanic systems and gas/fluid analytics. A single comprehensive data management plan must accompany each submission, even if subawards are involved.
Questions about the application process can be directed to Rachel Miller at rachelmiller@usgs.gov, while technical inquiries should go to Dr. Amanda W.J. Demopoulos at ademopoulos@usgs.gov. Applications are to be submitted via Grants.gov, and recipients will be responsible for annual progress and financial reporting through GrantSolutions. The final technical report is due within 120 days of the agreement’s end date and must summarize activities, data, and outcomes.
Ensure budgets match SF-424A; follow USGS DMP and publication rules.
