Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a scientific agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity through its Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support research on the relationship between snowmelt patterns and the occurrence of wet slab avalanches in mountainous regions, with particular focus on Glacier National Park, Montana, and areas of Colorado. This program aims to further scientific understanding of how snowmelt onset and timing influence slope stability, particularly under varying elevation and wildfire disturbance conditions. It also supports the development and application of modeling tools, especially the SNOWPACK model, to explore historical trends and anticipate future developments in snowmelt behavior and avalanche risk. This cooperative agreement invites CESU partners to examine spatial and temporal snowmelt onset and duration and how changes in snowpack structure may impact avalanche activity. The research will combine long-term avalanche records with SNOWPACK model outputs, emphasizing the role of environmental variables, such as elevation and wildfire impacts, in influencing the timing of wet snow avalanche activity. The central aim is to evaluate historical and emerging patterns using empirical datasets and advanced snow modeling approaches, particularly in the central and northern Rocky Mountains. The total estimated funding available for this opportunity is $40,000 over a two-year period. The award includes $25,000 available for Budget Year 1, with potential funding for Year 2 contingent upon satisfactory progress and funding availability. The anticipated structure includes one award for the entire period, and applicants must design their proposals to cover the full two-year timeframe. This cooperative agreement adheres to the CESU partnership framework and applies a negotiated indirect cost rate of 17.5%. Only institutions that are active members of the Rocky Mountain CESU are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using the Funding Opportunity Number G26AS00093. The required proposal package must include a technical narrative with components such as the cover page, project description, objectives, methodologies, planned products, timeline, budget narrative, and data management plan. Proposals must also outline key personnel, including principal investigators, co-investigators, collaborators, and administrative contacts, as well as a summary of past relevant work. Applications will be evaluated based on four criteria: project purpose and relevance to USGS goals; technical approach, particularly in SNOWPACK modeling and data analysis; budget clarity and justification; and applicant qualifications and experience with snow science and avalanche-related research. Proposals must demonstrate the applicant’s ability to complete the project objectives effectively within the stated timeline and budget, including plans for dissemination of findings through scientific publications and other channels. Applicants are required to submit annual progress reports via GrantSolutions within 90 days of each agreement year. A final technical report, due 120 days after the end of the performance period, must document all results and include visual and quantitative data representations. The program contact for technical inquiries is Dr. Erich H. Peitzsch, and administrative questions should be directed to Rachel Miller. While the opportunity is not listed as recurring, it represents an important investment in climate-sensitive natural resource management and may serve as a model for future collaborative efforts within the CESU network.

Demonstrate snow science and SNOWPACK expertise; Ensure budget line items are tied to project effort; Dissemination plan is strongly encouraged by USGS.