Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) is offering financial support through a cooperative agreement affiliated with the Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The opportunity, titled "Aridification and the long-term management of Saguaro Cactus," focuses on the ecological impacts of prolonged drought and increasing temperatures on the saguaro cactus in Saguaro National Park (SAGU), Arizona. The research funded through this program will explore the vulnerabilities and resilience strategies of this iconic keystone species, which plays a vital ecological role supporting over 100 plant and animal species. The primary goal of this funding opportunity is to conduct applied research that informs long-term conservation strategies. Two main objectives guide the scope of the research. The first objective is to define the current and projected ecological niche for saguaros under various climate scenarios using species distribution models (SDMs), statistical tools, and simulation software like SOILWAT2 and Maxent. The second objective focuses on identifying specific areas within the park where saguaros are most at risk from aridification, as well as areas with the greatest potential for future resilience or colonization. This will support management efforts aimed at prioritizing conservation zones and adapting strategies to changing conditions. The cooperative agreement will span two budget years with a total estimated funding amount of $150,000. An initial $100,000 is projected for the first year, with second-year funding contingent upon satisfactory progress and fund availability. The proposal should reflect a full two-year timeline. The award will support only entities affiliated with the Desert Southwest CESU program, ensuring that the applicants have an established relationship with the network of institutions that collaborate on research, education, and technical assistance for ecosystem management. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov under the Funding Opportunity Number G25AS00333. Proposals must include a cover page detailing key personnel, project timeline, facilities, and collaborators, followed by a comprehensive technical narrative addressing research objectives, methodology, dissemination plans, and a data management plan. A complete budget narrative aligned with the SF-424A format is required, along with justifications for all direct and indirect costs. CESU indirect costs are capped at a negotiated rate of 17.5%. A biographical sketch and current and pending support information for all key personnel must also be submitted, adhering to NSPM-33 guidance. Proposals will be evaluated based on the investigators’ experience with spatial modeling tools (Maxent, SOILWAT2), scenario mapping, arid-land systems, and saguaro ecology. Scoring is weighted heavily toward modeling expertise (40 points), followed by scenario development and ecological background. Final decisions will be made by a USGS Contracting Officer based on merit review and availability of funds. The application is currently open and accepting submissions. While no pre-application deadlines or LOI dates are specified, all applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. For questions related to the application process, applicants may contact Katie Calder, Grant Specialist, at kcalder@usgs.gov. For technical inquiries, Kathryn Thomas of the USGS Southwest Biological Science Center can be reached at Kathryn_a_thomas@usgs.gov or 520-668-8299.

Disseminate research results widely; adhere strictly to USGS data policies and budget format guidance.