Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the South Florida and Caribbean Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center in Davie, Florida is issuing a cooperative agreement opportunity exclusively for partners of the South Florida and Caribbean Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The funding supports technical assistance and research in the area of ecological data integration, with a primary focus on imperiled sea turtles. The initiative aims to synthesize large datasets—including species capture records, satellite telemetry, and remotely-sensed products—through advanced quantitative and geospatial analyses. This work is crucial for evaluating the effects of management actions and enhancing strategic conservation planning for protected sea turtle species in the region. The overarching goal of the project is to improve understanding and management of sea turtle populations through targeted research activities. Specific objectives include: assessing agency capture/recapture data, analyzing spatial data from satellite telemetry, evaluating the effectiveness of relocation trawling related to dredging operations, and participating in a stakeholder workshop to identify further analytic needs. The awardee will also conduct a literature review, produce peer-reviewed manuscripts, and support USGS-led scientific dissemination efforts. The award will be issued as a cooperative agreement, with an estimated total program funding of $400,000 over a five-year project period. Initial funding of $153,716 is anticipated for the first two years ($51,716 in Year 1 and $102,000 in Year 2). Funding for Years 3–5 will be contingent upon satisfactory progress and future availability of funds. Only one award is expected to be made under this opportunity. To be eligible, applicants must be a current CESU partner within the South Florida and Caribbean CESU network. The application must be submitted through Grants.gov using the Funding Opportunity Number G25AS00323. Application packages must include a detailed technical narrative, project schedule, budget justification, and mandatory supplementary documents such as a Data Management Plan, Biographical Sketch, and Current and Pending Support disclosures. The technical narrative should articulate the problem statement, objectives, methods, products, dissemination plans, and a reporting schedule. Budget documents must align with SF-424A cost categories and be broken down by each budget year. Applications will be evaluated by USGS staff on four criteria: Purpose, Objectives, and Relevance (25 points), Technical Approach (25 points), Budget Justification and Clarity (25 points), and Qualifications and Past Performance (25 points). Applicants are encouraged to include prior experience with spatial ecology, scientific publishing, and large dataset analyses. The deadline for submission is not explicitly stated in the announcement. However, since the opportunity is listed as open and applications are expected to be submitted via Grants.gov, it is considered active as of the posting date. For administrative questions, applicants may contact Grant Specialist Rachel Miller at rachelmiller@usgs.gov. For technical inquiries, contact Dr. Kristen M. Hart at kristen_hart@usgs.gov or call 954-650-0336. Progress reports and a final technical report will be required through GrantSolutions.gov. Additional responsibilities include financial reporting and adherence to federal geospatial data standards and confidentiality policies.

Ensure CESU eligibility is confirmed; budget must follow object class structure; use official fringe/indirect cost rates; emphasize prior experience with ecological data and peer-reviewed publishing.