Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | G20AS00055

Opportunity Information: Apply for G20AS00055

This funding opportunity, titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU" (Funding Opportunity Number G20AS00055), is a discretionary research grant offered by the Department of the Interior through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The award is structured as a cooperative agreement, which typically means the USGS expects to be substantially involved in the project beyond simply providing funds, such as collaborating on study design, coordination, data needs, or interpretation. The program area is listed under Science and Technology and other Research and Development (CFDA 15.808), signaling that the intent is applied research that can directly support management decisions and future actions.

The project focus is on invasive weed ecology and biological control in the Rocky Mountain region, with particular emphasis on whitetop mustard (Lepidium draba) and related problematic species such as Russian knapweed. The core research need is to investigate how biological control efforts and other plant-insect interactions are affecting these weeds in the region. In practice, this kind of work often involves measuring insect herbivory, plant responses, and site-level conditions that influence whether a biocontrol approach is succeeding or failing, as well as distinguishing biocontrol effects from other ecological factors that can suppress or promote weed growth.

A key purpose of the work is to strengthen how biocontrol efficacy is assessed. That means the research is expected to generate information that makes evaluations more accurate and defensible, such as identifying which metrics best indicate meaningful suppression of Lepidium draba (for example, reductions in plant density, seed production, or competitive ability), and clarifying how insect pressure translates into changes in plant performance over time. Another central goal is to establish a baseline before a USDA-led release of a novel biocontrol agent for Lepidium draba. Baseline data are critical because they provide a "before" picture of weed abundance, plant vigor, and existing plant-insect relationships, allowing managers and researchers to later attribute changes to the new agent more confidently rather than to weather, land use, or other unrelated shifts.

Eligibility is limited to partners within the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network, with the notice indicating "Others" and directing applicants to additional eligibility information. CESUs are partnerships that commonly include universities, tribes, non-profits, and other organizations that collaborate with federal agencies on research and technical projects; this opportunity is specifically reserved for a CESU partner rather than being broadly open to the public. The USGS expects to make a single award, with an anticipated maximum (award ceiling) of $49,000, indicating a relatively focused, short-scope research effort or a discrete component of a larger, coordinated research and management strategy.

The opportunity was created on April 14, 2020, with an original closing date of April 30, 2020, reflecting a short application window typical of some CESU-directed cooperative agreement competitions. Overall, the grant is designed to support targeted, management-relevant research that improves understanding of insect-driven impacts on Lepidium draba and similar weeds, provides rigorous pre-release baseline conditions, and helps set the stage for evaluating the outcomes of a forthcoming USDA introduction of a new biological control agent in the Rocky Mountain region.

• The Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808.
• This funding opportunity was created on Apr 14, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 30, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $49,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for G20AS00055

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