Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Alaska Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is soliciting a Cooperative Agreement under solicitation G27AS00066 to partner with a CESU partner for research on the Atlantic Coast population of Piping Plovers, a species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The primary objective is to develop an integrated population model (IPM) and conduct a Bayesian Population Viability Analysis (BPVA) to help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assess the impact of threats such as habitat loss, predation, human disturbance, and environmental changes like sea level rise. The project has a total program funding and award ceiling of 234,460 dollars, with one award expected. Proposals will be evaluated by USGS technical personnel based on purpose, objectives, and relevance (30 points), technical approach (25 points), and budget justification and clarity (20 points). Applicants must submit their proposals via grants.gov by December 7, 2026. Key requirements include adherence to USGS Fundamental Science Practices, the provision of a data dissemination plan, and the submission of a final report and digital data. All geospatial data must meet Federal Geospatial Data Committee or Department of the Interior standards and be available for independent verification. The award is subject to various federal regulations, including 2 CFR 200 for payment and cost standards, and requires that key personnel certify they are not involved in malign foreign talent recruitment programs.