Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The U.S. Geological Survey is soliciting a cooperative agreement under solicitation G27AS00037 for a participating partner of the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit to conduct research on enhanced gene expression panels. The project aims to differentiate between various stressors, including thermal, pathogen, nutrition, and toxin effects, to support ecosystem monitoring and recovery for focal species such as Californian sea lions, sea otters, salmon, longfin smelt, mussels, and clams. This research aligns with Executive Order 14303 and Secretarial Order 3399, focusing on scientific integrity, climate crisis data-driven decision-making, and ecosystem resilience. The technical scope includes performing field experiments, isolating RNA from tissues, and utilizing RNA seq transcriptome or qPCR analysis to identify target genes. The total estimated funding for the project is 35,000 dollars, with approximately 7,000 dollars available for the first budget year. The agreement is structured with one base year and four additional budget years. Proposals are evaluated based on alignment with USGS research needs, applicant qualifications, technical approach, and budget clarity. Key deliverables include annual SF 425 Federal Financial Reports, periodic progress reports, and a final technical report due within 120 calendar days of the performance period end date. Applicants must provide biographical sketches and current and pending support documentation, certifying that key personnel are not involved in malign foreign talent recruitment programs.