Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The U.S. Geological Survey is seeking a cooperative agreement partner through the Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit to conduct research in species barcoding. The project focuses on enhancing aquatic species barcode libraries to support a pilot project in the Rocky Mountains that utilizes environmental DNA and metagenomics to monitor aquatic ecosystems. By combining metagenomics data with geospatial datasets, the initiative aims to develop artificial intelligence and machine-learning models capable of predicting community composition. The total estimated funding for this effort is 250,000 dollars for a two-year budget period, with one award expected. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and Grants.gov and submit their proposals via the Grants.gov portal by December 1, 2026. Evaluation is based on documentation completeness, basic eligibility, merit review by technical personnel, and budget reasonableness. Required submissions include a project narrative, detailed budget, and specific DOI forms for biographical sketches and current and pending support. Awardees must adhere to USGS Fundamental Science Practices and utilize the Department of the Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments system for funding drawdowns. Key deliverables include a final technical report due 120 days after the performance period ends, along with annual financial reports and any required progress reports.