Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The U.S. Geological Survey's Powell Center is soliciting a cooperative agreement under solicitation G27AS00042 for a research synthesis project titled A spatially explicit framework to assess the risk of aquatic contaminants to insectivorous birds. The project aims to predict how contaminant and nutrient fluxes from adult aquatic insects create landscapes of risk for aerial insectivorous birds, specifically mapping areas of elevated risk across the United States and Europe. This research will analyze spatial patterns of prey loss and dietary contaminant exposure to provide decision makers with tools for species and habitat management at local, regional, and continental scales. The anticipated period of performance runs from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2028. Eligible applicants must be participating partners of the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit and must be registered in SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Proposals are evaluated on a point-based system focusing on purpose and relevance (30 points), technical approach (25 points), qualifications and past performance (25 points), and budget justification (20 points). Key requirements include the submission of a Data Management Plan, adherence to USGS Fundamental Science Practices, and the use of the Department of the Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments system for funding draw-downs. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by November 14, 2026.