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

The U.S. Geological Survey is seeking a CESU partner through a Cooperative Agreement to improve the efficiency and standardization of Real-Time Quaking Induced Conversion (RT-QuIC) assay data analysis for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance. The project aims to replace subjective interpretation with a robust, automated analytical pipeline. Key deliverables include the development of machine-learning models using LSTM, CNN-LSTM, or hybrid architectures to classify fluorescence curves, the creation of an open-source application using R-Shiny or Streamlit/Python for data ingestion and visualization, and the production of a peer-reviewed publication. To ensure reliability, the partner must perform cross-lab validations across at least three independent laboratories, including the USGS National Wildlife Health Center and the University of Georgia's Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Research Study. The opportunity has a total program funding and award ceiling of 145,220 dollars, with an anticipated period of performance from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2032. Applications must be submitted via grants.gov by December 8, 2026, and must be submitted by an Authorized Organization Representative. Proposals are evaluated based on purpose and relevance, technical approach, qualifications and past performance, and budget clarity. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and provide a Unique Entity Identifier. The award is governed by DOI and USGS Terms and Conditions, and compliance with various 2 CFR 200 regulations regarding monitoring, reporting, and risk assessment is required.