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

The U.S. Geological Survey is seeking a Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit partner through a cooperative agreement to develop scientific tools and conduct collaborative research on ecological and population risks in western rangelands and alpine ecosystems. The scope of work involves analyzing animal-habitat relationships and population demography for birds and ungulates, specifically focusing on how sage-grouse and grassland songbirds respond to land-use changes. Additionally, the project aims to model the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in ungulates and maintain long-term research in the Colorado alpine region regarding the population dynamics and genetic adaptation of white-tailed ptarmigan. Key deliverables include the creation of habitat selection models, population demographic models, and CWD risk assessment tools. This opportunity has an award ceiling and total program funding of 490,000 dollars for a single expected award. Applications must be submitted via grants.gov by December 1, 2026. Proposals are evaluated based on their purpose, objectives, and relevance, as well as the technical approach and budget reasonableness. Recipients must adhere to Federal Geospatial Data Committee or Department of the Interior standards for all geospatial data and submit quality assurance procedures for approval before work begins. Financial administration is managed through the Department of the Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments system, and recipients may opt for a de minimis indirect cost rate of up to 15 percent of total modified direct costs.