Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes Northern Forrest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The U.S. Geological Survey is seeking a Cooperative Agreement partner through the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit to conduct research focused on improving accuracy assessment and area estimation for annual remote-sensing based land-cover monitoring. This initiative supports the modernization of land cover monitoring by implementing state-of-the-art sampling and statistical strategies, specifically to enhance the validity of products like the Annual National Land Cover Database. The project emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach combining physical and biological sciences to address critical resource problems at local, regional, and national scales. The total program funding and award ceiling are set at 135,000 dollars for a single expected award. Proposals will be evaluated by USGS technical personnel based on the scientific merit of the project design, the applicant's proven track record in scientific literature, and the alignment of project benefits with the recipient university's mission and CESU objectives. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and submit their proposals via grants.gov by the December 2, 2026 deadline. Key deliverables include technical reports, digital data, and the publication of results in scientific journals, all of which must adhere to USGS Fundamental Science Practices. Financial management requires the use of the Department of the Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments system for fund draw-downs. Recipients are required to submit annual SF 425 Federal Financial Reports and a final technical report within 120 calendar days following the end of the performance period.