[Geological Survey](https://www.usgs.gov)

March 12, 2026

Up to $47,632 total; one award; one-year project period.

Supports research by a Rocky Mountain CESU partner to develop resources and tools that expedite project authorization and improve environmental review workflows.

Only current Rocky Mountain CESU partners are eligible.

--- ## Description This opportunity from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offers a cooperative agreement to a partner in the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The funded research will support the development of resources—such as web-based tools and data products—that streamline and improve the efficiency of project review and authorization processes, particularly for environmental permitting. The work aims to enhance the availability and accessibility of ecological science and data, supporting federal decision-making in alignment with Executive Order 14303 (Restoring Gold Standard Science). The research will investigate current management workflows, identify barriers to timely access to information, and synthesize findings to inform requirements for new or improved resources. The goal is to provide actionable science that enables resource managers to make informed decisions regarding project authorization and natural resource management. --- ## Due Dates - **Full application deadline:** March 12, 2026 (electronically submitted applications must be received by 11:59 PM ET on this date) --- ## Funding Amount - **Total funding available:** $47,632 - **Award ceiling:** $47,632 - **Award floor:** $1 - **Expected number of awards:** 1 - **Project duration:** 1 year - **Cost sharing/matching:** Not required --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Only organizations that are current, participating partners of the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) are eligible. - **Other organizations are not eligible.** --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361292) using Funding Opportunity Number G26AS00076. - **Required documents include:** - Technical narrative (cover page, introduction, objectives, methods, products/dissemination plan, schedule, references, and other standard sections) - Budget narrative and SF-424A form - Data Management Plan (DMP) - Biographical Sketch for each senior/key person (see [Biographical Sketch Common Form](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT-A-Biographical-sketch-common-form-doi-omb-3145-0279-3.pdf)) - Current and Pending (Other) Support disclosures (see [Common Form Instructions](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT-B-Common-form-current-and-pending-support-doi-omb-3145-0279-3.pdf)) - Project Abstract Summary (see [Requirement](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT-C-Project-Abstract-Summary-Requirement.docx)) - **Evaluation Criteria:** Proposals will be evaluated on purpose/relevance, technical approach, budget justification, and qualifications/experience. - **Reporting:** Final technical and financial reports are required; annual progress reports may be required depending on project duration. --- ## Additional Information - **Geospatial Data:** If geospatial data are produced, recipients must comply with the [Geospatial Data Act of 2018](https://www.fgdc.gov/) and submit data in open formats with complete metadata. See [Geospatial Data Requirements](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT-D-Geospatial-Data-instructions.docx). - **Data Management:** A Data Management Plan (DMP) is required, outlining data sharing, standards, and archiving strategies. See [USGS Data Management guidance](https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans). - **Publication:** Recipients must acknowledge USGS support in all publications and follow USGS and DOI publication and data sharing requirements. --- ## External Links - [Official Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361292) - [USGS Data Management Plans](https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans) - [Rocky Mountain CESU Program](https://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/rocky_mountain_cesu.htm) - [USGS Funding Opportunities](https://www.usgs.gov/programs/science-support/cooperative-agreements-grants) - [FGDC Geospatial Standards](https://www.fgdc.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Area | Email | Phone | |-----------------------|-------------------|------------------------------|--------------------| | Katie Calder | Grant Specialist | kcalder@usgs.gov | — | | Bethany Straw | Technical Contact | bstraw@usgs.gov | — | | USGS Grants Support | General | [Contact Form](https://answers.usgs.gov) | 1-888-275-8747 | | Grants.gov Help Desk | Application Help | support@grants.gov | 1-800-518-4726 | ---

Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

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