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

January 17, 2026 (Full Proposal)

Up to $498,392 total; 1 expected award; project period up to 3 years.

Supports research to develop environmentally friendly bioherbicides and strategies for controlling invasive Phragmites australis and other invasive plants.

Only current partners of the North Atlantic Coast CESU are eligible.

--- ## Description The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking proposals for research focused on the development of environmentally friendly bioherbicides and innovative strategies to control invasive Phragmites australis and other invasive plants. This cooperative agreement will fund a collaborative project to explore how microbial endophytes affect the growth and stress tolerance of invasive Phragmites, with the goal of creating a new, low-toxicity bioherbicide. The project aims to provide resource managers with more effective and efficient treatment options, reduce management costs, and lay the groundwork for similar solutions targeting other invasive species that threaten agricultural, range, and natural lands. Key research objectives include: - Evaluating gene expression in plants treated with the new bioherbicide. - Refining the bioherbicide’s composition, including the effects of surfactants and microbes. - Assessing bioherbicide effectiveness on various invasive plants. - Investigating environmental factors affecting bioherbicide performance. - Studying long-term bioherbicide survival in soils. - Building partnerships for broad product dissemination. The project will build on previous research and technology development, including patented and licensed innovations, and fill critical gaps through field testing and development in collaboration with commercial partners. --- ## Due Dates - Full Proposal Deadline: January 17, 2026 Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 PM ET on the due date via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361033). --- ## Funding Amount - Total estimated funding: $498,392 - Award ceiling: $498,392; award floor: $1 - One award anticipated - Project duration: up to 3 years (1 base year, 2 additional budget years, subject to satisfactory progress and funding availability) - Year 1 funding estimated at $103,001; subsequent years contingent on progress and available funds --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants must be **current participating partners** of the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). - Other organizations are not eligible; this opportunity is limited to CESU-affiliated partners. - No cost sharing or matching required. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361033) referencing Funding Opportunity Number G26AS00060. - Required components include: - Cover page with project and applicant information - Technical narrative (introduction, objectives, methods, products, schedule, references, etc.) - Budget narrative and SF-424A form (with details for each project year) - Biographical sketches for senior/key personnel (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 for key personnel (see [Current and Pending Support Common Form](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 [Project Abstract Summary Requirement](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT-C-Project-Abstract-Summary-Requirement.docx)) - Data Management Plan - Proposals will be evaluated on purpose/relevance, technical approach, budget justification, and applicant qualifications. --- ## Additional Information - Geospatial data produced must comply with [Geospatial Data Act of 2018 requirements](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT-D-Geospatial-Data-Instructions.docx). - Progress and financial reports are required annually and at project completion. - All products must follow USGS Fundamental Science Practices and data sharing standards. - Publications must acknowledge USGS support and include required disclaimers. --- ## External Links - [Opportunity on Grants.gov (G26AS00060)](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361033) - [USGS Funding Opportunities](https://www.usgs.gov/programs/science-support/cooperative-agreements-and-grants) - [North Atlantic Coast CESU](https://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/Unit_NAC.html) - [USGS Data Management Plans](https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Topic | Email | Phone | |-------------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------| | Rachel Miller | Grants Management | [rachelmiller@usgs.gov](mailto:rachelmiller@usgs.gov) | — | | Dr. Kurt Kowalski | Technical/Scientific | [kkowalski@usgs.gov](mailto:kkowalski@usgs.gov) | 734-214-9308 | | Grants.gov Help Desk | Application Support | [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov) | 1-800-518-4726 | ---

Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

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