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

August 10, 2025

Up to $71,400 total; anticipated as one award for up to three years

Funding for Pacific Northwest CESU partners to conduct research and technical analysis on deep-sea gas and fluid composition in the Aleutian Island Arc.

Only Pacific Northwest CESU partners are eligible to apply.

--- ## Description The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center is soliciting proposals from partners within the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) for a cooperative agreement to conduct state-of-the-art research on the characterization of gas and fluid composition in deep-sea environments of the Aleutian Island Arc, within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This work aims to address significant gaps in understanding seafloor habitats, environmental resources, and volcanic hazards in this largely understudied region. The awarded project will involve: - Collection and analysis of gas and fluid samples from methane seeps and hydrothermal vents using advanced instrumentation (e.g., HOV Alvin, gas-tight samplers). - Chemical and isotopic analysis of both gaseous and liquid phases using gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, ion chromatography, and other relevant techniques. - Integration of ship-based water column characterization data (e.g., CTD, particle, and ORP sensors). - Collaboration with USGS, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), NOAA, and other federal/state partners. - Development of best practices for hydrothermal activity detection and mineral deposit identification. - Deliverables that support resource and hazard management, and inform decision-making policies for the U.S. EEZ. --- ## Due Dates - Application Deadline: August 10, 2025 (11:59 PM ET, electronic submission via Grants.gov required) --- ## Funding Amount - Total estimated program funding: $71,400 - Award ceiling: $71,400; award floor: $1 - Anticipated as a single award with one base year (approx. $57,900) and two additional budget years, contingent on satisfactory progress and available funding. - No cost sharing or matching required. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** Only organizations that are current, participating partners of the Pacific Northwest CESU are eligible. - CESU partners are typically academic institutions, non-profits, or tribal organizations that have signed the CESU agreement. - This program is not open to individuals, for-profit entities, or organizations outside the Pacific Northwest CESU network. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359973) using Funding Opportunity Number G25AS00324. - **Required Documents:** - Technical proposal (cover page, narrative, objectives, methods, schedule, dissemination plan, references, legal/ethical considerations) - Budget narrative and SF-424A, with clear breakdown by project year and object class - Data Management Plan (DMP) per USGS requirements ([guidance here](https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans)) - Biographical Sketches for senior/key personnel (no required format, but must include all required elements) - Current and Pending Support documentation for all senior/key personnel - Project Abstract Summary (plain language, ~1 page) - **Proposal Content:** Must address research objectives, technical approach, dissemination of results, and relevance to USGS/BOEM goals. - **Evaluation Criteria:** Purpose and relevance, technical approach, budget clarity, and qualifications/past performance (each 25%). --- ## Additional Information - **Reporting:** Annual progress and financial reports required; a final technical and financial report due within 120 days of project end. - **Data Requirements:** All geospatial data must comply with the Geospatial Data Act of 2018 and be submitted in open formats with complete metadata. - **Indirect Costs:** CESU indirect cost rate is capped at 17.5%. - **Publication:** All products must acknowledge USGS support and comply with USGS Fundamental Science Practices. - **Restrictions:** Recipients cannot require internal confidentiality agreements that restrict lawful reporting of fraud, waste, or abuse. - **Payments:** Drawdowns are managed via the Department of the Treasury ASAP system. --- ## External Links - [Full Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359973) - [Pacific Northwest CESU Program Partners](https://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/PNWCESU_portal.htm) - [USGS Data Management Plan Guidance](https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans) --- ## Contact Information | Role | Name/Email | Details | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Grants Specialist | Rachel Miller
[rachelmiller@usgs.gov](mailto:rachelmiller@usgs.gov) | Application and administrative questions | | Technical Contact | Dr. Amanda W.J. Demopoulos
[ademopoulos@usgs.gov](mailto:ademopoulos@usgs.gov) | Scientific/programmatic questions | | Grants.gov Help Desk | [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov) | 1-800-518-4726 (U.S.), 1-606-545-5035 (Intl); 24/7 support for submission | ---

Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU)

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