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

January 6, 2026 (Full Proposal)

$49,999 total; one award; project period up to 5 years

Supports genetic analyses of biological samples from threatened and endangered sea turtles to inform conservation and management strategies.

Applicants must be a partner of the Piedmont South Atlantic Coast CESU.

--- ## Description The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center is soliciting proposals from eligible partners of the Piedmont South Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) for a cooperative agreement to conduct genetic analyses on biological samples collected from threatened and endangered sea turtles. This project leverages over 30 years of tissue and blood samples from sea turtles captured during relocation trawling operations in the Gulf and Atlantic, aiming to determine genetic origins, assess population structure over time, and support the evaluation of management strategies for protected species. The research will provide essential data to inform conservation efforts, enhance understanding of sea turtle population connectivity, and contribute to the long-term protection of biological diversity in coastal ecosystems. --- ## Due Dates - Full Proposal Deadline: January 6, 2026 (11:59 PM ET) --- ## Funding Amount - Total estimated program funding: $49,999 - Maximum award: $49,999 - Minimum award: $1 - Expected number of awards: 1 - Project duration: Up to 5 years (with two base years and three additional budget years; initial funding for years 1–2 is $25,000; subsequent funding subject to progress and availability) --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants must be **participating partners** of the [Piedmont South Atlantic Coast CESU](https://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/unit_portal.asp?Unit=PSAC). - CESUs are research, technical assistance, and education partnerships. - This opportunity is not open to other organizations or individuals outside of CESU partnership. --- ## Application Process 1. **Submission:** All applications must be submitted electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360914) using Funding Opportunity Number G26AS00031. 2. **Required Documents:** - Project narrative (including introduction, objectives, methods, deliverables, dissemination, timeline, and references) - Budget narrative and SF-424A form (with breakdown by project year) - Data Management Plan (see [USGS guidance](https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans)) - Biographical Sketch for each senior/key person ([see template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20A%20-%20Biographical-sketch-common-form-doi-omb-3145-0279%203.pdf)) - Current and Pending (Other) Support ([see template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20B%20-%20Common-form%20current-and-pending-support-doi-omb-3145-0279%203.pdf)) - Project Abstract Summary ([see requirement](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20C%20-%20Project%20Abstract%20Summary%20Requirement.docx)) - Any additional required certifications or forms 3. **Formatting:** Follow instructions in the solicitation for content, structure, and page limits. 4. **Review Criteria:** Proposals will be evaluated based on purpose/relevance, technical approach, budget justification, and qualifications/past performance. 5. **Progress and Reporting:** Annual progress and financial reports are required. --- ## Additional Information - **Geospatial Data Requirements:** Any geospatial data produced must comply with federal standards and be submitted in open formats with complete metadata ([see details](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20D%20-%20Geospatial%20Data%20Instructions.docx)). - **CESU IDC Rate:** CESU-negotiated indirect cost rate is capped at 17.5%. - **No cost-sharing or matching required.** - **Awardees must acknowledge USGS support in all publications and presentations.** - **Do not incur costs prior to the official award start date.** --- ## External Links - [Full Grants.gov Opportunity Announcement](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360914) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/jsf/workspace/createWorkspace.faces?activityID=CreateWorkspace&cleanSession=1&oppId=360914) - [Piedmont South Atlantic Coast CESU Information](https://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/unit_portal.asp?Unit=PSAC) - [USGS Data Management Plans](https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans) - [Biographical Sketch Common Form (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20A%20-%20Biographical-sketch-common-form-doi-omb-3145-0279%203.pdf) - [Current and Pending Support Common Form (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20B%20-%20Common-form%20current-and-pending-support-doi-omb-3145-0279%203.pdf) - [Project Abstract Summary Requirement (DOCX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20C%20-%20Project%20Abstract%20Summary%20Requirement.docx) - [Geospatial Data Instructions (DOCX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/ATTACHMENT%20D%20-%20Geospatial%20Data%20Instructions.docx) - [Department of the Interior Standard Terms and Conditions](https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |--------------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------------|---------------| | Rachel Miller | Grants Management Specialist| [rachelmiller@usgs.gov](mailto:rachelmiller@usgs.gov) | — | | Dr. Kristen Hart | Technical/Project Contact | [kristen_hart@usgs.gov](mailto:kristen_hart@usgs.gov) | 954-650-0336 | | Grants.gov Helpdesk| Application Support | [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov) | 1-800-518-4726| For technical questions regarding the research, contact Dr. Kristen Hart. For administrative and submission questions, contact Rachel Miller. For system support, contact the Grants.gov Helpdesk.

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

Sign in to see full grant listing