Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast CESU Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G23AS00400

Opportunity Information: Apply for G23AS00400

This opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G23AS00400) is a US Geological Survey (USGS) cooperative agreement aimed specifically at a partner organization within the Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). It sits under CFDA 15.808 and is categorized as discretionary funding for science and technology and other research and development. The core purpose is to support applied research and software development that strengthens invasive species early detection and rapid response (EDRR), with an emphasis on improving how invasive species information is shared, integrated, and used across agencies and jurisdictions.

The work is framed within the Department of the Interior's broader, department-wide push on invasive species management, which DOI has identified as a crosscutting priority coordinated across 11 bureaus and offices. The funding aligns with DOI's 5-year Invasive Species Strategic Plan, which highlights several near-term initiatives, including accelerating progress toward a National EDRR Framework. A central piece of that effort is the National EDRR Information System, a web-based tool being built to bring together invasive species resources and coordination in support of that national framework. In practical terms, the system is meant to make it easier for states and territories to find and use both existing and emerging invasive species data sources, and to collaborate more effectively on detection and response.

The specific focus of the funded project is to identify gaps in current EDRR capabilities and then address those gaps through targeted programming and software enhancements that enable successful integration of data and information products into the National EDRR Information System. That includes looking closely at where information delivery breaks down (for example, fragmentation across platforms, inconsistent formats, limited interoperability, or barriers to aggregating and reusing data) and producing cost-effective technical solutions that improve sharing and aggregation across systems. The expectation is not just a conceptual assessment, but tangible development work that improves integration and usability within the national information system.

A defining feature of this award is its cooperative agreement structure, meaning substantial collaboration is anticipated between the recipient and USGS. The description makes clear that the effort will be carried out in partnership with USGS biologists and computer scientists, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach that ties together ecological expertise and technical implementation. The CESU context also matters: CESUs are designed to connect federal agencies with partner institutions to deliver research, technical assistance, and education, and this award is issued under that program model.

In terms of basic logistics, the award ceiling is $85,000, and the original application closing date listed is July 7, 2023, with the opportunity created on June 7, 2023. Eligibility is limited to organizations that are official participating partners in the Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast CESU Program, so it is not an open competition to the general public. Overall, the opportunity is best understood as a targeted, collaborative software-development and applied research project intended to strengthen national invasive species EDRR infrastructure by improving interoperability, integration, and access to critical invasive species information.

• The Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast CESU Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-06-07.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-07-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $85,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for G23AS00400

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