Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), Rocky Mountain CESU | G17AS00076

Opportunity Information: Apply for G17AS00076

The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), Rocky Mountain CESU opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G17AS00076) is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fort Collins Science Center funding announcement for a single cooperative agreement focused on entomological research tied to invasive species management on U.S. public lands. Issued by the Department of the Interior, USGS, and categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development (CFDA 15.808), the award is meant to support applied research that helps land managers anticipate, detect, and respond to changing insect-plant relationships, especially those created by biological control programs and by ongoing insect invasions.

The central scientific theme is the management of novel herbivore-plant interactions, meaning situations where insects and plants that have not historically co-occurred begin interacting because a plant or insect has invaded, or because an insect has been intentionally introduced as a biological control agent against an invasive plant. USGS highlights that combining field studies, mesocosm experiments (semi-controlled outdoor or enclosure-based systems that bridge the gap between lab and field), and laboratory techniques provides the most effective way to predict colonization, spread, and ecological impacts. A key purpose of the award is to improve capability in these integrated methods so agencies can better monitor and control invasive plants and insects that may harm ecosystems and complicate public-land management.

The research scope is organized into three main areas. First, it seeks work that anticipates the consequences of insect-based biological control agents on invasive plants, which typically includes evaluating how well potential agents suppress target weeds, assessing likely non-target effects, and understanding how control outcomes may vary across environments. Second, it supports efforts to improve prediction of novel plant-insect interactions following invasion or introduction, aiming to strengthen forecasting of which insects will shift to new host plants, how rapidly those interactions may form, and what conditions make damaging outbreaks more likely. Third, it calls for research on the consequences of already established insect invasions on native plant populations on U.S. public lands, emphasizing the need to quantify ecological impacts and translate findings into practical insights for management decisions.

Administratively, this was a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement mechanism, which generally implies substantial involvement by the federal partner in project coordination, scientific direction, or shared implementation. The opportunity was limited to eligible CESU partners (listed broadly as "Others," with eligibility clarified in the full announcement text), reflecting the CESU program model that leverages partnerships between federal agencies and a network of universities and other research organizations. The anticipated funding structure was one award with a maximum ceiling of $499,000. The posting dates indicate it was created on June 21, 2017, with an original application closing date of July 7, 2017.

Overall, the opportunity is best read as a targeted applied-research investment: USGS is seeking a partner with strong entomology expertise and the capacity to run coordinated field, mesocosm, and lab work that improves real-world prediction and management of invasive plants, invasive herbivores, and biocontrol introductions, with direct relevance to conserving and managing U.S. public lands.

• The Department of the Interior, Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), Rocky Mountain CESU" 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 Jun 21, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 07, 2017. (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 $499,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for G17AS00076

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