Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Can you apply?
This grant is for Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) partners conducting research on invasive species detection and monitoring. Applicants must be a participating partner of the North Atlantic Coast CESU to be eligible. The research focuses on environmental DNA sampling methods to detect Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle populations in Hawaii. Eligible organizations include universities, nonprofits, and government agencies that are formal CESU partners.
This grant is for Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) partners conducting research on invasive species detection and monitoring. Applicants must be a participating partner of the North Atlantic Coast CESU to be eligible. The research focuses on environmental DNA sampling methods to detect Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle populations in Hawaii. Eligible organizations include universities, nonprofits, and government agencies that are formal CESU partners.
Program description
The USGS is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research collecting and analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) samples to evaluate the efficacy of detecting small populations of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB; Oryctes rhinoceros) in the Hawaiian Islands. The research will involve sampling environmental DNA from the trunks of palm trees, providing a rigorous test of an emerging technology. The CESU partner is expected to co-develop a sampling design and site selection in collaboration with USGS scientists, with the aim of evaluating the probability of detection via eDNA in locations where CRB populations are small, such as the limit of the known range. This study may also assess how detection probability is affected by distance from a pheromone lure, by sampling eDNA from trunks of palm trees at a variety of distances from a lure-based trap. The CESU partner is expected to conduct field sampling and subsequently run laboratory assays, including technical replicates, to test for presence of the focal species” DNA. This work is being developed to inform the design of monitoring programs, including Department of War (DoW) biosecurity programs and port monitoring programs. The CESU partner will collaborate with USGS scientists as the data are analyzed and interpreted. The CESU partner may collaborate on work related to biosecurity and biosurveillance, as determined by available funding and interest.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) partners conducting research on invasive species detection and monitoring. Applicants must be a participating partner of the North Atlantic Coast CESU to be eligible. The research focuses on environmental DNA sampling methods to detect Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle populations in Hawaii. Eligible organizations include universities, nonprofits, and government agencies that are formal CESU partners.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application narrative describing research design and methods
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- CV or biographical information for key personnel
- Evidence of CESU partnership status
- Letters of collaboration with USGS scientists
Program contact
- 👤 Geological Survey
- 📧 rachel_miller@ios.doi.gov
- 📞 916-278-9331
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.808 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$240,000,000
-
$11,148,115
-
$10,533,234
-
$10,055,533
-
$8,476,627
-
$8,454,102
-
$7,659,261
-
$6,894,612
-
$6,800,079
-
$6,644,228
Top States by Funding
- CO 4 awards $245.0M
- CA 18 awards $70.3M
- AK 12 awards $32.6M
- FL 6 awards $22.8M
- WA 3 awards $16.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.808). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2021 | $35,000,000 | |
| 2022 | $157,201,151 | |
| 2023 | $263,107,440 | |
| 2024 | $125,066,719 | |
| 2025 est. | $110,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $60,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only organizations that are participating partners of the North Atlantic Coast CESU are eligible. You must already have formal partnership status with the unit.
What is the funding range for this opportunity?
Awards typically range from $1 to $292,531, depending on project scope and available funds in the cooperative agreement.
What type of research does this grant support?
This grant funds environmental DNA sampling and laboratory analysis to evaluate detection methods for invasive species populations, specifically Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in Hawaii.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is July 5, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, so applications must be submitted by that date.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This grant does not require matching funds or cost-sharing from the applicant organization.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Document your organization's existing CESU partnership status and history of collaboration with the North Atlantic Coast unit.
- Clearly outline how your sampling design will inform real-world monitoring programs like DoW biosecurity initiatives.
- Detail your laboratory capabilities and quality assurance procedures, especially for environmental DNA assays.
- Propose a realistic timeline that accounts for field sampling seasons and laboratory processing.
- Show how your team's expertise complements USGS scientists' capabilities in collaborative analysis and interpretation.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirmed CESU partnership status is a disqualifying mistake. Many applicants underestimate the time needed for field sampling coordination and laboratory replicates. Weak proposals fail to demonstrate clear collaboration with USGS scientists in design and analysis phases.
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