Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
🏛 Geological Survey (DOI-USGS1)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for CESU partners conducting ecosystem research in California. You must be an active partner organization within the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit network. Eligible recipients include universities, nonprofits, government agencies, and research institutions designated as CESU participants.
The project focuses on developing gene expression monitoring tools for marine and freshwater species. Acceptable focal species are California sea lions, sea otters, salmon, longfin smelt, mussels, and clams. Work must support ecosystem health assessment and monitoring program development.
Research must align with Department of Interior priorities on ecosystem resilience, restoration, and climate adaptation. Projects should generate scientific information for management decisions and ecosystem recovery.
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Program description
The USGS is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research to develop an enhanced gene expression panel with the ability to differentiate among several unique stressors that can potentially affect population and ecosystem health. This research will contribute to the development of ecosystem monitoring programs. Focal species include Californian sea lions, sea otters, salmon, longfin smelt, mussels, and clams. This project directly supports Department of the Interior and Administration priorities related to ecosystem resilience, restoration, public health preparedness, and scientific integrity. Specifically, the proposed work aligns with Executive Order (EO) 14303 – Restoring Gold Standard Science (May 23, 2025); and Secretarial Order (SO) 3399 Department-Wide Approach to the Climate Crisis and Data-Driven Decision-Making. The project will generate actionable scientific information to support management decisions, early warning systems, and ecosystem recovery efforts.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Application form (agency-specific)
- Project narrative/proposal
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational information and DUNS number
- Evidence of CESU partnership status
- Curriculum vitae(s) of key personnel
Program contact
- 👤 Geological Survey
- 📧 katherine_calder@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
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$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 8 awards $247.1M
- CA 23 awards $73.1M
- AK 15 awards $34.2M
- FL 6 awards $22.8M
- WA 4 awards $16.6M
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.
| 2024 | $125,066,719 | |
| 2025 | $54,713,074 | |
| 2026 est. | $60,000,000 |
FAQ
Do I need to be a CESU partner to apply?
Yes. You must be an active participating member of the Californian CESU network. Check the USGS CESU website to confirm your organization's membership status.
What focal species can I study?
Research must focus on California sea lions, sea otters, salmon, longfin smelt, mussels, or clams. Mixed-species projects are acceptable if species listed above are primary.
What is the typical award size?
Awards range from $1 to $35,000. Actual funding depends on project scope and available pool resources.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This is a fully funded opportunity with no matching requirement.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is November 14, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Verify CESU partnership status early. Many institutions think they're members but aren't current. Contact the Californian CESU coordinator to confirm.
- Focus your gene expression panel development on actionable ecosystem indicators. Reviewers want practical tools for real-world monitoring, not just lab research.
- Connect your work explicitly to climate resilience and ecosystem restoration. EO 14303 and SO 3399 language should appear in your proposal.
- Keep scope realistic for the $35,000 cap. Focus on one or two focal species rather than all six. Be specific about deliverables and timelines.
- Emphasize early-warning system potential. USGS values research that feeds into monitoring programs and management decision-making.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants fail to confirm active CESU partnership before submitting. Many organizations assume membership without verification. Proposals lack connection to climate priorities and EO 14303 language. Budgets are unrealistic for the $35,000 award cap or lack sufficient detail.
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