Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
🏛 Geological Survey (DOI-USGS1)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Nov 13, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for CESU partner organizations conducting research on invasive species monitoring and control in the Chesapeake Watershed region. Eligible applicants must be current members of the Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit partnership. The grant supports research and technology development focused on automated fish detection and surveillance systems at Brandon Road Lock and Dam.
This cooperative agreement funds work that advances sonar-based monitoring technology and data analysis methods. Projects must contribute to preventing invasive carp movement toward the Great Lakes. Partnerships between USGS, Army Corps of Engineers, and other federal agencies are expected.
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Program description
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner to support research and technology development that advances automated fish detection, enumeration, and risk assessment at Brandon Road Lock and Dam through the use of the Live Imaging Sonar Surveillance Array (LISSA). This work directly contributes to federal efforts to prevent the upstream movement of invasive carp toward the Great Lakes. Continuous sonar surveillance at Brandon Road is vital for evaluating deterrent system performance, identifying high-risk events, and informing real-time operational decision-making. Previous collaborative efforts between the USGS and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have demonstrated LISSA’s value as a low-cost, continuously operating sonar monitoring tool; however, a significant need remains to automate interpretation of the substantial data streams the LISSA generates.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative describing research objectives and methodology
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Proof of CESU partnership eligibility
- Organizational capacity documentation
- References to previous relevant work or pilot studies
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 9 awards $247.6M
- CA 24 awards $73.6M
- AK 17 awards $35.1M
- FL 7 awards $23.2M
- 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.
| 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 current partners of the Chesapeake Watershed CESU can apply. You must verify your organization's CESU membership before submitting.
What research areas does this grant support?
The grant funds automated fish detection, sonar data interpretation, and invasive species monitoring technology. Work must relate to Brandon Road Lock and Dam surveillance operations.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is December 7, 2026. This is a fixed deadline with no extensions typical for cooperative agreements.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $1 to $180,000 depending on project scope. The total funding pool is $180,000 for all awards combined.
Do I need to provide cost-sharing or matching funds?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant. All eligible project costs can be covered by the award.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize how your project automates LISSA data interpretation or improves fish detection accuracy. Automation is a key program priority.
- Clearly connect your work to preventing invasive carp passage to the Great Lakes. The grant focuses on this specific conservation goal.
- Demonstrate partnership with USGS and/or Army Corps of Engineers if possible. Collaboration strengthens applications.
- Use technical language appropriate to sonar surveillance and fish biology. Reviewers expect aquatic technology expertise.
- Include a realistic timeline aligned with the December 2026 deadline. Plan for adequate project completion before award end.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications that don't clearly connect to Brandon Road Lock and Dam or invasive carp prevention often fail. Proposals lacking technical depth on sonar or fish detection methods are less competitive. Applicants without confirmed CESU partner status are ineligible regardless of project quality.
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