Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Can you apply?
This grant is for CESU (Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit) partners conducting ecosystem research aligned with gold standard science standards.
Only institutions that are active participating partners of the Rocky Mountain CESU can apply. University researchers and USGS scientists working together are the primary audience.
The grant supports field-based data collection, analytical modeling, and collaborative research on wildlife ecology in western ecosystems. Funding can support research across multiple National Park units in the Rocky Mountain region and Great Plains.
This grant is for CESU (Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit) partners conducting ecosystem research aligned with gold standard science standards.
Only institutions that are active participating partners of the Rocky Mountain CESU can apply. University researchers and USGS scientists working together are the primary audience.
The grant supports field-based data collection, analytical modeling, and collaborative research on wildlife ecology in western ecosystems. Funding can support research across multiple National Park units in the Rocky Mountain region and Great Plains.
Program description
The USGS is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research on the ecology of bison in the Western USA, which is aligned with EO 14303 – Restoring Gold Standard Science (May 23, 2025) Studies will be comprised of data-driven modeling, field-based data collection, and a combination of both field based and analytical modeling of accelerometer data from GPS collars on bison across 3 National Park units, and of field data collection to ensure no damage is occurring to park resources.The aim is to fill data gaps with collaborative research conducted jointly by USGS and University partners, capitalizing on the unique skillset and talents provided by modelers and data analysts who have experience modeling with extreme large datasets, such as accelerometer data, as well as conduct research to assure that bison in the Great Sand Dunes (GRSA) ecosystem are not causing damage to park resources.This funding opportunity is to conduct research on resource selection and ecology of free-ranging bison across the western USA. Specific research will conduct modeling of data collected over 2 years in 3 wild bison populations, that span the Rocky Mountain region and Great Plains ecosystems.The goal of this research is to increase understanding of bison ecology, and to relate this information to public land managers to protect natural resource assets that belong to the American people, to improve management of bison on the landscape, and to improve management of habitat. Scientific analysis will be performed by a tight collaboration of USGS and University scientists.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for CESU (Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit) partners conducting ecosystem research aligned with gold standard science standards.
Only institutions that are active participating partners of the Rocky Mountain CESU can apply. University researchers and USGS scientists working together are the primary audience.
The grant supports field-based data collection, analytical modeling, and collaborative research on wildlife ecology in western ecosystems. Funding can support research across multiple National Park units in the Rocky Mountain region and Great Plains.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Standard application forms for USGS grants
- Project narrative describing research questions and methods
- Budget and budget justification
- Letters of commitment from USGS collaborators and park managers
- Institutional documentation of CESU partner status
- CV or biographical sketches for key personnel
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.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Your institution must be a participating partner of the Rocky Mountain CESU. Individual researchers cannot apply directly without institutional affiliation.
What research topics are supported?
Ecology and resource selection studies of wildlife, particularly bison, using field data and analytical modeling. Studies must align with public land management needs.
What can the budget cover?
Field data collection, analytical modeling, personnel time for researchers, and collaborative research activities. Check with your CESU coordinator about specific allowable costs.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required for this cooperative agreement.
What is the typical funding level?
Awards range from $1 to approximately $49,000. The total pool is small, so competitions are highly selective.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the Rocky Mountain CESU coordinator early to confirm your institution is an active participating partner and eligible to apply.
- Emphasize the collaborative USGS-University partnership and the unique modeling expertise your team brings to the project.
- Highlight how your research fills data gaps and directly supports public land management decisions in western ecosystems.
- Include letters of support from USGS scientists and park managers showing alignment with management needs.
- Focus on clear research objectives tied to the specific bison populations and National Park units you will study.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when institutions lack active CESU partner status or when researchers apply independently without institutional affiliation. Proposals that lack clear collaboration with USGS scientists or that don't directly address public land management needs are less competitive. Vague research objectives or unrealistic timelines for two years of field data collection and modeling reduce success.
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