Grants / Department of the Interior / Geological Survey

Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes-Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

Open Closes November 14, 2026 (14 days left) Opportunity G27AS00079

• Award ceiling$150,000
• Award floor$1
• Expected awards1
• Total funding$150,000
• Cost sharingNot required
• Funding typeCooperative Agreement

Key dates

Add the deadline to your calendar

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the applicants described in the notice.

• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program. CESUs are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the Great Lakes-Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program.

Is this a realistic fit?

• No cost sharing or match is required.

What the grant funds

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in the development, evaluation, and synthesis of national-scale biogeographic information for fish and other aquatic organisms. This project supports research that improves how species distributions, habitat conditions, and conservation needs are mapped and analyzed across the United States. The project focuses on three technical areas: (1) advancing statistical and analytical methods that integrate multiple lines of evidence to improve species distribution models for freshwater organisms; (2) evaluating the accuracy, uncertainty, and environmental sensitivity of habitat models; and (3) using modern synthesis tools, including artificial intelligence, to assemble and maintain up-to-date information on species traits, conservation status, and habitat preferences. These activities will help resource managers make informed decisions about conserving aquatic species and freshwater ecosystems. The USGS intends to provide support for work that directly aligns with Department of the Interior (DOI) scientific and conservation priorities, including the development and application of actionable science for species management and cooperative conservation with local communities and Tribes. This opportunity supports DOI strategic objectives related to conserving land and water resources, improving ecological data and analysis, and strengthening shared stewardship across agencies and partners. The proposal objectives clearly supports, informs, and benefits the following: SO 3447 - Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access, Removing Unnecessary Barriers, and Ensuring Consistency Across the Depart of the Interior Lands and Waters (January 7, 2026) SO 3442 - Land and Water Conservation Fund Implementation by the U.S. Department of the Interior September 4, 2025), EO 14303 – Restoring Gold Standard Science (May 23, 2025) SO 3441 –Implementing the Requirements of Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science, May 23, 2025 (August 29, 2025) SO 3444 - Leading Interior's Path to Artificial Intelligence Transformation (September 17, 2025), and SO 3435 - Implementation of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act June 25, 2025). This funding opportunity is appropriate for applicants with expertise in aquatic ecology, species distribution modeling, geospatial analysis, and ecological data synthesis.

Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

How to apply

1. Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
2. Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
3. Register on Grants.gov and submit through Workspace before the deadline and time given in the notice. Our application guide walks through each step.

Questions go to Geological Survey, katherine_calder@ios.doi.gov, 916-278-9331.

Open the official notice