The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program for research on insect immunology, with a specific focus on imperiled bumble bee species. The primary goal is to develop tools for the recovery of endangered or at-risk bumble bees, such as the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) and the western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis). These species, once widespread across North America, have suffered significant population declines over the past two decades. One of the leading causes of these declines is believed to be the spread of the pathogen Variomorpha bombi, which negatively affects wild bumble bee populations. Research conducted under this funding opportunity will focus on developing strategies to mitigate the effects of this pathogen and improve pollinator health.

Bumble bees play a vital ecological and economic role as pollinators in natural ecosystems and agricultural settings. The decline of several previously common species has led to their classification under the Endangered Species Act, necessitating further research into the factors contributing to their population losses. One significant knowledge gap in bumble bee conservation is the understanding of how pathogens impact populations. Differences in pathogen susceptibility among species suggest that variation in immune system responses may play a critical role. Insect immune systems, unlike vertebrate immune systems, lack an acquired immune response but have demonstrated priming mechanisms in both cellular and non-cellular immune functions. This research aims to explore how factors such as nutrition, previous pathogen exposure, and environmental stressors can modulate bumble bee immune responses and be leveraged to improve their health and survival.

The funded project will focus on understanding the immune responses of bumble bees with the ultimate goal of developing practical conservation methods. The research will explore factors that prime bumble bee immune systems, investigate novel technologies to boost immunity, and develop surrogate insect models to study immunity in a way that benefits bumble bee conservation. Additionally, genetic and molecular mechanisms of insect immunity will be studied. The findings from this research will help inform federal and state land management agencies in their efforts to support pollinator conservation under the Endangered Species Act.

This funding opportunity is available exclusively to partners within the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network who possess the capability to conduct research in insect immunology, with a focus on imperiled bumble bees. Collaboration with other experts in the field is encouraged, particularly in developing new immunological techniques and incorporating them into ongoing recovery projects. The expected outcome is research that contributes to the understanding of immune system responses in bumble bees and provides practical management solutions for pollinator conservation.

One award will be made under this opportunity, with an initial base year and four additional renewal years. The total estimated funding available for the entire project is $399,000, with approximately $30,000 allocated for fiscal year 2025. The project will be funded as a cooperative agreement, requiring close collaboration between the USGS and the awarded CESU partner.

Applicants must submit their proposals electronically through Grants.gov. The application should include details about the principal investigator and technical staff, available facilities and equipment, experience related to the research objectives, and a detailed research proposal including methodology, expected outcomes, and dissemination plans. Additionally, applicants must provide budget sheets detailing salaries, fringe benefits, field expenses, laboratory analyses, supplies, equipment, travel, and publication costs. A data management plan must also be included to outline how research findings and data will be shared.

Proposals will be evaluated based on three main criteria: alignment with the research topic (40 points), experience of the research team (30 points), and the clarity and feasibility of the proposed work plan (30 points). The review process will be conducted by USGS technical personnel, who will score applications based on their scientific merit, relevance to conservation objectives, and alignment with the overall goals of the CESU program.

The awarded institution will be responsible for project implementation, compliance with federal reporting requirements, and the timely dissemination of research findings. Progress reports will be required annually, and a final technical report must be submitted at the conclusion of the agreement. Funding is subject to compliance with federal regulations, including financial reporting and adherence to USGS guidelines for publication and data sharing.

For further details, potential applicants may contact Faith D. Graves, the CESU Contract Specialist at the U.S. Geological Survey, via email at fgraves@usgs.gov or by phone at (703) 648-7356.