The U.S. Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a partner affiliated with the Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. This research aims to leverage expertise in climate model downscaling to improve the utility of regional climate models, specifically for producing risk-relevant climate change information for impacts on ecosystems and human health in the southeastern United States and the Caribbean. The recipient will engage decision-makers from the region to identify useful climate metrics that can assist with climate adaptation strategies. The project will produce dynamically downscaled climate data that are responsive to stakeholder needs while also investigating uncertainties across various downscaled climate projections.

The objectives of this opportunity include engaging stakeholders to define meaningful climate metrics, creating climate diagnostics through dynamic downscaling, and analyzing sources of uncertainty by comparing multiple downscaled climate products. The emphasis is on practical, stakeholder-driven outcomes that can guide adaptation planning in response to climate impacts.

The total funding available for this opportunity is $164,157.71, with the full amount allocated for fiscal year 2025. The project has an anticipated duration of two years, with any additional funding contingent upon satisfactory progress and budget availability. Eligible applicants must be active, participating partners of the Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit program.

Applicants must submit their proposals electronically through grants.gov and include key information such as the principal investigator’s contact details, staff experience, available facilities, and equipment. A detailed proposal narrative is required, including an introduction to the research problem, clearly defined objectives, methods, planned products and dissemination of results, and a list of references. A thorough budget sheet must also be provided, detailing salaries, fringe benefits, field expenses, equipment, supplies, travel, publication costs, and indirect charges. A data management plan must be included as a separate document describing data collection, storage, standards, sharing, and archiving processes in compliance with USGS guidelines.

Applications will be reviewed based on three evaluation criteria: the degree to which the proposed research addresses the defined objectives, the applicant’s experience with climate model downscaling and collaborative research, and the appropriateness of the proposed work plan, methods, and budget. Each of these categories will be scored, with a total of 100 points available. USGS technical personnel will review and score the proposals, and the contracting officer will make the final award determination.

The selected recipient will be responsible for meeting all reporting requirements, including annual progress reports, financial reports, and a final technical report summarizing the project’s findings and outcomes. Compliance with federal terms, including data-sharing policies and publication acknowledgments, is required. Questions about this funding opportunity should be directed to Faith Graves, the CESU Contract Specialist, via email at fgraves@usgs.gov or phone at 703-648-7356. Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline to be considered for this opportunity.