The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Center (NRCASC) has issued a funding opportunity for a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)-affiliated partner, specifically within the Southern Appalachian Mountains CESU network. This grant aims to support research focused on climate adaptation in oak-dominated ecosystems, particularly analyzing changes in oak species distributions, mast (acorn) availability, and their effects on wildlife due to shifts in climate, land use, and social factors. The recipient will collaborate with USGS to produce a comprehensive ecosystem model that informs resource management strategies for federal, state, and local agencies involved in the stewardship of wildlife species dependent on oak ecosystems, including economically significant species such as white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys.

The award includes a total estimated funding of $260,380, with $142,175 allocated for FY 2025. The cooperative agreement is set for one base year, with the potential for a renewal year, contingent on satisfactory progress and fund availability. Eligible applicants must be CESU partners in the Southern Appalachian network and are required to apply electronically through Grants.gov. The deadline for submission is unspecified in this summary, but questions regarding the application process should be directed to Faith Graves, the designated USGS Contract Specialist.

Applications must include essential information such as the principal investigator’s contact details, an overview of project facilities, and staff qualifications relevant to the project’s objectives. A structured proposal narrative should be provided, including an introduction, objectives, methodology, planned products, dissemination strategies, and a budget sheet that details all anticipated expenses. Budget categories cover salaries, fringe benefits, travel, laboratory analyses, equipment, supplies, publication costs, and other direct costs. CESU-affiliated projects are subject to a negotiated indirect cost rate of 17.5%, and applicants must provide documentation supporting this rate.

A two-page Data Management Plan (DMP) is required, describing data standards, policies for sharing and access, archiving plans, and public access provisions for data generated during the project. Applications will be evaluated based on the relevance and rigor of the research topic, the applicant’s experience with climate and land-use impacts on species distribution, and the clarity and feasibility of the proposed work plan. Proposals undergo a technical review by USGS personnel, and selected applications are evaluated for final award consideration.

Award recipients must manage the project in compliance with federal guidelines, submitting annual and final technical reports via GrantSolutions. These reports should outline project accomplishments, any deviations from goals, and anticipated adjustments for future periods. Financial reporting includes annual and final SF 425 Federal Financial Reports, documenting project expenditures. Publication of research findings is encouraged, with requirements to acknowledge USGS support and adhere to USGS guidelines on data and publication standards. Additionally, USGS requires that project outputs, such as accepted manuscripts, be submitted to their project office, and that two copies of any publications produced be sent to the Department of the Interior’s Natural Resources Library.