The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) is offering a funding opportunity under a Cooperative Agreement for a partner affiliated with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The project focuses on ecohydrological simulation research to quantify past and potential future patterns of ecologically relevant drought conditions in dryland ecosystems. The goal is to integrate future sagebrush habitat quality with resilience and resistance into the Resist-Accept-Direct conceptual adaptation framework, guiding conservation and restoration prioritization across the sagebrush region.

The project has two primary objectives. First, it aims to describe the distribution and abundance of sagebrush habitat quality, along with future resistance and resilience in the region. Second, it seeks to develop and disseminate guidance on long-term conservation and restoration options based on habitat quality and ecological resilience. Deliverables include spatially explicit datasets representing future conditions of big sagebrush habitat and reports outlining climate adaptation strategies for mitigating cheatgrass invasion and wildfire impacts.

A single award is anticipated for the fiscal year 2025, with initial funding of $240,000. The award consists of a base year with potential renewals for two additional years, contingent upon satisfactory progress and funding availability. Only CESU partners within the Colorado Plateau CESU Program are eligible to apply for this financial assistance.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. Required components include details about the recipient, principal investigator, technical contacts, and a comprehensive proposal text outlining the research problem, objectives, methods, planned dissemination of results, and references. Additionally, a detailed budget must be provided, covering salaries, fringe benefits, field expenses, lab analyses, supplies, equipment, consultant services, travel, publication costs, and indirect charges. Applicants must also include a data management plan addressing policies for data sharing and archiving.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the applicant’s expertise in assessing climate change vulnerability in dryland ecosystems (50 points), existing partnerships and collaborative opportunities (15 points), data management experience (20 points), and the geographic scope of the study (15 points). Award recipients are responsible for submitting annual and final technical and financial reports detailing their progress, accomplishments, and use of funds.

The primary point of contact for this opportunity is Faith D. Graves, CESU Contract Specialist at the USGS. She can be reached at fgraves@usgs.gov or via phone at (703) 648-7356. Applications and required documents must be completed and submitted by the stated deadlines to be considered for funding.