Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, South Florida Caribbean CESU | G19AS00117

Opportunity Information: Apply for G19AS00117

The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) South Florida Caribbean CESU funding opportunity (Opportunity Number G19AS00117) is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) discretionary grant offered through the Department of the Interior. It is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the project is expected to involve substantial collaboration with USGS scientists and offices rather than operating as a hands-off grant. The award is aimed at a single selected partner, with an anticipated maximum funding level (award ceiling) of $200,000 and one expected award.

The core purpose of the opportunity is to support research and technical assistance that improves understanding of mammal community composition in places influenced by the invasive Burmese python, with a specific geographic focus on areas within and adjacent to the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in South Florida. The project is tied to USGS priorities in the Greater Everglades ecosystem, where Burmese pythons have been linked to major declines and shifts in native mammal populations. In practical terms, the work is meant to document which mammal species are present, how abundant they are, and how community structure differs across locations that may vary in python presence or pressure, particularly around the refuge boundary where land use and habitat conditions can shift quickly.

USGS frames the work within its broader mission to conduct ecological and hydrologic research and long-term monitoring in support of Greater Everglades restoration. The solicitation emphasizes that USGS science is designed to inform decision-making by federal, state, and local partners involved in restoration and wildlife management. In that context, this project is not just a stand-alone wildlife survey; it is intended to produce defensible, management-relevant information that strengthens understanding of restoration outcomes and how ongoing environmental change and invasive species interactions can influence restoration goals.

A key expectation highlighted in the announcement is the capability to use modern, cutting-edge monitoring and modeling tools. While the notice does not prescribe specific methods, the language signals interest in advanced approaches for detecting and estimating mammal occurrence, distribution, and community patterns in complex wetland landscapes. This could reasonably include integrated monitoring designs, statistically robust community modeling, occupancy or abundance estimation frameworks, and field techniques suitable for elusive mammals in dense habitats. The emphasis on both monitoring and modeling suggests USGS is looking for results that go beyond simple presence lists by generating quantitative inferences and decision-support outputs that can be compared across sites or time periods.

Eligibility is limited to CESU partners under the South Florida Caribbean CESU network, with the listing noting "Others" and directing applicants to the additional eligibility language in the full notice for clarification. The opportunity was posted on July 10, 2019, with an original closing date of July 26, 2019, indicating a short application window consistent with targeted cooperative agreements where USGS already has a defined science need and seeks a capable partner to execute it in close coordination with agency researchers.

In summary, this opportunity funds a collaborative USGS-led effort to evaluate and model mammal community composition around Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in relation to Burmese python impacts, with the broader aim of strengthening the science base that supports Everglades restoration planning and invasive species management decisions.

• The Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, South Florida Caribbean CESU" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jul 10, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 26, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for G19AS00117

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