Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)
Description
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in developing multi-month forecasts of management-relevant rangeland drought forecasts and improve a platform for delivering those forecasts to resource managers across western rangelands.Research Objectives:Wildfire and invasive species are transforming dryland ecosystems of the western U.S., particularly across the vast western rangelands. Restoration treatments are much more likely to succeed if applied when conditions are favorable. This project will pursue two goals: 1) The project will develop gridded ecological drought forecasts to help rangeland managers target restoration investments in places and times where plant establishment is likely. Currently, the drought forecaster operates for a user-defined point. This work will generate wall-to-wall, monthly, weather and soil moisture forecasts using "real time" weather forecast data from the National Weather Service, which are updated each month. These rapid, real-time broad geographic assessments of regeneration potential will help inform resource allocation for management agencies. Using these wall-to-wall simulations, this project will produce continuously-updated forecast maps of near-term soil drought and seed establishment probabilities for the western US. 2) This project will synthesize establishment requirements for critical restoration species so managers know when and where species are likely to successfully establish.Deliverables from this project include synthesized information about related peer-reviewed publications about the establishment requirements (notably soil moisture conditions) for critical restoration species and continuously updated forecast maps of near-term ecological drought and establishment probabilities for the western US. These forecasts are currently used to target seeding for dryland restoration in locations and at times when conditions are most likely to support plant establishment and other applications are being developed. This project advances administration and departmental priorities using the following EOs, SOs: Improving wildfire management and post-fire habitat restoration: EO 14308 - Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response (June 12, 2025) EO 13855 - Promoting Active Management of America's Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Lands To Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk (December 21, 2018)SO 3372 - Reducing Wildfire Risks on Department of the Interior Land Through Active Management (January 2, 2019) SO 3362 - Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big Game Winter Range and Migration Corridors (February 9, 2018).Promoting sustainable energy and critical mineral development: SO 3438 - Managing Federal Energy Resources and Protecting the Environment (August 1, 2025) SO 3436 - Unlocking Critical and Strategic Minerals from Mine Waste, Cutting Red Tape, and Restoring American Dominance in Strategic Mineral Production (July 23,2025). Using science to inform local and regional management decisions to strengthen preparedness, protect economies, and safeguard communities: EO 14239 - Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness (March 18, 2025) EO 14303 - Restoring Gold Standard Science (May 24, 2025) SO 3441 - Implementing the Requirements of Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science, May 23, 2025 (August 29, 2025)SO 3443 - Elevating and Unifying DOI's Wildland Fire Management Program, (September 10, 2025).
Eligibility
See official grant page for eligibility requirements
Industry Tags
About This Grant
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in developing multi-month forecasts of management-relevant rangeland drought forecasts and improve a platform for delivering those forecasts to resource managers across western rangelands.Research Objectives:Wildfire and invasive species are transforming dryland ecosystems of the western U.S., particularly across the vast western rangelands. Restoration treatments are much more likely to succeed if applied when conditions are favorable. This project will pursue two goals: 1) The project will develop gridded ecological drought forecasts to help rangeland managers target restoration investments in places and times where plant establishment is likely. Currently, the drought forecaster operates for a user-defined point. This work will generate wall-to-wall, monthly, weather and soil moisture forecasts using "real time" weather forecast data from the National Weather Service, which are updated each month. These rapid, real-time broad geographic assessments of regeneration potential will help inform resource allocation for management agencies. Using these wall-to-wall simulations, this project will produce continuously-updated forecast maps of near-term soil drought and seed establishment probabilities for the western US. 2) This project will synthesize establishment requirements for critical restoration species so managers know when and where species are likely to successfully establish.Deliverables from this project include synthesized information about related peer-reviewed publications about the establishment requirements (notably soil moisture conditions) for critical restoration species and continuously updated forecast maps of near-term ecological drought and establishment probabilities for the western US. These forecasts are currently used to target seeding for dryland restoration in locations and at times when conditions are most likely to support plant establishment and other applications are being developed. This project advances administration and departmental priorities using the following EOs, SOs: Improving wildfire management and post-fire habitat restoration: EO 14308 - Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response (June 12, 2025) EO 13855 - Promoting Active Management of America's Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Lands To Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk (December 21, 2018)SO 3372 - Reducing Wildfire Risks on Department of the Interior Land Through Active Management (January 2, 2019) SO 3362 - Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big Game Winter Range and Migration Corridors (February 9, 2018).Promoting sustainable energy and critical mineral development: SO 3438 - Managing Federal Energy Resources and Protecting the Environment (August 1, 2025) SO 3436 - Unlocking Critical and Strategic Minerals from Mine Waste, Cutting Red Tape, and Restoring American Dominance in Strategic Mineral Production (July 23,2025). Using science to inform local and regional management decisions to strengthen preparedness, protect economies, and safeguard communities: EO 14239 - Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness (March 18, 2025) EO 14303 - Restoring Gold Standard Science (May 24, 2025) SO 3441 - Implementing the Requirements of Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science, May 23, 2025 (August 29, 2025)SO 3443 - Elevating and Unifying DOI's Wildland Fire Management Program, (September 10, 2025).
Funding Information
- Award Ceiling
- $480,000
- Estimated Total Program Funding
- $480,000
- Expected Number of Awards
- 1
Eligibility Overview
This opportunity from Geological Survey is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Federal are especially encouraged to review the requirements.
Federal grant opportunities like this one are typically open to a range of applicant types. Common eligible organizations include:
- Nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations
- Small businesses and startups (especially for SBIR/STTR programs)
- State, local, and tribal governments
- Colleges, universities, and research institutions
- Individuals (for select programs in education, arts, and research)
Eligibility requirements vary by opportunity. Always review the official listing before investing time in an application.
How to Apply
- 1
Review the full opportunity
Read the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this Geological Survey program on its official page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363544).
- 2
Confirm eligibility
Check that your organization meets every requirement set by Geological Survey — applicant type, location, registration status, and any prior-award restrictions.
- 3
Prepare required documents
Gather your budget narrative, needs statement, organizational details, SAM.gov registration, and any required certifications.
- 4
Submit before the deadline
This opportunity closes on September 12, 2026. Submit at least 48 hours early — portal systems are often slow near closing time.
Grant Writing Tips
Proposals for federal programs such as those from Geological Survey are competitive — these tips can strengthen your application:
- ✓Start your application at least 4 weeks before the deadline — rushed proposals score lower.
- ✓Tailor your needs statement to match the funder's stated priorities, using their exact language where possible.
- ✓Have a colleague outside your team review your budget narrative before submitting — fresh eyes catch errors reviewers penalize.
More Grants from Geological Survey
- Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Hawaii- Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) →
- Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes – Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) →
- Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) →
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)?
This opportunity from Geological Survey is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Federal are especially encouraged to review the requirements. Always confirm the full eligibility criteria on the official listing before applying.
How much funding does Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) provide?
Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) provides awards of up to $480,000.
When is the deadline for Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)?
The application deadline for Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) is September 12, 2026. Submit at least 48 hours early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
How do I apply for Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)?
Apply for Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) through the official grant page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363544). Confirm your eligibility and prepare your application materials before the deadline.
Helpful Resources
Need help writing your grant application?
Try Instrumentl — Grant Writing Software →Starting a nonprofit to apply for grants?
Launch your nonprofit with Swyft Filings →GrantLocate may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our grant listings.