ATTACHMENT_C_-_Project_Abstract_Summary_Requirement..docx

This document is a project abstract summary requirement attachment for a Cooperative Agreement with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The Southwest Biological Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey is soliciting applications from participating Colorado Plateau CESU partner universities to conduct ecological research along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. The primary objectives include improving understanding of the Colorado River ecosystem and investigating how drought and Glen Canyon Dam operations influence parasites and diseases affecting both human and fish populations, invasive species dynamics, and aquatic insect prey base availability. Participating universities will be responsible for validating new e-DNA detection tools for monitoring parasites, diseases, invasive species, and aquatic insects, as well as developing and testing new modeling tools to predict future ecosystem conditions.

Eligible applicants must be confirmed participating partners of the Colorado Plateau CESU Program. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using the Standard Form (SF) 424 and require preapplication coordination with USGS. The award mechanism is a Cooperative Agreement funded under USGS Research and Data Collection (CFDA 15.808). Award values vary based on internal USGS budget availability, with recent awards in related programs ranging from $49,000 to $2.28 million. The application review process typically requires three to six months for evaluation based on scientific excellence and relevance to USGS mission priorities. Recipients must comply with 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, as well as Department of the Interior regulations.