Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), specifically through its Alaska Science Center (ASC), is inviting applications for a cooperative agreement with an eligible partner from the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). This funding opportunity supports critical research into polar bear subpopulations in the Southern and Northern Beaufort Sea regions. The primary aim is to generate updated abundance estimates for these subpopulations and conduct a harvest risk assessment for the Southern Beaufort Sea population. Due to observed declines in the southern population and outdated estimates for the northern one, this research is urgently needed to support sustainable management of polar bear populations exposed to anthropogenic pressures. The research will employ an integrated population model (IPM) that combines Western science and Indigenous Knowledge. The model will draw on over two decades of data available through the ASC, including live-capture records, biopsies, satellite telemetry, harvest data, and community-sourced insights. Applicants must be experienced in polar bear population dynamics and capable of leveraging complex datasets for meaningful analysis. The selected CESU partner will contribute to federal efforts to ensure polar bear subsistence harvests remain sustainable, while also enhancing scientific understanding of polar bear ecology in changing Arctic environments. Eligible applicants are limited to existing partners of the Pacific Northwest CESU network, reflecting the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of this opportunity. The project spans one base year with a second-year contingent on performance and available funding, with a total budget ceiling of $180,000. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which implies active involvement by USGS scientists during the project's implementation. Award funding for Budget Year 1 is expected to be approximately $84,600. The application process is facilitated through Grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Number G26AS00099. Submissions must include a cover page with detailed contact information, technical narrative, a data management plan, biographical sketches for key personnel, and a current and pending support form. Specific content requirements include the project's objectives, methodologies, dissemination strategies, timeline, and budget breakdown. The final technical report is due 120 days after the performance period ends and should include analytical outputs, performance metrics, and all associated data products. Proposals will be reviewed by USGS technical personnel and evaluated across criteria such as relevance to the research topic (40%), qualifications and capacity of the researcher (30%), and clarity and appropriateness of the proposed work plan (30%). While budget justification is mandatory, it is not scored. Reporting requirements include annual progress reports, annual and final financial reports (SF-425), and final technical deliverables submitted through GrantSolutions. The performance period is expected to begin shortly after the April 25, 2026 deadline. The program is discretionary and non-recurring, with no cost-sharing requirement. All applicants must comply with USGS data management and open data standards, including requirements under the Geospatial Data Act of 2018 and the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. For questions related to grant mechanics, contact Rachel Miller at [email protected]. For technical content inquiries, applicants are directed to contact Todd Atwood at [email protected].

Clearly align with research objectives and demonstrate prior experience with polar bear population research and integrated modeling. Emphasize capacity to manage large datasets and blend scientific and Indigenous knowledge.