Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Colorado Plateau CESU | G17AS00022

Opportunity Information: Apply for G17AS00022

The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Colorado Plateau CESU funding opportunity (Opportunity No. G17AS00022) is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) discretionary research award offered through the Department of the Interior. It is issued as a cooperative agreement under CFDA 15.808 and is intended for a partner within the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network, with eligibility described under the opportunitys additional eligibility language. USGS planned to make a single award, with an anticipated maximum (award ceiling) of $270,179.

The central purpose of the project is collaborative synthesis and method development focused on using remote sensing to improve groundwater exploration and groundwater resource assessment in drought-stressed regions, specifically with applications in Ethiopia and Kenya. The work emphasizes taking multiple kinds of remotely sensed data and turning them into practical interpretations that can guide groundwater-related decisions. In other words, it is not just about collecting imagery or satellite products, but about developing and refining techniques for reading those products in ways that meaningfully indicate where groundwater may be present, accessible, and suitable for development.

A major technical theme is integration: the project is expected to interpret a variety of remote-sensing datasets and combine those interpretations with ground-based hydrogeologic information. That implies a workflow where satellite or airborne observations (for example, indicators related to geology, landforms, structural features, moisture patterns, or other surface signals that can be sensed remotely) are analyzed alongside on-the-ground data such as existing hydrogeologic maps, field observations, well or spring information where available, and other in situ measurements. The intended outcome is a more complete, evidence-based approach for mapping areas with higher potential for groundwater-resource development, rather than relying on any single dataset or method.

USGS structured the funding to support personnel who can carry out this collaborative research alongside USGS scientists. Specifically, the award is intended to fund a research scientist and a post-graduate associate. These roles suggest both experienced leadership and early-career capacity, with the expectation that the team will jointly develop, test, and apply the remote-sensing approaches, then translate those methods into usable mapping products or decision-support insights for groundwater exploration in the target regions.

The opportunity also builds directly on prior USGS-related work in the Ogaden Basin of eastern Ethiopia. That previous effort serves as a foundation for extending and refining the techniques, likely by incorporating lessons learned, improving interpretation methods, and expanding application to additional drought-stressed settings in Ethiopia and into Kenya. The emphasis on building from established work indicates the project is meant to accelerate progress using an existing knowledge base, rather than starting from scratch.

Administratively, the notice was created on December 7, 2016, with an original closing date of December 23, 2016. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which typically indicates substantial involvement or close collaboration with the federal agency during the project period. In practical terms, this aligns with the description that the supported researchers will collaborate with USGS scientists throughout method development and application, producing jointly informed results that advance remote-sensing-based groundwater exploration and assessment in regions facing drought pressure.

• The Department of the Interior, Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Colorado Plateau 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 Dec 07, 2016.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 23, 2016. (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 $270,179.00 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 G17AS00022

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