Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G24AS00372

Opportunity Information: Apply for G24AS00372

This opportunity is a US Geological Survey (USGS) cooperative agreement aimed specifically at organizations that are already participating partners in the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program. The project focus is research and evaluation of evapotranspiration (ET) models across many wetland sites throughout the United States. The central idea is to assess how well different ET modeling approaches perform in wetlands by pairing satellite-derived ET information with on-the-ground measurements, then using that combined evidence to improve understanding of wetland hydrology and the biophysical processes that control water loss to the atmosphere.

A key data source for the work is OpenET (Open Evapotranspiration), which is described as a satellite-based ET cloud computing and data services platform. The grant emphasizes using OpenET outputs together with a network of ground data, implying a model evaluation or validation effort where satellite-based estimates are checked against field observations and site measurements. The opportunity also highlights examining model data components and model structural or methodological differences, with the goal of identifying what drives accuracy (or inaccuracy) in wetland environments. The expected outcome is a clearer understanding of how ET models behave in wetlands and improved characterization of wetlands-based hydrologic ecosystems, which can support better science and management decisions around water budgets and ecosystem function.

Administratively, the funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, meaning USGS is likely to have substantial involvement during the project (for example, coordination on methods, data use, study design, or deliverables), rather than simply issuing a grant with minimal interaction. The opportunity falls under the discretionary category and is classified within Science and Technology and other Research and Development. The relevant assistance listing is CFDA 15.808. Eligibility is limited to "others" that qualify as CESU partners, with the explicit requirement that the applicant be affiliated with and participating in the Californian CESU network.

The opportunity number is G24AS00372, and it was created on 2024-05-21 with an original closing date of 2024-06-21. The award ceiling is $285,000. The posting indicates expected awards but does not specify a number in the provided text. Overall, this is a targeted, partner-restricted USGS research funding call to evaluate and improve satellite-plus-ground approaches for estimating evapotranspiration in wetlands across the US, using OpenET as a primary modeling and data delivery backbone.

• The Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit" 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 2024-05-21.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-06-21. (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 $285,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for G24AS00372

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: