Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Hawaiʻi-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

Source-based overview

Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, biosecurity, ecosystem functioning, and human well-being in Hawaiʻi. Managers are increasingly concerned about the horticultural trade because it is the predominant pathway for non-native plant introduction in the state. However, they currently lack information about which species pose the greatest risk now and in the future. By analyzing invasion records and ornamental trade data for approximately 19,000 plant taxa, this project will identify horticultural species likely to establish in Hawaiʻi based on local conditions. In doing so, the project will identify geographic areas with the highest invasion risk and highlight species of concern, taking into account invasion history, weed risk scores, nursery locations, and their overlap with human infrastructure and conservation areas. Findings will inform risk-based screening, early detection priorities, and management planning for federal and state partners including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife. By improving invasive species management, this project will support the mitigation of hazards like wildfires and erosion that can be exacerbated by invasive plants, improving state and local preparedness in line with the goals of EO 14239 -Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness (March 19, 2025). This work also supports the goals of EO 14303 -Restoring Gold Standard Science (May 23, 2025) and SO 3441 -Implementing the Requirements of Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science (August 29, 2025) by advancing American leadership in adaptation science and providing credible, reliable, and impartial scientific evidence to reduce the harm caused by invasive species. Projects supported under this cooperative agreement should advance Administration priorities, including, but not limited to, American energy dominance, critical mineral development, water security, infrastructure resilience, and natural hazard preparedness. Research and activities may incorporate scientific expertise in areas such as hydrology, geology, geospatial science, biosecurity, and near-earth space science, including extreme events such as drought, flooding, wildland fire, coastal erosion, severe storms, and geologic hazards, to develop actionable science, data, and tools that support informed decision-making by resource managers and stakeholders. The official record contains the controlling eligibility, budget, attachment and submission requirements for opportunity G27AS00073.

Eligibility

Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification). Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.

Funding and benefits

Award ceiling: USD 435,000

Expected number of awards: 1

Themes and supported activities

Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, biosecurity, ecosystem functioning, and human well-being in Hawaiʻi. Managers are increasingly concerned about the horticultural trade because it is the predominant pathway for non-native plant introduction in the state. However, they currently lack information about which species pose the greatest risk now and in the future. By analyzing invasion records and ornamental trade data for approximately 19,000 plant taxa, this project will identify horticultural species likely to establish in Hawaiʻi based on local conditions. In doing so, the project will identify geographic areas with the highest invasion risk and highlight species of concern, taking into account invasion history, weed risk scores, nursery locations, and their overlap with human infrastructure and conservation areas. Findings will inform risk-based screening, early detection priorities, and management planning for federal and state partners including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife. By improving invasive species management, this project will support the mitigation of hazards like wildfires and erosion that can be exacerbated by invasive plants, improving state and local preparedness in line with the goals of EO 14239 -Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness (March 19, 2025). This work also supports the goals of EO 14303 -Restoring Gold Standard Science (May 23, 2025) and SO 3441 -Implementing the Requirements of Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science (August 29, 2025) by advancing American leadership in adaptation science and providing credible, reliable, and impartial scientific evidence to reduce the harm caused by invasive species. Projects supported under this cooperative agreement should advance Administration priorities, including, but not limited to, American energy dominance, critical mineral development, water security, infrastructure resilience, and natural hazard preparedness. Research and activities may incorporate scientific expertise in areas such as hydrology, geology, geospatial science, biosecurity, and near-earth space science, including extreme events such as drought, flooding, wildland fire, coastal erosion, severe storms, and geologic hazards, to develop actionable science, data, and tools that support informed decision-making by resource managers and stakeholders.

Opportunity number: G27AS00073

Deadline and timeline

Applications close 2026-11-14: Applications close 2026-11-14: Nov 14, 2026.

Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.

How to apply

Open the official Grants.gov record, review the full notice and attachments, and use the application package or agency route stated there.

Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.