Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The USGS is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research collecting and analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) samples to evaluate the efficacy of detecting small populations of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB; Oryctes rhinoceros) in the Hawaiian Islands. The research will involve sampling environmental DNA from the trunks of palm trees, providing a rigorous test of an emerging technology. The CESU partner is expected to co-develop a sampling design and site selection in collaboration with USGS scientists, with the aim of evaluating the probability of detection via eDNA in locations where CRB populations are small, such as the limit of the known range. This study may also assess how detection probability is affected by distance from a pheromone lure, by sampling eDNA from trunks of palm trees at a variety of distances from a lure-based trap. The CESU partner is expected to conduct field sampling and subsequently run laboratory assays, including technical replicates, to test for presence of the focal species" DNA. This work is being developed to inform the design of monitoring programs, including Department of War (DoW) biosecurity programs and port monitoring programs. The CESU partner will collaborate with USGS scientists as the data are analyzed and interpreted. The CESU partner may collaborate on work related to biosecurity and biosurveillance, as determined by available funding and interest. Eligibility: This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program. CESU"s are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. Opportunity number: G26AS00130. Closing date: 2026-07-05. Funding: up to USD 292,531; floor USD 1; estimated total USD 292,531; 1 expected award.

This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program. CESU"s are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.

Environment and Natural Resources

United States

Official opportunity number: G26AS00130.

up to USD 292,531; floor USD 1; estimated total USD 292,531; 1 expected award

Closes 2026-07-05: Closes 2026-07-05: Jul 5, 2026.

Confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, and submission route on the official call page.

Plan internal approvals, partner confirmations, budgets, letters, and portal submission before the final deadline.

Use the official Grants.gov listing for application package, forms, attachments, and agency-specific instructions. Submit by 2026-07-05 unless the agency updates the official listing.

Before submitting, check required documents, eligible costs, attachments, page limits, institutional approvals, and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration, or nomination stage.