Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) | G22AS00293

Opportunity Information: Apply for G22AS00293

The US Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a discretionary cooperative agreement to support research on how influenza A viruses (IAVs) are deposited into wetland environments and how long they remain viable (infectious) under different wetland-like conditions. The core concern behind the opportunity is that North American wetlands may act as environmental reservoirs where infectious IAV can persist beyond the immediate presence of infected birds. If IAV can remain infectious in water, sediment, or other wetland substrates for extended periods, it could enable indirect transmission among wild birds and contribute to the virus being carried and reintroduced across seasons and migration routes. This persistence could also raise the risk of spillover into poultry operations after migratory birds have already left a region, which is especially important in the context of highly pathogenic strains.

The project focus is experimental and model-building. USGS is seeking work that develops new laboratory models that mimic wetland environments, then uses those models to run a series of controlled experiments measuring IAV deposition and viability. The description emphasizes simulated wetlands, but also references non-simulated wetland environments, signaling interest in findings that can translate beyond simplified lab setups and ultimately inform future field experiments. The results are intended to strengthen epidemiological models by improving the evidence base on environmental persistence, which is currently considered a research priority for understanding transmission dynamics in wild bird systems. In practical terms, the outputs should help managers and decision-makers anticipate and mitigate future outbreaks, including those driven by highly pathogenic IAV, by clarifying when and where environmental persistence could be contributing to ongoing risk.

This funding is issued under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) framework, specifically tied to the Great Rivers CESU. CESUs are partnership networks designed to connect federal agencies with qualified partners to deliver research, technical assistance, and education. Because this is a CESU-funded cooperative agreement, eligibility is limited: applicants must be official participating partners of the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Program. The award mechanism being a cooperative agreement also implies substantial involvement from USGS during the project (more collaboration and federal participation than is typical for a standard grant), consistent with the applied, management-relevant nature of the research.

Key administrative details from the notice include the opportunity title "Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)," funding opportunity number G22AS00293, and CFDA number 15.808. The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development. The maximum funding amount listed is $120,000. The opportunity was created on March 29, 2022, with an original closing date of April 29, 2022.

• The Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (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 2022-03-29.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-04-29. (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 $120,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

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