Opportunity Information: Apply for G18AS00110
This funding opportunity, titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU" (Funding Opportunity Number G18AS00110), was released by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of the Interior as a discretionary science and technology research award. It is intended to be made as a cooperative agreement, meaning the USGS expects to be actively involved with the recipient during the project rather than simply issuing a grant with minimal federal participation. The program is limited to eligible partners within the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network, which is a partnership framework used by federal agencies to work with universities and other affiliated organizations on applied research and technical assistance.
The core purpose of the award is to support research that directly informs conservation of the boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas), which is listed as endangered in the State of Colorado and has experienced steep declines in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and the broader Southern Rocky Mountain region. The work is framed not only as species-specific recovery science, but also as "prelisting science" that can transfer to other at-risk frogs and toads (anurans) that may need stronger scientific information before regulatory decisions are made. The opportunity explicitly notes that findings could help guide conservation for other disease-susceptible, often high-elevation species such as the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microschaphus) and the Cascades frog (Rana cascadae), both of which are vulnerable to chytrid fungal disease.
A major driver behind the research focus is the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the cause of chytridiomycosis, a frequently lethal skin disease in amphibians. Bd has been strongly implicated as a key cause of the rapid, modern-era decline of boreal toads in RMNP and across the region. Long-term park records and amphibian surveys dating back to 1915 show a pronounced drop in breeding locations over roughly the last three decades. In practical terms, breeding activity over the past 15 years has been recorded at only six sites within RMNP, and by 2017 breeding was observed at just four of those remaining sites. Among those remaining breeding sites, four are known to test positive for Bd, underscoring that the species persists in landscapes where exposure risk is real and ongoing.
The project is structured around two interrelated research questions that connect population dynamics, disease ecology, genetics, and environmental variation. First, the USGS is seeking work that estimates key demographic or "vital" rates for adult boreal toads across multiple populations that are experiencing different phases or intensities of Bd exposure. This includes determining whether differences in survival, persistence, or other demographic measures vary across space and time, and then evaluating which factors best explain that variation. The opportunity highlights three broad explanatory categories to compare: pathogen prevalence (how common Bd infection is), genetic structure (how populations differ genetically and how that might influence outcomes), and environmental characteristics such as habitat features or drought conditions that can affect amphibian health, breeding success, and disease dynamics.
Second, the opportunity calls for the use of genomic data from several boreal toad populations to map and interpret population genetic structure and to connect those genetic patterns to differences in demographic performance. A key aim is to determine whether some populations show genetic signatures that correspond to stronger or weaker vital rates, which could suggest local adaptation, inbreeding effects, or other population-level genetic constraints. In addition, the USGS is specifically interested in examining whether there is variation among populations in genes associated with disease resistance in amphibians, with particular attention to Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes that play an important role in immune function. The announcement references prior research indicating that certain immune-related genetic variants can influence susceptibility or tolerance to pathogens, which makes this component potentially valuable for identifying populations with higher resilience to Bd and for informing strategies such as targeted management, translocations, or captive breeding and reintroduction planning.
In terms of funding and administrative details, the opportunity listed an award ceiling of $175,000 and anticipated making a single award. It was posted on July 31, 2018, with an original closing date of August 14, 2018. The CFDA number associated with the opportunity is 15.808, and the activity category is "Science and Technology and other Research and Development," reflecting its emphasis on applied conservation research with clear management relevance. Overall, the opportunity is designed to generate decision-useful science that explains why some boreal toad populations fare better than others under disease pressure, and to translate those insights into broader amphibian conservation tools, especially for species that are declining but still in the stage where strong, targeted evidence can shape effective early interventions.Apply for G18AS00110
- The Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain 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 Jul 31, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 14, 2018. (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 $175,000.00 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).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title and funding opportunity number for this grant?
The opportunity is titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU" and the Funding Opportunity Number is G18AS00110.
Which federal agency is offering this funding opportunity?
This opportunity was released by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of the Interior.
What type of award is being offered?
The award is intended to be made as a cooperative agreement. That means USGS expects to be actively involved with the recipient during the project, rather than providing a grant with minimal federal participation.
Is this a discretionary funding opportunity?
Yes. It is described as a discretionary science and technology research award.
Who is eligible to apply?
The program is limited to eligible partners within the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network. The CESU is a partnership framework used by federal agencies to collaborate with universities and other affiliated organizations on applied research and technical assistance.
What is the main purpose of the project?
The core purpose is to support research that directly informs conservation of the boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas), particularly in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and the broader Southern Rocky Mountain region, where the species has experienced steep declines.
Why is the boreal toad a conservation priority in this opportunity?
The boreal toad is listed as endangered in the State of Colorado and has shown a significant reduction in breeding locations in RMNP and across the region in recent decades.
Does this opportunity focus only on boreal toads?
While boreal toads are the central focus, the work is also framed as "prelisting science" that can be transferred to other at-risk frogs and toads (anurans) that may need stronger scientific information before regulatory decisions are made.
Which other amphibian species are mentioned as potentially benefiting from the findings?
The announcement notes that findings could help guide conservation for other disease-susceptible, often high-elevation species such as the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microschaphus) and the Cascades frog (Rana cascadae).
What disease threat is driving much of the research emphasis?
A major driver is the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes chytridiomycosis, a frequently lethal skin disease in amphibians.
How is Bd connected to boreal toad declines in RMNP and the region?
Bd has been strongly implicated as a key cause of the rapid, modern-era decline of boreal toads in RMNP and across the Southern Rocky Mountain region.
What does the opportunity say about long-term trends in RMNP?
It references long-term park records and amphibian surveys dating back to 1915, showing a pronounced drop in breeding locations over roughly the last three decades.
How many breeding sites have been active in recent years within RMNP?
Breeding activity over the past 15 years has been recorded at only six sites within RMNP, and by 2017 breeding was observed at just four of those remaining sites.
Are the remaining breeding sites affected by Bd?
Yes. Among the remaining breeding sites, four are known to test positive for Bd, indicating the species persists in places where exposure risk is ongoing.
What are the two main research questions or components described in the opportunity?
The project is structured around two interrelated components:
- Estimating key demographic (vital) rates for adult boreal toads across multiple populations experiencing different phases or intensities of Bd exposure, and evaluating which factors best explain variation.
- Using genomic data to characterize population genetic structure and connect genetic patterns to differences in demographic performance, including possible variation in disease-resistance genes.
What does "vital rates" mean in the context of this opportunity?
In this announcement, vital rates refer to key demographic measures for adult boreal toads, such as survival and other indicators of persistence, evaluated across populations and through time.
What factors does USGS want applicants to compare when explaining demographic differences?
The opportunity highlights three broad categories to compare:
- Pathogen prevalence (how common Bd infection is)
- Genetic structure (how populations differ genetically)
- Environmental characteristics such as habitat features or drought conditions
What is the genomic component expected to accomplish?
The genomic work is intended to map and interpret population genetic structure across several boreal toad populations and connect those genetic patterns to differences in demographic performance (for example, identifying whether some genetic patterns align with stronger or weaker vital rates).
Does the opportunity specifically mention immune-related genes?
Yes. The USGS is specifically interested in whether there is variation among populations in genes associated with disease resistance, with particular attention to Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes related to immune function.
Why are MHC genes relevant to this project?
The announcement references prior research indicating that certain immune-related genetic variants can influence susceptibility or tolerance to pathogens. This makes MHC-focused work potentially useful for identifying populations with higher resilience to Bd.
What kinds of management uses are implied for the research findings?
The opportunity suggests the findings could inform conservation strategies such as targeted management, translocations, or captive breeding and reintroduction planning, especially if certain populations appear more resilient based on demographic and genetic signals.
How many awards does USGS anticipate making?
The opportunity anticipated making a single award.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling listed is $175,000.
When was this opportunity posted, and what was the closing date?
It was posted on July 31, 2018, with an original closing date of August 14, 2018.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number is 15.808.
What is the activity category for this funding?
The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development, reflecting an applied conservation research emphasis with management relevance.
What does the CESU framework imply about the collaboration model?
Because it is a CESU opportunity and is planned as a cooperative agreement, the project is positioned as a collaborative effort where a federal agency (USGS) works with eligible network partners on applied research and technical assistance.
What is the intended overall outcome of this funding opportunity?
Overall, it is designed to generate decision-useful science explaining why some boreal toad populations perform better than others under disease pressure, and to translate those insights into broader amphibian conservation tools, including support for early, evidence-based interventions for other declining species.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (G18AS00110) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Chesapeake Watershed CESU Apply for G18AS00109 Funding Number: G18AS00109 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU Apply for G18AS00096 Funding Number: G18AS00096 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $19,682 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU Apply for G18AS00095 Funding Number: G18AS00095 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $43,236 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, PIEDMONT â¿¿ SOUTH ATLANTIC COAST Apply for G18AS00093 Funding Number: G18AS00093 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $88,677 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU Apply for G18AS00107 Funding Number: G18AS00107 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $24,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests Apply for G18AS00102 Funding Number: G18AS00102 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $41,371 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Gulf Coast CESU Apply for G18AS00098 Funding Number: G18AS00098 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $49,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Cheasapeake Watershed CESU Apply for G18AS00097 Funding Number: G18AS00097 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, North and West Alaska CESU Apply for G18AS00081 Funding Number: G18AS00081 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $124,876 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU Apply for G18AS00091 Funding Number: G18AS00091 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Pacific Northwest CESU Apply for G18AS00085 Funding Number: G18AS00085 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $102,586 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU Apply for G18AS00083 Funding Number: G18AS00083 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Hawaii Pacific Islands CESU Apply for G18AS00082 Funding Number: G18AS00082 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $98,957 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU Apply for G18AS00092 Funding Number: G18AS00092 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $113,648 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Gulf Coast CESU Apply for G18AS00090 Funding Number: G18AS00090 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $54,844 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Colorado Plateau Apply for G18AS00089 Funding Number: G18AS00089 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $48,982 |
| Cooperative Ecoystem Studies Unit, Desert Southwest CESU Apply for G18AS00088 Funding Number: G18AS00088 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $307,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU Apply for G18AS00087 Funding Number: G18AS00087 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $117,500 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Stuides Unit, Pacific Northwest CESU Apply for G18AS00086 Funding Number: G18AS00086 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $183,142 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Californian CESU Apply for G18AS00084 Funding Number: G18AS00084 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $75,000 |
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