Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G21AS00514

Opportunity Information: Apply for G21AS00514

This funding opportunity (G21AS00514) is a discretionary cooperative agreement offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, specifically through the Californian CESU network. The project focus is marine mineral formation and the oceanic setting in which those minerals develop, with an emphasis on advancing scientific understanding that supports broader resource and environmental decision-making. Because it is issued as a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant, applicants should expect substantial involvement from USGS staff during the project, such as collaborative planning, coordination, and technical input as the work is carried out.

The core research objectives are centered on two related themes. First, the award is meant to improve understanding of how marine minerals form, including the processes that drive element enrichment and the timescales over which minerals grow. That includes investigating the geochemical and physical mechanisms that concentrate economically or scientifically important elements, how those elements are incorporated into mineral structures, and how quickly or slowly these deposits accumulate under different ocean conditions. Second, the opportunity aims to strengthen understanding of the environmental context surrounding marine minerals, particularly the possibility that disturbances could trigger geochemical perturbations. In practical terms, this objective points to research on how the surrounding sediment, seawater chemistry, and ecosystem conditions interact with mineral deposits, and how those systems might change if the seafloor is disrupted, whether by natural events or human activities.

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are already participating partners in the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. The CESU framework is designed to link federal agencies with universities, nonprofits, and other qualified partners to deliver research, technical assistance, and education. Under this opportunity, that partnership structure is used to support science and technology research and development aligned with USGS mission needs.

Key administrative details include a maximum award amount (ceiling) of $300,000. The opportunity falls under CFDA 15.808, is administered by the U.S. Geological Survey, and was originally posted on May 11, 2021 with an original closing date of June 14, 2021. The listing indicates expected awards are not specified in the provided source data, but the ceiling suggests a moderate-sized, targeted research effort intended to produce concrete advances in understanding marine mineralization processes and the environmental implications of disturbance in ocean settings.

• 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 2021-05-11.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-06-14. (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 $300,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for G21AS00514

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