Opportunity Information: Apply for G15AS00035
Apply for G15AS00035
- The Geological Survey in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Charactererization of Spawning Inhibiting Cues to Control Dreissend Mussels" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808 U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 26, 2015 and posted on Feb 26, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 12, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $692,360.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $185,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
This grant opportunity from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) focuses on developing a more targeted, environmentally considerate way to reduce invasive dreissenid mussel populations in the Great Lakes, specifically zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis). These invasive species have caused wide-ranging ecological disruption, including shifts in fish abundance, loss of native mussels in some areas, and major changes in benthic (bottom-dwelling) invertebrate communities. The core problem the opportunity is trying to address is that many existing control efforts are largely aimed at protecting infrastructure such as raw water intake pipes and industrial plumbing by preventing mussels from settling there. While that approach can reduce operational and maintenance costs for facilities, it does little to restore ecosystems because it does not meaningfully reduce mussel numbers in open waters and natural habitats where the broader ecological damage occurs.
The proposed scientific direction behind the opportunity is based on preliminary laboratory findings indicating that algae release chemical compounds that can influence dreissenid reproduction. Some algal chemicals appear to stimulate spawning, potentially acting as natural cues that signal favorable conditions for larval development. Other algal chemicals appear to inhibit spawning, which may represent defensive or toxic signals that algae use to reduce grazing or predation pressure from mussel adults and larvae. The grant centers on characterizing these spawning-inhibiting cues and moving toward identifying and deploying them as tools to regulate dreissenid reproduction. In practical terms, the idea is to suppress mussel population growth by interfering with reproduction rather than relying on broad-spectrum toxicants designed to kill mussels outright.
A key theme of the opportunity is shifting away from non-specific chemical control methods commonly used in industrial and municipal water systems, such as treatments applied in power stations or water treatment facilities. Those treatments are often effective in localized, closed systems but can be environmentally harsh and are not designed for ecosystem-scale application. By contrast, algal-derived compounds are framed as potentially more species-specific natural products. If they can be shown to selectively disrupt dreissenid spawning without broadly harming non-target organisms, they could offer a more environmentally benign strategy that is better suited to ecosystem restoration goals. The long-term vision implied in the announcement is population-level control at the scale of natural environments, not just protection of infrastructure.
Administratively, this was a discretionary funding opportunity issued under Funding Opportunity Number G15AS00035 titled "Charactererization of Spawning Inhibiting Cues to Control Dreissend Mussels" (noting the title includes typographical errors in the original listing). The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, meaning the USGS would likely expect substantial involvement with the recipient during the project rather than operating purely as a pass-through funder. The activity category is listed as Education, though the project description reads primarily as applied research and development. The opportunity anticipated a single award, with an award amount listed at $185,000 (both the ceiling and floor), and an estimated total funding figure of $692,360 in the posting. No cost sharing or matching was required. Eligible applicants were limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, which effectively narrows the competition to certain universities and similar public academic entities.
The timeline for this opportunity reflects that it was a time-limited, archived solicitation. It was posted and created on February 26, 2015, with an original and current closing date of March 12, 2015, and an archive date of April 11, 2015. The CFDA number associated with the program is 15.808, labeled USGS Research and Data Collection. For administrative or access issues related to the full announcement, the listed point of contact was Gail Walker, Contract Specialist, at 303-236-9334.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main goal of this USGS grant opportunity?
The opportunity focuses on developing a more targeted, environmentally considerate way to reduce invasive dreissenid mussel populations in the Great Lakes, specifically zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis). The emphasis is on controlling population growth by disrupting reproduction (spawning) rather than relying on broad-spectrum chemicals intended to kill mussels outright.
Which invasive species are being targeted?
The grant targets two invasive dreissenid mussels: zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis).
What environmental problems are zebra and quagga mussels causing in the Great Lakes?
According to the opportunity description, these mussels have caused wide-ranging ecological disruption, including shifts in fish abundance, loss of native mussels in some areas, and major changes in benthic (bottom-dwelling) invertebrate communities.
How is this approach different from traditional mussel control efforts?
Many existing control efforts are primarily designed to protect infrastructure (such as raw water intake pipes and industrial plumbing) by preventing mussels from settling in those systems. While that can reduce facility operational and maintenance costs, it does not substantially reduce mussel numbers in open waters and natural habitats where broader ecological impacts occur. This opportunity instead aims at population-level control by interfering with reproduction.
What is the scientific concept behind the project?
The project direction is based on preliminary laboratory findings suggesting that algae release chemical compounds that can influence dreissenid reproduction. Some algal chemicals may stimulate spawning (acting as cues for favorable larval conditions), while others appear to inhibit spawning (potentially defensive or toxic signals that reduce grazing or predation pressure). The opportunity centers on characterizing the spawning-inhibiting cues and moving toward their identification and potential deployment as tools to regulate dreissenid reproduction.
What does "spawning-inhibiting cues" mean in this context?
In the context of this grant, spawning-inhibiting cues are chemical compounds (described as algal-derived) that appear to suppress or interfere with dreissenid mussel spawning. The research focus is on characterizing these inhibitory signals so they could potentially be used to reduce reproductive output and slow population growth.
Why focus on algal-derived compounds instead of conventional chemical treatments?
The opportunity highlights a shift away from non-specific chemical control methods commonly used in industrial and municipal water systems (for example, treatments used in power stations or water treatment facilities). Those methods can be effective in localized, closed systems but may be environmentally harsh and are not designed for ecosystem-scale application. Algal-derived compounds are framed as potentially more species-specific natural products that could be more environmentally benign if they selectively disrupt dreissenid spawning without broadly harming non-target organisms.
Is the intention to apply this control method at ecosystem scale?
Yes. The long-term vision implied in the announcement is population-level control at the scale of natural environments (open waters and natural habitats), not merely localized protection of infrastructure.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) and title?
The Funding Opportunity Number is G15AS00035. The title listed is "Charactererization of Spawning Inhibiting Cues to Control Dreissend Mussels" (the listing itself includes typographical errors).
What type of funding instrument is being used?
The opportunity uses a cooperative agreement. This generally indicates the USGS would likely have substantial involvement with the recipient during the project rather than serving only as a pass-through funder.
What is the activity category listed for this opportunity?
The activity category is listed as Education, even though the project description reads primarily as applied research and development focused on invasive mussel control.
How many awards were anticipated?
The posting anticipated a single award.
What was the award amount for the anticipated single award?
The award amount listed was $185,000, with the ceiling and floor both shown as $185,000.
What estimated total funding amount was shown in the posting?
The posting listed an estimated total funding figure of $692,360.
Was cost sharing or matching required?
No. The opportunity stated that no cost sharing or matching was required.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants were limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. This effectively restricts eligibility to certain universities and similar public academic entities.
What is the CFDA number associated with this program?
The CFDA number is 15.808, labeled USGS Research and Data Collection.
When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?
It was posted (and created) on February 26, 2015. The original and current closing date was March 12, 2015.
Is this solicitation still open?
No. The opportunity is described as time-limited and archived. The archive date listed was April 11, 2015.
Who was the point of contact for issues related to the full announcement?
The listed contact was Gail Walker, Contract Specialist, at 303-236-9334, for administrative or access issues related to the full announcement.
Does the opportunity emphasize killing mussels directly?
No. The description emphasizes suppressing mussel population growth by interfering with reproduction rather than relying on broad-spectrum toxicants designed to kill mussels outright.
Does the opportunity address impacts beyond infrastructure protection?
Yes. A central motivation is that infrastructure-focused controls do little to restore ecosystems because they do not meaningfully reduce mussel numbers in open waters and natural habitats. The opportunity is framed around strategies better suited to ecosystem restoration goals.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education
Next opportunity: State of Michigan Statewide Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Productivity Flight Survey
Previous opportunity: Early life Factors and Cancer Development Later in Life (R21)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for G15AS00035
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (G15AS00035) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Fulbright Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship Program CFDA Number 84.022A Apply for ED GRANTS 022715 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 022715 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) Alaska Native Education Program CFDA Number 84356A Apply for ED GRANTS 022615 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 022615 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovative Invasive Species Control and Bioremediation via RNAI Treatment Apply for G15AC00082 Funding Number: G15AC00082 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Education Funding Amount: $165,000 |
| Military Connected Local Educational Agencies for Academic and Support Programs (MCASP) Apply for HE1254 15 1 2015 Funding Number: HE1254 15 1 2015 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Education Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Rehabilitation Short Term Training Program CFDA Number 84.246K Apply for ED GRANTS 030915 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 030915 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), Scholarship and Fellowship Education Grant, Fiscal Year (FY) 2015. Apply for NRC HQ 84 15 FOA 0001 Funding Number: NRC HQ 84 15 FOA 0001 Agency: Nuclear Regulatory Commission Category: Education Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), Faculty Development Grant, Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Apply for NRC HQ 84 15 FOA 0002 Funding Number: NRC HQ 84 15 FOA 0002 Agency: Nuclear Regulatory Commission Category: Education Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Funding Opportunity Announcement, Trade School and Community College Scholarship Grant, Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Apply for NRC HQ 84 15 FOA 0003 Funding Number: NRC HQ 84 15 FOA 0003 Agency: Nuclear Regulatory Commission Category: Education Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Dialogues on Democracy between American and Indian Youth Apply for CRFP15 04 Funding Number: CRFP15 04 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Practical Research in Support of Sustainable Urbanization Apply for HRFP15 02 Funding Number: HRFP15 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| EONS 2014 APPENDIX L MUREP COMMUNITY COLLEGE CURRICULUM IMPROVEMENT Apply for NNH14ZHA001N MC3I Funding Number: NNH14ZHA001N MC3I Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Education Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| University Research Program Apply for DOSGEO 15 GR 001 GEO 031315 Funding Number: DOSGEO 15 GR 001 GEO 031315 Agency: U.S. Mission to Georgia Category: Education Funding Amount: $346,500 |
| Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Evaluation of State Education Programs and Policies Grant Program CFDA Number 84.305E Apply for ED GRANTS 031215 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 031215 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Statewide, Longitudinal Data Systems Program CFDA Number 84.372A Apply for ED GRANTS 031215 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 031215 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $7,000,000 |
| EONS 2014 APPENDIX J MUREP AEROSPACE ACADEMY Apply for NNH14ZHA001N MAA Funding Number: NNH14ZHA001N MAA Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Education Funding Amount: $160,000 |
| Higher Education Partnerships for Innovation and Impact (HEPII) Apply for SOL OAA 15 000048 Funding Number: SOL OAA 15 000048 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Valle de Oro Urban Refuge Partnership Apply for F15AS00132 Funding Number: F15AS00132 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Training program for Alumni of Online courses Apply for ND RFP15 04 Funding Number: ND RFP15 04 Agency: U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| RFI Reading for Success for non formal education Apply for 608 15 003 RFI Funding Number: 608 15 003 RFI Agency: Morocco USAID Rabat Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities Model Demonstration Projects to Improve Adolescent Literacy for Students with Disabilities in Middle and High Schools, Grades 6 12 CFDA Number 84326 Apply for ED GRANTS 031815 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 031815 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $400,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "G15AS00035", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.