Opportunity Information: Apply for G16AS00102
Apply for G16AS00102
- The Department of the Interior, Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, North Atlantic Coast 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 Jun 22, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 08, 2016. (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 $93,389.00 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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Opportunity Summary:
This grant opportunity, titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, North Atlantic Coast CESU" (Funding Opportunity Number G16AS00102), was offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), specifically through the USGS Great Lakes Science Center. It was issued as a discretionary cooperative agreement to support science and technology research and development work focused on invasive species management. The project centers on invasive Phragmites australis (common reed) and explores a biological strategy to reduce its competitive advantage by targeting the microbial endophytes that live inside the plant and may help it thrive. The funding opportunity was posted June 22, 2016, with an original closing date of July 8, 2016. The expected outcome was a single award, with a maximum award amount (ceiling) of $93,389, under CFDA number 15.808. Eligible applicants are listed broadly as "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice.
The research idea behind the opportunity is that Phragmites may be so successful in part because of symbiotic microbes, particularly endophytic bacteria, that enhance growth, improve stress tolerance, and possibly help the plant outcompete native vegetation. The proposed work aims to evaluate how these endophytes contribute to the invasive characteristics of Phragmites and then test whether the invasion can be weakened by disrupting those symbiotic relationships. A key feature of the approach is the use of naturally occurring microbial inhibitors, meaning compounds or organisms found in nature that could suppress or interfere with the supportive microbes, with the goal of developing methods that are environmentally friendly compared with more conventional control techniques.
The project description lays out a set of specific scientific questions that would structure the research. First, it asks whether Phragmites endophytes suppress soil pathogens, which would imply the plant gains a protective shield against diseases that might otherwise limit its spread. Second, it explores whether these endophytes can colonize other, distantly related competitor plants and reduce those plants' competitiveness, which would suggest the microbes play an active role in shaping plant community outcomes beyond just benefiting Phragmites. Third, it examines whether Phragmites endophytes help the plant acquire nutrients, such as increasing phosphate availability or transferring other growth-limiting resources, which could explain rapid growth and dominance in nutrient-variable wetlands. Fourth, it tests whether endophytes from other plant species, highlighted by great willow herb (Epilobium hirsutum), can antagonize Phragmites seedlings and whether such bacteria could be developed into a bioherbicide concept for controlling Phragmites at vulnerable early life stages. Fifth, it asks more directly whether Phragmites competitiveness can be reduced by inhibiting its own endophytic bacteria, effectively removing key microbial "helpers." Sixth, it investigates the early colonization interactions and communications between endophytic bacteria and seedlings, which points to studying signaling and establishment processes that might be targeted to prevent the symbiosis from forming in the first place.
In terms of project timeline, the opportunity describes the initial work as a one-year effort, while noting that follow-up work is likely if the early results are promising. The broader significance presented in the notice is that, if successful, this research could offer a new model for invasive plant management by weakening an invader through its microbial partnerships rather than relying solely on direct removal, herbicides, or physical containment. The work is also positioned as aligned with a larger, multi-agency federal-academic effort referred to as the Collaborative for Microbial Symbiosis and Phragmites Management, and it is described as consistent with an overarching science agenda referenced through a published article link. Overall, the opportunity is aimed at advancing practical, biologically informed control strategies that could reduce the ecological and economic impacts of Phragmites by targeting the microbial relationships that may be helping it dominate North American wetland ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, North Atlantic Coast CESU."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is G16AS00102.
Which federal agency offered this opportunity?
This opportunity was offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Which USGS office is associated with the award?
The opportunity is specifically associated with the USGS Great Lakes Science Center.
What type of funding mechanism is being used?
It was issued as a discretionary cooperative agreement.
What is the primary focus area of the funded work?
The work focuses on science and technology research and development related to invasive species management.
Which invasive species is the central focus of the project?
The project centers on invasive Phragmites australis (common reed).
What is the main scientific idea behind the proposed research?
The research is based on the idea that Phragmites may succeed in part due to symbiotic microbes, particularly endophytic bacteria living inside the plant, that can enhance growth, improve stress tolerance, and potentially help it outcompete native vegetation.
What is an endophyte in the context of this project?
In this opportunity, endophytes refer to microbes (especially bacteria) that live inside Phragmites tissues and may provide benefits that contribute to the plant's invasive characteristics.
What strategy does the project explore for controlling Phragmites?
The project explores weakening Phragmites by disrupting or inhibiting its supportive endophytic microbes, rather than relying only on direct plant removal or conventional control methods.
What are "naturally occurring microbial inhibitors" as described in the notice?
They are compounds or organisms found in nature that could suppress or interfere with the endophytic microbes that may help Phragmites thrive, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly approaches.
How is the approach described as more environmentally friendly?
The notice frames the approach as potentially environmentally friendly because it aims to target microbial relationships that support the invader, rather than relying solely on more conventional control techniques.
How many awards were expected under this funding opportunity?
The expected outcome was a single award.
What is the maximum award amount (ceiling)?
The maximum award amount listed is $93,389.
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 15.808.
When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on June 22, 2016.
What was the original closing date?
The original closing date was July 8, 2016.
Who was eligible to apply based on the information provided?
Eligible applicants are listed broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice.
What is the initial project period described in the notice?
The opportunity describes the initial work as a one-year effort.
Does the notice suggest the work could continue beyond the first year?
Yes. It notes that follow-up work is likely if early results are promising.
What scientific question does the project ask about soil pathogens?
It asks whether Phragmites endophytes suppress soil pathogens, which would imply the plant gains protection from diseases that might otherwise limit its spread.
What question is being explored about endophytes affecting other plants?
The project explores whether Phragmites endophytes can colonize other, distantly related competitor plants and reduce those plants' competitiveness.
What nutrient-related mechanism is being investigated?
The work examines whether Phragmites endophytes help the plant acquire nutrients, including increasing phosphate availability or transferring other growth-limiting resources.
What role does great willow herb (Epilobium hirsutum) play in the research plan?
Endophytes from other plant species, highlighted by great willow herb (Epilobium hirsutum), are considered for whether they can antagonize Phragmites seedlings.
Is the project considering a bioherbicide concept?
Yes. The notice describes testing whether certain bacteria (including those associated with other plant species) could be developed into a bioherbicide concept to control Phragmites at vulnerable early life stages.
How does the project propose to reduce Phragmites competitiveness directly?
One question asks whether Phragmites competitiveness can be reduced by inhibiting its own endophytic bacteria, effectively removing key microbial "helpers."
What does the notice mean by studying early colonization interactions?
It refers to investigating early interactions and communications between endophytic bacteria and seedlings, including signaling and establishment processes that might be targeted to prevent the symbiosis from forming.
What broader management significance is described for this research?
If successful, the work is presented as offering a new model for invasive plant management by weakening an invader through its microbial partnerships rather than relying solely on herbicides, physical removal, or containment.
How is this project positioned in terms of collaboration?
The notice describes the work as aligned with a larger multi-agency federal-academic effort called the Collaborative for Microbial Symbiosis and Phragmites Management.
What kinds of impacts is the research ultimately trying to address?
The opportunity is aimed at advancing biologically informed control strategies that could reduce the ecological and economic impacts of Phragmites in North American wetland ecosystems.
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