Opportunity Information: Apply for 10HQPA0040
Apply for 10HQPA0040
- The Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Southern Appalacian CESU" 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 25, 2010 and posted on Feb 25, 2010.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 9, 2010. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $17,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- 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).
- This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU) Program. CESU s are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the Southern Appalachian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
This opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number 10HQPA0040) is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) cooperative agreement offered through the Southern Appalachian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). It is a small, targeted research support award intended to fund one university partner to work directly with USGS scientists on water-quality and microbial source tracking work. The project centers on analyzing and interpreting data that USGS has already collected, plus conducting additional laboratory testing on water samples that USGS will provide. The overall goal is to strengthen the scientific conclusions about fecal contamination in studied streams, including whether contamination is more consistent with human sources, bovine sources, or a mix.
The core technical work is fecal source tracking using real-time PCR (qPCR). Specifically, the university partner is expected to run assays targeting a region of the 16S rRNA gene associated with Bacteroides species, a common molecular indicator used to infer fecal inputs. For each sample, the Bacteroides testing is expected to include three distinct assays: AllBac (total Bacteroides), HuBac (human-associated marker), and BoBac (bovine-associated marker). In addition to Bacteroides source markers, the university will perform a limited set of human pathogen-related assays. The exact pathogen panel is to be negotiated case by case, but it should include at least three assays, specifically Salmonella plus two E. coli pathogen markers. In practice, this means the partner needs both the laboratory capability to run qPCR reliably and the scientific judgment to choose and justify pathogen targets that fit the study needs.
Beyond generating lab results, the university must be able to translate qPCR outputs into usable quantitative measures and interpretations. That includes calculating molecular copy counts for total, human, and bovine Bacteroides markers; computing ratios among those markers (for example, human-to-total or bovine-to-total); and also calculating ratios between E. coli molecular copies and total Bacteroides molecular copies. The partner must then use those calculated values to estimate fecal loads in the streams being studied, not just report presence/absence or raw qPCR values. Finally, the partner is expected to interpret what the ratios and load estimates imply about fecal source at each study site, with explicit attention to distinguishing likely human versus bovine contributions.
The collaboration expectations are substantial for a grant of this size. The selected university is not just a fee-for-service lab; it is expected to participate actively with USGS in the broader analysis, synthesis, and publication of the complete study dataset. In other words, the award is meant to support a true research partnership where the university contributes both technical lab capacity and scientific interpretation that can stand up in peer-reviewed publication.
Eligibility is limited to institutions that are already participating partners in the Southern Appalachian CESU Program, since the award is issued under the CESU partnership framework. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement. The posting date was February 25, 2010, with an original and final closing date of March 9, 2010, and the opportunity was archived on April 8, 2010. USGS anticipated making one award with an estimated total funding amount of $17,000. The funding activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development, and the CFDA listing is 15.808 (USGS Research and Data Collection).
To be competitive, the university must clearly demonstrate three things: intimate familiarity with the study and the data collected so far (suggesting the ideal applicant may already be involved or closely aligned with the existing work), in-house real-time PCR capabilities (so the assays can be run reliably without outsourcing), and a proven track record of applying real-time PCR to bacterial source tracking as shown through peer-reviewed publications. The listed contact for access issues with the full announcement is Faith Graves, Contract Specialist, at 703-648-7356.
FAQs: USGS Cooperative Agreement (Funding Opportunity Number 10HQPA0040) - Southern Appalachian CESU
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) cooperative agreement offered through the Southern Appalachian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). It is described as a small, targeted research support award to fund one university partner to work directly with USGS scientists on water-quality and microbial source tracking research.
What is the main purpose of the project?
The project aims to strengthen scientific conclusions about fecal contamination in studied streams by analyzing and interpreting data USGS has already collected and by conducting additional laboratory testing on water samples that USGS will provide. A central objective is determining whether contamination patterns are more consistent with human sources, bovine sources, or a mix.
What type of award is it?
It is a cooperative agreement under the CESU partnership framework, with active collaboration expected between the funded university and USGS scientists.
How many awards did USGS expect to make?
USGS anticipated making one award.
What is the estimated total funding amount?
The estimated total funding amount is $17,000.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The opportunity states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to institutions that are already participating partners in the Southern Appalachian CESU Program, because the award is issued under the CESU partnership framework.
What is the technical focus of the work?
The core technical work is fecal source tracking using real-time PCR (qPCR), focused on assays targeting a region of the 16S rRNA gene associated with Bacteroides species, a common molecular indicator used to infer fecal inputs.
What Bacteroides assays are expected for each sample?
For each sample, the Bacteroides testing is expected to include three distinct assays: AllBac (total Bacteroides), HuBac (human-associated marker), and BoBac (bovine-associated marker).
Are pathogen-related assays included in the scope?
Yes. In addition to Bacteroides source markers, the university will perform a limited set of human pathogen-related assays.
What is the minimum pathogen panel requirement?
The pathogen panel is to be negotiated case by case, but it must include at least three assays: Salmonella plus two E. coli pathogen markers.
Who provides the water samples for laboratory testing?
USGS will provide the water samples that the university partner will test.
Is the university expected to analyze existing USGS data as well as generate new lab data?
Yes. The project centers on analyzing and interpreting data that USGS has already collected, plus conducting additional laboratory testing on USGS-provided water samples.
What laboratory capability is required?
The university partner needs in-house real-time PCR (qPCR) capability to run the assays reliably without outsourcing.
What calculations and data products are expected beyond raw qPCR results?
The partner is expected to translate qPCR outputs into usable quantitative measures and interpretations, including calculating molecular copy counts for total, human, and bovine Bacteroides markers and computing ratios among those markers (such as human-to-total or bovine-to-total).
Are any cross-target ratios specifically mentioned?
Yes. The partner is also expected to calculate ratios between E. coli molecular copies and total Bacteroides molecular copies.
Is the work limited to reporting presence/absence?
No. The partner is expected to use calculated values to estimate fecal loads in the streams being studied, not just report presence/absence or raw qPCR values.
What interpretation is expected from the university partner?
The partner must interpret what the computed ratios and load estimates imply about fecal source at each study site, with explicit attention to distinguishing likely human versus bovine contributions.
Is this a fee-for-service laboratory arrangement?
No. The selected university is expected to participate actively with USGS in broader analysis, synthesis, and publication of the complete study dataset. The award is intended to support a true research partnership, not a fee-for-service lab relationship.
What evidence should an applicant provide to be competitive?
The opportunity indicates the university must clearly demonstrate: (1) intimate familiarity with the study and the data collected so far, (2) in-house real-time PCR capabilities, and (3) a proven track record applying real-time PCR to bacterial source tracking, as shown through peer-reviewed publications.
What is the funding activity category?
The funding activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development.
What is the CFDA listing for this opportunity?
The CFDA listing is 15.808 (USGS Research and Data Collection).
When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?
The posting date was February 25, 2010. The original and final closing date was March 9, 2010.
Is this opportunity still open?
No. The opportunity was archived on April 8, 2010.
Who is the contact for access issues with the full announcement?
The listed contact for access issues with the full announcement is Faith Graves, Contract Specialist, at 703-648-7356.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: BLM WY Native Plant Materials Development Seed Collection (CESU)
Previous opportunity: RECOVERY ACT (ARRA) National Park Service, Intermountain Region, Green Renewable Energy Efficient Network
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 10HQPA0040
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (10HQPA0040) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU Apply for 10HQPA0039 Funding Number: 10HQPA0039 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Border Interoperability Demonstration Project Apply for DHS 10 PD 120 001 Funding Number: DHS 10 PD 120 001 Agency: Office of Procurement Operations Grants Division Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIST Construction Grant Program Apply for 2010 NIST CONSTRUCTION 01 Funding Number: 2010 NIST CONSTRUCTION 01 Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Terrestrial Carbon Cycle Research Apply for DE FOA 0000287 Funding Number: DE FOA 0000287 Agency: Chicago Service Center Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,050,000 |
| Risk, Economics and Operations Research of Terrorism and All Hazards (REOR) Center Lead Apply for DHS 10 ST 061 001A Funding Number: DHS 10 ST 061 001A Agency: Office of Procurement Operations Grants Division Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,300,000 |
| ROSES 2010 Cryospheric Science Apply for NNH10ZDA001N CRYO Funding Number: NNH10ZDA001N CRYO Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2010 Astrophysics Data Analysis Apply for NNH10ZDA001N ADAP Funding Number: NNH10ZDA001N ADAP Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research on Clarus System Data Apply for DTFH61 10 R 00015 Funding Number: DTFH61 10 R 00015 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2010 Physical Oceanography Apply for NNH10ZDA001N PO Funding Number: NNH10ZDA001N PO Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2010 Ocean Salinity Field Campaign Apply for NNH10ZDA001N OSFC Funding Number: NNH10ZDA001N OSFC Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Transforming Undergraduate Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Apply for 10 544 Funding Number: 10 544 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| National STEM Education Distributed Learning Apply for 10 545 Funding Number: 10 545 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,550,000 |
| DoD Neurofibromatosis Postdoctoral Traineeship Award Apply for W81XWH 10 NFRP PTA Funding Number: W81XWH 10 NFRP PTA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Neurofibromatosis New Investigator Award Apply for W81XWH 10 NFRP NIA Funding Number: W81XWH 10 NFRP NIA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Neurofibromatosis Exploration Hypothesis Development Award Apply for W81XWH 10 NFRP EHDA Funding Number: W81XWH 10 NFRP EHDA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Exploration Hypothesis Development Award Apply for W81XWH 10 TSCRP EHDA Funding Number: W81XWH 10 TSCRP EHDA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Career Transition Award Apply for W81XWH 10 TSCRP CARTA Funding Number: W81XWH 10 TSCRP CARTA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Prostate Cancer Laboratory Clinical Transition Award Apply for W81XWH 10 PCRP LCTA Funding Number: W81XWH 10 PCRP LCTA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Prostate Cancer Population Based Research Award Apply for W81XWH 10 PCRP PBRA Funding Number: W81XWH 10 PCRP PBRA Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office Wide Broad Agency Announcement Microsystems Technology Office Apply for DARPA BAA 10 35 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 10 35 Agency: DARPA Microsystems Technology Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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 "10HQPA0040", 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.