Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G26AS00130

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity about?

This is a US Geological Survey (USGS) cooperative agreement to support a partner organization in testing and refining an environmental DNA (eDNA) approach for detecting Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB, Oryctes rhinoceros) in the Hawaiian Islands.

What is the main goal of the project?

The central goal is to evaluate how well eDNA sampling can detect very small or low-density CRB populations, particularly at the edges of the known infestation range where traditional surveillance methods may have difficulty detecting beetles.

Why is the project focused on low-density populations and infestation edges?

The project is intended to provide a rigorous, real-world test of an emerging monitoring technology by emphasizing conditions where detection is hardest, such as very low population levels and locations near the boundary of the known infestation range.

What type of award is this?

The instrument type is a cooperative agreement, which means the funded partner is expected to work closely with USGS scientists rather than operating independently.

What does "cooperative agreement" mean for the awardee's role?

Under this cooperative agreement, the partner is expected to collaborate with USGS scientists throughout the project, including co-developing elements like field sampling design, site selection, and interpretation of results.

Who is eligible to apply?

Only organizations that are already participating partners of the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) are eligible to apply.

What CESU network is associated with this opportunity?

This opportunity is offered under the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) framework.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is G26AS00130.

What is the CFDA number and activity area?

The activity area is Science and Technology and Other Research and Development, and the CFDA listing noted is 15.808.

How many awards does USGS expect to make?

USGS anticipates making one award.

What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling is $292,531.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The posting date is June 5, 2026, and the original closing date is July 5, 2026.

Where will the work take place?

The project focuses on the Hawaiian Islands, where the eDNA approach will be tested for CRB detection.

What species is being targeted?

The target species is Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB), Oryctes rhinoceros.

What is environmental DNA (eDNA) in the context of this project?

In this project, eDNA refers to genetic material left in the environment by CRB that can be collected from the field (specifically from palm tree trunks) and analyzed in a lab to test for the presence of the target species.

What kind of field sampling is expected?

Fieldwork will involve collecting eDNA samples directly from palm tree trunks, reflecting how CRB interacts with palm trees and can leave trace genetic material that may be detectable through eDNA methods.

Will the partner help design the field study?

Yes. The partner is expected to co-develop the field sampling design and site selection with USGS, with an emphasis on estimating the probability of detection using eDNA.

What does the opportunity mean by estimating "probability of detection"?

Based on the description, the project emphasizes designing sampling to quantify how reliably eDNA detects CRB under difficult conditions, including low-density populations, by generating practical estimates of detection performance.

How will the project evaluate detection near pheromone lure traps?

The study may examine how detection success changes with distance from pheromone lure traps by sampling palm trunks at multiple distances from a lure-based trap and evaluating whether proximity to the lure affects the likelihood of detecting CRB DNA on nearby trees.

What laboratory work is expected after field collection?

After field collection, the partner will conduct laboratory analyses and run assays to test for the presence of DNA from CRB in the collected samples.

What are "technical replicates" and why are they mentioned?

The description notes the use of technical replicates during laboratory analysis. Technical replicates are repeated measurements or repeated assay runs on the same type of material, and they are used to improve confidence in results and help quantify detection reliability when DNA concentrations are low or unevenly distributed.

How will data analysis and interpretation be handled?

The partner will collaborate with USGS during data analysis and interpretation, translating lab and field results into practical estimates of where, when, and how eDNA can be used most effectively for CRB surveillance.

What is the intended outcome for operational monitoring programs?

A major intended outcome is to inform the design of operational monitoring programs by providing evidence on how eDNA sampling could complement or improve existing detection tools for CRB surveillance.

Which monitoring or biosecurity efforts could be informed by the results?

The results are intended to inform biosecurity and port monitoring efforts, as well as Department of War (DoW) biosecurity programs, based on evidence from the study.

Is there potential for work beyond the core study?

Yes. Depending on funding availability and shared interest, there may be opportunities to collaborate on related biosecurity and biosurveillance work beyond the core study.

Is this a discretionary award?

Yes. The opportunity is described as a discretionary USGS award under the CESU framework.

What is the purpose of the CESU framework in this opportunity?

The CESU framework is described as a mechanism designed to connect federal agencies with established partner institutions for research, technical support, and education.