Opportunity Information: Apply for G25AS00227
The US Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a discretionary funding opportunity, issued as a cooperative agreement, to support research on insect immunology with a specific focus on imperiled bumble bees. The central purpose of the award is to help develop practical scientific tools and approaches that can contribute to the recovery of threatened or declining bumble bee species, with particular emphasis on Bombus affinis (the rusty patched bumble bee) and Bombus occidentalis (the western bumble bee). Both species were once widespread and commonly encountered across large parts of North America, but their populations have dropped sharply over roughly the past two decades, raising major conservation concerns and driving interest in identifying actionable strategies to improve their survival and resilience.
A key scientific driver behind this opportunity is the prevailing hypothesis that a pathogen, Variomorpha bombi, has played a major role in these declines. The grant is oriented toward research that improves understanding of how bumble bee immune systems respond to infection and stress, and how that knowledge can be translated into strategies that reduce the negative impacts of the pathogen in wild populations. In practical terms, the work is expected to be applied and recovery-focused: not just describing immune responses, but generating insights, methods, or tools that could be used by researchers and conservation practitioners to mitigate disease effects, strengthen host defenses, or otherwise support management decisions aimed at stabilizing and rebuilding populations of these bees.
This opportunity is being offered through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, which is designed to connect federal agencies with partner institutions to deliver research, technical assistance, and education that supports natural and cultural resource management. Because it is a CESU-based award, eligibility is limited: applicants must be an active, participating partner within the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. The listing identifies the agency as the USGS under CFDA 15.808, and categorizes the supported work under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, reflecting its emphasis on scientific investigation with applied conservation outcomes.
Key administrative details include the opportunity number G25AS00227, a posted creation date of February 7, 2025, and an original application closing date of March 7, 2025. The maximum award amount (ceiling) is $30,000. The announcement does not specify the expected number of awards in the provided text, but the ceiling indicates a relatively targeted project scope, such as a focused study, pilot effort, method development, or a discrete component of a larger research program aligned with bumble bee disease and immunity. Overall, the opportunity is aimed at leveraging CESU partnerships to advance timely research that can directly inform conservation and recovery actions for some of North America s most at-risk bumble bee species.Apply for G25AS00227
- The Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Rocky Mountains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (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 2025-02-07.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-03-07. (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 $30,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a US Geological Survey (USGS) discretionary funding opportunity issued as a cooperative agreement to support research in insect immunology focused on imperiled bumble bees.
What is the main purpose of the award?
The central purpose is to help develop practical scientific tools and approaches that can contribute to the recovery of threatened or declining bumble bee species, especially by improving understanding of immune responses to infection and stress and translating that knowledge into recovery-focused strategies.
Which bumble bee species are prioritized?
The opportunity places particular emphasis on Bombus affinis (the rusty patched bumble bee) and Bombus occidentalis (the western bumble bee).
Why are Bombus affinis and Bombus occidentalis a focus?
Both species were once widespread and commonly encountered across large parts of North America, but their populations have dropped sharply over roughly the past two decades, prompting major conservation concerns and a need for actionable recovery strategies.
What scientific issue is motivating this opportunity?
A key driver is the prevailing hypothesis that a pathogen, Variomorpha bombi, has played a major role in the declines of imperiled bumble bee species.
What pathogen is specifically mentioned in the announcement?
The pathogen identified is Variomorpha bombi.
What types of research does USGS want supported under this award?
The opportunity is oriented toward research that improves understanding of how bumble bee immune systems respond to infection and stress, and how that understanding can be translated into practical strategies to reduce negative impacts from the pathogen in wild populations.
Is the work expected to be basic research, applied research, or both?
The description emphasizes applied, recovery-focused work. The goal is not only to describe immune responses, but to generate insights, methods, or tools that can be used by researchers and conservation practitioners.
What kinds of outcomes are expected from the funded work?
Expected outcomes include practical insights, methods, or tools that could help mitigate disease effects, strengthen host defenses, or support management decisions aimed at stabilizing and rebuilding populations of imperiled bumble bees.
Does the opportunity mention conservation or recovery applications?
Yes. The award is framed around developing approaches that directly contribute to conservation and recovery actions for threatened or declining bumble bee species.
What funding mechanism is being used?
The opportunity is issued as a cooperative agreement.
What program is this opportunity offered through?
This opportunity is offered through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, which connects federal agencies with partner institutions to deliver research, technical assistance, and education supporting natural and cultural resource management.
Are there special eligibility requirements because it is a CESU-based award?
Yes. Eligibility is limited to applicants that are active, participating partners within the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.
Who is the issuing agency?
The issuing agency is the US Geological Survey (USGS).
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The listing identifies the opportunity under CFDA 15.808.
How is the supported work categorized?
The supported work is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, reflecting scientific investigation with applied conservation outcomes.
What is the opportunity number?
The opportunity number is G25AS00227.
When was this opportunity posted?
The posted creation date is February 7, 2025.
What was the original application closing date?
The original application closing date was March 7, 2025.
What is the maximum award amount?
The maximum award amount (ceiling) is $30,000.
Does the announcement state how many awards will be made?
No. The provided text does not specify the expected number of awards.
What project scope does the $30,000 ceiling suggest?
The ceiling suggests a targeted scope, such as a focused study, pilot effort, method development, or a discrete component of a larger research program aligned with bumble bee disease and immunity.
What is the overall goal of the opportunity?
The overall goal is to leverage CESU partnerships to advance timely research that can directly inform conservation and recovery actions for some of North America s most at-risk bumble bee species.
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