Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) | G22AS00334

Opportunity Information: Apply for G22AS00334

This opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G22AS00334) is a discretionary cooperative agreement from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) focused on producing solid, field-based estimates of feral horse abundance on Tribal Nations in the United States. The core purpose is straightforward: help Tribal governments get reliable population numbers so they can build practical, defensible management plans for feral horses. The project is expected to operate across roughly eight states, reflecting how widespread these issues are and how many Tribal lands are affected.

The work described centers on aerial surveys conducted in coordination with Tribal Nations that request assistance. In other words, the award supports hands-on data collection in the field, using aerial monitoring methods to count and estimate feral horse populations on Tribal ranges. Because this is a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant, it typically implies a more active partnership role for the federal agency during the project, with coordination and collaboration being an expected feature of the work.

The problem statement driving the funding is grounded in the realities many Tribal Nations face. Tribal governments are often under-resourced and may not have the staff, funding, or technical capacity to conduct rigorous wildlife-style population assessments for free-ranging horses. Many Tribal communities maintain or allow "open range" conditions for horses, and in several places horse numbers combined with drought and limited precipitation have contributed to heavily stressed or denuded rangelands. The notice also points to social and economic pressures that can cause sudden increases in horse numbers on Tribal lands, such as owners abandoning animals when hay prices rise during economic downturns. It further notes that horses tied to illegal activities (for example, animals associated with the drug trade or bush track racing) may be released onto the landscape once they are no longer wanted, increasing unmanaged populations and compounding impacts on land and community resources.

A major theme of the opportunity is that a robust abundance estimate is the first step toward any credible management strategy. Without baseline population data, it is difficult for Tribal Nations to evaluate trends, prioritize actions, plan gathers or fertility control, estimate costs, or justify decisions to community members and leadership. By funding aerial surveys and associated analysis, USGS is aiming to provide the quantitative foundation needed for longer-term planning and management practices that fit each Tribe's goals and circumstances.

Eligibility is limited to participating partners within the Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program. CESUs are structured partnerships designed to deliver research, technical assistance, and education through collaboration among federal agencies and affiliated partners. As a result, only organizations that are already recognized partners of the Great Plains CESU can apply for and receive this cooperative agreement.

Key administrative details provided in the notice include the awarding agency (USGS), the assistance listing/CFDA number (15.808), and the activity category (Science and Technology and other Research and Development). The listed award ceiling is $69,501, and the original closing date for applications was 2022-05-28, with a creation date of 2022-04-28. Overall, the opportunity is positioned as targeted, applied research support intended to directly aid Tribal Nations by delivering high-quality, field-based feral horse population estimates through coordinated aerial survey work.

• 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 Great Plains 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 2022-04-28.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-05-28. (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 $69,501.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for G22AS00334

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