Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G23AS00159

Opportunity Information: Apply for G23AS00159

This opportunity is a US Geological Survey (USGS) financial assistance award offered through the Water Mission Area (WMA), specifically tied to the Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS). The core purpose is to fund research and development aimed at improving how microplastics are detected and identified in water. Microplastics are defined here as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, including common forms such as microbeads, fragments, and fibers. The program frames microplastic pollution as a major and growing concern for both ecological systems and human health, and it highlights the practical monitoring gap: current microplastic analysis is slow (often taking days to weeks), labor-intensive, and expensive due to both specialized equipment and staff time. Because baseline datasets are still limited, the need for faster, more scalable monitoring tools is emphasized.

The specific technical direction the USGS is interested in centers on a low-cost, portable sensor that can be deployed in real-world testing settings rather than only in specialized labs. The sensor concept described goes beyond a single measurement approach, calling for multiple sensing modalities and edge computing capabilities that can support microplastic identification on or near the device itself. In other words, the goal is not just to collect samples for later lab work, but to move toward field-deployable technology that can rapidly detect and help classify microplastics where the water is being monitored. A reliable, affordable microplastic sensor would support NGWOS objectives and would also be broadly useful to the wider water monitoring community by reducing time, effort, and cost barriers.

The award is issued as a cooperative agreement, meaning the USGS expects to have substantial involvement during the project compared with a standard grant. It is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, and it is offered under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) framework. CESUs are partnership networks designed to facilitate research, technical assistance, and education, typically by connecting federal agencies with universities and other partners to address applied science needs. Eligibility is limited: applicants must be participating partners of the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (Gulf Coast CESU). This is not an open competition for all organizations; it is reserved for entities already affiliated with that CESU.

Key administrative details include the funding opportunity title "Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit" and the opportunity number G23AS00159. The issuing agency is the USGS (Geological Survey). The opportunity is listed as discretionary, with an award ceiling of $250,000. The CFDA (assistance listing) number provided is 15.808. The posting was created on 2023-01-12, and the original closing date was 2023-02-13. Overall, the solicitation is focused on accelerating practical, field-ready innovation for microplastic monitoring by leveraging CESU partnerships and cooperative project collaboration with USGS.

• The Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit" 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 2023-01-12.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-02-13. (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 $250,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for G23AS00159

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