Notice of Intent | USGS 20 FA 0116

Opportunity Information: Apply for USGS 20 FA 0116

This Notice of Intent (Funding Opportunity Number USGS 20 FA 0116) is a discretionary funding opportunity from the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), focused on natural resources research under CFDA 15.820. The opportunity is framed around "Climate Change-Driven Transformations in Human and Natural Systems Case Studies to Accelerate Proactive Adaptation Responses," which signals an emphasis on applied, real-world case study work that helps decision-makers and resource managers respond earlier and more effectively to major climate-driven changes affecting both ecosystems and people. In practice, the intent is to support work that documents and analyzes climate-related transformations already underway, connects changes in natural systems with human dimensions, and produces knowledge that can be used to design proactive adaptation strategies rather than reactive responses after impacts have already escalated.

The funding instrument for this opportunity is a cooperative agreement, meaning the USGS is likely to have substantial involvement in the project beyond simply providing funds. Cooperative agreements are typically used when the federal agency expects to collaborate closely on project direction, data sharing, technical approaches, or dissemination of results. Applicants should generally anticipate coordination with USGS scientists or program staff, alignment with USGS priorities, and an expectation that project outputs will be useful to stakeholders who are planning for climate adaptation in resource management, conservation, and related human-natural systems contexts.

Eligibility is limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. This restriction means the applicant organization must be a qualifying public college or university (or similar state-controlled higher education institution). While other entities may sometimes participate as partners or collaborators, the prime applicant and award recipient must fit the eligibility definition stated in the notice. Because the opportunity is structured as a single expected award, competition is likely focused on identifying one project team and one integrated set of case studies that best fit USGS goals for understanding climate-driven transformations and translating that understanding into actionable adaptation insights.

The maximum funding amount listed is an award ceiling of $40,294, with one award expected. That budget level suggests a relatively targeted scope, often consistent with a focused research effort, pilot work, a tightly bounded case study analysis, synthesis activities, stakeholder engagement around a specific place-based example, or the development of decision-relevant products (for example, a structured assessment, conceptual model, scenario narrative, or guidance that helps partners identify early indicators of transformation and plan responses). Because the total ceiling is modest, a strong proposal would typically be clear about feasibility, prioritize deliverables that are achievable within the budget, and demonstrate high value through leveraging existing datasets, prior work, or established partnerships.

Key dates indicate the notice was created on April 9, 2020, with an original closing date of April 23, 2020. The short window between posting and closing suggests this may have been intended for a limited competition, a time-sensitive need, or a program with an established community of potential applicants ready to respond quickly. As with many federal opportunities, the Notice of Intent label can indicate an early signal or precursor to a more detailed solicitation, but in this listing it functions as the titled opportunity record with a defined deadline and award information. Anyone looking to pursue something similar today would typically verify whether the opportunity has been superseded, reissued, or replaced by a newer USGS funding announcement.

Overall, the opportunity centers on generating practical, case-based evidence of how climate change is transforming coupled human and natural systems, and on using those insights to speed up proactive adaptation. The intended outcome is not only improved scientific understanding of climate-driven transformation, but also clearer pathways for managers and communities to anticipate changes, recognize thresholds or tipping points, and implement adaptation measures earlier, when options are broader and costs may be lower.

• The Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Notice of Intent" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.820.
• This funding opportunity was created on Apr 09, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 23, 2020. (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 $40,294.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.

Apply for USGS 20 FA 0116

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