Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G24AS00406

Opportunity Information: Apply for G24AS00406

This opportunity is a US Geological Survey (USGS) cooperative agreement aimed at a partner organization within the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network. The project focuses on improving how Early to Middle Pleistocene glacial deposits are classified and correlated across the midcontinent United States, with special attention to the glacial till and related sediments that have long been grouped under the broad label "pre-Illinoian." USGS is seeking to support research and coordination work that brings consistency and stronger scientific grounding to a stratigraphic framework that has become outdated for modern geologic, mapping, and applied needs.

The central problem the project addresses is that "pre-Illinoian" has historically functioned as an umbrella term for multiple glacial episodes and sediment packages, even though newer geochronologic and stratigraphic evidence shows the story is more complex. Over time, different states in the midcontinent have responded to that complexity in different ways, adopting their own naming conventions, unit definitions, and methods for distinguishing among older tills. As a result, stratigraphic correlations can break down at state lines, and the same or similar deposits may be labeled differently from one jurisdiction to another. This fragmentation makes it harder to compare datasets, build regional models, and produce coherent maps and interpretations that reflect the true sequence of glacial events.

To solve this, the funded effort is intended to convene and support a multi-state working group that can update and refine correlations at a regional scale. The group would work toward aligning multiple till intervals both within individual states and across state boundaries, building a more unified and defensible stratigraphic framework for pre-Illinoian deposits. In practice, this kind of work typically involves synthesizing existing published and unpublished state survey information, comparing stratigraphic sections and subsurface records, evaluating sedimentologic and lithologic criteria used to separate units, and incorporating geochronologic constraints where available to clarify the number, age, and relationships of distinct glacial episodes represented in the midcontinent record.

The award is offered under the CESU Program, which is designed to connect federal agencies with partner institutions to provide research, technical assistance, and education through collaborative agreements. Because it is issued through the Great Rivers CESU, eligibility is limited to organizations that are already participating partners within that specific CESU network. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which generally indicates substantial federal involvement during the project period, such as coordination, technical input, or shared planning with USGS staff, rather than a more hands-off grant arrangement.

Key administrative details include the opportunity number G24AS00406, categorized as discretionary funding and listed under science and technology and other research and development (CFDA 15.808). The stated award ceiling is $440,000. The posting indicates an original closing date of July 18, 2024, and the opportunity was created on June 18, 2024. Overall, the funding is meant to support a coordinated, multi-jurisdictional approach that modernizes pre-Illinoian glacial stratigraphy so that regional correlations better match current scientific evidence and practical geologic needs across the midcontinent.

• 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 Great Rivers 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 2024-06-18.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-18. (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 $440,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for G24AS00406

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