Simpler Grants.gov #G26AS00116

Cooperative Agreement for Remote Sensing Research in Southwestern U.S. Dryland Ecosystems

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) is seeking a cooperative agreement partner for advanced research in dryland ecosystem management across the southwestern United States. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) - Eligible Partners: - Only members of the Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) are eligible to apply - Products/Services Requested: - Research and development of remote sensing tools and methods for dryland ecosystems - Use of drones, satellites, and ground-based sensors - Application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for data analysis - Focus on mapping, assessment, and management of biological soil crusts - Addressing rangeland productivity, exotic grass invasion, fire regimes, and restoration prioritization - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with USGS data management and geospatial data standards - Submission of a Data Management Plan - Research must support Executive and Secretarial Orders on science integrity, environmental stewardship, wildland fire management, and AI integration - Total estimated funding is $499,550 over one base year plus up to four additional budget years (contingent on progress and funding) - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named; the focus is on research services and technical capabilities

Description

The U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) seeks financial assistance for a research project to develop a program using new remote sensing platforms to better understand southwestern U.S. ecosystems and management options for ecosystem services. The focus is on remote sensing tools suited for dryland ecosystems, biological soil crust communities, and land management informed by remote sensing. The project will utilize artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analysis to analyze complex data. The research aims to improve remote sensing capabilities for drylands, including mapping and managing biological soil crusts, which are dominant in many U.S. drylands, benefiting resource managers, ranchers, hunters, and others concerned with forage quality, fire regimes, dust production, and restoration prioritization.

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