Simpler Grants.gov #G27AS00037

USGS gene-expression panel research for ecosystem health monitoring

The U.S. Geological Survey is seeking a research partner to develop a gene-expression panel for ecosystem health monitoring. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), USGS Davis Field Station, through the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). - Requested work: One research effort to develop an enhanced gene-expression panel that helps distinguish stressors affecting population and ecosystem health. - Conduct field experiments with California sea lions, sea otters, salmon, longfin smelt, mussels, and clams, exposing organisms to thermal, pathogen, nutrition, or toxin stressors. - Isolate RNA from experimental and control tissues; perform RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) or quantitative PCR (qPCR); identify genes that differ between exposed and unexposed organisms. - Award and funding: One award is anticipated, with estimated total funding of $35,000, including $7,000 for the first budget year. Matching funds are not required. - Eligibility and project term: Applicants must be participating partners of the Californian CESU. The project period is one base year plus four additional budget years; later-year funding depends on satisfactory progress and available funds. - OEMs and vendors: No commercial OEMs, product vendors, or part numbers are named. This is a research funding opportunity, not a branded-product purchase.

Description

The U.S. Geological Survey is offering a cooperative agreement to an eligible participating partner of the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. The project will develop an enhanced gene expression panel to distinguish among stressors that may affect population and ecosystem health, supporting ecosystem monitoring and management. Work includes field experiments with multiple species, RNA isolation and analysis, and identification of differentiated target genes. Focal species include sea lions, sea otters, salmon, longfin smelt, mussels, and clams; one award is anticipated, with total funding of $35,000.

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