OARS funding Geology & Earth Science

The Physical Oceanography Program supports research on a wide range of topics associated with the structure and movement of the ocean, with the way in which it transports various quantities, with the way the ocean's physical structure interacts with the biological and chemical processes within it, and with interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, solid earth and ice that surround it.

University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) are eligible to submit proposals under this BAA unless precluded from doing so by their Department of Defense UARC contract. Offerors may submit proposals to all topics and there are no restrictions on the number of proposal submissions. Cost sharing is not expected and will not be used as a factor during the merit review of any proposal hereunder. However, the Government may consider voluntary cost sharing if proposed. Offerors should be aware of recent changes in export control laws. Offerors are responsible for ensuring compliance with all U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR)( 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130) and Export Administration Regulation (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 - 774), as applicable. In some cases, developmental items funded by the Department of Defense are now included on the United States Munition List (USML) (22 CFR Part 121) and are therefore subject to ITAR jurisdiction.

1. Exploration of the deep marine environments in the US EEZ and US Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) of the Gulf of Mexico; 2. Discovery and exploration of prehistorically and historically significant submerged marine heritage sites in the Gulf of Mexico within the US EEZ and the US Extended Continental Shelf(ECS); and 3. Novel or innovative technologies and methodologies that could increase the pace and scope of ocean exploration, especially exploration of deep environments including the water column and archaeological sites.

The Marine Geology and Geophysics program supports research on all aspects of geology and geophysics of the ocean basins and margins, as well as the Great Lakes. The Program includes topics associated with Structure and evolution of the oceanic lithosphere Active rifts and transforms Convergent and passive margins Paleoceanography and related paleoclimate; sea level change Stratigraphy and sediment architecture Origin, diagenesis, transport, and accumulation of sediments Petrology; fluids within the crust and sediments Geohazards including earthquake potential, faulting, mass wasting, tsunamis, hydrate stability The Marine Geology and Geophysics Program is interested in supporting cutting-edge research that involves field and laboratory programs, methods development, modeling, and analysis and/or synthesis of existing data. The Program interfaces with other programs within Ocean Sciences and with several programs within Earth Sciences.

The NRA covers all aspects of basic and applied supporting research and technology in space and Earth sciences, including, but not limited to: theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD science data; aircraft, scientific balloon, sounding rocket, International Space Station, CubeSat and suborbital reusable launch vehicle investigations; development of experiment techniques suitable for future SMD space missions; development of concepts for future SMD space missions; development of advanced technologies relevant to SMD missions; development of techniques for and the laboratory analysis of both extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, as well as terrestrial samples that support or otherwise help verify observations from SMD Earth system science missions; determination of atomic and composition parameters needed to analyze space data, as well as returned samples from the Earth or space; Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support SMD science missions; development of integrated Earth system models; development of systems for applying Earth science research data to societal needs; and development of applied information systems applicable to SMD objectives and data.

This project will seek to produce geospatial products and corresponding reports/guidebooks to improve riparian-wetland resource management, including but not limited to the following general statewide needs: (1) New geospatial layers that represent riparian-wetland characteristics. Now that riparian-wetland mapping is nearly complete for most areas throughout the state, individual layers that represent unique riparian-wetland characteristics will maximize the utility of those efforts because the attributes that need to be considered for a project depend on the proposed actions and facilitating access to the various geospatial representations will enable resource specialists to analyze key features at multiple scales and thereby improve their ability to develop holistic management plans that include the physical, biological, and ecological components of riparian-wetland management. New geospatial layers should help groups across the state to develop Resource & Drought Management Plans, identify desired resource values (fisheries, water quality, wildlife, etc.), and describe the corresponding Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences sections of NEPA documents (or MEPA documents associated with Montana State authorizations under the Montana Environmental Policy Act). Examples of potential geospatial layers include: Risk/Vulnerability rating for livestock grazing during drought

EarthScope is an Earth science program to explore the 4-dimensional structure of the North American continent. The EarthScope Program provides a framework for broad, integrated studies across the Earth sciences, including research on fault properties and the earthquake process, strain transfer, magmatic and hydrous fluids in the crust and mantle, plate boundary processes, large-scale continental deformation, continental structure and evolution, and composition and structure of the deep Earth. In addition, EarthScope offers a centralized forum for Earth science education at all levels and an excellent opportunity to develop cyberinfrastructure to integrate, distribute, and analyze diverse data sets. ThisSolicitation primarilyencourages submission of proposals that integrate and synthesize major outcomes of EarthScope research and education and outreach efforts with the goal of elucidating and documenting the advances the EarthScope program has made since its inception.

The objective is to offer funding opportunities for qualified youth conservation corps to engage youth ages 16-30 in work on BLM conservation-related projects. BLM has had a successful youth program over the past several years and we would like to continue with new funding opportunities and project. These projects will provide participants with a mix of work experience, education, training, and support services, as well as the opportunity to develop citizenship values and skills through service to their community and the United States. As the young men and women gain experience in natural and cultural resource management, they will also develop an appreciation for public lands and learn about conservation-related career fields.

The U.S. Geological Survey, Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center, requires a cooperative agreement to Utah State University in support of joint research on the origin, character, and mineral potential of Proterozoic-age basement rocks and the nature of the Proterozoic-Paleozoic unconformity in northeastern Iowa.The Northeast Iowa Intrusive Complex (NEIIC) is composed of mafic Proterozoic rocks that may be related to the Midcontinent Rift System, and may have nationally significant mineral potential. However, the rocks are completely buried under hundreds of meters of younger sedimentary rocks, and very few boreholes penetrate the overlying sedimentary section. Studies of the NEIIC to date have relied almost entirely on geophysical data, but rigorous control on the geophysical interpretations is lacking. Further, the fundamental nature of the closely related Proterozoic-Paleozoic unconformity is weakly constrained in this region, specifically in relation to its hydrogeologic character, state of stress, thermal regime, and state of weathering.

The objectives of this project are to inventory and evaluate cultural resources for eligibility for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) identified in association with retreating perennial snow and ice features (ice patches) within Yellowstone National Park. Critically endangered archaeological materials have been identified in association with kinetically stable ice patches throughout the Greater Yellowstone Area, including sites within the park which are eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Results of geophysical and archaeological modelling indicate a high potential for identifying significant cultural resources in association with other ice patches within the park. This project will also recommend monitoring strategies and stabilization treatments to prevent further degradation to cultural resources resulting from the effects of retreating ice patches.

BLM Utah would like to partner with an organization to highlight some of the unique geologic features, geologic history, type localities, etc. in a format to educate the public of these resources on lands administered by BLM. This partnership would work together to determine the geologic topics or points of interest on public lands to start this educational process. Recipient will suggest the format, media and tools to develop educational resources to be used by BLM and educators to share knowledge and information about Utahâ¿¿s mineral resources, mining and mineral resource management. The mineral resources information development under this proposal will focus on what the federal government refers to as locatable minerals. Locatable mineral resources include but are not limited to: gold, silver, copper, uranium, beryllium, beryl, etc.

Through a cooperative effort, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Roswell Field Office and the Recipient will work together to maintain, improve, explore and study Fort Stanton Cave resources within BLM New Mexico public lands, as well as seek and use the skills, knowledge, and expertise in Recipient organization to plan, develop, and implement cave management and conservation efforts with BLM New Mexico. BLM benefited greatly from an existing Assistance Agreement that helps BLM manage this world-class cave system.

The NRA covers all aspects of basic and applied supporting research and technology in space and Earth sciences, including, but not limited to: theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD science data; aircraft, scientific balloon, sounding rocket, International Space Station, CubeSat and suborbital reusable launch vehicle investigations; development of experiment techniques suitable for future SMD space missions; development of concepts for future SMD space missions; development of advanced technologies relevant to SMD missions; development of techniques for and the laboratory analysis of both extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, as well as terrestrial samples that support or otherwise help verify observations from SMD Earth system science missions; determination of atomic and composition parameters needed to analyze space data, as well as returned samples from the Earth or space; Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support SMD science missions; development of integrated Earth system models; development of systems for applying Earth science research data to societal needs; and development of applied information systems applicable to SMD objectives and data.

U.S. Geological Survey⿿s (USGS) Great Lakes Center is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research on ⿿Efficacy of Oak Savanna Restoration in the Great Lakes.⿝ This research effort will use state of the art vegetation and ecosystem sampling and analysis methodology to investigate the efficacy of oak savanna restoration across the broad geographical region of the Great Lakes. The goal of this research is to understand how effective land managers have been in restoring groundlayer vegetation in remnant and degraded oak savanna ecosystems. Degradation may include fire suppression, grazing, woody harvest and other human impacts in response to management actions degradation and potential for restoration in the Great Lakes basin.

The USGS is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research to support the application of species distribution models. This work will center on providing statistical expertise to evaluating improvements in modeling techniques. Research areas include: 1) assisting with the design and implementation of simulations to compare the performance of different modeling algorithms, 2) evaluating metrics for model validation and performance assessment, and 3) providing additional related statistical consulting and programming support, as needed.

The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) invests in top STEM talent. (That's you!) Travel scholarships are just one aspect of this investment in your academic and professional success. We encourage you to apply for a SACNAS Travel Scholarship to advance your professional development and join our community at 2017 SACNAS.

.S. Geological Surveyâ¿¿s (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research to explore the plant-microbe interactions in Phragmites australis, with a primary focus in the Great Lakes basin. In order to develop a microbe-based management approach for invasive plants, this research will study samples of Phragmites plants (or related species) grown or collected in collaboration with ongoing USGS studies to isolate, identify, and experiment with microbes (e.g., fungi, bacteria). The goals of this research are to improve our understanding of ways that fungal and bacterial endophytes affect Phragmites invisibility and provide targets for microbial control or enhancement. To better understand the underlying mechanisms of invasiveness in Phragmites and to identify potential control mechanisms, research in three general areas that build upon past and ongoing research: 1) comparing key characteristics of native vs. invasive Phragmites genotypes, 2) developing in vitro approaches for exploring Phragmites-microbial interactions, and 3) exploring the role of Phragmites litter as an endophyte inoculum source and contributor to soil microbial community structure and dynamics.

This project aims to use digital data recovery techniques to perform a complete archeological survey of at least 10 miles of 4WD dirt road corridors and adjacent localized watersheds (~2100 acres) within the Maze District to identify, record and evaluate impacted resources for further management and data recovery through excavation. Baseline documentation will be collected on all identified sites to include determinations of eligibility to the National Register and evaluations of resources for archeological research potential. Formal condition assessments will be conducted and will include utilizing state of the art three-dimensional and multi-sensor technologies to detect ⿿high risk⿝ areas within the broader landscape where erosion and compaction pose a threat of cultural resource loss.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fort Collins Science Center (FORT) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner to conduct research on the ecology, biology, and monitoring of invasive Brown Treesnake (Boiga irregularis; BTS). Suppression and control of BTS on Guam is imperative to allow reintroduction of native avifauna and to prevent spread of snakes from Guam to other Pacific Islands. Accidental introduction and establishment of BTS on Pacific Islands other than Guam represents a significant source of concern for BTS management. Extensive effort has been invested in interdiction, early detection and rapid response activities to prevent their successful colonization elsewhere, as well as control and containment on Guam. The recent development of Aerial Delivery Systems (ADS) for acetaminophen-laced bait, which is toxic to Brown Treesnakes, has created the first realistic scenario for large-scale control of BTS (Brooks, Savarie, & Johnston, 1998; Clark & Savarie, 2012). However, due to the novelty of ADS as a control tool for reptiles, many unknowns remain concerning the best approaches towards successful suppression and eradication of BTS populations on Guam. Furthermore, the potential biological response and plasticity of BTS and its potential prey is unknown and reliable comparisons pre- and post-suppression depend on the evaluation of existing, pre-suppression information.

The Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) awards Postdoctoral Fellowships to recent recipients of doctoral degrees to carry out an integrated program of independent research and education. The research and education plans of each fellowship must address scientific questions within the scope of EAR disciplines.The program supports researchers for a period of up to two years with fellowships that can be taken to the institution of their choice (including facilities abroad). The program is intended to recognize beginning investigators of significant potential, and provide them with research experience, mentorship, and training that will establish them in leadership positions in the Earth Sciences community. Because the fellowships are offered only to postdoctoral scientists early in their career, doctoral advisors are encouraged to discuss the availability of EAR postdoctoral fellowships with their graduate students early in their doctoral programs. Fellowships are awards to individuals, not institutions, and are administered by the Fellows.