Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with Rocky Mountains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G21AS00570

Opportunity Information: Apply for G21AS00570

This grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G21AS00570) is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) discretionary funding announcement issued as a cooperative agreement under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program. It supports science and technology research and development (CFDA 15.808) focused on improving and broadening how the HayWired earthquake scenario is communicated to different audiences. The HayWired scenario is a USGS-led, scientifically grounded and highly detailed planning scenario that models the likely impacts of a hypothetical magnitude 7.0 earthquake on the Hayward Fault, including aftershocks. Because the Hayward Fault runs along the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay through a densely populated and tightly interconnected urban region, the scenario is intended to help communities, infrastructure operators, emergency managers, and other decision-makers better anticipate cascading impacts and strengthen preparedness.

The core purpose of the award is research aimed at diversifying HayWired communications, meaning the work is expected to explore, develop, test, or evaluate ways to present the scenario and its findings so they are more accessible, usable, and relevant across varied groups and contexts. In practical terms, this could involve tailoring messages or products for different stakeholders, improving risk communication approaches, translating technical content into clearer formats, expanding outreach channels, or creating new communication tools that help nontechnical audiences understand likely consequences and preparedness actions. Because the funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement, the USGS is likely to be substantially involved in the project during performance, such as collaborating on project direction, reviewing deliverables, and coordinating to ensure the communication research aligns with USGS goals for the HayWired effort.

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are already participating partners in the Rocky Mountains CESU Program. CESUs are established partnerships that connect federal agencies with universities, nonprofits, and other research organizations to deliver research, technical assistance, and education. This opportunity specifically restricts applicants to that CESU network, reflecting the program goal of leveraging existing collaborative relationships and administrative frameworks to efficiently support applied research and public-benefit outcomes.

Key administrative details include an award ceiling of $83,000. The opportunity was created on June 23, 2021, with an original closing date of July 23, 2021. The listing indicates a cooperative agreement as the funding instrument and categorizes the work under science and technology and other research and development. The sponsoring agency is the Geological Survey (USGS).

• The Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with Rocky Mountains 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 2021-06-23.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-07-23. (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 $83,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for G21AS00570

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