Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) | G25AS00180

Opportunity Information: Apply for G25AS00180

The US Geological Survey (USGS) is soliciting proposals for a cooperative agreement through the Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) to support research focused on how water moves from Bear River Bay (BRB) into Gilbert Bay within the Great Salt Lake (GSL) system. This opportunity is framed as applied science and technology research, with the goal of improving understanding and predictive capability around BRB outflow behavior under varying conditions. The award is intended for a CESU-affiliated partner and is limited to organizations that are already participating partners in the Great Basin CESU network.

The technical work is centered on building a detailed three-dimensional hydrodynamic model of the BRB outflow region. The project calls for a model that solves the full 3D Navier-Stokes equations, coupled with a salt transport equation. Salt is highlighted as the main driver of density differences in the system, which implies the modeling effort will need to capture density-driven circulation and mixing processes that influence how BRB water interacts with the more saline waters of Gilbert Bay. Turbulence is expected to be handled using a k-epsilon turbulence closure approach, a common method for representing turbulent mixing in environmental and engineering flows when direct turbulence resolution is not feasible.

On the numerical implementation side, the opportunity specifies use of the finite element method for spatial discretization, using prismatic elements in three dimensions, consistent with the approach described by Hervouet (2007). The USGS points applicants to the Telemac-3D solver, an open-source free-surface hydrodynamics model within the broader Telemac-Mascaret suite (opentelemac.org). In practical terms, this indicates the USGS expects the partner to work within (or closely compatible with) the Telemac-3D modeling framework to simulate free-surface flow and salt-driven density effects in a way that is reproducible and grounded in a widely used open modeling platform.

In addition to the physics-based numerical model, the partner is also expected to develop physics-informed, data-driven model(s) that can estimate flow at the BRB outflow. These models should be able to provide flow estimates across a range of conditions, but importantly only within the bounds of conditions represented by existing USGS measurements. This implies an emphasis on using observed data to train or constrain the data-driven components, while still respecting physical relationships (for example, through hybrid modeling, physically constrained machine learning, or empirical models structured around known hydrodynamic drivers). The intent appears to be producing practical flow-estimation tools that complement the more computationally intensive 3D simulations, especially for scenarios where rapid estimation is valuable.

Administratively, this is a discretionary funding opportunity issued by the USGS under the CESU program and will be made via a cooperative agreement, meaning the agency typically anticipates substantial involvement during the project rather than a hands-off grant relationship. The opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.808 and falls within the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category. The opportunity number is G25AS00180, with an original application closing date of 2025-01-13. The maximum funding amount (award ceiling) is $277,500. The listing indicates expected awards but does not provide a specific number in the provided text, suggesting applicants should be prepared for a competitive selection process with the possibility of a limited number of awards.

• 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 Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)" 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 2024-12-11.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-01-13. (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 $277,500.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for G25AS00180

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