Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This was a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fort Collins Science Center (FORT) discretionary research funding opportunity under the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The Funding Opportunity Number was G15AS00095, and it was offered as a cooperative agreement.

Who was the awarding agency and which USGS center managed it?

The awarding agency was the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The opportunity was managed by the USGS Fort Collins Science Center (FORT).

What funding instrument was used?

The opportunity used the cooperative agreement funding instrument, which is a type of federal assistance award used for projects that are carried out in coordination with the federal agency.

What was the main purpose or focus of the project?

The project focused on building and improving spatial and demographic models for wildlife populations associated with sagebrush, alpine, and grassland ecosystems. The intent was to support applied science that helps describe where wildlife populations occur, how abundance and demographics change over time, and how those patterns relate to landscapes and habitats common to Rocky Mountain and western ecosystems.

What types of ecosystems and wildlife modeling topics were emphasized?

The opportunity emphasized wildlife populations tied to sagebrush, alpine, and grassland ecosystems, with modeling work aimed at spatial distribution and demographic change over time in relation to landscapes and habitat conditions.

What geographic area was the work intended to cover?

The work was intended to concentrate primarily on Colorado and Wyoming, while also informing wildlife modeling and conservation questions across the broader western North America region.

What was the activity category for this award?

The activity category was Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What CFDA program was associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity was associated with CFDA 15.808, titled U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection.

How many awards did USGS expect to make?

USGS anticipated making a single award (Expected Awards: 1).

What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount listed for this opportunity was $200,000.

Was there an award ceiling or floor specified?

No. The listing showed an award ceiling of 0 and an award floor of 0, which typically means the summary fields did not specify fixed minimum or maximum award amounts and applicants would need to rely on the narrative announcement and project scope for budgeting expectations.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement was listed. Applicants were not required to provide non-federal matching funds as a condition of eligibility or competitiveness, unless something different was stated in the full announcement.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was limited to organizations that were already participating partners of the Rocky Mountain CESU Program. The opportunity was not broadly open to all applicants.

Why was eligibility restricted to Rocky Mountain CESU partners?

Because the opportunity was issued under the CESU framework, the intent was to leverage established CESU partnerships and collaborative structures to execute the research efficiently and in close coordination with USGS scientists and partners.

What is a CESU in this context?

CESUs (Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units) are formal partnerships that connect federal agencies with universities, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to deliver research, technical assistance, and education supporting natural resource stewardship.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted (and created) on June 29, 2015. The original and current closing date was July 17, 2015.

Is this opportunity still open for applications?

No. The opportunity was archived on September 29, 2015, indicating it is no longer open for applications.

Where were the full announcement materials and application instructions provided?

The public listing referenced Grants.gov as the source for the full announcement materials and application instructions.

Who should be contacted for technical issues accessing the announcement?

For technical issues accessing the announcement, the contact listed was Faith Graves at USGS. Phone: 703-648-7356. Email: fgraves@usgs.gov.

Does the information provided include additional program requirements or evaluation criteria?

No. The information provided here does not describe detailed requirements, evaluation criteria, or submission steps beyond noting that full details were available via Grants.gov.