Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Californian CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), Californian CESU funding opportunity for a discretionary U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) research award. It is offered through a cooperative agreement and is identified by Funding Opportunity Number G14AS00056.

2) Which USGS office is sponsoring the award?

The award is sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), specifically the Western Geographic Science Center (WGSC).

3) What is the main purpose of the project?

The project aims to build a practical, science-based way to evaluate and communicate how vulnerable coastal communities are to well-established coastal change hazards. The emphasis is on creating an organized framework that links physical coastal processes with social and ecological conditions so decision-makers can better identify where impacts may be most severe and why.

4) What geographic area is the focus of the study?

The focus is the U.S. Northeast coast, spanning from North Carolina to New York.

5) Is the intent simply to describe coastal hazards?

No. The intent is not only to describe hazards, but to create a structured framework that connects hazard processes with socio-ecological conditions to support decision-making.

6) What are the expected core products or outcomes?

Expected outcomes include a conceptual framework and a portfolio of comparative metrics that can be applied across multiple scales and sectors. A major expected outcome is the ability to map and highlight vulnerability "hotspots" where communities may be especially vulnerable, supporting prioritization of planning, mitigation, and resilience investments.

7) What kinds of hazards does the opportunity specifically mention?

The opportunity cites coastal change hazards including dune erosion, various inundation regimes, and overwash potential.

8) What storm types are tied to the hazards of interest?

The hazards are tied to storms that repeatedly shape and damage the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic shoreline, including typical annual winter storms, stronger nor'easters, and hurricanes in Categories 1 through 4.

9) What does it mean that the framework should be "spatially explicit"?

"Spatially explicit" means the framework should be implementable in a geographic context so results can be compared across locations and communicated clearly. In practical terms, this typically implies using GIS and related spatial analysis methods to show how vulnerability varies from place to place rather than producing one generalized regional estimate.

10) What sectors should the metrics be able to cover?

The metrics are intended to work across multiple sectors, such as people, infrastructure, ecosystems, and local economies.

11) At what scales should the metrics be usable?

The opportunity notes multiple scales, for example neighborhood to county to regional scales.

12) What types of information might be integrated into the framework?

The opportunity anticipates integrating coastal hazard information (for example erosion likelihood, inundation extents, or overwash susceptibility) with indicators of exposure and sensitivity (for example development patterns, population characteristics, ecological resources, or critical infrastructure). It also notes that measures related to adaptive capacity (for example preparedness, access to resources, or governance constraints) may be included depending on the research design selected by the awardee.

13) What is meant by "decision-support science" in this context?

The broader purpose is to produce science that informs real-world management needs and supports strategic science efforts within the U.S. Department of the Interior, rather than producing purely academic outputs.

14) What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement.

15) What does a cooperative agreement imply for this project?

A cooperative agreement typically indicates that USGS expects substantial involvement during the project period. The description notes involvement such as collaboration on scope refinement, data interpretation, or deliverable review.

16) How many awards are expected?

The opportunity anticipates a single award.

17) What is the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount is $22,000.

18) Is there an award ceiling or floor listed?

No. The listing indicates there is no stated award ceiling or award floor.

19) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

20) What is the program/category classification for this funding?

The activity falls under the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" category.

21) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

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

22) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to partners in the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network, specifically those participating in the Californian CESU Program.

23) Why does eligibility reference the Californian CESU when the study area is on the Northeast coast?

The notice states eligibility is limited to the Californian CESU Program even though the study geography is the U.S. Northeast coast. The opportunity description does not provide additional explanation beyond that eligibility constraint.

24) When was the opportunity posted, and what were the closing dates?

The announcement was posted and created on April 14, 2014. The original and current closing date listed is April 25, 2014.

25) Is this opportunity still open?

No. The notice indicates it was archived on July 14, 2014, and the closing date listed is April 25, 2014.

26) Where were additional details and the full announcement available?

Additional details and the full announcement were available via Grants.gov (a link was provided in the notice).

27) Who is the contact for access issues or questions?

The contact listed is Faith Graves at USGS. Phone: 703-648-7356. Email: fgraves@usgs.gov.