Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Californian CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this grant opportunity?

This was a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) discretionary funding announcement issued as a cooperative agreement through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network, specifically the Californian CESU. The Funding Opportunity Number was G15AS00112, and it was associated with CFDA 15.808 (U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection).

Which CESU is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity was offered through the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (Californian CESU).

What was the purpose of the project funded under this opportunity?

The project supported science and technology research and development focused on amphibian conservation and applied land-management needs in northern California timberlands. The practical aim was to generate information that could help shape timber management practices to reduce potential impacts on frog populations.

Which species was the main conservation focus?

The main focus was the California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii), a species that is endemic to California and the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico and is federally listed as Threatened.

Where was the research intended to take place?

The work was framed around forested, managed timber landscapes in northern California, near the northern edge of the California red-legged frog's range.

Why did the opportunity emphasize northern California timberlands?

The announcement highlighted an information gap: California red-legged frog ecology and distribution had been studied more in grazed coastal landscapes of central California, while forested habitats near the range limit were less well understood. The range edge was described as an area where populations may be more vulnerable and where timber operations could pose risks.

What management need was the research meant to support?

By clarifying distribution patterns and habitat use in managed timber landscapes, the project was intended to provide information that could be used to adjust or inform timber management practices in ways that reduce potential impacts to California red-legged frog populations.

Why was distinguishing between two frog species an important part of the project?

The study area was described as near or within the overlap zone between California red-legged frogs (Rana draytonii) and northern red-legged frogs (Rana aurora). Because the two species are morphologically and ecologically similar, relying on field identification alone can complicate mapping where each species occurs.

Which two species needed to be differentiated?

The project specifically addressed differentiation between California red-legged frogs (Rana draytonii) and northern red-legged frogs (Rana aurora).

What technical approach did the opportunity call for?

The described scope of work focused on molecular detection methods rather than solely on visual surveys. The intent was to improve reliability in detecting and mapping species presence in areas where the two frogs overlap.

What were the key tasks in the scope of work?

The scope of work included: (1) developing species-specific genetic assays for both frog species, (2) extracting DNA from nitrocellulose filters (as used in environmental DNA workflows), and (3) testing samples for the presence of each species using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

What type of samples or materials were referenced for DNA extraction?

The announcement referenced extracting DNA from nitrocellulose filters, which are commonly used in environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling workflows where biological material is captured from water and retained on a filter.

What laboratory method was specified for detecting the frogs?

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was specified as the method to test samples for the presence of DNA from California red-legged frogs and northern red-legged frogs.

What was the main deliverable emphasis?

The emphasis was on assay development and application: designing and validating species-specific genetic markers and using qPCR to screen samples, enabling more reliable and fine-scale mapping of species presence across forested timberlands.

What kind of award instrument was used?

The announcement was issued as a cooperative agreement.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was limited to participating partners of the Californian CESU program. Although the synopsis listed eligibility as "Others," it was clarified by the requirement that applicants must be CESU partners.

Were non-CESU organizations eligible?

Based on the stated eligibility requirement, only participating partners of the Californian CESU program were eligible to apply.

Was cost sharing or a funding match required?

No. The opportunity stated that no cost sharing or matching funds were required.

How much funding was available?

The estimated total funding amount was $16,048.

How many awards were expected?

The opportunity indicated that a single award was expected.

Was there a stated minimum or maximum award amount?

The public synopsis showed an award ceiling of 0 and an award floor of 0, which typically indicates the amount was defined by the project and budget rather than a preset range in the synopsis.

When was the opportunity posted?

The key posted date was June 29, 2015.

What was the application deadline?

The original closing date was July 17, 2015, and it was later extended to a current closing date of July 24, 2015.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date was September 29, 2015.

Which federal agency issued this opportunity?

The awarding agency was the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) (Agency Name: Geological Survey).

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number was 15.808, labeled as U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection.

Where could applicants find the full announcement details?

The listing referenced Grants.gov for the full announcement details.

Who was the contact person for access issues and administrative questions?

The contact provided was Faith Graves. Phone: 703-648-7356. Email: fgraves@usgs.gov.

What kinds of questions was the contact intended to handle?

The notice identified the contact for access issues and administrative questions.

How does the CESU structure relate to this grant?

CESUs are formal partnerships that connect federal agencies with eligible partner institutions to deliver research, technical assistance, and education. In this opportunity, that structure mattered because eligibility was restricted to participating partners of the Californian CESU program.