Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Chesapeake Watershed CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the name of this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is offered through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), Chesapeake Watershed CESU, under Funding Opportunity Number G14AS00113.

Which federal agency is offering this grant?

The funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

What type of funding instrument is being used?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity offered as a cooperative agreement.

What is the main purpose or focus of the project?

The project is intended to support scientific research and related development work focused on environmental contaminants and how they may be affecting wildlife in the mid-Atlantic United States, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay estuarine systems.

What geographic area does the opportunity focus on?

The work is focused on the mid-Atlantic United States, with particular attention to the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay and their associated watersheds.

Which ecosystems are emphasized in the announcement?

The announcement emphasizes two major estuarine ecosystems in the region: the Chesapeake Bay and the Delaware Bay.

Why are the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay highlighted?

They are described as critical habitat for many forms of biota, with special emphasis on waterbirds and raptors that use these areas for breeding and as essential stopover locations during migration.

What wildlife groups are specifically mentioned?

The announcement specifically highlights waterbirds and raptors, particularly because of their reliance on these estuaries for breeding and migration stopovers.

What kinds of research questions is the award intended to address?

The research is intended to clarify both the degree of exposure to contaminants and the potential for harmful or adverse biological effects on wildlife.

What types of biological effects are mentioned?

Potential effects include impacts to health, reproduction, survival, and broader population-level outcomes, depending on the species and contaminant pathways involved.

What contaminant sources are discussed in the announcement?

The announcement notes pollution pressures linked to agriculture, industry, and urbanization.

Does the opportunity address point and nonpoint source pollution?

Yes. The announcement notes that both point sources (direct discharges from identifiable outlets such as pipes or facilities) and nonpoint sources (diffuse runoff such as stormwater carrying nutrients, pesticides, sediments, or industrial residues) contribute to degraded environmental quality.

What is meant by point sources in this context?

Point sources are described as direct discharges from identifiable outlets, such as pipes or facilities.

What is meant by nonpoint sources in this context?

Nonpoint sources are described as diffuse runoff, such as stormwater moving across landscapes and carrying nutrients, pesticides, sediments, or industrial residues.

Is the research expected to be applied or management-relevant?

The announcement signals interest in applied, management-relevant science by centering the work on real-world exposure and effects in wildlife where contaminant inputs and habitat use overlap.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are already participating partners in the Chesapeake Watershed CESU Program.

Can organizations outside the Chesapeake Watershed CESU partnership apply?

No. Under this posting, institutions outside the Chesapeake Watershed CESU partnership are not eligible unless they are formally recognized as a partner within that specific CESU unit.

What is a CESU, as described in the announcement?

CESUs are structured partnerships that connect federal agencies with universities, nonprofits, and other research institutions to deliver research, technical assistance, and educational support.

How much funding is available under this opportunity?

The estimated total funding amount is $180,000.

How many awards does USGS expect to make?

The summary indicates one expected award.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The summary indicates there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

What do the award ceiling and award floor values mean here?

The listing shows an award ceiling of $0 and an award floor of $0, which typically indicates that specific budgeting constraints are described in the full announcement rather than in the summary fields.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

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

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 15.808, identified as U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection.

When was the opportunity posted?

The summary shows the opportunity was posted on June 26, 2014.

What were the closing dates listed?

The summary indicates the opportunity originally closed on July 8, 2014, and later reflected a current closing date of August 8, 2014.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date listed is September 26, 2014.

Where were applicants directed to find the full announcement and instructions?

Applicants were directed to consult the full announcement on Grants.gov for detailed requirements, scope, and application instructions.

Who is the listed contact for questions or access issues?

The listed contact is Faith Graves at USGS.

What contact details are provided for the listed USGS contact?

The phone number provided is 703-648-7356 and the email address provided is fgraves@usgs.gov.