Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Desert Southwest CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Desert Southwest CESU" (Funding Opportunity Number G15AS00047).

Which federal agency is offering this funding?

The funding announcement is from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), through the USGS Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC).

What type of funding instrument is being used?

This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement generally means the agency expects to have substantial involvement with the recipient during the project, rather than providing a hands-off award.

Is this a discretionary funding opportunity?

Yes. The announcement is described as a discretionary funding opportunity.

What program area does this opportunity fall under?

The program area is categorized under "Science and Technology and other Research and Development."

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is tied to CFDA 15.808, which covers U.S. Geological Survey research and data collection activities.

What is the purpose of the award?

The purpose is to support research focused on Ferruginous Pygmy Owls in the Sonoran Desert, with an emphasis on understanding population trends over time, evaluating extinction risk, and developing or refining conservation guidelines.

What species and region are the focus of the research?

The research focus is Ferruginous Pygmy Owls in the Sonoran Desert.

What kinds of activities does the project emphasize?

The emphasis is on applied conservation science activities such as collecting and analyzing data to understand whether populations are stable, declining, or increasing; identifying drivers of risk; and translating findings into conservation recommendations that can be used by land managers and conservation partners in the Sonoran Desert.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is restricted to organizations that are official partners in the Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program.

What is the Desert Southwest CESU Program (in the context of this opportunity)?

In this context, the Desert Southwest CESU is part of a collaborative network designed to link federal agencies with universities, nonprofits, tribes, and other partners to deliver research, technical assistance, and education in support of natural and cultural resource management.

If an organization is not a Desert Southwest CESU partner, can it apply?

Based on the announcement information provided, no. Applicants must already be part of the specific Desert Southwest CESU partnership to be considered eligible.

How many awards were anticipated?

The opportunity anticipated making one award.

What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount was $14,562.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement states that no cost sharing or matching funds are required.

What are the award ceiling and award floor?

The notice lists an award ceiling of $0 and an award floor of $0. This typically indicates that specific award range constraints were not formally set in those fields, even though an estimated total funding amount is provided.

When was the opportunity posted and created?

The opportunity was posted and created on March 16, 2015.

What was the application closing date?

The original and current application closing date was March 30, 2015.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date listed is September 19, 2015.

Where were additional details available?

Additional details were available through Grants.gov at the time of posting.

Who was the contact for assistance with accessing the full announcement?

The listed contact was Faith Graves at the USGS.

What contact information was provided for the listed point of contact?

Phone: 703-648-7356. Email: fgraves@usgs.gov.

Which USGS center is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with the USGS Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC).

Does the announcement indicate that USGS will be involved during the project?

Yes. Because the instrument is a cooperative agreement, the announcement indicates the agency expects substantial involvement with the recipient during the project.