Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Basin CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Great Basin CESU opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G12AS20039) issued by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Alaska Science Center. It uses a Cooperative Agreement to support science coordination for the Arctic Landscape Conservation Cooperative (Arctic LCC).

What is the main purpose of the award?

The core purpose is to provide financial assistance to better integrate multiple physical science disciplines into the existing Arctic LCC Hydrology Science Plan. In practice, it is meant to connect hydrology planning already underway with planning efforts of other Arctic LCC physical science working groups, so future Arctic LCC activities are based on a single coordinated, interdisciplinary foundation rather than separate discipline-specific plans.

What kind of work is the project trying to accomplish?

The project focuses on coordination and alignment across disciplines. The recipient is expected to help align goals, priorities, methods, and planned outputs across Arctic LCC physical science working groups so the hydrology plan incorporates and supports related physical science needs.

What leadership role is expected from the recipient?

A central expectation is that the recipient will serve in a leadership and convening role as the chairperson for the Arctic LCC Hydrology Working Group.

What meeting and coordination responsibilities are included?

The recipient is expected to organize and run meetings with counterparts who hold similar leadership roles in other Arctic LCC physical science working groups. The intent is active alignment across disciplines, not just discussion.

Why is cross-discipline integration emphasized in this opportunity?

The Arctic LCC Steering Committee responded positively to an initial design concept for an intensive monitoring network, but directed that stronger cross-discipline integration should occur before moving forward. This opportunity is intended to create that integrated planning foundation.

Is there a specific technical context mentioned for this work?

Yes. The opportunity references the early design of a five-site intensive monitoring network that includes multiple hydrologic parameters. The Steering Committee indicated the concept is promising, but wants it integrated with other physical science perspectives and plans.

What other physical science disciplines might need to be integrated with hydrology planning?

The description indicates integration with other Arctic physical science domains could be relevant, such as climate, permafrost, geomorphology, coastal or marine physical processes, or other physical science areas depending on how the Arctic LCC has organized its working groups.

What is the expected end result USGS is aiming for?

USGS is aiming for a more robust, coordinated planning framework that can guide future monitoring, research, and related science investments under the Arctic LCC umbrella.

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a Cooperative Agreement, described as a financial assistance award with expected substantial involvement or collaboration from the federal partner (as compared to a more hands-off grant).

Is this considered discretionary funding?

Yes. The notice describes it as a discretionary funding opportunity.

What is the program or activity category associated with this award?

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

What CFDA (assistance listing) number is associated with this opportunity?

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

How many awards were anticipated?

The opportunity anticipated a single award.

What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount was $65,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The notice states that no cost sharing or matching was required.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are already participating partners in the Great Basin Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program. While the listing notes "Others" for eligible applicants, it clarifies that eligibility depends on being a Great Basin CESU partner.

Can organizations outside the Great Basin CESU partnership apply?

Not based on the eligibility statement provided. Applicants outside the Great Basin CESU partnership would not be eligible unless they are formally part of the CESU.

Where do applicants find the full announcement details?

The opportunity directs applicants to Grants.gov for full announcement details.

Who is the USGS point of contact for this opportunity?

The USGS point of contact listed is Faith Graves. Phone: (703) 648-7356. Email: fgraves@usgs.gov.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The notice was posted May 16, 2012. The original and current closing date was May 30, 2012.

What is the archive date listed for this opportunity?

The archive date was August 16, 2012.

Which USGS unit is associated with the cooperative agreement?

The cooperative agreement is described as a USGS Alaska Science Center cooperative agreement.

What is the Arctic LCC Hydrology Science Plan in this context?

In this opportunity, it is an existing hydrology planning effort under the Arctic LCC that is already underway. The award is intended to strengthen it by integrating it with other physical science planning efforts so the result is coordinated and interdisciplinary.

What does success look like for the coordination meetings described?

Based on the description, success means aligning goals, priorities, methods, and planned outputs across disciplines so that hydrology monitoring and planning support related physical science needs and contribute to a single coordinated foundation for future Arctic LCC activities.