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FAQs: Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Plains CESU (Funding Opportunity Number G15AS00068)

What is the funding opportunity number and title?

The funding opportunity is Funding Opportunity Number G15AS00068, titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Plains CESU."

Which federal agency is offering this grant opportunity?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The issuing office is the USGS Alaska Science Center.

What type of funding instrument is expected?

The opportunity is expected to be supported under a cooperative agreement and is described as supporting a focused research project.

What is the main purpose of the project described in the announcement?

The project centers on understanding climate-driven co-evolutionary dynamics between Arctic small mammals and their parasites, focusing on how rapid Arctic warming is reshaping biodiversity patterns and biological relationships.

What kinds of management needs is the research intended to inform?

The intent is to produce science that can directly inform Alaska and other management agencies about likely biological trajectories as environmental conditions shift, especially where species ranges, habitat boundaries, and disease or parasite relationships are changing.

Which animals are specifically highlighted as the host species in the research?

The announcement specifically highlights shrews as the host species, with the research building on evidence of hybridization among closely related shrew species.

What is the key preliminary evidence motivating the work?

The opportunity notes substantial preliminary evidence from prior USGS-supported efforts showing hybridization dynamics in northern Alaska along the boreal forest and Arctic tundra ecotone, where closely related shrew species appear to be interbreeding in the transition zone.

What is the boreal forest and Arctic tundra ecotone, and why does it matter here?

In this announcement, the boreal forest and Arctic tundra ecotone is described as a transition zone between forest and tundra that is sensitive to climate and can shift over time. It matters because hybridization has been observed there and because changing climate conditions may alter where species meet and interact.

How does the opportunity link host species and parasites?

The opportunity encourages deeper investigation into how the shrew hosts and their associated parasites may be co-adapting, tracking shifting habitats, and potentially forming new evolutionary and ecological relationships as Arctic temperatures rise and ecosystems reorganize.

What broader evolutionary context does the announcement emphasize?

The announcement highlights the diversification history of the shrew hosts, including differences in habitat affinities (such as boreal versus tundra associations) and repeated cycles of isolation and reconnection shaped by sea level changes across Beringia.

What is Beringia in the context of this opportunity?

Beringia is described as a broad biogeographic region spanning parts of Alaska and northeastern Asia. It has historically acted as a corridor and refuge during glacial cycles, with sea level changes contributing to fragmentation and reconnection of populations.

How is Beringia relevant to current climate-change questions in this project?

By tying present-day hybrid zones and parasite associations to Beringia’s history of fragmentation and reconnection, the funded research is positioned to clarify not only what is happening now under climate change, but also why these lineages may respond in particular ways based on their evolutionary history.

How many awards were expected under this opportunity?

The expected award profile is a single award.

What is the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount listed is $50,000.

Is there an award ceiling or floor listed in the summary information?

No. The listing shows an award ceiling of $0 and an award floor of $0, which commonly indicates the detailed budget parameters and allowable costs are defined in the full announcement and negotiated within the cooperative agreement rather than set as rigid limits in the summary record.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

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

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are participating partners in the Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program.

What is a CESU, based on the description provided?

CESUs are described as structured partnerships designed to connect federal agencies with universities, nonprofits, tribes, and other research and technical organizations to deliver applied science, technical assistance, and education.

Why does a Great Plains CESU opportunity focus on Arctic and Alaska research?

The announcement indicates that only Great Plains CESU partners may apply even though the research focus is Arctic and Alaska-based, reflecting how CESU networks are used as contracting and collaboration mechanisms across regions.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted (and created) on April 28, 2015.

What was the closing date for applications?

The original and current closing date listed is May 15, 2015.

Is this an active funding opportunity?

No. The archive date is July 28, 2015, and the dates indicate it is a past competition rather than an active one.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number associated with the program is 15.808 (USGS Research and Data Collection).

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

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

Where were applicants directed to find the full announcement details?

The notice directed users to Grants.gov to access the full announcement details.

Who was the USGS point of contact listed for assistance, and how could they be reached?

The listed USGS point of contact was Faith Graves. The notice provided the phone number (703-648-7356) and email address (fgraves@usgs.gov) for assistance accessing the announcement electronically.