Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Plains CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Great Plains CESU grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G11AS20052)?

G11AS20052 is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)-funded cooperative agreement opportunity offered through the Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). It is intended to support science and applied research tied to ecosystems and wildlife populations in the Great Plains region, with a strong emphasis on collaborative work between the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) and an eligible Great Plains CESU partner.

Which federal agency is funding this opportunity?

This opportunity is funded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

What is the main purpose of this funding?

The purpose is to strengthen or expand existing research efforts or project work by encouraging direct collaboration between USGS NPWRC and an eligible Great Plains CESU partner. The work is meant to advance ongoing ecosystem science, wildlife population research, and related technical efforts where both USGS and the CESU partner can contribute expertise, staff time, data, and research capacity.

What types of projects are a good fit for this opportunity?

Projects aligned with ecosystem science and wildlife population research in the Great Plains region are the best fit. While the summary does not list detailed priorities or deliverables, proposals would likely be more competitive if they build on established efforts, address clear management-relevant questions, and leverage NPWRC capabilities through a true partnership with a Great Plains CESU member institution.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

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

What CFDA program is this associated with?

This opportunity is connected to CFDA 15.808, titled "U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection."

Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?

This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement as the funding instrument. A cooperative agreement typically indicates a more hands-on partnership with the federal agency than a standard grant, including substantial involvement by the agency in shaping the work, coordinating activities, and participating in project execution.

What does "discretionary funding" mean in this context?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary, meaning it is competitively awarded (as opposed to being an entitlement). The summary does not provide additional procedural details beyond the listing information.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are already participating partners in the Great Plains CESU Program. If an organization is not a Great Plains CESU partner, it generally would need to participate through an eligible CESU partner rather than applying independently.

Do applicants need to be part of the Great Plains CESU network at the time of application?

Yes. The opportunity restricts eligibility to current participating partners in the Great Plains CESU, so applicants need to be part of that network to apply directly.

How many awards were expected?

Only one award was expected under this opportunity.

What was the estimated total funding amount available?

The estimated total funding amount listed for this opportunity was $200,000.

Was there an award ceiling or floor?

The listing shows no stated award ceiling or award floor. This generally means the agency did not publicly set per-award minimums or maximums in the summary record, even though the total available funding was estimated at $200,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

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

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted (and created) on June 20, 2011.

What was the application deadline?

The original and current closing date listed was June 30, 2011, indicating an application window of roughly 10 days from posting.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on September 20, 2011.

Where would applicants have found the full announcement and application instructions?

The public listing referenced Grants.gov as the primary entry point for full application instructions, submission requirements, and any project-specific expectations not captured in the summary record.

Does the summary describe specific deliverables or technical priorities?

No. The summary does not provide detailed technical priorities or deliverables. It emphasizes collaborative research that enhances ongoing programs or project work in ecosystem and wildlife population research.

What collaboration is expected with USGS?

The opportunity is designed to encourage direct collaboration between the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) and an eligible Great Plains CESU partner. In practice, this implies a joint effort where both parties contribute meaningful resources such as expertise, staff time, data, and research capacity.

Who is the USGS point of contact for assistance?

The notice provided the following USGS contact for applicants needing help obtaining or accessing the full announcement: Faith Graves, phone 703-648-7356, email fgraves@usgs.gov.

What region and subject area does this opportunity focus on?

The opportunity focuses on the Great Plains region and supports ecosystems and wildlife population science, including applied research and related technical efforts.

What is a CESU and how does it relate to this opportunity?

CESUs are formal partnerships that link federal agencies with universities, nonprofits, and other qualified partners to deliver research, technical assistance, and education aligned with natural and cultural resource priorities. This opportunity is restricted to Great Plains CESU partners and is structured to support collaborative work with USGS NPWRC under that partnership framework.

What website was referenced for additional information?

The listing referenced Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov/) and also noted an additional information link to the Great Plains CESU page, with Grants.gov serving as the primary portal for the full opportunity details.