Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Gulf Coast CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Gulf Coast CESU funding opportunity (G14AS00051)?

Funding Opportunity Number G14AS00051 is a US Geological Survey (USGS) discretionary cooperative agreement under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) framework. It focuses on improving how scientists and practitioners extract meaningful land-surface information from high-resolution topographic datasets, especially lidar-derived elevation models.

What is the main purpose of this project?

The practical goal is to make mapping and interpretation of river channel networks and the surrounding near-channel environment easier and more reliable using modern terrain data (such as lidar-based elevation surfaces). The work is intended to strengthen geospatial products and capabilities that support understanding of landscapes and water-related processes.

Which USGS program area does this opportunity support?

This effort sits within the National Geospatial Program and aligns with broader work to strengthen geospatial products and capabilities that support landscape and water-process understanding.

What types of data are central to the work described?

The opportunity emphasizes high-resolution topographic datasets, particularly lidar-derived elevation models (detailed elevation surfaces used for terrain analysis).

What does "feature extraction" mean in the context of this opportunity?

Feature extraction refers to algorithms and workflows used to automatically identify and delineate terrain features from detailed elevation surfaces. Examples include extracting river channels, banks, floodplain elements, and other geomorphic signatures.

What is USGS looking for beyond a single-case demonstration?

USGS is seeking research that evaluates feature extraction performance across distinctly different landscape settings and then translates results into practical guidance and usable tools. The intent is to move beyond a method shown in one location and toward methods that are tested broadly and can be operationalized.

What are the three core tasks in the scope of work?

The scope is organized into three main tasks: (1) assess the current state of the art in feature extraction by testing leading algorithms on multiple landscapes, (2) produce practitioner-oriented guidelines for lidar filtering and feature extraction tied to dominant landscape processes, and (3) improve scalability and usability so tools can be distributed as user-friendly, production-grade tools suitable for national-scale application.

Which landscapes must be used to test the algorithms?

The opportunity specifies testing on three landscapes with different geomorphic and environmental characteristics: the Eel River, the Minnesota River, and Death Valley.

Why does the project require testing across Eel River, Minnesota River, and Death Valley?

The intent is to stress-test feature extraction methods under varied conditions (such as differences in relief, vegetation, sediment regimes, and channel forms) and document where approaches perform well or break down.

What kinds of conditions are methods expected to be evaluated against?

The announcement highlights evaluating performance under differing relief, vegetation, sediment regimes, and channel forms, reflecting distinctly different geomorphic and environmental settings.

What are "lidar filtering" guidelines expected to address?

The project must produce clear, practitioner-oriented recommendations for lidar filtering and feature extraction. These guidelines are expected to be tied to dominant landscape processes, so users can select appropriate filtering and extraction settings depending on what is driving terrain shape in a region.

What does it mean for guidance to be "tied to dominant landscape processes"?

It means the deliverables should connect recommended lidar filtering and feature extraction settings to the key processes shaping the terrain in a given area, so the guidance is decision-ready for practitioners working in different environments.

What does USGS mean by improving the "scalability and usability" of tools?

The opportunity emphasizes engineering and workflow improvements so feature extraction tools can run efficiently on large datasets, streamline steps, improve robustness, and be packaged for broader adoption beyond a research environment, including suitability for national-scale application.

Are tools expected to be research prototypes or operational products?

The scope emphasizes producing more user-friendly, production-grade tools suitable for national-scale application, suggesting an expectation to move toward operational, distributable capability rather than remaining as a research-only prototype.

How many awards did USGS anticipate making under this opportunity?

USGS anticipated making one award.

What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount was $50,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching was required.

What is the CFDA number and program name associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is identified under CFDA 15.817, titled "National Geospatial Program - Building The National Map."

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was restricted to organizations that are official participating partners of the Gulf Coast CESU Program, since the opportunity was issued under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) framework.

Does the listing allow "Others" to apply?

The listing notes "Others," but clarifies eligibility through the CESU requirement. Based on the announcement text, applicants must be official participating partners of the Gulf Coast CESU Program.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on March 20, 2014. The original closing date and the final closing date were both March 31, 2014.

What does it mean that the opportunity was archived?

The announcement indicates it was archived on June 30, 2014, meaning it was no longer active as of that archive date.

Who was the main point of contact for questions or access issues?

The main point of contact listed was Faith Graves. The announcement lists the phone number as 703-648-7356 and the email as fgraves@usgs.gov.

Where were applicants directed to find full details?

The announcement referenced grants.gov as the source for full details.

Is this opportunity a grant or a cooperative agreement?

It is described as a USGS discretionary cooperative agreement issued under the CESU framework.

What is the intended audience for the deliverables?

In addition to scientific evaluation, the project is expected to produce practitioner-oriented guidelines and usable tools, indicating the deliverables are meant for both researchers and practitioners who work with lidar-derived elevation models and terrain feature extraction.