Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Hawaii Pacific CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title and funding opportunity number for this grant?

The opportunity is titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Hawaii Pacific CESU" and the Funding Opportunity Number is 10HQPA0045.

Which agency is funding this opportunity?

This is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)-funded cooperative agreement offered through the Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center (PIERC).

What type of funding instrument is being used?

The opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement under a discretionary funding opportunity.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The project is intended to fund a credible, defensible economic analysis to help the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA), specifically its Plant Quarantine Branch, decide how best to reduce the risk of new strains of the neotropical rust of Myrtaceae (Puccinia psidii) reaching the Hawaiian Islands.

Why is an economic analysis needed for this topic?

The work is framed as practical policy support. It is meant to produce the type of economic impact assessment HDOA would need when proposing permanent regulations, particularly because state rulemaking requires evaluating impacts on small businesses.

What issue or threat is this project responding to?

The project responds to the recognized threat that myrtle rust poses to Hawaii's native ecosystems, including approximately one million acres of ohia forests, and the watersheds and biodiversity tied to those forests.

What is myrtle rust in the context of this opportunity?

Myrtle rust is described here as the neotropical rust of Myrtaceae, Puccinia psidii, and the key concern is the risk of new strains being introduced into the Hawaiian Islands.

What happened with Hawaii's previous import rule related to Myrtaceae?

In 2007, Hawaii's Board of Agriculture approved a 12-month interim rule that banned imports of plants in the myrtle family from areas identified as infested (South America, Florida, and California). HDOA enforced the interim rule while it was active, but it was never made permanent and expired in August 2008.

What import practices are described after the interim rule expired?

After the interim rule expired, the description indicates HDOA has relied mainly on visual inspection of Myrtaceae imports for pests, which leaves open questions about whether current practices adequately address the risk of new rust strains arriving via trade in plants, flowers, and foliage.

What is the primary objective of the study being funded?

The primary objective is to compare the economic costs and benefits of three policy options for handling Myrtaceae imports.

What are the three policy options that must be evaluated?

The three options are: (1) business as usual with no trade restrictions, (2) a quarantine approach for imported Myrtaceae, and (3) a full ban on imported Myrtaceae.

What kind of impacts should the analysis quantify?

The analysis is expected to quantify both societal impacts and business impacts. It should address not only government costs or industry losses, but also broader public benefits such as reduced ecological damage risk, watershed protection, and avoided losses to ecosystem services.

Is there a specific emphasis within the comparison of policy options?

Yes. A major emphasis is the comparative evaluation of a preventative ban versus a more traditional agricultural quarantine, since the relative pros and cons of these approaches had not been fully explored at the time of the announcement.

What subsidiary objectives are included to support the main cost-benefit comparison?

The opportunity lists several supporting objectives, including: quantifying the Hawaiian market for imported Myrtaceae, documenting and analyzing quarantine procedures and how they change trade flows and compliance costs, and imputing the value of ohia forests (estimating the economic value of benefits those forests provide, including ecological services and other non-market values).

What deliverable is expected at the end of the project?

The intended deliverable is a cost-benefit analysis for each of the three policy scenarios, so HDOA and other stakeholders can see the economic tradeoffs of doing nothing, implementing quarantine controls, or adopting a full ban.

What is the total estimated funding amount?

The total estimated funding listed is $31,146.

How many awards are expected to be made?

A single award is expected.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated for this opportunity.

What program classification or category is used for this funding?

The opportunity is categorized under science and technology and other research and development.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number is 15.808, listed as U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to partners within the Hawaii Pacific Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program. The notice specifically highlights university programs with a track record in natural resource economics, including work on invasive species issues.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on March 29, 2010. The original closing date was April 6, 2010, and it was later extended to April 12, 2010.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on May 6, 2010.

Who is the listed contact for access issues?

The listed contact for access issues is Faith Graves, Contract Specialist, at 703-648-7356.

Which HDOA unit is the intended decision-maker for this analysis?

The analysis is intended to support decision-making by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA), specifically its Plant Quarantine Branch.

What trade or products are implicated by the policy options being analyzed?

The description ties the risk pathway to trade in Myrtaceae, including imported plants, flowers, and foliage.