Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, North and West Alaska CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name and number of this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is titled the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, North and West Alaska CESU opportunity. The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is G12AS20060.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

The funding announcement is issued by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Alaska Science Center.

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

The project supports science and technology research focused on Arctic ecosystems. The emphasis is on understanding how climate-driven phenological shifts (changes in the timing of seasonal biological events) may affect the availability and abundance of nutrients in primary summer forage plants used by Arctic ungulates.

What are "phenological shifts" in the context of this opportunity?

Phenological shifts refer to changes in the timing of seasonal biological events such as plant green-up, flowering, and senescence. In this opportunity, the focus is on how those timing changes may influence when forage plants provide peak nutritional value during the Arctic summer.

Why is the project focused on forage plants and Arctic ungulates?

The practical goal is to help clarify whether warming temperatures and altered seasonal patterns are changing when and how forage plants provide peak nutritional value, and how that may influence the food resources available to animals that depend on those plants during the short Arctic summer.

What type of funding instrument is being used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

This opportunity is issued as a discretionary cooperative agreement under the CESU Program, not as a standard grant.

What does it mean that this award is a cooperative agreement?

Because it is a cooperative agreement, USGS is typically expected to have substantial involvement during project performance. The announcement notes involvement may include collaboration on study design, data collection approaches, analysis methods, or interpretation and dissemination of results.

What is the CESU Program?

The CESU Program is a partnership framework designed to connect federal agencies with participating institutions to provide research, technical assistance, and education.

What is the funding activity category listed for this opportunity?

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

What CFDA program is associated with this opportunity?

The associated CFDA program is 15.808, described as U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection.

How many awards does the announcement anticipate making?

The announcement anticipates a single award.

What is the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount listed is $60,000.

Why does the listing show an award ceiling of $0 and an award floor of $0?

The posting shows an award ceiling of $0 and an award floor of $0, which can occur in older postings when specific maximum or minimum limits were not entered into the system, even though an estimated total amount is provided elsewhere in the listing.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. A cost sharing or matching requirement applies, meaning the recipient is expected to contribute non-federal resources toward the project in accordance with the full announcement terms.

What kinds of contributions may count toward the match?

The posting indicates the match may include cash match or allowable in-kind contributions such as staff time, equipment use, or other project support, depending on what the agency permits and what is specified in the full announcement terms.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are official participating partners of the North and West Alaska Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). Applicants must already be part of that specific CESU network to be considered.

The eligible applicant category says "Others." What does that mean here?

While the category is broadly labeled as "Others," the key eligibility requirement stated in the posting is North and West Alaska CESU partnership status.

When was the opportunity posted?

The posted date listed is June 18, 2012.

What was the original closing date, and was the deadline extended?

The original closing date is listed as July 6, 2012. The current closing date is listed as July 20, 2012, indicating the submission deadline was extended.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on August 5, 2012.

Who is the point of contact for applicant support?

The point of contact listed is Faith Graves, Contract Specialist/Grants Specialist.

How can applicants reach the point of contact?

Faith Graves can be reached by phone at 703-648-7356.

What types of questions is the point of contact meant to help with?

The posting notes contacting the point of contact particularly for issues accessing the full announcement electronically or for administrative questions.