Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, North Atlantic Coast CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the funding opportunity number and title?

The funding opportunity is Funding Opportunity Number G12AS20059, titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, North Atlantic Coast CESU."

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

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

What type of funding mechanism is being used?

The opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement (not a standard grant).

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement typically indicates substantial involvement by the federal agency during the project. Based on the posting details, that involvement may include collaboration or coordination on the project scope, data needs, methods, and/or deliverables.

What is the funding category for this opportunity?

The funding is listed under the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" category.

What is the purpose of the award?

The award is intended to support a reconnaissance level study focused on coastal change in the northeastern United States in the context of sea level rise.

What is meant by a "reconnaissance level" study in this context?

Based on the description provided, the work is an early-stage assessment intended to sort or distinguish coastal areas by likely response type under sea level rise. It is positioned as a targeted study that can help prioritize more detailed work later.

What coastal responses is the study trying to distinguish?

The central goal is to distinguish which coastal areas are likely to respond primarily through inundation (flooding or submergence as water levels rise) versus which areas may respond more dynamically due to interacting physical and biophysical processes.

What does "inundation" mean as used in this opportunity?

Inundation is described as flooding or submergence of coastal areas as sea level rises.

What types of processes are described as driving more dynamic coastal responses?

The opportunity describes interacting physical and biophysical processes such as sediment transport, deposition, erosion, and related landscape or habitat adjustments.

What practical outcome is the project expected to support?

In practical terms, the work would help identify where sea level rise impacts might be relatively straightforward flooding versus where shoreline and wetland responses could be shaped by ongoing sedimentation and erosion processes that may offset or amplify inundation.

What geographic area is the focus of the project?

The focus is on the northeastern United States, specifically addressing coastal change along the Northeast coast.

How many awards does USGS expect to make?

USGS anticipated making one award under this announcement.

What is the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount listed is 4,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

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

What are the award ceiling and award floor?

The notice lists the award ceiling and award floor as zero. This commonly indicates the specific funding amount is handled within the announcement details and/or through negotiation under the cooperative agreement rather than being expressed as a fixed minimum or maximum on the summary page.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to partners within the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network, specifically those that are participating members of the North Atlantic Coast CESU.

What is a CESU, based on the description provided?

CESUs are cooperative partnerships designed to link federal agencies with universities and other organizations to deliver research, technical assistance, and educational support.

Where should applicants find the full posting and application instructions?

The announcement references Grants.gov as the primary source for the full posting and any associated application instructions.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

Key dates listed include: posted date June 18, 2012; original closing date July 6, 2012; revised (current) closing date July 18, 2012; and an archived date of September 18, 2012.

What was the original closing date and what was the revised closing date?

The original closing date was July 6, 2012, and the revised current closing date was July 18, 2012.

What does it mean that the opportunity is archived?

The opportunity is listed as archived as of September 18, 2012, indicating it is no longer an active posting under that announcement.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

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

Who is the point of contact for questions or access issues?

The listed point of contact is Faith Graves at USGS.

How can the point of contact be reached?

Faith Graves can be reached by phone at 703-648-7356 or by email at fgraves@usgs.gov.

How might the results of this reconnaissance study be used?

The description notes that this type of reconnaissance assessment can be used to prioritize more detailed studies, inform coastal management and adaptation planning, and refine how vulnerability and change are mapped across diverse coastal settings.