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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the name of this grant opportunity?

This funding call is the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), North Atlantic Coast CESU grant opportunity. It is listed under Funding Opportunity Number G13AS00087.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), specifically through the USGS Great Lakes Science Center.

What is the main focus of the funded work?

The project focuses on invasive species research targeting the common reed, Phragmites australis. The core scientific question is whether Phragmites gains a competitive advantage in nutrient-poor environments through relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacterial endophytes, and whether disrupting that relationship could reduce the plant's vigor and spread.

What type of award is this?

This opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement, not a standard pass-through grant. That typically means the awardee should expect active involvement and collaboration with USGS during the project.

How is the research described in the opportunity?

The work is framed as science and technology research and development, aligned with research-oriented federal assistance.

What are the main technical components of the proposed research?

The opportunity describes three main technical components: (1) characterizing endophytic bacterial communities in Phragmites (especially bacteria in seeds and meristematic tissues), (2) conducting 15N2 assimilation experiments to directly test nitrogen fixation and identify where in the plant it occurs, and (3) evaluating whether a non-environmentally toxic microbial inhibitor could suppress or interfere with the bacteria in a way that limits Phragmites growth, particularly in low-nitrogen settings.

What plant tissues are specifically emphasized for bacterial community characterization?

The listing highlights a focus on endophytic bacteria found in seeds and in meristematic tissues, described as growth regions such as shoot tips and other actively dividing plant tissues.

Why are multiple sampling sites mentioned?

Samples are to be collected from multiple sites to help determine whether endophytic bacterial assemblages are consistent across environments or vary by location, plant population, or habitat conditions.

What are 15N2 assimilation experiments and why are they included?

15N2 assimilation experiments are an isotopic approach used to test nitrogen fixation by tracking whether plants incorporate nitrogen from labeled nitrogen gas. In this project, they are intended to identify where within the plant nitrogen fixation may be occurring and to strengthen the evidence linking endophytes to measurable nitrogen gains by the host plant.

Is the opportunity exploring management tools as well as basic research?

Yes. In addition to characterizing endophytes and testing nitrogen fixation, the project includes evaluating whether a non-environmentally toxic microbial inhibitor could be used to disrupt bacteria in a way that reduces Phragmites growth. This is described as potentially more targeted than broad-spectrum herbicides and something that could complement other control strategies if effective and safe.

How much funding is available?

The estimated total funding available is $18,000.

How many awards are expected?

The expected number of awards is listed as one.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states that no cost sharing or matching is required.

Why are the award ceiling and floor listed as $0?

The award ceiling and floor are both listed as $0, which typically indicates the funding amount is handled through the total funding estimate and a final negotiated budget rather than fixed minimums or maximums in the listing.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity falls under CFDA 15.808, titled USGS Research and Data Collection.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is restricted to organizations that are already participating partners in the North Atlantic Coast CESU Program.

What is a CESU and why does it matter for eligibility?

CESUs are structured partnerships that connect federal agencies with universities, nonprofits, and other research or educational entities to deliver research, technical assistance, and education supporting public resource management. Because this opportunity is within the North Atlantic Coast CESU, the applicant pool is intentionally limited to established CESU partners.

Can an organization outside the North Atlantic Coast CESU apply directly?

The listing indicates eligibility is restricted to participating partners in the North Atlantic Coast CESU Program. Organizations outside that partnership would generally need to join the CESU or collaborate with an eligible partner rather than apply independently.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on July 2, 2013, and the application closing date was July 12, 2013.

What does it mean that the opportunity is archived?

The listing states it was archived on September 2, 2013.

Where can applicants find the full announcement and official instructions?

The listing points to Grants.gov as the source for additional information, including access to the full announcement and official instructions.

Who should be contacted for help or questions about the announcement?

The contact provided is Faith Graves at USGS. Phone: 703-648-7356. Email: fgraves@usgs.gov. The listing notes this contact is for applicants who have trouble accessing the announcement electronically or need clarification related to the posting.

What invasive species is targeted by this research?

The target species identified in the opportunity is the common reed, Phragmites australis.

What specific ecological setting is emphasized in the research question?

The opportunity emphasizes nutrient-poor or low-nitrogen environments, where nitrogen fixation could provide Phragmites with a major competitive advantage.