Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Pacific Northwest CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the funding opportunity number for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 08HQPA0042.

Which agency offered this grant opportunity?

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

What program or network is this opportunity tied to?

It was offered under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, specifically the Pacific Northwest CESU.

What type of award is being offered?

The announcement describes it as a discretionary cooperative agreement.

What is the main purpose of the project funding?

The core aim is to support work on a hierarchical Ecosystem Classification System for the lower Columbia River and its estuary, with an emphasis on collating habitat information into a structured framework that can be used consistently by researchers and natural resource managers.

What is meant by "hierarchical Ecosystem Classification System" in this opportunity?

Based on the description provided, it refers to an ecosystem classification approach organized in a structured (hierarchical) way so habitat information can be compiled and applied consistently across different studies and management efforts in the lower Columbia River and estuary.

What kinds of work does the opportunity emphasize?

The opportunity emphasizes practical and time-sensitive work to (1) advance and refine the ecosystem classification so it is more useful for active research, monitoring, restoration, and management, and (2) publish and disseminate results already developed so concepts, methods, and data products reach scientists and policy makers sooner.

Why does the opportunity emphasize publishing and disseminating results?

The announcement notes an immediate need to publish and disseminate the work already developed. It states that without targeted support, the information produced through these classification efforts would likely remain unavailable for several more years, which could slow the ability of restoration and monitoring programs to design efficient studies and interpret results in a consistent ecological context.

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

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

What is the funding category listed for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

How much funding was available for fiscal year 2008?

Total funding for fiscal year 2008 was listed as $10,000.

What are the award floor and ceiling amounts?

Both the award floor and the award ceiling were listed as $10,000.

Does the listing suggest there will be more than one award?

No. Because the total funding amount is $10,000 and both the floor and ceiling are $10,000, the listing indicates an expectation of one award at that amount.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The notice states there was no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Are option years mentioned, and what do they depend on?

Yes. The notice states that up to four option years could be available, but only if funds are available and progress is satisfactory. This suggests the initial work could potentially be extended if performance and budgets allow.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility was limited to participating partners in the Pacific Northwest CESU network.

Is this opportunity open to the general public or all universities?

No. The description indicates it was not open broadly; only entities that are already participating partners in the Pacific Northwest CESU partnership structure were eligible.

What are CESUs in the context of this opportunity?

CESUs are described as partnership-based arrangements intended to provide research, technical assistance, and education through collaboration among federal agencies and partner institutions.

When was this opportunity posted and created?

The opportunity was posted and created on July 22, 2008.

What was the closing date for applications?

The original and current closing date were both listed as July 31, 2008.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date was listed as August 30, 2008.

Who is the point of contact for access issues, and how can they be reached?

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

What geographic area does the project focus on?

The project focuses on the lower Columbia River and its estuary.

Who is expected to benefit from the project outputs?

The announcement highlights use by researchers, natural resource managers, and also notes the importance of getting results to scientists and policy makers.

What problem is this grant trying to address?

It aims to prevent delays in making ecosystem classification concepts, methods, and data products available. The notice suggests that without targeted support, these results could remain unavailable for several more years, hindering consistent study design and interpretation for restoration and monitoring programs.