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Funding Opportunity FAQs: G11AS20071 (Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU)

What is the funding opportunity number and title?

The funding opportunity number is G11AS20071. The title is "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU."

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

This is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) discretionary funding opportunity. The granting agency is the Geological Survey (USGS), and it was issued by the USGS Fort Collins Science Center.

What type of award is being offered?

The opportunity is administered through a cooperative agreement.

What is the main purpose of this project?

The project supports applied science and research on how streamflow patterns influence riparian vegetation and river channel geomorphology. A central goal is to improve and confirm earlier findings that were based on indirect estimates, especially regarding how cottonwood populations and channel form respond to infrequent, high-flow events.

What scientific question is the project trying to answer?

The project is meant to test prior conclusions about the effects of rare but important high-flow events by returning to established monitoring locations and collecting new field measurements. It focuses on whether major flow events have altered channel geometry and how those geomorphic changes relate to cottonwood and other riparian vegetation patterns.

What is meant by "resampling permanent long-term channel cross sections"?

The work scope emphasizes revisiting previously established, permanent long-term channel cross sections. These cross sections are fixed reference transects used to compare changes in channel shape, elevation, and related physical characteristics over time. By measuring the same cross sections again, researchers can directly quantify topographic and geomorphic change since earlier surveys.

What kinds of fieldwork are expected?

Fieldwork is expected to include measurements of riparian vegetation and topography at multiple sites. The announcement specifically emphasizes resampling established permanent channel cross sections and linking observed channel changes to riparian vegetation patterns, with particular interest in cottonwoods.

When was the primary data collection expected to occur?

The primary data collection was planned for late summer 2011.

Does the opportunity mention work beyond 2011?

Yes. The announcement notes the potential for additional work beyond the initial season, including data analysis and possible follow-up field studies in 2012 and 2013.

How many awards were anticipated?

Only one award was anticipated under this announcement.

What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding level listed is $12,000.

Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?

No. The listing indicates there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

What do the award ceiling and floor values indicate?

The record shows the award ceiling and floor as zero. However, the presence of an estimated total funding amount ($12,000) indicates the expected project scale and budget target described in the opportunity listing.

What is the funding activity category?

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

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number associated with the program is 15.808, identified as U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are official participating partners of the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program.

Can a non-CESU organization apply?

No. Because this opportunity is issued under the CESU framework, applicants must already be part of the Rocky Mountain CESU to be eligible, rather than applying as a general public or open competition applicant.

What is the Rocky Mountain CESU and why does it matter for eligibility?

The Rocky Mountain CESU is part of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, which is a partnership-based network designed to connect federal agencies with universities, nonprofits, and other research entities to deliver research, technical assistance, and education. Since this opportunity was issued under the Rocky Mountain CESU, only official participating partners are eligible.

When was the opportunity posted?

The posted date listed in the notice is June 27, 2011.

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

The original closing date was July 11, 2011. The closing date was later extended to a current closing date of July 21, 2011.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on September 27, 2011.

Where was the opportunity announced or referenced for more information?

The additional information link referenced in the record points to Grants.gov.

Who is the contact for access issues related to the full announcement?

The contact listed for access issues is Faith Graves.

How can Faith Graves be reached?

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

What makes this project interdisciplinary?

The study design ties together hydrology (streamflow), ecology (riparian vegetation, with particular interest in cottonwoods), and geomorphology (channel form and topographic change). This interdisciplinary approach is used to evaluate the effects of infrequent but influential floods on both river channels and riparian vegetation.

What is the practical approach described for confirming earlier findings?

The practical approach is to return to established monitoring locations and directly collect new measurements (rather than relying on indirect estimates), particularly by resampling permanent channel cross sections and measuring riparian vegetation and topography to assess changes associated with high-flow events.