Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) cooperative agreement offered through the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network. It is run by the USGS Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS), which supports research and practical solutions tied to The National Map and the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).

Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?

It is a cooperative agreement, not a standard grant. That means USGS expects to be meaningfully involved in the work (for example, through substantial collaboration, shared planning, or technical participation).

Who is running the program on the USGS side?

The opportunity is run by the USGS Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS).

What is the overall intent of the award?

The intent is to build an active, long-term collaboration between USGS and an eligible university partner whose research strengths align closely with CEGIS priorities in geographic information science, cartography, and related geospatial research and development.

What kinds of activities or research does the scope emphasize?

The scope is broadly defined to allow different CEGIS projects to collaborate with the selected university, but it is clearly centered on improving how national-scale geospatial data are modeled, integrated, generalized, and delivered.

What topic areas are specifically mentioned in the announcement?

Examples include electronic topographic map design, automated integration of multiple datasets, automated generalization (especially moving from high-resolution data to any user-specified lower resolution), development of ontologies for The National Map, user-centered design for web map services, and representing geospatial data, real-world phenomena, and processes as multi-resolution raster data.

Is multi-scale mapping a key theme?

Yes. A major theme is multi-scale mapping, including technical generalization and data handling across scales, as well as cartographic design, display, and visualization that remain effective as scale changes.

How will the partnership be structured over time?

The agreement is described as an umbrella mechanism. Under that umbrella, specific CEGIS projects can fund and execute individual pieces of work with the partner institution as mutually beneficial opportunities arise.

Does USGS plan to participate directly in project work?

Yes. Because this is a cooperative agreement, USGS anticipates substantial involvement, such as collaboration, shared planning, or technical participation, depending on the specific effort.

Will the work be funded through one project or multiple projects?

The structure is intended to support multiple efforts over time. Individual pieces of work may be supported through collaborative proposals or grants, depending on how each CEGIS project is set up and the level of USGS involvement.

Is education or workforce development included in the expectations?

Yes. Beyond research outputs, the partnership is expected to support education and workforce development, including real student training opportunities in geospatial information science, cartography, and environmental studies.

How long is the agreement expected to last?

The initial expectation is an agreement lasting up to five years, with the possibility of multiple renewals.

What is the estimated funding amount for the initial year?

The initial year funding is estimated at $102,435.

Is there an award ceiling and floor?

Yes. The notice lists both the award ceiling and the award floor at $102,435, indicating a single expected award at that amount for the initial year.

Is continued funding guaranteed after the initial year?

No. Continued or additional funding is not guaranteed. It is described as dependent on the emergence of mutually beneficial research opportunities between the university and individual CEGIS projects and the availability of funds.

When can work begin?

Work can begin once the agreement is accepted.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to universities that are members of the Rocky Mountain CESU network. Any member institution within that CESU that can demonstrate capability to perform research consistent with CEGIS interests is invited to apply.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity falls under CFDA 15.808 (USGS Research and Data Collection).

How is the opportunity categorized?

It is categorized under science and technology and other research and development.

What are the key dates listed in the notice?

The posted date is June 9, 2008. The original and current closing date is June 18, 2008. The archive date is July 18, 2008.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is 08HQPA0030.

Who is the USGS contact for this opportunity?

The USGS contact listed is Faith Peters, Contract Specialist, at 703-648-7356, for assistance accessing the full announcement.

What USGS initiatives does this work support?

CEGIS focuses on research and practical solutions that support The National Map and the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).

What is the primary collaboration goal for the selected university?

The goal is a long-term, active collaboration aligned with CEGIS priorities in geographic information science, cartography, and related geospatial research and development, with projects focused on national-scale geospatial data modeling, integration, generalization, and delivery.