Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this grant opportunity?

This is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) cooperative agreement offered through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program, specifically the Rocky Mountain CESU. The Funding Opportunity Number is 09HQPA0056. It is described as a small, targeted award intended to support a university partner in improving access to biological and natural resource scientific information.

Which USGS program or initiative issued the opportunity?

The opportunity was issued through the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) and focuses on making existing data more available and more useful through information-management products and systems.

What is the main focus or theme of the project?

The specific research and management theme is Threatened and Endangered Mammals in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) and surrounding areas, with an emphasis on improving data sharing related to that theme.

Is this grant for field research?

Based on the description, the work is centered on technical assistance and applied information-management activities rather than field research. The goal is to make scattered datasets easier to find, interpret, and use for decision-making.

What kind of work is expected under this award?

The opportunity emphasizes developing or enhancing products that make existing data more available and more useful. Examples listed include visualization tools, models, web-based applications, and semantic or data-integration systems. In practice, the award is oriented toward applied information management and technical assistance.

What is the purpose of the project for threatened and endangered mammals in the NCDE?

The purpose is to further develop the data-sharing component tied to the NCDE threatened and endangered mammals theme by bringing together widely dispersed information relevant to those species. The intent is to support both researchers and land/wildlife managers by improving how information is collected, organized, accessed, and shared across the region.

What is a major expected deliverable?

A major expected deliverable is a user-friendly web database interface that enables users to enter and manage data, run queries, and produce customizable reports. It is intended to serve as a centralized access point for information that currently resides across multiple agencies and institutions.

Who is expected to benefit from the project outcomes?

The project is meant to support researchers and land and wildlife managers by improving access to reliable information and making it easier to use for management and decision-making.

Does the opportunity require collaboration with other organizations?

Yes. Collaboration is presented as a core element. The opportunity emphasizes coordination and interaction with state, federal, and international organizations, as well as other research and educational institutions.

What does collaboration likely involve for this project?

The description suggests the funded partner would likely work on data standards, interoperability, and practical workflows that allow multiple stakeholders to contribute to and benefit from a shared system, while keeping the interface straightforward for end users.

What is the funding amount for this opportunity?

The estimated total funding amount is $8,000.

How many awards were expected?

Only one award was expected.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost-sharing or matching requirement was listed for this opportunity.

What is the funding activity category?

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

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

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

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was limited to organizations that are participating partners of the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program. This reflects the CESU partnership model rather than an open competition to the general public.

What is the timeline for this funding opportunity?

The opportunity was posted on July 16, 2009. The original closing date and final closing date were both July 27, 2009. The opportunity was archived on August 26, 2009.

What does it mean that the opportunity is archived?

The notice indicates it was archived on August 26, 2009, which generally signifies it is no longer active under that posting and timeline.

Where does the project work focus geographically?

The theme is focused on the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) and surrounding areas.

What kinds of data or information is the project meant to bring together?

The project aims to bring together widely dispersed information relevant to threatened and endangered mammals in the NCDE region, consolidating access to data that currently exists across multiple agencies and institutions.

What kind of user functionality is expected in the web database interface?

The expected interface is described as user-friendly and should allow users to (1) enter data, (2) manage data, (3) run queries, and (4) generate customizable reports.

Who was the listed contact for obtaining the full announcement?

The listed contact was Faith Graves, Contract Specialist, at 703-648-7356.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 09HQPA0056.

What is the overall goal of the opportunity in plain terms?

The overall goal is to turn scattered biological and natural resource datasets into information products and systems that are easier to find, interpret, and use, especially for decision-making by researchers and resource managers.