Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What agency is offering this funding opportunity?

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

What type of award is being offered?

USGS is offering a Cooperative Agreement through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network, specifically the Rocky Mountain CESU.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The core aim is to support computer-based modeling research that improves scientific understanding of how northern (high-latitude) ecosystems function and how viable and sustainable they may be under changing environmental conditions, with particular emphasis on reducing uncertainties about how these landscapes will influence future global carbon cycling.

What geographic area is the focus of the research?

The research is focused on the Yukon River Basin in Alaska.

Why is the Yukon River Basin and other high-latitude regions a priority for this work?

The announcement emphasizes that high-latitude regions store large amounts of soil carbon and are experiencing rapid, climate-driven shifts. Because of this, the work targets major uncertainties about soil carbon dynamics and how these regions may affect future global carbon cycling.

What kind of research methods are expected?

The funded work is expected to use computer-based, site- or plot-scale models of plant-soil-hydrologic systems.

What are the priority scientific topics named in the announcement?

The announcement highlights priority topics including: carbon cycling in soils, freeze-thaw physics (and related impacts on water movement and biological activity), and broader biogeochemical cycling linking water, carbon, and nutrients.

What does the announcement mean by "freeze-thaw physics" and why does it matter here?

Freeze-thaw physics refers to how soils repeatedly freeze and thaw, and how those cycles affect water movement and biological activity. The opportunity identifies this as a key area where improved understanding can reduce uncertainty in modeled ecosystem and carbon-cycle outcomes.

What practical outcome is the project expected to produce?

A central practical outcome is determining which field measurements are most effective for detecting ecosystem change and for identifying cause-and-effect linkages among hydrology, vegetation, soil processes, and nutrient dynamics in northern environments.

What specific scientific uncertainties is the modeling intended to address?

The project is intended to clarify where and why uncertainty is highest in northern ecosystem behavior, which observations would best constrain that uncertainty, and what plausible future scenarios look like when regional climate change expectations are incorporated.

What role do water conditions play in the research focus?

A major scientific focus is teasing apart how water state and water availability shape carbon dynamics and trace gas emissions.

Is soil microbial ecology part of the research scope?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly includes examining how soil microbial ecology contributes to carbon dynamics and trace gas emissions outcomes.

What landscape settings should the research apply to?

The research is expected to apply across contrasting landscape settings typical of the Yukon River Basin, specifically including wet lowland areas and well-drained, rocky uplands.

How many awards does USGS expect to make?

USGS expects to make a single award under this announcement.

How much funding is available?

Funding is anticipated to be up to $30,000 in the first year, with total support not to exceed $180,000 over a four-year period.

What is the expected project period and structure?

Applicants are encouraged to structure proposals around a full four-year research plan and clearly define the work to be completed within that timeframe.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated for this opportunity.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are already participating partners in the Rocky Mountain CESU Program.

What is the CESU network in the context of this opportunity?

The CESU model is described as a collaborative partnership framework that provides research, technical assistance, and education support to federal agencies. This opportunity is offered through the Rocky Mountain CESU.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.808 (U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection).

How is the opportunity categorized?

It is categorized as Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

It was posted in late July 2009 with a closing date in late July 2009.

Who should be contacted for access issues related to the full announcement?

For access issues related to the full announcement, the listed contact is Faith Graves, Contract Specialist, at 703-648-7356.