Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity about?

This is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) discretionary funding opportunity under the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program to support research and stewardship work that improves the Wyoming National Hydrography Dataset (NHD).

What is the main purpose of the award?

The core purpose is to increase the accuracy, completeness, and overall usability of Wyoming's NHD by supporting coordinated updates, corrections, and enhancements, with an emphasis on repeatable stewardship processes and partnerships that help keep the dataset authoritative over time.

What types of projects or objectives can applicants propose?

The project is structured around several possible objectives, and applicants may address one or more of them. The opportunity highlights (1) building and maintaining relationships with authoritative hydrographic data sources in Wyoming, (2) research to identify missing hydrographic features and resolve naming issues tied to GNIS, (3) development of standardized event files documenting stewardship activities and outputs, (4) evaluation and correction of NHD feature geometry, (5) tool/workflow development to increase NHD usefulness for applications like analysis and modeling, and (6) documentation of best practices for stewardship and event file creation.

Is the focus limited to fixing isolated errors in the dataset?

No. The work is framed as stewardship of a foundational national geospatial dataset. That means the effort is intended to support coordinated, repeatable processes and partnerships that can sustain authoritative updates over time, not only one-off corrections.

Does the opportunity emphasize coordination with other organizations?

Yes. A major emphasis is building and maintaining relationships with organizations considered authoritative sources for hydrographic information in Wyoming so that future corrections, updates, and additions to the NHD can be coordinated smoothly.

What hydrography naming issues does the opportunity want addressed?

The opportunity highlights targeted research to resolve naming problems tied to the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), including identifying hydrographic features with missing GNIS names and correcting misnamed features.

What are "event files" in the context of this opportunity?

The opportunity calls for the development of event files that document and represent stewardship activities and research outputs in a standardized way. These are intended to support updates to the NHD and improve how changes are tracked and applied.

What kind of geometry work is supported?

The opportunity supports evaluating and correcting the geometry of NHD features in Wyoming, typically by ensuring that mapped lines and waterbody shapes align correctly with the best available source data and represent hydrography accurately.

Are tools and workflows eligible activities under this project?

Yes. The opportunity supports research and development of tools and workflows that make the NHD more useful for practical applications, including analysis and modeling. This can include data management workflows and analytical tools supporting hydrologic or ecological studies.

Is documentation required or encouraged?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly calls for documentation of best practices, especially for creating event files and conducting stewardship activities, with the intent that lessons learned can strengthen NHD improvement efforts in Wyoming and at the national level.

What kind of award instrument is this?

This award is issued as a cooperative agreement, which indicates an assistance relationship where substantial involvement by the federal agency may be expected during the project.

How many awards does the opportunity anticipate making?

The opportunity anticipates a single award.

What is the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount is $50,828.

Is there an award ceiling or floor listed?

No stated award ceiling or floor is provided in the information given.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is listed.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to partners in the Rocky Mountain CESU program.

What is the Rocky Mountain CESU program?

CESUs are partnership networks that support research, technical assistance, and education, typically connecting federal agencies with universities, research institutions, and other partner organizations. This opportunity is specifically under the Rocky Mountain CESU.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is 10HQPA0090.

What CFDA program does this fall under?

This opportunity falls under CFDA 15.808, U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection.

What activity category is associated with this opportunity?

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

When was the opportunity posted?

The posting date (and creation date) is June 28, 2010.

What is the application closing date?

The original and current closing date is July 12, 2010.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date is August 11, 2010.

Who do we contact for administrative or access issues with the full announcement?

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

Does the opportunity specify which state or geographic area the work should focus on?

Yes. The work is focused on improving the National Hydrography Dataset for Wyoming.