Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the official title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU" (Funding Opportunity Number G16AS00023).

Which federal agency is offering this funding?

The funding was offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of the Interior.

What type of funding instrument is being used?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement generally indicates the USGS expects substantial involvement in the project during performance, rather than simply issuing funds and receiving final deliverables.

How is the activity category classified?

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

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity references CFDA 15.808.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on January 19, 2016 (and created the same day), with a closing date of February 1, 2016.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The project is intended to support research that estimates and communicates the economic value of ecosystem services provided by rivers and streams, with a targeted emphasis on services supported by freshwater mussels in the Upper Delaware River.

What does "ecosystem services" mean in the context of this opportunity?

In this opportunity, ecosystem services refers to benefits people receive from the river system. The description specifically highlights services tied to human well-being such as drinking water, recreation, and aesthetic or scenic value.

Why are freshwater mussels a focal point of the research?

Freshwater mussels are emphasized because they are filter feeders that play an important role in aquatic food webs and can improve water quality by filtering water through their gills while feeding. This filtration can reduce suspended particles and influence nutrient and contaminant dynamics, affecting overall river condition.

What geographic area is specifically emphasized?

The targeted emphasis is on the Upper Delaware River.

What human benefits are explicitly mentioned as being connected to cleaner water?

The description points to drinking water, recreation, and aesthetic or scenic value as ecosystem services tied to human well-being.

What examples of recreation are mentioned for the Upper Delaware River?

The opportunity mentions a well-known cold-water fishery and other recreation such as rafting, boating, and swimming.

Why is the Upper Delaware River described as especially important?

The description notes it is the last major undammed river in the eastern United States and emphasizes multiple public values supported by the river, including clean drinking water and recreation.

How significant is the river for drinking water according to the opportunity description?

The description states the river provides clean drinking water for roughly five percent of the nation.

Does the opportunity mention ecological or conservation values beyond human use?

Yes. The description notes that the river offers habitat for threatened, endangered, and migratory species.

Is the work intended to be decision-relevant for future management?

Yes. The opportunity frames the research as forward-looking and intended to inform management decisions by quantifying what is at stake economically if mussel populations decline or if water quality changes due to future management choices and land use changes.

What is the underlying management concern described?

While the Upper Delaware River is characterized as healthy at present, the USGS notes that future management choices and land use changes could alter mussel populations and, by extension, the services they help provide.

What kinds of research outputs are implied by the opportunity description?

The description implies outputs that (1) estimate economic value of river and stream ecosystem services, (2) clarify and communicate the role of freshwater mussels in supporting those services, and (3) translate findings into information useful in planning, conservation, and resource management discussions.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was limited to partners within the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Network, specifically tied to the Rocky Mountain CESU. The listing indicates "Others" and directs applicants to additional eligibility details in the full announcement.

How much funding was available?

The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $198,734.

How many awards were expected?

The opportunity indicates one expected award, suggesting a single-project competition rather than a multi-award program.

Is this a competitive opportunity?

Yes. The description presents it as a competition with a defined posting date and closing date and an indication of one expected award.

What is the relationship between mussel filtration and economic valuation in this project?

The opportunity links mussel filtration to water quality outcomes (such as reduced suspended particles and changes in nutrient and contaminant dynamics). Cleaner water is then connected to benefits people care about (drinking water, recreation, scenic value), which the project seeks to value economically and communicate for management use.

What is meant by "substantial involvement" from USGS?

Because the instrument is a cooperative agreement, the opportunity indicates that USGS expects to have substantial involvement in how the project is carried out, as opposed to a more hands-off role typical of some other assistance instruments.

Where can applicants find additional eligibility details?

The listing notes that additional eligibility details are available in the full announcement, particularly because the eligibility field is summarized as CESU partners tied to the Rocky Mountain CESU and also notes "Others."