Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main goal of this USGS funding opportunity?

The opportunity is intended to strengthen and modernize computing and data-management capabilities that support ecosystem science in the western United States. The focus is on improving the technical infrastructure and methods that help translate scientific data into accessible, usable products for management partners and the public.

Which agency is offering this opportunity?

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), within the Department of the Interior, is offering the opportunity through its Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK).

What is the funding mechanism?

The award mechanism is a cooperative agreement. This typically involves substantial involvement by USGS staff during the project, such as joint planning, coordination on technical decisions, and collaboration on deliverables.

How is a cooperative agreement different from a typical grant in this announcement?

Based on the description provided, the cooperative agreement model is more collaborative and hands-on, with USGS staff substantially involved in project execution. In contrast, a more traditional grant is often described as more hands-off after award.

What types of activities or work does USGS want to support?

The announcement emphasizes efforts tied to database development, spatial data analysis (often GIS-oriented work), data archiving, and improving how science-based information is shared with management partners and the public.

Is this opportunity focused on new field research?

The description frames the project as less about launching a brand-new field study and more about strengthening data systems, spatial analysis capacity, archiving, and information delivery that make ecosystem research more actionable and easier to share.

What is the geographic or programmatic focus of the work?

The opportunity is aimed at supporting ecosystem science collaboration in the Rocky Mountain region and the broader western United States, reflecting the stated need for improved tools and workflows for changing western landscapes.

What does the opportunity mean by strengthening "computing and data-management capabilities"?

The announcement points to improving the technical backbone that supports ecosystem science, including building new capabilities or improving existing ones for data distribution and use among partner organizations. Examples mentioned include databases, consistent data standards and metadata practices, storage and archiving approaches, and more effective spatial and analytical workflows.

What kinds of deliverables or improvements are implied?

While specific deliverables are not enumerated, the opportunity implies enhancements such as improved databases, better metadata and standards practices, stronger data storage and archiving, and improved mechanisms for making information available to partners and the public (for example, portals, services, repositories, dashboards, or other access platforms).

Why is data distribution and utilization emphasized?

A major objective described is to enhance how data is distributed and used among partner organizations. The announcement links this to the need for better tools and workflows so management agencies can answer key questions about ecosystem function as western landscapes change due to multiple pressures and impacts.

Does the opportunity mention data standards or metadata requirements?

It highlights establishing consistent data standards and metadata practices as part of improving overall data distribution, stewardship, and usability.

Does the opportunity address long-term data stewardship?

Yes. The announcement emphasizes improving storage and archiving approaches and supporting long-term stewardship of the data, alongside making information more available and accessible.

How does the opportunity plan to improve public or partner access to information?

The announcement emphasizes making information available and suggests delivery mechanisms such as data portals, services, repositories, dashboards, or other platforms that increase access for partner agencies and the broader public.

What network or program is this opportunity issued under?

The discretionary opportunity is issued under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Network, specifically the Rocky Mountain CESU.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to CESU partners. The notice indicates applicants fall under an "Others" category and notes that additional eligibility details were provided in the full announcement.

How many awards does USGS expect to make?

The opportunity anticipated making a single award.

What is the expected maximum award amount (ceiling)?

The expected award ceiling is $6,575.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is G16AS00116.

What CFDA program is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA listing provided is 15.808, identified as U.S. Geological Survey research and related activities.

When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was created on July 18, 2016, and originally closed on July 29, 2016, indicating a short application window typical of targeted partner opportunities.

What does the short application window suggest about this opportunity?

Based on the description, the short window is consistent with targeted partner opportunities, particularly those limited to a defined set of eligible CESU partners.

What is the overall scope and scale of this project?

The announcement describes a small, focused cooperative project designed to improve the technical backbone of ecosystem science collaboration. The modest award ceiling and single-award expectation reinforce that it is targeted and limited in scale.

What role might USGS staff play during the project?

USGS staff involvement is described as substantial and may include joint planning, coordination on technical decisions, and collaboration on deliverables, consistent with the cooperative agreement structure.