Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, South Florida/Caribbean CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the title and funding opportunity number for this grant?

The opportunity is titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, South Florida/Caribbean CESU" and the Funding Opportunity Number is G12AS20031.

Which federal agency issued this funding opportunity?

The funding opportunity was issued by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) under its Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program, specifically the South Florida/Caribbean CESU.

What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number for this opportunity?

The associated Assistance Listing is CFDA 15.808, which covers USGS Research and Data Collection.

What is the main purpose of the funding?

The purpose is to support research and technical assistance focused on developing species distribution models for species of interest in the southeastern United States.

What kinds of activities does "species distribution modeling" typically involve (as described in the notice)?

Species distribution modeling generally involves using species occurrence records along with environmental and landscape variables to estimate where a species is likely to occur now, and sometimes where it may occur under future conditions.

How might the resulting models be used?

According to the description, model outputs can be used for conservation planning, invasive species management, habitat prioritization, and risk assessment.

Is this opportunity framed as research only, or also applied support?

It is framed as both research and technical assistance. The description suggests deliverables may include scientific analyses and model outputs as well as applied support such as data preparation, model implementation guidance, documentation, and potentially training or decision-support products tailored to regional management needs.

Which USGS programs are sponsoring the work, and where are they located?

The work is sponsored through USGS programs based in Florida: the Greater Everglades Priority Ecosystems Science office in Fort Lauderdale and the Southeast Ecological Science Center in Gainesville.

What type of award instrument will be used?

The award instrument is a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that the award is a cooperative agreement?

The notice indicates this matters because a cooperative agreement typically implies substantial involvement by the federal agency during the project. Examples mentioned include collaboration with USGS scientists and staff on study design, data standards, modeling approach, deliverable review, and coordination to ensure final products meet agency and partner needs.

Is this considered discretionary funding?

Yes. The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding.

What activity category does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity falls within the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" activity category.

How many awards did USGS expect to make?

The listing indicated USGS expected to make one award.

What is the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount listed was $300,000.

Is there an award ceiling or floor stated in the posting?

No. The notice did not specify an award ceiling or floor; both were listed as 0. The description notes this can imply the amount is set by project scope or negotiated, or that the posting did not encode those limits even though a total expected amount was provided.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. There was no cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants were not required to contribute non-federal funds as a condition of eligibility.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to participating partners of the South Florida/Caribbean CESU Program. While the "EligibleApplicants" field was described broadly as "Others," the controlling eligibility rule is the CESU partnership requirement.

Does this mean any organization can apply if it works in the Southeast?

No. Based on the notice, only organizations already recognized as members of the South Florida/Caribbean CESU could apply.

Where was the opportunity posted and where would applicants access it?

The announcement referenced Grants.gov as the source for the opportunity (with an additional information link provided in the posting).

What were the key dates for this opportunity?

It was posted on May 4, 2012 (created May 2, 2012). The application closing date was May 14, 2012. The opportunity was later archived on August 4, 2012.

Who is the contact person for assistance with the announcement?

The listed contact for assistance obtaining or accessing the full announcement is Faith Graves at USGS. Phone: 703-648-7356. Email: fgraves@usgs.gov.

What kinds of help is the listed contact intended for?

Based on how the notice is phrased, the contact is relevant for assistance obtaining or accessing the full announcement and for posting-related support, rather than serving as a scientific point of contact.

What is a CESU in the context of this opportunity?

CESUs are collaborative networks designed to connect federal agencies with universities, nonprofits, and other partners to provide research, technical assistance, and education related to natural and cultural resource management.

What is the geographic focus of the work described?

The work focuses on species of interest in the southeastern United States, and it is aligned with USGS programs based in Florida and the South Florida/Caribbean CESU partnership.

What is the overall summary of what USGS intended to fund?

This was a targeted, single-award cooperative agreement intended to fund a South Florida/Caribbean CESU partner to collaborate with USGS Florida-based science programs on building species distribution models for priority species in the southeastern United States, with an emphasis on practical modeling products and support aligned with USGS and partner management and research objectives.