Cooperative Research Units Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Cooperative Research Units (CRU) Program (USGS)

What is the Cooperative Research Units (CRU) Program?

The Cooperative Research Units (CRU) Program is a nationwide partnership that connects state natural resource agencies, universities, and the federal government to strengthen fish, wildlife, and broader natural resource science. The program is administered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is designed to keep applied conservation research closely tied to real management needs.

Who administers this grant opportunity?

This opportunity is administered through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

How large is the CRU Program and where is it located?

The program consists of 40 Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units located on university campuses across 38 states.

How long has the CRU Program been around?

The CRU Program traces back to the 1930s, when the first nine units were created. It expanded over time as Congress established additional units at specific universities.

What makes the CRU Program distinctive compared to other research programs?

A defining feature is its shared-support structure. Each unit is jointly backed by USGS, the host university, state natural resource agencies, the Wildlife Management Institute (a nonprofit partner), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This structure helps ensure research stays closely aligned with on-the-ground management priorities while also supporting workforce development.

What is the mission of the CRU Program?

The program has a three-part mission written into its authorizing legislation and maintained over decades: education, research, and technical assistance.

What does the education mission include?

Education focuses on advanced training in fish, wildlife, and natural resource sciences. The units help develop a steady pipeline of well-prepared professionals for state and federal agencies.

What does the research mission include?

Research provides cooperating state and federal agencies access to scientific expertise and facilities at leading universities. Research priorities are driven by information needs identified by unit cooperators and partners, emphasizing management and agency needs rather than purely academic interests.

What does the technical assistance mission include?

Technical assistance helps agency staff and other natural resource managers understand, interpret, and apply scientific results. The goal is to support evidence-based decisions and improve how research findings are used in the field.

What type of award is this opportunity?

This opportunity was issued as a cooperative agreement.

What activity category does this opportunity fall under?

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

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The CFDA number provided is 15.812.

What is the funding opportunity number and title?

The funding opportunity number is 08HQPA0028, and the title is "Cooperative Research Units Program."

When was the opportunity posted/created?

The opportunity was posted and created on May 16, 2008.

What were the application closing dates?

The original closing date was July 18, 2008. An additional closing date of August 29, 2008 was listed for certain updates.

What was the purpose of the additional closing date (August 29, 2008)?

The additional closing date applied to certain updates, particularly changes involving the scope of work or the total estimated cost, as opposed to other administrative changes.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement was listed for this opportunity.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility was limited to CRU Cooperating Universities. Only these institutions could apply to the RWO (Research Work Order) component of the program.

What authorizes the eligibility limitation to CRU Cooperating Universities?

The eligibility limitation is authorized under the Cooperative Research Unit Act (Public Law 86-686).

What is the RWO component referenced in the opportunity?

The opportunity specifies that only CRU Cooperating Universities could apply to the RWO (Research Work Order) component of the program.

Who are the partners that jointly support each unit?

Each unit is jointly supported by USGS, the host university, state natural resource agencies, the Wildlife Management Institute, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Who should be contacted for help accessing the full announcement?

The listed contact for assistance accessing the full announcement was Jennifer Arnold, Grant Analyst.

What is the contact phone number for the listed grant analyst?

Jennifer Arnold's phone number was listed as (703) 648-7304.

Does the opportunity describe how research priorities are determined?

Yes. Research priorities are driven by the information needs identified by unit cooperators and partners, emphasizing real management and agency needs.

What is the overall practical goal of the program?

Practically, the program aims to keep applied conservation research connected to management needs while building a workforce pipeline for public agencies through advanced training and close collaboration among partners.