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FAQs: Science Applications Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Study Unit (FON SCID R2 20110 01)

What is this grant opportunity?

This is a discretionary cooperative agreement opportunity from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) titled the Science Applications Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Study Unit grant opportunity. The Funding Opportunity Number is SCID R2 20110 01, and it is offered under the Adaptive Science CFDA program (15.670).

Is this funding intended to create a new program?

No. The stated purpose is not to launch a brand-new program. The opportunity is specifically intended to amend an existing cooperative agreement that originally established the Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit.

What is the main purpose of amending the existing cooperative agreement?

The central aim is to strengthen and formalize connections between FWS and university partners so the Service can more efficiently meet conservation-related needs in research, technical assistance, and education.

What types of activities or work does this opportunity support?

It supports multidisciplinary research and problem-solving tied to FWS mission priorities in the Desert Southwest region. The emphasis is on applied conservation science and related technical assistance and education support aligned with FWS priorities.

What does "multidisciplinary" mean in the context of this opportunity?

The announcement highlights bringing together expertise across natural sciences and physical sciences, as well as social and cultural disciplines. The goal is to address conservation challenges in an integrated way that reflects ecological, environmental, human, and cultural factors influencing species and habitat conservation.

Why is the cooperative unit model important for this opportunity?

The cooperative unit model is intended to link federal resource managers with academic research capacity. Practically, it is described as a way to facilitate faster, mission-relevant research and assistance by leveraging university capabilities and reducing indirect costs compared to other procurement or funding mechanisms.

What legal authority is referenced for this opportunity?

The announcement references Public Law 105-391, Section 203, which authorizes and supports cooperative ecosystem studies units designed to connect federal resource managers with university research capacity.

What is the public benefit described in the announcement?

The public benefit is framed as an expedited pathway to research and support that advances FWS conservation goals more efficiently, enabled by structured partnerships with universities through the cooperative ecosystem studies unit framework.

Which federal agency is offering this funding?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

What program is this opportunity under?

It is offered under the Adaptive Science CFDA program (15.670).

What is the funding amount for this opportunity?

The estimated total funding amount is $10,000.

What are the award ceiling and award floor?

Both the award ceiling and the award floor are $10,000, indicating a fixed award amount rather than a range.

How many awards does the opportunity anticipate making?

The opportunity anticipates a single award.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost-sharing or matching requirement is stated in the provided opportunity information.

What is the funding activity category?

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

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, consistent with the cooperative ecosystem studies unit partnership model.

Is this opportunity likely targeted to a specific partner or existing agreement?

Based on the stated purpose (amending an existing cooperative agreement) and the very short application window, the information suggests it was a targeted amendment action likely intended for an existing or closely aligned partner institution within the established cooperative unit framework.

When was the opportunity posted?

It was posted on June 22, 2011.

When was the opportunity created?

It was created on June 21, 2011.

What was the closing date for applications?

The original and current closing date was June 28, 2011.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date was July 28, 2011.

Who can be contacted for questions or to access the full announcement?

The listed point of contact is Paul Barrett, USFWS Regional Science Advisor.

What are the phone number and email for the point of contact?

Phone: 505-248-6281
Email: paulbarrett@fws.gov

What is the geographic or regional focus mentioned?

The opportunity focuses on FWS mission priorities in the Desert Southwest region, consistent with the Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit.

What is the stated rationale for using this agreement structure rather than other funding mechanisms?

The announcement describes the structure as helping reduce indirect costs compared to other procurement or funding mechanisms and enabling faster, more mission-relevant research and technical assistance by leveraging university capacity.