Terrestrial Ecosystem Science | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science funding opportunity from the Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER) under the Terrestrial Ecosystem Science (TES) program. It seeks grant applications that strengthen scientific understanding of how terrestrial ecosystems influence climate forcing under a changing climate.

2) Which DOE program is offering the grants?

The opportunity is offered through DOE Office of Science, BER, Terrestrial Ecosystem Science (TES).

3) What is the main scientific goal of the TES opportunity described here?

The main goal is to improve quantitative and predictive knowledge of land ecosystem processes that can alter atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and therefore affect human-driven climate forcing. Examples mentioned include carbon uptake and release, ecosystem respiration, and other biogeochemical pathways.

4) What types of ecosystems does the program emphasize?

A central theme is climate impacts and feedbacks in non-managed terrestrial ecosystems, meaning natural or minimally managed systems (as opposed to intensively managed agricultural lands).

5) How does this opportunity relate to climate forcing and greenhouse gases?

The opportunity focuses on terrestrial ecosystem processes that influence atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. By improving understanding of these processes, the research supports better predictions of future greenhouse gas dynamics and land-climate feedbacks.

6) What kinds of research approaches are encouraged?

The program expresses interest in a range of approaches, including:

• Field and laboratory measurements
• Manipulative experiments
• Observational experiments
• Process-based modeling
• Synthesis activities that integrate data and theory

7) Is modeling required or just encouraged?

The information provided states that applicants are expected to frame proposed work in a way that supports representation of terrestrial ecosystem processes in Earth system models, with the goal of improving model realism and predictive skill. It does not state that every project must be a modeling project, but it does indicate an expectation that proposed work will support Earth system model representation.

8) What is meant by "Earth system models" in this context?

Based on the description provided, Earth system models are the modeling frameworks that represent terrestrial ecosystem processes in order to improve realism and predictive skill about future greenhouse gas dynamics and land-climate feedbacks.

9) What is the Terrestrial Ecosystem Science (TES) program, and how is it described here?

TES is described as a consolidated program bringing together the former Terrestrial Carbon Processes (TCP) and Program in Ecological Research (PER). This signals a combined emphasis on carbon-cycle science, ecological mechanisms, and broader ecosystem function as it relates to climate.

10) What funding instrument is used for this opportunity?

The opportunity uses the grant instrument.

11) How is the opportunity categorized?

It is categorized under science and technology and other research and development.

12) How many awards did DOE anticipate making?

DOE anticipated making about 15 awards.

13) What is the estimated total funding for the program?

The estimated total program funding level is $3,000,000.

14) What is the expected award size?

Individual awards were expected to fall between $150,000 (floor) and $350,000 (ceiling).

15) Is there a cost-sharing or matching requirement?

No. The information provided states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement listed for applicants.

16) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly open to domestic entities, with specific exclusions noted in the announcement summary provided.

17) Which organizations are explicitly not eligible to apply?

Two key exclusions are listed:

• Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) contractors are not eligible to apply.
• Nonprofit organizations classified under IRS section 501(c)(4) that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995 are excluded.

18) Does the information mention any other eligibility restrictions?

No other specific restrictions are described in the information provided beyond being a domestic entity and the two exclusions listed.

19) What is the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) number?

The FOA is identified as DE-FOA-0000536.

20) Where was the full announcement and application package made available?

The full FOA was made available through FedConnect, which provided the complete application package instructions and full requirements.

21) When was the opportunity posted?

The announcement was posted May 11, 2011.

22) What was the application closing date?

The application closing date was September 12, 2011.

23) Is this opportunity still open?

No. The opportunity was later archived on December 12, 2011, and the closing date listed is September 12, 2011.

24) Who can applicants contact for help accessing the full announcement?

DOE provided contacts for assistance accessing the full announcement, including:

• Kimberlie J. Laing, Grant Analyst: 301-903-3026, kim.laing@science.doe.gov
• James M. Kuperberg, Program Manager: 301-903-3511, michael.kuperberg@science.doe.gov

25) What kinds of scientific outcomes is DOE aiming for?

Based on the description, DOE is aiming for improved understanding and prediction of terrestrial ecosystem processes that influence greenhouse gas concentrations, and improved representation of these processes in Earth system models to strengthen predictions of land-climate feedbacks under a changing climate.