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Terrestrial Ecosystem Science (DE-FOA-0000749) - Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER) titled "Terrestrial Ecosystem Science" (Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0000749).

2) What is the main purpose of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Science (TES) opportunity?

The central purpose is to fund research that strengthens how terrestrial ecosystem processes are represented in Earth system models. The practical end goal is to improve the quality of climate projections and build the science base DOE needs for energy-related decision making.

3) What kinds of scientific questions or outcomes is DOE trying to support?

The program is aimed at advancing quantitative, predictive understanding of land-based ecosystem behavior and feedbacks that influence atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and, in turn, greenhouse gas-driven climate forcing.

4) What types of activities or approaches are encouraged in applications?

Applications are encouraged to use measurements, field or laboratory experiments, modeling, and synthesis activities. The intent is to reduce key uncertainties in how terrestrial ecosystems function under changing environmental conditions.

5) How important is modeling in this FOA?

Modeling is a central emphasis. The FOA asks applicants to frame their ideas explicitly around improving process representation in Earth system models rather than treating modeling as an optional add-on. A major theme is connecting observations and experimental findings to model development and model evaluation.

6) What ecosystem processes are highlighted as important for Earth system model improvement?

The FOA emphasizes mechanisms controlling carbon, nutrient, water, and energy cycling and their implications for greenhouse gas fluxes, with a focus on reducing uncertainties in terrestrial ecosystem function under changing conditions.

7) Are managed ecosystems (like agriculture or plantations) a focus of this opportunity?

The FOA emphasizes non-managed terrestrial ecosystems, as opposed to intensively managed agricultural or plantation systems.

8) What is the relationship between the TES program and DOE's Earth System Modeling (ESM) Program?

The announcement highlights an aligned interest from DOE's Earth System Modeling (ESM) Program, which supports development of the Community Earth System Model (CESM). This alignment makes the opportunity relevant both to teams generating new data/process understanding and to teams translating that understanding into improved land model capability.

9) When would a proposal be considered under the ESM Program interest described in the announcement?

For applicants whose work is more directly centered on model infrastructure and integration, the ESM Program will consider proposals focused on developing and coupling the CESM land model component.

10) What model is specifically named in the opportunity?

The Community Earth System Model (CESM) is specifically referenced, particularly in the context of developing and coupling the CESM land model component.

11) What types of model-related improvements are mentioned as relevant?

The announcement notes relevance to the next generation of land model algorithms, parameterizations, benchmarking approaches, and coupled model capability.

12) What is the activity category for this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is in the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" activity category.

13) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number is 81.049 (Office of Science Financial Assistance Program).

14) How many awards did DOE expect to make?

DOE expected to make about 15 awards.

15) What was the estimated total funding level for the program?

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

16) What was the anticipated award size range?

Individual awards were anticipated to range from $150,000 (floor) up to $1,050,000 (ceiling).

17) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement stated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement.

18) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility was broadly open ("unrestricted") to most entity types, with two explicit exclusions listed in the announcement.

19) Who is not eligible to apply?

Two exclusions were specified: (1) Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) contractors, and (2) certain nonprofit organizations classified under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995.

20) What were the key dates for this FOA?

Key dates listed include a posted date of July 20, 2012; an original closing date of November 12, 2012; a revised closing date of November 20, 2012; and an archive date of February 27, 2013.

21) What does it mean that the FOA has an archive date?

The archive date shown in the source data is February 27, 2013, indicating the opportunity was archived after the closing period listed in the announcement.

22) Who are the listed DOE contacts for this opportunity?

The point of contact information included Kimberlie J. Laing (Grant Analyst) and Daniel B. Stover (Program Manager) at the DOE Office of Science.

23) What kinds of questions should be directed to the listed contacts?

Based on their titles and how they are presented, the Grant Analyst contact supports applicant assistance, while the Program Manager contact is appropriate for program-related questions.

24) Does the opportunity emphasize data collection, modeling, or both?

Both. The FOA is relevant to teams generating new measurements and experimental results and to teams focused on translating that knowledge into land model development, evaluation, and coupled Earth system model capability.