Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G23AS00047

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What agency is offering this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

What is the focus of the project?

The project focuses on research on the demography and genetics of the Mohave ground squirrel in southern California, with the goal of producing management-relevant information about the species' status and persistence.

What type of funding instrument is being used?

This opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement. That means substantial collaboration with USGS is expected, rather than a simple pass-through arrangement where the recipient works independently.

Is this a standard research grant or a collaborative project with USGS?

It is a collaborative project with USGS. The cooperative agreement format indicates the recipient should expect meaningful coordination and involvement with USGS throughout the work.

What program framework does this opportunity fall under?

The award is tied to the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) framework, which connects federal agencies with universities and other partners to deliver research, technical support, and education that inform natural resource management.

Which CESU is associated with eligibility for this funding?

Eligibility is limited to participating partners in the Chesapeake Watershed CESU Program.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must already be participating partners in the Chesapeake Watershed CESU Program. The competition is not open to the general public or organizations outside that CESU membership.

Is this opportunity open to organizations that are not CESU partners?

No. Based on the provided information, only existing participating partners in the Chesapeake Watershed CESU Program are eligible.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number is G23AS00047.

When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on October 13, 2022.

What was the original application closing date?

The original closing date listed is November 14, 2022.

What is the maximum federal funding available?

The maximum federal funding amount (award ceiling) is $90,000.

How many awards will be made?

The provided information does not specify the number of anticipated awards. It is described as a targeted project for a qualified CESU partner.

What category does this funding fall under?

The project sits within the Science and Technology/Research and Development category.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number provided is 15.808.

Why is this research needed right now?

The award is driven by a major gap in basic population information for the Mohave ground squirrel. Recent findings suggest the species may already be gone from the southern part of its range, while it continues to be detected in northern and central areas. Key demographic measures like annual survival, population size, and population trends are not currently known, limiting credible management and conservation decisions.

Where is the species and research area described in the announcement?

The Mohave ground squirrel is described as having a limited distribution in the Mojave Desert of southern California. The research is focused on that region.

What demographic information is the project trying to estimate?

The announcement highlights missing core demographic measures, particularly annual survival and population size or population trends. The intent is to generate estimates that clarify how populations are performing across space and time.

What data will be used for the demographic analyses?

A central feature is the availability of long-term trapping data. USGS and partners have accumulated trapping records over roughly the last 30 years, and the project is intended to leverage those historical data for robust demographic analyses.

What role does genetics play in this project?

Genetic work is intended to be paired with demographic insights to better understand population structure, connectivity, and potential isolation among remaining groups.

What kinds of conservation questions could the results help answer?

By combining demographic and genetic findings, the results can help identify whether declines or local disappearances are likely related to survival, reproduction, dispersal limitations, habitat fragmentation, or other stressors affecting long-term persistence.

How will the results be used for management or planning?

The goal is to produce actionable, management-relevant science that provides a clearer picture of the species' status across its remaining range and strengthens the scientific basis for future monitoring design, conservation planning, and recovery-oriented decision-making.

Does the announcement mention building a monitoring program or recovery plan?

Yes. The announcement notes that without core demographic estimates it is difficult to build the foundation for larger efforts such as a range-wide monitoring program or a formal recovery plan. The project aims to provide information that can support those future efforts.

Is this considered a discretionary award?

Yes. The opportunity is listed as a discretionary award in the provided description.

What makes this dataset notable compared to typical wildlife studies?

The announcement emphasizes an unusually long record of field data: roughly 30 years of trapping records. That long-term dataset is positioned as a key asset for producing stronger demographic estimates across space and time.

Does the opportunity emphasize collaboration requirements?

Yes. Because it is a cooperative agreement, the work is expected to involve substantial collaboration with USGS.