Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Hawaii-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G21AS00613

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the funding opportunity number (FON) for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is G21AS00613.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

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

What type of award is this?

This is a USGS discretionary cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement typically involves substantial involvement by the federal agency during the project, such as coordination on objectives, methods, deliverables, and/or application of results to management needs.

What is the main purpose of this cooperative agreement?

The purpose is to strengthen research and rapid-response capacity for managing the brown treesnake (BTS) across the Pacific Region, with a clear focus on protecting insular communities. The work is intended to produce practical, science-based approaches that improve BTS control and containment and can be deployed quickly when new incursions are suspected or confirmed.

What problem is this funding trying to address?

The central problem is that the brown treesnake is a cryptic, nocturnal species that is notoriously difficult to detect, control, and contain once it arrives. Because of these traits, prevention, interdiction, and rapid response are treated as high-stakes priorities.

Why is Guam highlighted in the opportunity description?

Guam is identified as a cautionary example where the introduction of brown treesnakes led to severe ecological damage and broader economic harm. The Guam experience is used to underscore the importance of preventing new introductions and responding quickly when incursions occur.

Is the funding intended for basic research or applied work?

The funding is intended for applied, operationally useful work rather than basic research in isolation. The supported efforts are meant to generate tools, methods, and strategies that improve real-world BTS control, containment, and rapid response.

What kinds of outcomes is USGS looking for from funded projects?

Funded work is expected to generate practical, science-based approaches that improve the effectiveness and speed of BTS management. This includes approaches that can be deployed quickly during suspected or confirmed BTS incursions.

How does this opportunity connect ecological protection to broader regional needs?

The opportunity notes that BTS impacts biodiversity and can disrupt key infrastructure and operations. Because of that, the work is also tied to regional security considerations, including military readiness.

How does this cooperative agreement relate to other federal partner efforts?

The program is described as a way for USGS to provide scientific support that aligns with and strengthens the missions of other federal partners working on BTS interdiction, rapid response, and conservation. The agreement positions USGS to deliver research, technical support, and rapid-response science to improve the effectiveness of ongoing management across the region.

Which federal partners are specifically mentioned in the notice?

The description specifically mentions the Office of Insular Affairs as a funder of interdiction and rapid-response programs designed to protect islands from BTS arrivals. It also highlights the Department of Defense as a funder of interdiction and conservation programs tied to maintaining military readiness.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is restricted to applicants who are already formal partners in the Hawaii-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU).

What is the CESU program and why is it emphasized?

The CESU structure is described as a partnership model designed to deliver research, technical assistance, and education through collaboration. This opportunity is issued under the CESU Program and is limited to eligible CESU partners affiliated with the Hawaii-Pacific Islands CESU, reflecting an intent to leverage established regional networks and on-the-ground partnerships.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

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

What CFDA number is listed for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 15.808.

When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on 2021-08-16.

What was the original closing date?

The original closing date was 2021-09-07.

What is the maximum award amount (ceiling) stated in the notice?

The stated award ceiling is $375,000.

What region is the work focused on?

The opportunity focuses on the Pacific Region, with a stated emphasis on protecting insular communities.

What is meant by "rapid-response" capacity in this context?

In this context, rapid-response capacity refers to the ability to deploy science-based tools, methods, and strategies quickly when new brown treesnake incursions are suspected or confirmed, supporting faster and more effective management actions.

Why is interdiction emphasized alongside research?

The notice emphasizes interdiction because BTS is difficult to detect and contain once established. Interdiction and fast response are positioned as crucial prevention-oriented priorities, informed by the impacts experienced in Guam.

Does the notice suggest USGS will be involved during the project?

Yes. Because the award instrument is a cooperative agreement, the notice indicates it typically implies substantial federal involvement during the project, such as coordination related to objectives, methods, deliverables, and/or the application of results to management needs.

What is the overall intent behind limiting the opportunity to Hawaii-Pacific Islands CESU partners?

The intent is to leverage established CESU partnerships and regional networks to deliver research and technical support efficiently and to strengthen on-the-ground capacity to address brown treesnake risks across the Pacific Region.