Notice of Intent | USGS 20 FA 0123

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity about?

This Notice of Intent from the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) describes a discretionary funding opportunity for research focused on how changing climate conditions are affecting biodiversity. The core theme is detecting "emergent trends" in ecologically relevant climate variables and using those signals to improve how scientists and managers evaluate biodiversity exposure to changing environments.

What does "detecting emergent trends" mean in this context?

In this opportunity, "emergent trends" refers to early, meaningful signals of change in climate-related conditions that matter biologically (for example, shifts in temperature- or moisture-related metrics, changes in extremes, seasonal timing changes, or other indicators that influence species, habitats, and ecosystems). The intent is to identify developing patterns before they become obvious in long-term averages.

What kinds of climate variables are considered ecologically relevant here?

The notice points to variables and indicators such as temperature-related metrics, moisture-related metrics, climate extremes, seasonal timing, and other biologically important indicators that can influence ecological systems and biodiversity exposure.

What is the main purpose of the project theme described in the notice?

The purpose is to improve how scientists and managers evaluate biodiversity exposure to changing environments by identifying early signals in climate-related conditions and linking those signals to potential risks or exposure for species, habitats, and ecosystems.

Is this opportunity primarily research-focused or implementation-focused?

Based on the description provided, it is best characterized as research-focused. It emphasizes methods, datasets, or analytical approaches that help detect and interpret climate-driven ecological change, with the practical goal of supporting earlier and more informed conservation and resource management decisions.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is from the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

What type of funding instrument will be used?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement.

What does a cooperative agreement imply for how the project will be managed?

A cooperative agreement typically means the USGS expects substantial involvement during the project, rather than a hands-off grant structure. This suggests active collaboration or engagement with the agency over the course of the work.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is Natural Resources.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The listing is associated with CFDA number 15.820.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. This generally includes state universities and similar public academic institutions.

Are private universities eligible to apply?

Based on the information provided, eligibility is limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. Private institutions are not included in the stated eligible applicant types.

How many awards does the agency expect to make?

The opportunity anticipates a single award, with an expected number of awards equal to 1.

What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling is $191,519.

Is the funding opportunity competitive?

The notice describes it as a discretionary funding opportunity. It also indicates a single anticipated award and an award ceiling, which typically aligns with a competitive selection process, but the details of the competition are not described in the information provided.

When was the opportunity posted?

The creation date listed is April 17, 2020.

What is the closing date listed in the notice?

The original closing date listed is May 1, 2020.

Does the timeline suggest a short application window?

Yes. The creation date of April 17, 2020 and closing date of May 1, 2020 indicate a relatively short response window, which is described as typical of notices that precede or accompany a more formal solicitation.

What is biodiversity exposure in the context of this notice?

In this context, biodiversity exposure refers to the degree to which species, habitats, and ecosystems may be subjected to changing environmental conditions as climate variables shift, including changes that can increase risk or stress for biological systems.

What kinds of outcomes is USGS likely seeking from the funded work?

The notice emphasizes improving detection and interpretation of climate-driven ecological change. It highlights identifying early signals in ecologically relevant climate variables and connecting those signals to potential risks or exposure for biodiversity, supporting earlier and better-informed decisions in conservation and resource management.

Is this opportunity designed to support collaboration with USGS?

The use of a cooperative agreement and the expectation of substantial agency involvement suggest that collaboration or coordination with USGS scientists or related partners may be part of how the work is conducted.

Does the notice indicate whether the project is narrowly scoped or broad?

The combination of a single anticipated award (1), a defined ceiling ($191,519), and the description implying a targeted collaboration suggests a relatively specific or narrowly scoped project rather than a large multi-award program.

What is the practical significance of focusing on "early signals" rather than long-term averages?

The notice indicates an interest in approaches that reveal developing patterns before they are obvious in long-term averages. This can support earlier awareness of emerging climate-related risks to species and ecosystems and enable more timely conservation or management responses.