Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner - Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G22AS00199

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity about?

This opportunity is a US Geological Survey (USGS) cooperative agreement intended to support applied research focused on lead exposure in Piute ground squirrels in southwestern Idaho. The work is connected to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) and the nearby Orchard Combat Training Area (OCTC).

Why is lead exposure a concern in the project area?

The NCA includes heavy recreational shooting activity, and OCTC is a military training installation. Because bullets and related materials can fragment and persist in the environment, lead can be distributed across soils and habitats. The opportunity emphasizes that, despite clear potential for contamination, there is still limited information on how wildlife in and around these areas is being exposed and what measured exposure levels look like across different land-use types.

Which species is the focus of the study?

The study focuses on Piute ground squirrels that were captured within the NCA and OCTC.

Is this funding meant to support new field data collection?

No. The goal is not to initiate a brand-new field study. USGS has already collected lead exposure measurements from captured Piute ground squirrels. The funding is intended to support completion of statistical analysis, interpretation, and publication-ready outputs using the existing dataset.

What data have already been collected by USGS?

USGS has collected lead exposure measurements from Piute ground squirrels trapped within the NCA and OCTC. The squirrels were trapped in multiple settings representing different expected exposure conditions.

What types of areas are included in the existing dataset?

The dataset includes squirrels captured in: (1) areas with relatively low levels of recreational shooting, (2) areas with high levels of recreational shooting, and (3) areas used heavily for military training.

What is the primary goal of the funded work?

The primary goal is to move existing lead exposure data from collection into a rigorous, formal published product. This includes completing the statistical analysis, interpreting results in a wildlife-lead context, and producing publication-ready outputs that can inform management decisions and future research.

What kind of analysis is expected?

The work is expected to produce a robust analysis comparing lead exposure patterns among low-shooting, high-shooting, and military-training areas, with interpretation aimed at improving understanding of exposure pathways and supporting land and wildlife management decisions.

Why is the funding mechanism a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant?

The opportunity is issued as a cooperative agreement because the work is expected to involve close collaboration. This indicates USGS will likely have substantial involvement in shaping the analysis approach, deliverables, and the pathway to publication.

Who is eligible to apply?

The award is limited to partners affiliated with the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network, specifically those participating in the Chesapeake Watershed CESU Program.

What is the CESU network, as described in the opportunity?

CESUs are structured partnerships that connect federal agencies with universities, nonprofits, and other organizations to deliver research, technical assistance, and education. This opportunity is explicitly issued under the CESU program framework.

What technical expertise is required for this project?

A central requirement is demonstrated expertise with statistical methods for censored datasets, which commonly occur in contaminant studies when measurements fall below detection limits or are otherwise partially observed.

What subject-matter background is expected from the partner?

The partner is expected to have experience with lead exposure in wildlife and a track record of publishing on this topic, reflecting the emphasis on credible interpretation and communication of findings.

What are the intended deliverables?

The opportunity describes deliverables as publication-ready outputs derived from the existing dataset, supported by rigorous statistical analysis and interpretation in a wildlife-lead context. The intent is a peer-reviewed or otherwise formal published product.

How will the results be used?

The results are intended to inform management decisions and future research in a complex, multi-use conservation landscape that includes recreational shooting and military training.

What is the maximum award amount?

The stated award ceiling is $20,000.

Which federal agency is offering this funding?

The funding is offered by the US Geological Survey (USGS).

What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is G22AS00199.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.808.

What is the funding type and category?

The opportunity is listed as discretionary funding. The activity category is "Science and Technology and other Research and Development."

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The posting date is February 3, 2022, and the original closing date is March 3, 2022.

Where is the study area located?

The study area is in southwestern Idaho, tied to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) and the Orchard Combat Training Area (OCTC).

What specific knowledge gap does this project address?

The opportunity highlights limited information on how wildlife living in and around the NCA and OCTC are being exposed to lead and what measured exposure levels look like across different types of use areas, despite the apparent potential for lead contamination from shooting and related activities.