Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) | G23AS00136

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the funding opportunity number for this award?

The funding opportunity number is G23AS00136.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

The sponsoring agency is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

What type of funding instrument is being used?

This award is issued as a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement indicates that USGS expects substantial involvement in the project beyond what is typical for a standard grant. This can include collaboration on technical direction, methods, and/or project coordination.

Is this opportunity a competitive or discretionary award?

It is described as discretionary financial assistance through the CESU Program.

What program is this opportunity associated with?

The opportunity is administered through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program.

Who is eligible to apply?

Only organizations that are active, participating partners within the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network are eligible to receive this award.

Is eligibility limited to the Californian CESU network even though the work is in Alaska?

Yes. The listing specifies that the eligible partner must be within the Californian CESU network, while the research work itself focuses on Arctic Alaska streams on National Park Service lands.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $96,303.

What was the original closing date for this opportunity?

The original closing date was February 6, 2023.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 15.808.

How is this opportunity classified?

It is classified under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What is the main purpose of this project?

The core purpose is to support scientific analysis of collected water samples to better understand how iron (Fe) related processes are changing stream conditions in permafrost-influenced landscapes in Arctic Alaska.

What environmental issue is the project focused on?

The work focuses on water-quality impacts in Arctic Alaska streams affected by iron (Fe) seeps occurring on National Park Service lands.

Where will the study take place?

The project targets National Park Service lands within Noatak National Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

What types of water samples are being analyzed?

The project centers on analyzing surface water samples and hyporheic-zone samples (water moving through the sediments beneath and alongside streambeds).

What is meant by the hyporheic zone in this project description?

In this context, the hyporheic zone refers to water moving through the sediments beneath and alongside streambeds, which can influence stream chemistry and water quality.

What kinds of stream conditions will be sampled?

Samples are planned from a range of stream conditions, including unimpaired reaches (sites not showing iron seep impacts) and impaired reaches (sites where iron seep influence is evident).

Will the project include sampling downstream of impacted areas?

Yes. Sampling is planned at multiple points within impaired reaches and continuing downstream to track how iron impacts change over distance.

Why is sampling at multiple locations along a stream important for this project?

The downstream, multi-location approach is intended to determine whether water-quality conditions improve (ameliorate) or persist along a longitudinal gradient.

What is motivating the research scientifically?

Recent observations in Arctic Alaska suggest that permafrost thaw can increase the mobilization of iron and carbon from landscapes into waterways, potentially driving noticeable and measurable changes in stream water quality.

How are visual changes in streams connected to the project goals?

One visible sign of change described is a sudden change in stream color, which can signal altered iron cycling and correspond to major changes in water quality. The project aims to link these observed visual changes to measurable water chemistry.

What outcomes is the project aiming to achieve?

By supporting laboratory and analytical work on collected samples, the project aims to clarify the extent and behavior of iron-related impairment, connect visual indicators (like stream color changes) to chemistry, and strengthen understanding of thaw-driven landscape change effects on aquatic ecosystems in Arctic national parks.

Does the opportunity describe who will collect the samples?

The description emphasizes support for scientific analysis of collected water samples and discusses planned sampling designs, but it does not specify in the provided information which party is responsible for field collection.

Does the opportunity specify exact laboratory methods or parameters to be analyzed?

The provided information describes the analytical focus broadly (water-quality impacts tied to iron-related processes) but does not list specific laboratory methods or a detailed parameter list.

What role does the National Park Service play in the project area?

The iron seeps and associated stream impacts occur on National Park Service lands within the named park units. The funding opportunity itself is offered by USGS.