Opportunity Information: Apply for G19AS00133
The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Great Lakes Northern Forests funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G19AS00133) is a small, targeted research grant offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a bureau within the Department of the Interior. Managed through the USGS Fort Collins Science Center (FORT), the award is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the work is expected to be collaborative in nature with meaningful involvement from the federal partner rather than a hands-off grant.
The core purpose of the project is to quantify ecosystem services delivered by agricultural lands using satellite (earth observation) data, with a specific focus on lands associated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). CRP fields are set aside under contract to achieve conservation outcomes such as improved wildlife habitat, reduced soil erosion, and better water quality. While satellites can efficiently track land cover and vegetation conditions across large areas, the opportunity notes that relatively little work has been done to translate satellite indicators into credible measures of the conservation and habitat benefits specifically tied to CRP lands.
A central challenge the project aims to address is that CRP land tenure is not static. Contracts expire, landowners may re-enroll, convert fields back to cultivation, or keep them in a less intensive land use that still provides conservation value. Because of this churn, decision-makers have limited information about what happens to environmental benefits after CRP contracts end. The opportunity highlights that fields that do not return to active cultivation may continue to provide meaningful habitat quality and other ecosystem services, and those benefits are not fully represented by simple acreage totals or enrollment statistics.
To close that gap, the project goal is to link remotely sensed indicators (for example, satellite-derived vegetation metrics and land cover signals) with ground-collected habitat quality data. In practical terms, this involves connecting what satellites "see" from above with on-the-ground measurements that reflect real habitat conditions and conservation outcomes. By pairing these two data sources, the project is intended to test and refine efficient methods for evaluating environmental benefits on CRP and post-CRP lands, potentially creating data products that can be updated over time and scaled across broader geographies than field sampling alone would allow.
The opportunity also emphasizes applied relevance and interagency usefulness. USDA and other partners are described as committed to a cooperative process to ensure that the resulting datasets, methods, and findings are directly usable for management and program decisions. In addition to improving understanding of CRP outcomes, the techniques developed through this work are positioned as transferable to other projects involving agricultural landscapes and Department of the Interior collaborators, suggesting the intent is to build a repeatable approach rather than a one-off analysis.
In terms of basic award details, this is a discretionary funding opportunity under CFDA 15.808, with one expected award and an award ceiling of $37,000. Eligibility is limited to a CESU partner (listed under "Others" with clarification referenced in the eligibility section of the full notice). The opportunity was created on September 4, 2019, with an original closing date of September 18, 2019, indicating a short application window typical of some CESU competitions.Apply for G19AS00133
- The Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 04, 2019.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 18, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $37,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Great Lakes Northern Forests funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G19AS00133). It is a small, targeted research award offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which is part of the Department of the Interior.
Which federal agency is offering and managing the award?
The award is offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is managed through the USGS Fort Collins Science Center (FORT).
What type of funding instrument is used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?
The award is structured as a cooperative agreement. This means the work is expected to be collaborative, with meaningful involvement from the federal partner, rather than a hands-off grant relationship.
What is the main purpose of the project?
The core purpose is to quantify ecosystem services delivered by agricultural lands using satellite (earth observation) data, with a specific focus on lands associated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
What is the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in the context of this opportunity?
CRP fields are set aside under contract to achieve conservation outcomes such as improved wildlife habitat, reduced soil erosion, and better water quality.
Why does this project focus on satellite (earth observation) data?
Satellites can efficiently track land cover and vegetation conditions across large areas. The opportunity notes, however, that relatively little work has been done to translate satellite indicators into credible measures of the conservation and habitat benefits specifically tied to CRP lands, which this project aims to address.
What gap or problem is this project trying to solve?
The project aims to address limited information about what happens to environmental benefits after CRP contracts end. Because CRP land tenure is not static and fields may transition to different land uses after contracts expire, decision-makers do not have a clear picture of how benefits change over time.
What does the opportunity mean by CRP land tenure not being static?
The notice describes several possible outcomes after CRP contracts expire: landowners may re-enroll, convert fields back to cultivation, or keep them in a less intensive land use that still provides conservation value. This turnover (or churn) makes it difficult to track outcomes using enrollment statistics alone.
Why are simple acreage totals or enrollment statistics not enough?
The opportunity emphasizes that environmental benefits are not fully represented by simple acreage totals or enrollment statistics, especially because some lands may continue providing meaningful habitat quality and other ecosystem services even after leaving the CRP.
What is the project approach described in the opportunity?
The project goal is to link remotely sensed indicators (such as satellite-derived vegetation metrics and land cover signals) with ground-collected habitat quality data. The intent is to connect what satellites detect with on-the-ground measurements that reflect real habitat conditions and conservation outcomes.
What kinds of data are expected to be used?
Based on the notice, the work involves (1) remotely sensed indicators, including satellite-derived vegetation metrics and land cover signals, and (2) ground-collected habitat quality data used to validate or interpret what satellites are observing.
What is meant by "remotely sensed indicators" in this context?
The opportunity gives examples such as satellite-derived vegetation metrics and land cover signals. These are measures obtained from earth observation data that describe vegetation condition and land cover characteristics across landscapes.
What is the intended output or benefit of linking satellite and ground data?
By pairing satellite indicators with ground habitat data, the project is intended to test and refine efficient methods for evaluating environmental benefits on CRP and post-CRP lands. The notice also points to the potential for creating data products that can be updated over time and scaled across broader geographies than field sampling alone would allow.
Is the project intended to be applied (management-relevant) or purely academic?
The opportunity emphasizes applied relevance and interagency usefulness. It describes USDA and other partners as committed to a cooperative process so that resulting datasets, methods, and findings are directly usable for management and program decisions.
Which partner agencies are mentioned as stakeholders or intended users?
The notice specifically references USDA and describes broader usefulness for other partners and Department of the Interior collaborators.
Does the opportunity suggest the methods could be reused beyond this project?
Yes. The techniques developed are positioned as transferable to other projects involving agricultural landscapes and Department of the Interior collaborators, indicating the intent to build a repeatable approach rather than a one-off analysis.
How many awards are expected?
The opportunity indicates one expected award.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $37,000.
Is this a discretionary funding opportunity?
Yes. The notice states this is a discretionary funding opportunity.
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.808.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to a CESU partner. The opportunity notes this under "Others" and indicates additional clarification is referenced in the eligibility section of the full notice.
What CESU network is referenced in the opportunity?
The opportunity is identified as the CESU Great Lakes Northern Forests funding opportunity.
When was the opportunity created and when did it close?
The opportunity was created on September 4, 2019, and the original closing date was September 18, 2019.
What does the timeline suggest about the application window?
The dates indicate a short application window, which the notice characterizes as typical of some CESU competitions.
What is the key theme of collaboration for this award?
Because it is a cooperative agreement managed by USGS (FORT), the work is expected to be conducted collaboratively with meaningful involvement from the federal partner, and with a cooperative process that includes USDA and other partners to ensure practical usability of the results.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Grants - Cook County, Illinois with the exception of the City of Chicago
Previous opportunity: Accessible Anza Trail Experience Community Design Installation
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for G19AS00133
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (G19AS00133) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Migratory Bird Monitoring, Assessment and Conservation Apply for F19AS00368 Funding Number: F19AS00368 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| NSF INCLUDES Planning Grants Apply for 19 600 Funding Number: 19 600 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fish and Wildlife Coordinatination and Assitance Program Apply for F19AS00374 Funding Number: F19AS00374 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| Department of Defense Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) FY20 Science & Technology Program Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Development of Advanced Technologies for Diagnostic Sensors and Neutralization of Buried & Surface Munitions in Land En Apply for N00014 19 S B003 Funding Number: N00014 19 S B003 Agency: Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent - Modeling of Sea Cliff Retreat Apply for USGS 19 FAC 0421 Funding Number: USGS 19 FAC 0421 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $195,000 |
| Notice of Intent Apply for USGS 19 FA 0176 Funding Number: USGS 19 FA 0176 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $251,402 |
| Oceanographic Facilities and Equipment Support Apply for 19 602 Funding Number: 19 602 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $8,500,000 |
| The Next Generation of Evaporation Pans Agreement R17AC00074 Modification 004 and 005 Apply for BOR UC 19 N010 Funding Number: BOR UC 19 N010 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $365,259 |
| DoD Combat Readiness - Rapid Development and Translational Research Award Apply for W81XWH 19 S CRRP Funding Number: W81XWH 19 S CRRP Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Municipal Solid Waste Management and Materials Redeployment Apply for DE FOA 0002170 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002170 Agency: Department of Energy, Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fish and Wildife Coordination and Assistance Programs Apply for F19AS00381 Funding Number: F19AS00381 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| Environmental Sustainability Apply for PD 20 7643 Funding Number: PD 20 7643 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Environmental Engineering Apply for PD 20 1440 Funding Number: PD 20 1440 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fish and Wildlife Coordination and Assistance Program Apply for F19AS00385 Funding Number: F19AS00385 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Fish and Wildlife Coordinaion and Assistance Programs Apply for F19AS00386 Funding Number: F19AS00386 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| FY19 Short Line Safety Institute Program Apply for FR RRD 19 004 Funding Number: FR RRD 19 004 Agency: Department of Transportation, DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,400,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Unit Studies Apply for F19AS00387 Funding Number: F19AS00387 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Notice of Intent Apply for USGS 19 FA 0177 Funding Number: USGS 19 FA 0177 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $654,963 |
| Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit Apply for F19AS00388 Funding Number: F19AS00388 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Fish and Wildlife Coordination Assistance Programs Apply for F19AS00391 Funding Number: F19AS00391 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "G19AS00133", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.