Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Desert Southwest CESU | G20AS00089

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What agency is offering this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), through the USGS Powell Center.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is G20AS00089.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 15.808.

What type of award is being used for this opportunity?

This opportunity is issued as a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement indicates the project is expected to involve substantial involvement or collaboration with USGS during the period of performance, rather than operating as a fully independent grant.

What network or program context does this award fall under?

The opportunity is offered under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network, specifically the Desert Southwest CESU.

What activity category does this opportunity fall under?

The program sits within the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category.

What is the project topic or scientific focus?

The scientific focus is "Forecasting Mosquito Phenology in a Shifting Climate: Synthesizing Continental-scale Monitoring Data."

What is the main purpose of the project?

The project aims to improve understanding and prediction of mosquito seasonality (phenology) across broad geographic areas of the United States, particularly as climate conditions change, by synthesizing monitoring information from many sources and building forecasting models.

How is this project different from a typical local mosquito study?

Rather than focusing on isolated local datasets, the work is designed to pull together monitoring data from many sources into standardized metrics and models that support continental-scale analysis, near-real-time forecasting, and future climate scenario predictions.

How many awards did USGS anticipate making?

USGS anticipated making a single award.

What is the maximum funding amount for the award?

The maximum (award ceiling) is $125,000.

When was the opportunity originally posted?

The opportunity was originally posted on June 15, 2020.

What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date was July 27, 2020.

What are the major project goals described in the opportunity?

The opportunity outlines four main goals: (1) assemble multiple mosquito datasets from across the United States into a single national-scale data resource, (2) develop standardized mosquito phenology metrics ("mosquito phenometrics") from periodic count data, (3) build predictive models of mosquito seasonality for species representing different life-history strategies, and (4) implement models to produce real-time/short-term forecasts and longer-term predictions under future climate scenarios.

What does "assemble multiple mosquito datasets into a national-scale data resource" involve?

It implies locating and obtaining disparate monitoring datasets, harmonizing formats and metadata, reconciling differences in collection methods where possible, and consolidating the information into a dataset suitable for continental-scale analyses.

What are "mosquito phenometrics" in the context of this project?

"Mosquito phenometrics" are standardized, quantitative descriptors of mosquito seasonal activity derived from monitoring data, such as estimated emergence timing (when mosquitoes begin appearing), peak timing (when abundance is highest), and season duration (how long activity persists).

Why does the opportunity emphasize deriving phenology from periodic count data?

Many mosquito surveillance programs collect counts at regular intervals rather than continuously, so a key technical need is developing robust ways to estimate phenology and seasonal patterns from intermittent observations.

What kinds of models is the project expected to develop?

The project calls for predictive models of mosquito seasonality that can be used for near-real-time and short-term forecasts of mosquito activity and for longer-term predictions of how seasonal patterns may shift under future climate scenarios.

Is the project limited to a single mosquito species?

No. The opportunity specifies developing models for species that represent different life-history strategies, indicating inclusion of multiple representative species rather than only one.

What does "species that represent different life-history strategies" mean here?

It indicates the modeling should cover a set of mosquito species that capture meaningful variation in how mosquitoes develop, reproduce, and respond to environmental conditions, with the intention of improving generality across different types of mosquitoes.

What kinds of outputs are expected from the modeling work?

The opportunity emphasizes actionable outputs, including real-time and short-term forecasts of mosquito activity (to support current-season awareness and planning) and longer-term predictions of changes in seasonal patterns in future climate conditions.

What potential uses are mentioned for the project results?

The results are positioned to support public health, natural resource management, and scientific understanding of how mosquito activity responds to a changing climate.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with additional clarification referenced in the full announcement text.

Does the opportunity indicate any special eligibility considerations?

Yes. Because it is issued under the CESU network (Desert Southwest CESU) and eligibility is categorized as "Others," applicants are expected to confirm eligibility details in the specific notice language, as CESU opportunities often involve CESU member institutions or partners.