Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests | G18AS00056

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), Great Lakes Northern Forests funding opportunity (G18AS00056)?

This is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) discretionary grant offered through a cooperative agreement under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Great Lakes Northern Forests network. It supports research, technical assistance, and education focused on wildlife pathology.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity was issued by the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

What type of funding instrument is used for this award?

The award is offered through a cooperative agreement.

What is the main purpose of this funding?

The purpose is to advance science and applied research that helps explain and respond to wildlife health issues, with a specific focus on wildlife pathology and strengthening the nation's capacity to diagnose, understand, and manage diseases affecting wildlife populations.

What kinds of activities does the grant support?

The opportunity supports research, technical assistance, and education activities focused on wildlife pathology. The description also notes potential involvement in diagnostic pathology, field and laboratory support, and research aimed at understanding disease processes, tissue damage, and how diseases spread through wildlife populations.

What is meant by wildlife pathology in the context of this opportunity?

Wildlife pathology here refers to the work of veterinary wildlife pathologists who investigate wildlife diseases and how they develop (pathogenesis). This includes determining why animals are getting sick or dying and identifying the biological processes involved.

Why is there an emphasis on veterinary wildlife pathologists?

The opportunity targets veterinary wildlife pathologists because their expertise helps identify disease processes, interpret diagnostic findings, and support surveillance and response when wildlife outbreaks occur.

Does the opportunity address zoonotic diseases?

Yes. A major emphasis is placed on zoonotic diseases, including diseases that can spread between wildlife and humans or that have broader public health implications.

How does this work relate to public health and the human-animal interface?

By studying disease in wildlife, pathologists can provide practical insight into connections among wildlife, domestic animals, and human health, especially when new or poorly understood pathogens appear in the environment.

What problem or need is this funding trying to address?

The description cites limited training pathways that meaningfully integrate wildlife pathology into a national wildlife disease program, a shortage of comprehensive information on existing wildlife diseases, and a continuing need to detect and characterize emerging diseases early.

Is workforce development or training part of the intent?

Yes. The award supports efforts that help attract and train the next generation of wildlife pathologists to build national expertise for wildlife disease diagnosis, interpretation, surveillance, and outbreak response.

How is the opportunity aligned with USGS programs?

The work is closely aligned with the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, which investigates wildlife morbidity and mortality events to determine underlying causes (etiology).

What is the role of the USGS National Wildlife Health Center mentioned in the description?

The National Wildlife Health Center investigates wildlife sickness and death events and works to determine their causes (etiology). The funded work may support or align with that type of investigation through pathology, diagnostics, and related research activities.

What disease topics or examples are highlighted as relevant to this opportunity?

The description highlights areas that benefit from wildlife pathology expertise, including White Nose Syndrome in bats, Snake Fungal Disease, and emerging diseases affecting amphibians. These examples indicate the kinds of high-priority syndromes and taxa that may remain important for national wildlife health.

What is the activity category and CFDA number associated with this funding?

The program is listed under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category and is associated with CFDA 15.808.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to CESU partner organizations. The eligible applicants are listed as "Others," with eligibility typically further clarified in the full eligibility text, consistent with the CESU model.

Is this award intended for more than one recipient?

No. The opportunity anticipated one expected award.

What was the maximum funding amount available?

The anticipated funding level was up to $99,851 (award ceiling).

When was the opportunity originally posted and when did it close?

The original posting date was June 6, 2018, and the original closing date was June 20, 2018.

What is the geographic or network context referenced by the opportunity title?

The opportunity is associated with the CESU Great Lakes Northern Forests network, as indicated in the opportunity name.

What outcomes is the program ultimately trying to strengthen at the national level?

It is designed to strengthen the nation's capacity to diagnose, understand, and manage diseases affecting wildlife populations, including improving early detection and characterization of emerging diseases.