Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G21AS00475

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) discretionary funding opportunity issued as a cooperative agreement through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, specifically the Gulf Coast CESU.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The purpose is to support research that determines lethal and sublethal water temperature thresholds for the Texas hornshell (a freshwater mussel). The results are intended to help resource managers understand instream flow needs and set temperature- and flow-related targets that support survival and long-term persistence of the species in the Black River.

Which species is the focus of the research?

The project focuses on the Texas hornshell, a freshwater mussel.

What river system is this work intended to support?

The opportunity is framed around management needs for the Black River, with an emphasis on establishing river conditions (temperature and flow-related) that reduce stress and mortality for Texas hornshell populations.

What does "lethal water temperature threshold" mean in this context?

"Lethal" thresholds refer to water temperatures and exposure durations that cause death. The intent is to identify the combinations of temperature and time that result in mortality.

What does "sublethal water temperature threshold" mean in this context?

"Sublethal" thresholds refer to temperatures that do not immediately kill the mussels but still produce harmful biological effects. The opportunity describes examples such as reduced growth, impaired reproduction, physiological stress, weakened immune response, and behavioral changes that can increase vulnerability over time.

Why are both temperature and exposure duration important?

The opportunity emphasizes that biological impacts depend not only on how warm the water gets, but also on how long mussels are exposed. The deliverable is described as thresholds tied to both temperature levels and exposure durations.

How will the research be used by resource managers?

The stated management intent is to translate biological tolerance limits into actionable environmental targets. Examples given include guidance on maximum allowable water temperatures, seasonal temperature limits, and flow conditions that prevent the river from warming beyond tolerable ranges.

What are the expected scientific deliverables?

The core deliverable is identification of thermal thresholds at different levels of biological impact, including lethal and sublethal thresholds, to directly support instream flow and temperature management decisions for the Black River.

What does it mean that the project may operate across multiple time scales?

The opportunity indicates openness to a combination of near-term outputs and longer-horizon work. Near-term outputs could include initial threshold estimates or management-relevant benchmarks that can be applied quickly. Longer-term components could include additional experimentation and refinement of thresholds under varying conditions, such as differences across life stages or acclimation histories.

Is this a standard grant or a cooperative agreement?

It is a cooperative agreement, which generally means USGS expects substantial involvement during the project beyond what is typical for a standard grant.

What kind of involvement might USGS have during the project?

Based on the description, USGS involvement may include collaboration on study design, coordination with ongoing monitoring or management efforts, and joint interpretation of results to ensure findings are directly usable for decision-making.

How does the CESU framework affect the project?

The opportunity is issued through the CESU Program, which emphasizes partnerships that connect federal agencies with qualified research institutions and organizations to produce applied science, technical support, and education with practical outcomes.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are official partners in the Gulf Coast CESU Program. While the opportunity lists the eligible applicant category as "Others," the controlling requirement is Gulf Coast CESU partnership status.

Can non-CESU partners apply?

Based on the eligibility language provided, applicants must be official partners in the Gulf Coast CESU Program, so non-partners would not meet the stated eligibility requirement.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is G21AS00475.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.808.

What is the activity category for this funding?

The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What is the maximum federal funding amount?

The posted maximum federal funding amount (award ceiling) is $44,800.

When was the opportunity created and when did it close?

The opportunity was created on April 14, 2021, with an original closing date of May 28, 2021, indicating it was a time-limited competition.

What overall conservation or management outcome is the project aiming to support?

The project is described as a focused applied research investment aimed at protecting and managing Texas hornshell populations in the Black River by defining temperature stress and mortality boundaries and using those findings to inform instream flow requirements and management thresholds.