Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G24AS00293

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The goal is to investigate the causes of mule deer mortality in Wyoming, with a strong emphasis on understanding the role of chronic wasting disease (CWD). The work is intended to improve understanding of why mule deer are dying across multiple regions of Wyoming and to clarify how much mortality is attributable to CWD versus other causes.

Which agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

What type of award is being offered?

The funding instrument is a Cooperative Agreement, which typically involves substantial involvement by USGS in the project, such as shared planning, coordination, and/or scientific collaboration.

Is this a standard grant or something more collaborative?

It is designed to be collaborative. The notice frames this as a CESU-driven Cooperative Agreement, implying the project should leverage the CESU partnership model and involve active engagement by USGS rather than operating as a simple pass-through award.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is G24AS00293.

What is the maximum amount of funding available?

The award ceiling is $300,000.

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

The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 15.808.

What is the opportunity category?

This is listed as a discretionary funding opportunity.

What activity category does this opportunity fall under?

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

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are already participating partners of the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network. The opportunity is not broadly open to all universities or nonprofits unless they are part of that CESU program.

Does the project need to connect to existing mule deer research in Wyoming?

Yes. The proposed work is expected to tie directly into, and complement, an ongoing statewide focal herd study. The funded work is expected to integrate with existing monitoring and data collection efforts rather than operate as a stand-alone study.

What species and location are the focus of the research?

The primary focus is mule deer in Wyoming, and the study is intended to address mortality across multiple regions of the state.

What is chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the context of this opportunity?

CWD is described as a prion disease affecting cervids (including deer and elk). The notice emphasizes it as a major management concern because it is considered uniformly fatal and there are no proven effective treatments currently available.

Why is CWD being prioritized in this research?

The opportunity highlights that CWD has continued to spread widely despite extensive containment efforts. In Wyoming, CWD is described as enzootic and detected in most mule deer hunt units statewide. The notice also points to documented population-level impacts, including sharp CWD-associated declines in mule deer and white-tailed deer, and it notes that elk herds may also decline when infection prevalence surpasses a threshold reported in the literature.

What transmission pathways does the notice emphasize for CWD?

The notice emphasizes two key pathways: direct animal-to-animal contact and exposure through contaminated environments.

Does this opportunity involve coordination with state wildlife managers?

Yes. The work will be conducted in collaboration with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, indicating an applied, management-relevant effort coordinated between federal scientists and state wildlife managers.

Is the project intended to measure CWD impacts relative to other mortality causes?

Yes. A stated intent is to clarify how much mule deer mortality can be attributed to CWD relative to other causes across multiple Wyoming regions.

When was the opportunity posted and when are applications due?

The opportunity was created on March 21, 2024. The original closing date listed for applications is April 23, 2024.

Does the notice describe how widespread CWD is in Wyoming?

Yes. It states that CWD is enzootic in Wyoming and has been detected in most mule deer hunt units statewide.

Does the notice mention impacts on other cervids besides mule deer?

Yes. It notes sharp CWD-associated declines observed in mule deer and white-tailed deer in Wyoming and states that elk herds may also decline when infection prevalence surpasses a threshold reported in the literature.

What is the intended value of the CESU model for this project?

The CESU model is described as facilitating cooperative research, technical assistance, and education through partnerships. For this project, that implies the work should be structured to benefit from coordinated collaboration and shared expertise among partners.