Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G24AS00290

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is this funding opportunity?

This is a US Geological Survey (USGS) discretionary funding opportunity offered as a cooperative agreement under the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) framework. The work supports science and technology research related to river channel morphodynamics in the western Grand Canyon segment of the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park.

2. What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is G24AS00290.

3. What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 15.808.

4. What type of award is being offered?

The award mechanism is a cooperative agreement. This typically indicates substantial involvement by the federal agency during the project, such as coordination on the scope, data, methods, and/or deliverables.

5. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is restricted to organizations that are confirmed participating partners in the Colorado Plateau CESU. Entities that are not part of that CESU partnership are not eligible under this announcement.

6. Is this opportunity open to applicants outside the Colorado Plateau CESU?

No. The notice specifies that eligibility is limited to "other" applicants that are confirmed partners in the Colorado Plateau CESU.

7. What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum (ceiling) award amount is $60,000.

8. What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?

The creation date is March 6, 2024, and the original closing date is April 8, 2024.

9. What is the primary research focus of the proposed work?

The central goal is to quantify how the river channel is changing as the Colorado River reworks former reservoir sediment, with a focus on river channel morphodynamics in the western Grand Canyon segment.

10. Where is the study area?

The work targets the western Grand Canyon segment of the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park, with particular attention to the Lake Mead Delta area.

11. Why is the Lake Mead Delta area specifically highlighted?

The Lake Mead Delta area is emphasized because it has transitioned from a reservoir-influenced environment to a more river-like setting, making it a key location to study channel adjustment as the river reworks stored sediment.

12. What kinds of channel change does the project aim to quantify?

The research targets two main types of geomorphic change: (1) vertical incision (downcutting of the riverbed) and (2) lateral bank erosion (sideways retreat of riverbanks).

13. Does the project aim to measure rates of change, locations of change, or both?

Both. The intent is to measure how fast incision and bank erosion are occurring and to map where they are happening to identify spatial patterns across the study reach.

14. What methods are emphasized in the opportunity?

The opportunity emphasizes integrating multiple lines of evidence, including repeat topographic and bathymetric surveys, analysis of aerial photographs, and pairing geomorphic observations with streamflow and sediment transport measurements and estimates.

15. How are repeat topographic and bathymetric surveys expected to be used?

They are used to detect changes in the riverbed and banks through time, calculate erosion or deposition volumes, and identify hotspots of incision and bank retreat.

16. What is the purpose of using aerial photographs in this research?

Aerial photographs can extend the observational record and help track planform adjustments such as bankline migration or bar development.

17. How do streamflow and sediment transport relate to the geomorphic analysis?

The opportunity highlights the importance of pairing observed channel changes with measurements and estimates of streamflow and sediment transport so that changes can be interpreted in the context of hydraulic forces and sediment supply.

18. What broader questions or management-relevant issues can this research inform (as described in the notice)?

The type of information produced is typically important for understanding sediment dynamics, channel stability, habitat conditions, and how the river corridor may evolve under different flow and sediment regimes.

19. What category does this opportunity fall under?

It falls under the category of Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

20. What does it mean that the opportunity is issued under the CESU framework?

The CESU framework is designed to facilitate collaborative research, technical assistance, and education between federal agencies and partner institutions, and this award is being offered within that collaborative structure.