Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units

CESU
CFDA 15.678 Active Cooperative Agreements
No open Grants.gov opportunities under this program right now. Browse all Department of the Interior programs →

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding
$341K FY2024
$5M
FY17
$4.6M
FY18
$9M
FY19
$7M
FY20
$1.9M
FY23
$341K
FY24

Program Objective

The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Network is a national, collaborative consortium of federal agencies, tribes, universities, state and local governments, and other partners that provide scientific research, technical assistance, and education on natural and cultural resource issues to federal land management, environmental, and research agencies. There are currently 17 CESUs throughout the country. Each is comprised of a host university, multiple federal agencies, and additional academic and nonfederal partners.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Federal
  • State governments
  • Local governments
  • Other public organizations
  • State
  • Native American organizations

Beneficiaries

  • 19

University faculty; federal employees by accessing increased opportunities for interdisciplinary, multi-agency research projects related to federal resource management issues; any entity which may, will, or can benefit from the contemplated activity; students, researchers, experts, and instructors as members of the general public.

How to Apply

Application Procedure

Funding opportunity announcements and complete application instructions are posted online at Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov. All applicants must submit a complete, signed Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance.

Award Procedure

Applications for funding will be reviewed and approved by USFWS staff based on the project-specific review criteria to be detailed in the funding opportunity posting. USFWS staff will notify applicants of review results by either issuing a fully executed Award either electronically or through the mail, or by sending written notification to the applicant that the application will not be funded.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 120 to 180 days
Program details & compliance

Description

The USFWS is no longer making new awards under this program. The Assistance Listing remains active to allow the Service to close all currently open awards and report any associated amendments to government-wide systems that require the identification of an active Assistance Listing number as a key reporting element.

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

CESU awards can be used for research, studies, assessments, monitoring, technical/scientific assistance, and educational services having to do with natural science or cultural resources. CESU projects can be funded only as cooperative agreements. Partners must be approved partners of the CESU Network. No construction projects or purchase of real property is allowed. 100% of funding is discretionary.

Required Documentation

Applicant must be associated with a CESU Network institution.

Reporting & Compliance

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Anna-Marie York
703-358-1881
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 5275 Leesburg Pike MS: SA , Falls Church, VA 22041-3803
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2025-08-15. Spec v1.0. Last synced: 2026-05-30 02:32:31.