Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) | G26AS00158

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this USGS funding opportunity about?

This opportunity funds applied research to understand how spatial differences in geotechnical sediment properties (how the sediment behaves and resists erosion) influence coastal geomorphic change during storms. The premise is that beaches, barrier islands, and nearshore environments do not respond the same way everywhere during hurricanes and other extreme events because the sediment varies from place to place.

2) What problem is USGS trying to solve?

USGS is aiming to improve the science and modeling tools used to predict storm-driven flooding and erosion along U.S. coastlines. The work is motivated by the need for better, more realistic storm-impact predictions, highlighted by the heavy damage during the 2022 hurricane season (including Hurricanes Ian and Fiona).

3) Why do sediment properties matter for storm impacts?

Geotechnical sediment variability can strongly influence whether a shoreline erodes gradually, rebuilds after storms, or crosses damaging thresholds such as barrier island breaching. Breaching can significantly increase inland flooding, so understanding where and why these thresholds occur is central to improving hazard prediction.

4) What types of coastal environments are in scope?

The notice specifically references beaches, barrier islands, and nearshore environments, focusing on their storm response and geomorphic evolution under extreme events.

5) What is the main technical focus of the project?

The technical emphasis is improving a coupled ocean-wave-sediment modeling system so it can simulate storm impacts more realistically by incorporating geotechnical variability in the seabed and beach. The project recognizes that the geotechnical side of the problem can be decisive during extreme conditions.

6) What does “coupled ocean-wave-sediment modeling” mean in this context?

In this opportunity, it refers to a modeling approach that simulates multiple interacting processes at the same time, including ocean currents, water levels, wave groups, and evolving coastal landforms, along with the sediment behavior that governs erosion and deposition.

7) Which geotechnical sediment properties are specifically mentioned?

The opportunity calls out sediment porosity, grain size, and critical erosion stress (the stress threshold at which sediment begins to erode) as key factors to examine.

8) What range of conditions should the research consider?

The research is expected to examine coastal response across a range of conditions, from calm scenarios to high-intensity storm impacts.

9) What outcomes or deliverables is USGS looking for?

The stated value is improved predictive capability for geomorphic change during storms. This improved capability is intended to support storm and emergency preparedness and help decision-makers evaluate or manage coastal protection measures, infrastructure, and engineering projects.

10) How will the results be used in practice?

The improved storm-impact prediction capability is framed as supporting real-world planning, hazard assessment, and infrastructure protection efforts. The notice emphasizes that better predictions help stakeholders prepare for severe events and inform decisions about coastal protection measures and engineering projects.

11) How does this opportunity relate to national resilience?

The project is positioned as supporting national resilience by improving tools and data that stakeholders can use to prepare for severe storm events, with the goal of reducing impacts from flooding and erosion.

12) Why does the notice mention energy security and domestic energy priorities?

The notice ties the work to federal directives focused on expanding domestic energy production and addressing a national energy emergency. It argues that reliable characterization of coastal processes and seafloor conditions helps safeguard and develop energy resources and related infrastructure, including assets near or on federal lands.

13) What kinds of infrastructure are implied as beneficiaries of better storm-impact prediction?

The notice highlights coastal energy and transportation corridors, along with energy resources and related infrastructure, as areas where improved storm-impact prediction can help identify vulnerabilities and support continuity of operations during severe storms.

14) What is the funding source for this award?

Funding is provided through a disaster supplemental appropriation associated with Hurricane Ian (Public Law 117-328). The stated purpose is improving data and tools that stakeholders can use to prepare for severe events.

15) What is the award type?

The award mechanism is a cooperative agreement.

16) What does a cooperative agreement imply for how the project will be run?

The notice indicates that a cooperative agreement typically involves substantial USGS involvement during the project. Examples given include collaboration on technical direction, data integration, model development, or dissemination.

17) How much funding is available?

The award ceiling is $350,000.

18) How many awards does USGS expect to make?

USGS expects to make one award.

19) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to applicants that are already participating partners in the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program.

20) What is the Gulf Coast CESU Program and why is eligibility limited to it?

CESUs are collaborative partnerships designed to connect federal agencies with universities and other research organizations to provide research, technical assistance, and education. This award is intended to leverage the existing Gulf Coast CESU network to advance storm-impact modeling capabilities that can be transitioned into practical use.

21) What is the application deadline?

The application deadline listed is September 11, 2026.

22) What is the program classification and activity category for this opportunity?

The opportunity is classified as discretionary under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category.

23) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 15.808.

24) Is this project strictly a coastal hazards project?

It is framed as a coastal hazards effort (improving prediction of storm-driven flooding and erosion), but it is also explicitly linked to broader priorities like national resilience and energy security.

25) What coastal storm impacts are highlighted as especially important to predict?

The notice emphasizes erosion outcomes and threshold behaviors such as barrier island breaching, which can dramatically increase inland flooding.