Cooperative Agreement for CESU Partner with Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G23AS00379

FAQs: USGS HayWired Scenario Toolkit Workshops and Tool Development (CESU Cooperative Agreement)

What agency is offering this funding opportunity?

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

What type of funding instrument is being used?

This is a discretionary financial assistance opportunity offered through a cooperative agreement (not a standard grant).

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

The opportunity states that substantial USGS involvement is implied. In practice, this typically means closer collaboration with USGS during the project period, including coordination on deliverables and ongoing technical interaction while the work is being performed.

What program framework is this opportunity issued under?

The award is issued under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, a partnership framework intended to provide research, technical assistance, and education services in support of federal priorities.

Which CESU network is this opportunity tied to?

Eligibility is limited to an eligible partner within the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network.

Who is eligible to apply?

Only organizations that are already participating partners of the Californian CESU Program are eligible. The opportunity explicitly indicates that other applicants are not eligible under its terms.

What is the overall purpose of the award?

The award focuses on practical, workshop-based technical assistance tied to the HayWired Scenario Toolkit. It is intended to help USGS meet growing demand for HayWired Toolkit workshops, broaden the toolkit's relevance and use for small minority business interests, and expand the toolkit by adding a new tool that addresses food supply and food security concerns during a major disruptive event.

What is the HayWired Scenario Toolkit?

It is described as a planning and preparedness resource built around the HayWired earthquake scenario. The workshops are intended to help stakeholders learn the toolkit, apply it to real planning questions, and improve readiness for cascading impacts.

What are the main objectives or components of the funded work?

The funded work is organized around three connected objectives: (1) facilitating four HayWired Scenario Toolkit workshops, (2) developing and publishing three new tools for the HayWired Scenario Toolkit (including a required food supply and food security tool and an emphasis on diversifying application for small minority-owned business needs), and (3) facilitating four additional workshops based on the newly created tools.

How many workshops are expected in total?

The opportunity describes a total of eight workshops: four initial HayWired Scenario Toolkit workshops, followed by four additional workshops based on the new tools after they are created.

What is the purpose of the first set of four workshops?

The first four workshops are intended to support convenings where stakeholders can learn the HayWired Scenario Toolkit, apply it to real planning questions, and improve readiness for cascading impacts from a major event.

What must be produced for the HayWired Scenario Toolkit?

The recipient is expected to develop and publish three new tools for the HayWired Scenario Toolkit.

Is any specific tool required among the three new tools?

Yes. One of the three new tools must directly address food supply and food security concerns in the context of a major disruptive event.

Why is food supply and food security included as a required topic?

The opportunity notes recognition that disasters can interrupt distribution, access, and critical supply chains in ways that affect households, businesses, and community stability. The required tool is meant to address those concerns within the toolkit.

How does the opportunity address small minority-owned businesses?

The tool-development task includes an emphasis on diversifying how the toolkit is applied by incorporating the needs and perspectives of small minority-owned businesses, which the opportunity notes may face distinct vulnerabilities and recovery barriers.

What is the purpose of the second set of four workshops?

After the new tools are created, the recipient will facilitate four additional HayWired Scenario Toolkit workshops based on the new tools. These workshops are intended to test, socialize, and promote practical adoption of the expanded toolkit content.

What is the posted maximum award amount?

The posted award ceiling is $35,000.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is G23AS00379.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The catalog of federal domestic assistance (CFDA) number listed is 15.808.

What activity category is associated with this opportunity?

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

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on 2023-06-07.

What was the original closing date?

The original closing date was 2023-07-07.

What is the focus of the technical assistance being funded?

The focus is practical, workshop-based technical assistance tied specifically to the HayWired Scenario Toolkit, including facilitating workshops and expanding the toolkit through publication of new tools.

Does this opportunity indicate anything about demand for the HayWired Toolkit?

Yes. It is described as designed to help USGS meet growing demand for HayWired Toolkit workshops.

Is this opportunity intended to expand the toolkit itself?

Yes. In addition to workshop delivery, it explicitly includes developing and publishing three new tools, including a new tool focused on food supply and food security.

Is the work described more research-focused or practice-focused?

Based on the description provided, the work is heavily practice-focused: facilitating workshops, providing technical assistance, and developing publishable toolkit tools intended for planning and preparedness use.