Great Plains                                    
    Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

Quick Links 

Home

What's New

Project Forms

Start a Project

How to Join  

Publications

Representative Contact Info

CESU Network

Links

INTRODUCTION TO COOPERATIVE ECOSYSTEM STUDIES UNITS AND THE GREAT PLAINS COOPERATIVE ECOSYSTEM STUDIES UNIT  (modified from Pacific Northwest CESU)

 This document introduces National Park Service (NPS) project managers to the Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU) concept and to the operating procedures in establishing a research, technical assistance, or education project using the Great Plains Cooperative  Ecosystem Studies Unit (GP CESU) cooperative agreement. It is an evolving document and will be updated as circumstances warrant.

THE CESU CONCEPT

 Management and stewardship of the nation’s public lands and waters requires skillful public service supported by sound science and responsive technical assistance.  Complex issues that transcend boundaries make it essential for agencies to work together.  Hence, a network of CESUs is being established to provide research, technical assistance, and education to agency managers and resource professionals.  The word cooperative emphasizes that multiple federal agencies and universities are among the partners in this program.  Ecosystem studies involve the biological, physical, social, and cultural sciences needed to address complex resource issues which include both natural and cultural resources (CESU Report to Congress, April 2000).

THE CESU NETWORK

Although each CESU operates independently (e.g., has an individual annual work plan and strategic plan), they are linked together in the national network.  The Network which consists of 17 CESUs was completed in 2003.  Network coordination is provided by the national CESU Council that is composed of representatives from each of the participating federal agencies.

GP CESU

The primary purpose of CESUs is to provide resource managers with high-quality scientific research, technical assistance, and education through the linking of partner agencies and universities. The GP CESU has five participating federal agencies (BLM, BOR, NPS, USGS, and USFS).  The GP CESU has 13 university partners - Black Hills State University, Colorado State University, Langston University, Little Priest Tribal College, North Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, Texas A&M University, University of North Dakota, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Minnesota, University of Oklahoma, University of South Dakota, and University of Wyoming.  The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is the host university for the GP CESU.  As a federal agency participant in the GP CESU cooperative agreement, the NPS is able to establish cooperative projects with the host university and partners under very favorable negotiated terms through the issuance of Task Agreements.   

Gary Willson is the NPS Research Coordinator for the GP CESU.  Gary is housed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, School of Natural Resources in 314A Biochemistry Hall.  His voice phone number is 402-472-5047; his fax number is 402-472-8390.  He can be reached by email at gwillson2@unl.edu or through NPS Lotus Notes.  If you have questions about the GP CESU, or if you want to discuss procedures in using the GP CESU cooperative agreement, please contact him directly. 

If you are planning to use the GP CESU to fund a project, keep in mind the following:

• The host university and partners are linked to the NPS and the other participating federal agencies through the GP CESU cooperative agreement.  NPS uses task agreements to the cooperative agreement to establish specific projects and to provide assistance.
• Participating federal agencies can initiate task agreements directly with the host university or any partner.
• Among other things, a task agreement a) explains the background of the project, b) establishes a statement of work that identifies exactly what the participating parties agree to do to accomplish the project, c) defines the products or deliverables to be produced by the project, and d) establishes a time frame.
• Parks outside the GP CESU biogeographic regions can use the GP CESU host university and partners to do cooperative projects through the GP CESU cooperative agreement.       

• Project approval is noncompetitive.
• The universities have agreed to indirect charges of 15% (17.5% beginning May 1, 2004).
• Under the GP CESU cooperative agreement project funds may be transferred between universities or between agencies and universities, but not directly between agencies.
• Substantial federal involvement is required.  Projects are collaborative, not contractual.  Task agreements are not to be used to circumvent applicable federal acquisition laws and regulations.

There are multiple steps involved in the establishment of projects through the GP CESU.  These are outlined in an accompanying document. The process is not overly complicated. Given ample time (usually two months), it is straightforward and efficient. Problems arise largely when inadequate time is allowed or when appropriate procedures are not followed.