CESU Materials - FAQs
1. Is the CESU Network a Department of the Interior effort?
The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) concept was initiated in discussions between the Biological Resources Division of the USGS and the National Park Service. The potential of CESUs to serve resource management and environmental agencies throughout the Federal government quickly became apparent. The DOI Science Board took an active interest in the CESU concept soon after, and encouraged DOI agencies to consider participating. Additional agencies outside the DOI are now involved, and the CESU Network is a multi-agency and interdepartmental effort.
2. How many CESUs are envisioned in the Network?
Seventeen CESUs have been established competitively since FY99, and in 2005 the Network was completed.
3. Must an agency decide to be involved at this time?
No. Agencies can decide to join the CESU Network at any time. However, decisions on implementing the CESU Network and establishing individual CESUs are being made by those agencies that commit resources (funds and/or staff) to the Network.
4. Must an agency be involved in each CESU that is established?
No. Agencies can elect to be involved in only those CESUs that meet their needs and available resources.
5. If an agency joins a CESU and the CESU Network, does it relinquish control of positions or funds?
No. Personnel duty-stationed at a CESU report to their agency, and funds are administered by the agency. Agencies may collaborate and share resources on activities that meet mutual needs.
6. How are partner universities involved?
Partner universities significantly expand the capability and resources of a CESU. A partner university may provide unique facilities, expertise or access to research materials. Through cooperative agreements, projects at partner institutions can be efficiently initiated and conducted.
7. How are CESUs selected and located?
The CESU Council has developed criteria for selection of CESUs. A Request for Proposals is distributed, and interested universities submit brief proposals. Participating agencies and the selected universities then work together to establish a CESU.
8. How long will cooperative and joint venture agreements last?
CESU agreements will be for a minimum of five years, with renewal options.
9. Must all CESUs involve all disciplines of research needed by resource managers?
No, but broad interdisciplinary skills will be highly valued in selecting CESU host and partner universities. Across the Network, host and partner universities make accessible to managers the full range of expertise, skills and disciplines needed for sound management of natural resources.
10. How will CESUs affect existing cooperative programs between Federal resource management agencies and universities?
Establishing a CESU at a host or partner university does not alter existing arrangements or cooperative agreements. By augmenting those programs and relationships, CESUs create additional opportunities for interdisciplinary and multi-agency research and technical assistance.
11. Will the CESU Network result in more bureaucracy?
No. Each agency's personnel and budgets will be controlled by that agency and managed within its existing administrative structures. The CESU Council provides coordination and technical support to the CESU Network, and is composed of current staff of the participating agencies.
12. Why is the CESU Network necessary?
Many of the elements of a CESU and the CESU Network currently exist in other organizations. However, there is no multi-agency, university-based, broadly interdisciplinary, and ecosystem-oriented system currently providing scientific research, technical assistance, and education to Federal resource managers. The CESU Network complements existing Federal research programs, and is an innovation in the delivery of Federal science. Such an innovation is necessary to increase agency coordination, share scarce resources and valuable expertise, and deal with the broad and complex problems associated with resource management in the 21st century.
13. How can I learn more about the CESU Network?
For more information, use this website or contact the CESU National Coordinator.
