Introduction to Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units in the Midwest Region

This document introduces 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 CESU Cooperative Agreements in the Midwest Region. It is an evolving document and will be updated as circumstances warrant.

THE COOPERATIVE ECOSYSTEM STUDIES UNIT (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).

CESUs IN THE NPS MIDWEST REGION

The University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL) was chosen as the host university for the Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (GP CESU) and the University of Minnesota (UM) was chosen as the host university for the Great Lakes-Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (GLNF CESU). The University of Missouri is the tentative selection as the host of the Middle and Upper Mississippi River Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. As indicated above the CESUs of the Midwest Region are part of a nationwide network of similar units organized around biogeographic regions. Although each CESU operates independently (e.g., has an individual annual work plan and strategic plan), they are linked together in the national network. Network coordination is provided by the national CESU Council that is composed of representatives from each of the participating federal agencies.

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, USGS-BRD, USFS, NPS, and BOR). The GP CESU has an impressive list of partners - Colorado State University , Langston University , Little Priest Tribal College, South Dakota State University, Texas A&M University , University of North Dakota, University of Nebraska (host), University of Minnesota , University of Oklahoma , University of South Dakota , and University of Wyoming . The GLNF CESU has six participating federal agencies (BLM, USGS-BRD, NPS, USFS, NCRS, and NASA). Likewise, the GLNF has impressive partners - Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Indiana University, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Southern University and A&M College, SUNY-College of Environmental Science and Forestry, University of Iowa, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, University of Minnesota (host), University of Toledo, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin, Madison, West Virginia University, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Great Lakes Commission, The Great Lakes Forest Alliance, International Association of Great Lakes Research, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Forest Resources Council, National Council of Air and Stream Improvement, The Nature Conservancy, and The Science Museum of Minnesota.

As a federal agency participant in the GP CESU and GLNF CESU Cooperative Agreements, the NPS is able to establish cooperative projects with the host universities and any of their partners under very favorable negotiated terms through the issuance of Modifications to the Cooperative Agreements establishing them.

Gary Willson is the National Park Service Research Coordinator for the GP CESU. Gary is housed at the University of Nebraska School of Natural Resource Sciences, Biochemistry Hall, Room 314A. 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.

Jerrilyn Thompson is the National Park Service Research Coordinator for the GLNF CESU. Jerrilyn can be reached at the University of Minnesota, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, Forest Resources Department, 314 Green Hall. Her phone number is 612-624-3699; her fax number is 612-625-5212. She can also be reached by email at Jerrilyn_Thompson@nps.gov. If you have questions about the GLNF CESU, or if you would like to discuss the procedures involved in using the GLNF CESU cooperative agreements for a National Park Service project, please contact her directly.

If you are planning to use either the GP or GLNF CESU, keep in mind the following:

  • The two host universities and their partners are linked to the NPS and the other participating federal agencies through cooperative agreements. NPS uses Modifications to those agreements to establish specific projects and to provide assistance.
  • Participating federal agencies can initiate Modifications directly with the host universities or any of their partners.
  • Among other things, a Modification 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 and GLNF CESU biogeographic regions can use the host universities and their partners to do cooperative projects through the GP and GLNF CESU cooperative agreements.    
  • Project approval is noncompetitive.
  • The universities and other institution partners have agreed to indirect charges of 17.5%.
  • Under the CESU cooperative agreements project funds may be transferred between institutions or between agencies and institutions, but not directly between the agencies.
  • Substantial federal involvement is required. Projects are collaborative, not contractual. Cooperative agreements are not to be used to circumvent applicable federal acquisition laws and regulations.

There are multiple steps involved in the establishment of projects at the Midwest Region CESUs. 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.