B -- REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS -- COOPERATIVE ECOSYSTEM STUDIES UNITS The Federal government is establishing a network of Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESUs). Each CESU will be a working collaboration among Federal agencies and universities. The CESU network will provide research, technical assistance and education to Federal land management, environmental and research agencies. Proposals are sought from universities to participate in the establishment of up to four pilot CESUs in FY98. These pilot CESUs will serve four selected biogeographic areas of the country: 1) the Colorado Plateau, 2) the Rocky Mountains, 3) the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and 4) the North Atlantic Coast. All universities granting doctoral degrees and serving the identified areas are eligible to submit proposals. Proposals are due 31 January 1998. A Request For Proposals (RFP) is available to eligible universities. The RFP includes a detailed description of the CESU concept and instructions for preparation of proposals. Copies can be provided by surface mail only. To receive the RFP, a university official should make the request by fax to the CESU Working Group Chair (fax: 208.885.4261), and provide a university mailing address.

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