PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT & REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, SECOND ROUND OF 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 five additional CESUs in FY00. These CESUs will serve five selected biogeographic areas of the country: 1) Pacific Northwest (including SE Alaska), 2) Californian, 3) Desert Southwest, 4) Great Plains, and 5) South Florida/Caribbean. All universities granting doctoral degrees and serving the identified areas are eligible to submit proposals. Proposals are due 15 January 2000. 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 Coordinating Council Chair (fax: 208.885.4261), and provide a university mailing address. Posted 09/20/99 (W-SN382296).

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