Environmental System Science | DE FOA 0002184

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this DOE funding opportunity about?

This funding opportunity is from the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, within the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program, under the Environmental System Science (ESS) area. It seeks research proposals that build a stronger, more predictive understanding of how terrestrial ecosystems and subsurface environments function, especially when multiple processes interact at the same time.

What is the central scientific goal of the solicitation?

The central goal is to improve predictive understanding of terrestrial and subsurface systems by clarifying how physical, biogeochemical, ecological, hydrological, and geomorphological processes connect and co-evolve across space and time, and translating that understanding into improved Earth system models, ecosystem models, and reactive transport models.

Which DOE office and program are sponsoring this opportunity?

The opportunity is sponsored by the DOE Office of Science through the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program, under Environmental System Science (ESS).

What kinds of processes does DOE want to see addressed?

DOE is interested in work that explains linkages among physical, biogeochemical, ecological, hydrological, and geomorphological processes, including how those processes interact and evolve together over time and across different spatial scales.

How important is modeling in this opportunity?

Modeling is a major emphasis. A key theme is an iterative, model-driven cycle where models identify uncertainties and knowledge gaps, targeted observations and experiments are designed to address those gaps, and results are used to improve model structure and performance.

Does DOE expect proposals to include a plan for model improvement?

Yes. Proposals are expected to go beyond generating data or isolated insight and describe a clear pathway for incorporating findings into models to improve predictability, reduce uncertainty, or enhance representation of key processes.

What types of research activities are allowed under this FOA?

Proposed work may include new measurements, field experiments, advanced modeling, and/or synthesis studies. Applicants are expected to explain why the work is needed and how it addresses specific deficiencies in state-of-the-art models.

What does DOE mean by "interdisciplinary, hypothesis-driven" research here?

The opportunity emphasizes research that integrates multiple disciplines (for example, ecology, hydrology, geochemistry, geomorphology, and modeling) and is driven by testable hypotheses, with outcomes that meaningfully improve how land and subsurface processes are represented in models at local, regional, and broader scales.

What are the main topic areas for this funding opportunity?

DOE identifies two main topic areas: (1) Terrestrial Ecology and (2) Subsurface and Watershed Hydro-biogeochemistry.

What is included in Topic Area 1: Terrestrial Ecology?

Terrestrial Ecology focuses on linking aboveground and belowground processes, with an emphasis on advancing understanding of methane biogeochemistry. This includes research connecting plant activity, soil microbial processes, nutrient and carbon cycling, and environmental controls that influence methane production, consumption, and net emissions, particularly where those processes are not adequately represented in existing models.

Is methane specifically called out as an area of interest?

Yes. The Terrestrial Ecology topic area explicitly emphasizes methane biogeochemistry, including the processes and controls that drive methane production, consumption, and net emissions.

What is included in Topic Area 2: Subsurface and Watershed Hydro-biogeochemistry?

This topic area focuses on how hydro-biogeochemical processes function and change within watersheds, including the coupled behavior of water movement, geochemistry, and biological activity in the subsurface and across watershed gradients. The expectation is that results will improve integrated watershed modeling and predictive capability under varying conditions.

What scales of modeling or prediction does DOE care about?

The opportunity emphasizes improving representation of land and subsurface processes in models used at local, regional, and broader scales, with an eye toward better predictability and reduced uncertainty.

What types of models are mentioned as targets for improvement?

The opportunity mentions Earth system models, ecosystem models, and reactive transport models as key modeling targets that should benefit from the proposed research.

What does DOE mean by an "iterative, model-driven cycle"?

It refers to an approach where (1) modeling highlights uncertainties and knowledge gaps, (2) observations and experiments are designed to address those gaps, and (3) results are used to improve model structure and performance, repeating as needed to strengthen predictive capability.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is DE FOA 0002184.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 81.049.

What is the grant category or program type?

It is described as a discretionary DOE grant (and potentially other funding instruments) categorized under science and technology research and development.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of applicant types may apply, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications in the full announcement.

How many awards does DOE expect to make?

DOE anticipated making around 12 awards under this opportunity.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $1,000,000 per award.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was originally posted on November 7, 2019, and had an original closing date of February 20, 2020.

Does the opportunity focus on integrated watershed systems?

Yes. The description highlights improving process representation relevant to integrated watershed systems and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics, particularly where coupled processes influence predictability.

Is it enough for a proposal to only collect data?

No. The opportunity indicates that proposals should not only generate data or insight, but also present a pathway for incorporating findings into models to improve predictability, reduce uncertainty, or enhance process representation.

Are synthesis-only studies allowed?

Synthesis studies are mentioned as a possible component of proposed work, alongside measurements, field experiments, and advanced modeling, as long as the proposal clearly explains why the work is needed and how it addresses specific model deficiencies.