EDMAP PA for Release 10182021.docx

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

-- EDMAP --

The Educational Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

Re-authorized in 2019 by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9)

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT No. G22AS00060

For Fiscal Year 2022

ISSUE DATE: October 21, 2021

CLOSING DATE & TIME:

January 3, 2022 at 3:00 PM ET

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT CAREFULLY AND NOTE ANY CHANGES

Paperwork Reduction Act Approval – OMB control number 1028-0088; Expiration Date 10/31/2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. Public Law, Program Priorities, and Geologic Map Products 6

PART II. Timetables, Eligibility, Format Instructions, and Proposal Evaluation 12

ATTACHMENT A: Mandatory EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet 29 ATTACHMENT B: Proposed Total Budget and Proposed Individual Project Budget Sheets 31

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Proposal Submission Forms and their Instructions

A. Mandatory EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet

B. Budget Sheets (Total Proposal and Individual Projects)

C. Special Terms and Conditions; Program and Financial Contact Information

D. State Geological Surveys - Contact Information

E. USGS Project Chiefs - Contact Information

F. Current (FY2021) EDMAP Projects

G. Forms required during and at the end of the project period (form is online only, not attached to this document)

SF-425 – Federal Financial Report (due at the end of project period and submitted electronically through FedConnect). This form is no longer attached but can be downloaded from: https://www.grants.gov/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html.

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT CHANGES

Given the extensive changes to the EDMAP Program Announcement for FY2022, the NCGMP will be available to field any questions you may have. Please direct any questions to Mike Marketti at mmarketti@usgs.gov.

Part I, B, EDMAP Component of the NCGMP: A new option for EDMAP Proposals was introduced in FY2022, Data Synthesis Projects. Data Synthesis Projects should be focused on training in skills relevant to the data modeling and synthesis needs of state-of-the-art geologic mappers. A Data Synthesis Project must also include training in geologic mapping field methods via a mentored field experience and the production of a geologic map.

Part I, B, EDMAP Component of the NCGMP: FY2022 EDMAP Proposals may propose inter-institutional collaboration so long as one PI is from a U.S. University with a geoscience or related department or program.

Part I, C, EDMAP Proposals: Language added in FY21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been removed.

Part I, C, EDMAP Proposals, Types of EDMAP Proposals: Definitions for Field-Focused and Data Synthesis Projects are provided.

Part I, C, EDMAP Proposals: Proposals must now include a new, detailed cover sheet that outlines the features of the proposal, Guidance Criteria being addressed, deliverables, and mentored field experience.

Part I, C, EDMAP Proposals: Two project categories for EDMAP now exist. Projects can either be proposed as Field-Focused Projects or as Data Synthesis Projects. Field-Focused Projects must focus on producing a geologic map based on extensive, mentored geologic field mapping. Data Synthesis Projects must focus generating a geologic map by using computational tools or other innovative technologies, such as machine learning, smartphone applications, modeling, remote sensing, drones, etc., and include a mentored field experience.

Part I, C, Funding Request Limits: The funding limit cap is now $35,000 for each primary graduate student mapper and $25,000 for each undergraduate primary student mapper per year.

Part I, E, Geologic Map Products: Specific definitions of a geologic map are provided for both Field-Focused Projects and Data Synthesis Projects.

Part I, E, Geologic Map Products: If submitting a deliverable in addition to a geologic map (e.g., a Data Synthesis deliverable), the PI must coordinate with the EDMAP Program Officer to ensure delivery to the NCGMP.

Part II, A, Timetables: Proposal Announcement Date and Closing Date have been updated.

Part II, B, Eligibility: Clarification that adjunct professors are eligible to participate and submit EDMAP Proposals.

Part II, B, Eligibility: If more than one institution is collaborating on an EDMAP Proposal, there must be a Principal Investigator named for each institution and all are equally responsible for completion of project. However, only one PI must be listed as the main point of contact with NCGMP.

Part II, C, Proposal Format Instructions: Mandatory EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet has been modified.

Part II, C, Proposal Format Instructions: Text indicating that not all deliverables will be geologic maps has been added throughout this section.

Part II, C, Proposal Format Instructions, 9, Budget Sheets: Note that software may now be purchased with EDMAP funds only if performing a Data Synthesis Project.

Part II, C, Proposal Format Instructions: Note that in collaborative proposals, partial match from each institution is allowed so long as the total reaches the 1:1 threshold.

Part II, F, Project Deliverables: Note that Data Synthesis Project deliverables may not be easily converted to a PDF and therefore, proposals must describe anticipated deliverable file formats.

Updated Attachment A (Mandatory EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet): Attachment A has been revised to include additional required information for FY2022: project type, corresponding list of deliverables and deliverable format, inclusion of contact information for any co-PI or collaborating institution, and explanation of required field experience.

A.7. Pre-Agreement Costs: Pre-agreement costs may now be considered and approved on a case-by-case basis. However, approval must be requested and granted prior to any incurring any expenses. Written approval must be given by the USGS Office of Acquisitions and Grants.

PART I. Public Law, Program Priorities, and Geologic Map Products

A. The National Geologic Mapping Act

The 102nd Congress recognized that the USGS and the State Geological Surveys needed a coordinated program to prioritize the geologic mapping requirements of the Nation, and to increase production of these geologic maps. The National Geologic Mapping Act (Public Law 102-285) was signed into law in 1992 and created the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP). The Act has been re-authorized four times since then, most recently by the 116th Congress in 2019 (S. 47: John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, sec. 5002). The Act recognizes that geologic maps are the primary database for virtually all applied and basic earth-science investigations.

The objectives of the NCGMP as outlined in the Act are to:

In 2016-2017, NCGMP went through a process of renewing its vision and mission by developing a new strategic plan. The vision of the USGS NCGMP is to create an integrated, three-dimensional, digital geologic map of the United States and its territories to address the changing needs of the Nation by the year 2030. The mission of the USGS NCGMP is to characterize, interpret, and disseminate a national geologic framework model of the Earth through geologic mapping and associated research in order to support the responsible use of land, water, energy, and minerals and to mitigate the impact of geologic hazards on society, thereby facilitating national security and economic growth through informed earth resource management.

The EDMAP Program continues to carry out NCGMP’s mission and address the Department of Interior’s Secretarial priorities by developing a national geologic framework through student training in skills needed for geologic mapping. Geologic mapping training supported by EDMAP provides the foundational capacity to capture the geologic framework information necessary to manage the Nation’s land and water resources, adapt to changes in the environment, and secure the Nation. In addition, EDMAP support helps to maintain strong academic geologic mapping programs which in turn produce a healthier workforce at geological surveys throughout the Nation.

B. EDMAP Component of the NCGMP

The primary objective of the EDMAP component of the NCGMP is to train the next generation of geologic mappers. To do this, the NCGMP provides funds for undergraduate and graduate students in research projects that involve all activities relevant to the creation of geologic maps (defined broadly as all maps that characterize the solid Earth and/or its constituents) as a major component. Through cooperative agreements, the NCGMP hopes to expand the research and educational capacity of academic programs that teach earth science students the broad range of techniques relevant to geologic mapping and the analysis of field, geophysical, borehole and remote sensing data. Another important goal is to increase the level of communication between the Nation’s geological surveys (both the USGS and State Geological Surveys) and those contributing to the geologic framework in the academic community. We hope that this improved communication will have two results: 1) the academic mapping community will more closely collaborate with geologic mapping projects at the USGS and State Geologic Surveys, and 2) more geologic maps produced in academic programs will eventually be made available to the public. As of 2021, EDMAP has funded over 1,370 students from over 170 universities.

In order to reflect the evolving skillsets required of geologic mappers, the onset of new technology in support of mapping, and new, emerging themes in geologic mapping, the FY2022 EDMAP Program Announcement includes a set of new funding opportunities represented as a new category of Proposal, Data Synthesis Projects. The NCGMP encourages the submission of novel EDMAP Data Synthesis Project proposals that involve training in skills relevant to the data modeling and synthesis needs of state-of-the-art geologic mappers – which may be such that they focus mainly data synthesis and modeling as the primary aspect of the proposed work – in addition to training in field methods (examples of potential data modeling and synthesis projects are provided later in this Program Announcement).

PLEASE NOTE: ALL EDMAP PROPOSALS, WHETHER FIELD-FOCUSED or DATA SYNTHESIS, MUST INCLUDE THE GENERATION OF A GEOLOGIC MAP. Requirements to produce a Data Synthesis geologic map can be found in Part I, section E, “Geologic Map Products.”

To expand the range of institutions and individuals that can take part in EDMAP, amongst other reasons, the NCGMP acknowledges that inter-institutional collaboration may be desirable to complete FY2022 EDMAP projects. Parameters for such collaborative proposals are described in Part II, section B, “Eligibility.”

A list of currently funded EDMAP projects can be found in Attachment F of this announcement.

For more information about the USGS NCGMP EDMAP program please visit: https://www.usgs.gov/core-science-systems/national-cooperative-geologic-mapping-program/.

C. EDMAP Proposals

Proposals are to be submitted for a 12-month continuous project effort. Each proposal should show a 1:1 Federal/Institution funding match. Only one proposal will be accepted from an individual Principal Investigator (PI) (Professor or faculty advisor), although more than one proposal can be accepted from a single institution if authored by different Principal Investigators. The Principal Investigator is required to write and submit the proposal.

For FY2022, proposals must include a new, detailed cover sheet that outlines the features of the proposal, Guidance Criteria being addressed, deliverables, and mentored field experience (see “Mandatory EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet” at the end of this Program Announcement).

1. Types of EDMAP Proposals

Each Proposed EDMAP Project must fall into one of two categories:

a. Field-Focused Projects

Field-Focused Projects are those that generate a geologic map, displaying specific geological strata or rock units, based on extensive mentored field mapping. The primary emphasis of Field-Focused Projects must be on student mapping in the field, as has been expected through previous EDMAP Program Announcements. In the case of a Field-Focused Project, a map showing 2D geologic framework must be produced.

b. Data Synthesis Projects

Data Synthesis Projects are those that incorporate emerging geologic mapping skills and field experiences to support the evolving need for broadly defined geologic mapping now and in the future. They must generate a geologic map (defined broadly as any map that characterizes the solid Earth and/or its constituents) as by using computational tools or other innovative technologies, such as machine learning, smartphone applications, modeling, remote sensing, drones, etc. (e.g., using machine learning to classify rock types based on remote sensing data).

A Data Synthesis Project could also collect new data, analyze preexisting data, or resolve anomalies in existing datasets so that they can be geospatially merged (e.g., mapping critical minerals or hazardous wastes in soils in an urban environment to address specific sources of contamination in runoff), and produce a geologic map (as defined above). This map must address a scientific or mapping methods problem and be based on earth-science data. Examples include a map of the physical characteristics or structure of an aquifer to help inform changing groundwater quality, a map generated using remote sensing data, predicting lithologies and/or structure across a region.

Given the needs of modern geologic mapping, such as digitizing existing paper maps and converting digital maps to the GeMS standard schema, the activities proposed under a Data Synthesis Project can take many forms while still being considered to train students in geologic mapping in ways that qualify for funding. They may include, for example, the development of targeted GIS and/or modeling skills needed for 3-dimensional mapping, development of digital applications to assist field mapping, the extraction and processing of data relevant to geologic mapping from third party data sets, and retroactively generating standards-compliant data from legacy mapping products. However, the major focus of a Data Synthesis Project, and the manner in which the deliverables will document student learning related to geologic mapping, must be clearly described in the proposal. All deliverables that document those outcomes must be identified on the “Mandatory EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet”.

All EDMAP proposals must include a mentored field experience focusing on aspects of 2D geologic mapping (for additional information, please contact the EDMAP Program Officer). However, the field experience may be different if proposing a Data Synthesis Project. For example, in the case of a Data Synthesis Project, the mentored field experience could be a guided field trip along transects aimed at understanding regional geology across a province. A proposed project would be considered eligible for Data Synthesis Project funding so long as the student learns skills that enable the creation of maps or spatially referenced models that are relevant to Earth science, and ultimately produces a geologic map (defined broadly as any map that characterizes the solid Earth and/or its constituents). The proposed mentored field experience for Data Synthesis Projects must be identified within the proposal and also specifically on the “Mandatory EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet.”

All proposals must inform or coordinate with either a State Geological Survey Project or a USGS Project that has a significant geologic mapping component. To obtain contact information for State Geological Surveys, see Attachment D or visit: http://www.stategeologists.org/; to obtain contact information for USGS Projects, see Attachment E. Even if you do not seek active participation by the State Geological Survey or the USGS, letting them know that you are planning a project in their state or field area fulfills this requirement. A written letter of acknowledgement or support from a State Geologist and/or a USGS Project Chief must accompany all proposals (see proposal criteria Coordination below). As part of this coordination and planning process, the method of eventual geologic map publication should be discussed very early in the planning process. However, receiving EDMAP funds does not constitute a guaranteed publication of any map.

D. Funding Request Limits

Field-Focused Projects: For projects in which the primary emphasis of the proposal is on extensive student mapping in the field, EDMAP allows funding requests of up to $35,000 for each graduate student primary mapper and $25,000 for each undergraduate primary mapper per year. A primary mapper is defined as the lead student mapper on an individual project and is responsible for their first-authored geologic map that is required to be delivered to the Program at the end of the project. Assistant geologic mappers are encouraged, but costs for assistant mappers are included in the overall request per primary mapper (for example, for one undergraduate primary mapper and two field assistants, the total request is still limited to $25,000). A proposal may request funding for multiple primary mappers (for example, one undergraduate primary mapper and one graduate primary mapper for a total request not to exceed $60,000), but each primary mapper is responsible for a separate first-authored map, and multiple deliverable maps are required in this case. For any questions regarding request amount limits per student, please contact the EDMAP Program Officer.

Data Synthesis Projects: Funding levels for innovative EDMAP proposals that include both student-generated geologic maps (defined broadly as any map relevant to any earth science discipline) and attention to data modeling and synthesis relevant to the needs of the USGI will also be $35,000 for graduate students and $25,000 for undergraduate students. A primary mapper is defined as the lead student mapper on an individual project and is responsible for their first-authored geologic map that is required to be delivered to the Program at the end of the project. Assistant geologic mappers are encouraged, but costs for assistant mappers are included in the overall request per primary mapper (for example, for one undergraduate primary mapper and two field assistants, the total request is still limited to $25,000). A proposal may request funding for multiple primary mappers (for example, one undergraduate primary mapper and one graduate primary mapper for a total request not to exceed $60,000), but each student is responsible for a separate first-authored map, and multiple deliverable maps are required in this case. For any questions regarding request amount limits per student, please contact the EDMAP Program Officer.

E. Geologic Map Products

Statements below addressing the characteristics of geologic maps within EDMAP are generally applicable to all products, including those generated through Data Synthesis Projects. Where geologic mapping-related products in addition to student-generated maps are to be produced (e.g., a Data Synthesis Project focused on developing a smartphone application to assist with field classification of rocks), the proposal must describe how standards of equal rigor will be upheld for the products.

The EDMAP definition of a 2D geologic map created by a Field-Focused Project is one supported by a robust material-properties-based geologic framework of geological features and strata that is regularly updated, well-coordinated, multi-resolution, seamless, and that can be interpreted into various customized and user-friendly derivative map products. At minimum, a geologic map should include: (1) a clear and legible base (include base map credit and map projection), (2) scale (fractional and bar) and contour interval, (3) north arrow and magnetic declination, (4) title, authorship, publisher (or the institution that carried out the mapping), and date, (5) index map showing mapping contributions by the student author(s) and by previous mappers, (6) field data or field data stations, (7) description of map units, (8) explanation of map symbols, (9) unit symbols on map. All maps submitted under EDMAP also must show the bounding coordinates, in DMS notation. A geologic map may also include correlation or sequence of map units, stratigraphic columns, cross sections, other down-hole or three-dimensional data, derivative maps, and text, but these additions are not required. Geologic maps in digital form also may contain a variety of point data for specific sites, essentially comprising a 3D database.

The EDMAP definition of a geologic map in the case of a Data Synthesis Project is defined broadly as any map that characterizes the solid Earth and/or its constituents. The geologic map shall, at a minimum, contain, if applicable: (1) a clear map projection, (2) scale (fractional and bar), (3) north arrow and magnetic declination, (4) title, authorship, publisher (or the Institution that carried out the mapping), and date, (5) field data or field data stations, if field data were collected, (6) description of relevant discrete or continuous map units, (7) explanation of map symbols, (8) unit symbols on map.

In the case of both Field-Focused and Data Synthesis Projects, deliverable geologic maps will consist of data acquired and/or originally analyzed during the award period and, if applicable, mapped at a scale deemed appropriate for the geologic problem being addressed. It is hoped that students will learn techniques of mapping, and emphasis is on the development of new maps and/or new mapping methodologies. If applicable, Principal Investigators must plan mapping projects in coordination with other mapping projects in your field area, as the NCGMP will not fund two maps of equitable scale or of similar purpose from both EDMAP and STATEMAP/FEDMAP Programs. All EDMAP deliverable maps are required to be submitted as high quality digital Portable Document Format (PDF) files that address the minimum requirements for map components and notation as described in the previous paragraph. Any GIS or desktop-publishing files that were developed during the preparation of the PDF should be included in the deliverable. Please coordinate with the NCGMP office if producing a deliverable that is not listed (e.g., a Data Synthesis deliverable) here so that a mechanism for delivery can be developed. At the end of an awarded Cooperative Agreement period of performance, your EDMAP deliverables are required to be delivered to the NCGMP Program Office.

Because your student’s maps and other products are a significant component of the NCGMP, we will post all current projects as well as maps delivered under EDMAP to the USGS National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) website (http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/), which currently provides access to more than 100,000 geoscience publications (see https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Prodesc/proddesc_109645.htm for an example EDMAP deliverable). Current ‘Mapping in Progress’ EDMAP projects can be found at https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/mip/. In addition to the generated products, we will archive any source files (e.g., ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator) for future use by other geologists, upon written request. If you do not want your student’s deliverable posted to the NGMDB website, indicate that to us in your transmittal letter when you submit your deliverable. Unless otherwise indicated, your student’s deliverable will be uploaded to the website with a disclaimer watermark identifying it as an unpublished EDMAP deliverable. Since many EDMAP products do not get published, we feel that this is an excellent way for map users to find these geologic products as well as a way for students to show their good work. We recommend that you work with your partnering State Geological Survey toward publication of your student’s deliverable(s), as applicable.

To assist the student and Principal Investigator in map preparation, specifically, various general and NCGMP-supported resources for cartography and database design are available at https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/. This site is the recommended starting point for preparation of EDMAP products. We recommend that you follow the FGDC Cartographic Standard and the GeMS database schema. NCGMP has adopted the GeMS schema as the standard to be used for all NCGMP-funded map products from USGS and State Geological Surveys. Additional resources on GeMS can be found at https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/. Please contact Dave Soller (drsoller@usgs.gov) with any questions about these resources.

PART II. Timetables, Eligibility, Format Instructions, and Proposal Evaluation

A. Timetables

Proposal Announcement Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2021 Closing Date and Time for Proposal Submission: January 3, 2022 @ 3:00 p.m. (EST)

B. Eligibility - Who May Submit a Proposal

EDMAP is restricted to U.S. Universities with geoscience or related departments or programs (for more information on whether your institution is eligible to submit an EDMAP proposal, contact the EDMAP Program Officer). University professors (including adjunct professors) must write and submit the proposals; the supported student(s) must not write the proposal. EDMAP Cooperative Agreements are intended to fund upper level (junior and senior) undergraduate and graduate (Masters and Doctoral) students. Undergraduate students must have received appropriate geoscience or related training prior to the time they are to begin the proposed project. While it is proper for the Principal Investigator to ask for some logistical financial support so that they may mentor their student(s) in the field for a credible amount of time, the bulk of the award is intended to support the student’s proposed efforts. EDMAP cooperative agreements do not support faculty/Principal Investigator salaries, nor do they support student tuition.

Proposals may involve collaborations between more than one institution. In this case, the proposal must describe how the collaboration enhances the ability of the collaborating institutions to meet eligibility requirements. A co-PI must be named for each institution, and all PIs and co-PIs (all of whom are considered “PIs” within this program announcement) share equally the responsibility for the completion of all aspects of the project. One PI must be named on the proposal as the point of contact for NCGMP communication, preferably the academic advisor of the funded student. Funding will be received by the University of the PI named as point of contact, with disbursements to other institutions made through inter-institutional agreements. NCGMP will not engage in such agreements, nor participate in enacting their provisions.

Principal Investigators that have been previously funded under EDMAP must be in compliance with requirements specified in previous EDMAP awards and must be in good standing (i.e., no delinquent deliverables still pending on a previous award) in order to apply for funding for FY2022. Failure to meet previous award requirements will be grounds for ineligibility.

1. Student Eligibility

Although EDMAP proposals are for one year of funding, a primary student may be supported by up to two EDMAP awards. Students may be funded for two consecutive fiscal years, or a student may be supported by an EDMAP award from two different institutions, degrees, or Principal Investigators. However, the student is only eligible for two years of funding cumulatively. The Principal Investigator must indicate on the “Mandatory EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet” if the student has been supported by any prior EDMAP funding. NOTE: The panel will only review one-year projects, so two-year projects are not eligible for funding.

C. Proposal Format Instructions

Proposals must be arranged according to the format and order provided below. Following this format ensures that every proposal contains all essential information and is evaluated equitably. All documents (except the SF 424 forms) must be combined and submitted as one Portable Document Format (PDF) file.

All proposals must include the following documents:

1. Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance (mandatory form provided in grants.gov). The person who electronically submits the SF-424 must have the authority to bind the University/Institution to the terms of the assistance award.

2. Standard Form 424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs (mandatory form provided in grants.gov).

3. Standard Form 424B, Assurances - Non-Construction Programs (mandatory form provided in grants.gov)

4. Negotiated Rate Agreement. Most States and Universities have a rate agreement. They are usually titled “State and Local Rate Agreement” or “Colleges and Universities Rate Agreement.” The document provides the rates approved for use on grants, contracts and other agreements with the Federal Government. New regulations (2 CFR 200.414) went into effect in 2015 stating that a recipient must provide a federally approved negotiated rate agreement or their indirect costs cannot exceed 10%. The language states the agency will comply with the recipients approved rate, however, this is exempt for individual program regulations that have restrictions regarding indirect costs. The program authority for EDMAP has a cap of 18%. If you request fringe benefits that are not referenced in your approved rate agreement or if you do not have a rate agreement to provide, please include a reference on how your fringe benefit rate(s) are determined for your university/institution.

5. Support letter from State Geologist or USGS Project Chief. A letter of acknowledgement or support from the State Geologist (or head of the State geological survey geologic mapping program) in the state that you are proposing to conduct field mapping and/or a USGS Project Chief is mandatory. It is highly recommended that discussions occur with the State Geologist and/or the USGS Project Chief prior to the request of a letter of support. Informing them of your proposed field mapping and/or research project is of benefit to everyone. If other organizations are supporting your proposed project, letters of support are welcome. See Attachments D and E for State and USGS contacts. For questions related to coordination with USGS Project Chief and/or State Geologists, please contact the EDMAP Program Officer.

6. Mandatory EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet. Please be mindful of the new requirements for FY2022.

7. Proposal Technical Section. This section of the proposal is limited to 10 single-spaced pages, no smaller than 11-point font size, and 1-inch margins. Remember that a graphic is worth a thousand words, and the Proposal Evaluation Panel has many proposals to read. The 10-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and personnel information. (The letter(s) of support, attachments, budget sheets and data management plan are not included in the 10-page limit.) The technical section of your proposal includes the following:

a. Abstract. The abstract must be no more than 350 words and include: (1) a statement of purpose, objective, or hypothesis, (2) research methods to accomplish the goal, (3) expected scientific or societal impacts of your research, (4) expected conclusions or outcomes, and (5) identify the state and quadrangle or areas that you will be mapping in or otherwise addressing through mapping-related activities. Please be clear and concise to briefly describe what you propose to do in your project. Do not include personal information.

b. Introduction. The introduction is a brief description of the problem and background. Particular reference should be made to any earlier geologic mapping, or geologic mapping going on nearby at present time. If the PI has received prior EDMAP funding in recent years, discussion of previous projects, results and impacts of previous results, and if/how this work relates to the work being proposed should be included. Please be as specific as possible and include a bibliography of previous EDMAP products. Please state if this project is a significant part of a thesis. The introduction is a good place to discuss coordination with a State Geological Survey or USGS.

c. Location and geologic setting. A clear, readable map (with scale) showing the location (with coordinates) of your project area should accompany the text. Please keep in mind that the Proposal Evaluation Panel may not be familiar with your proposed field area’s geography.

d. Purpose and Justification. This section should answer a few simple, but important questions. Why are you doing this project? What scientific questions are you addressing? What benefits will society receive from the mapping? If you have previously proposed similar research convey how the current proposal ties into it and how it is different. Please avoid boilerplate proposals from year-to-year.

e. Strategy for Performing the Project. This section should explain how your student will achieve the scientific results presented in the previous section through geologic mapping or other activities related to geologic mapping. If multiple students are involved, please be specific about the roles and individual projects and deliverables of each student. A short discussion about the digital cartography and GIS component related to the project is also beneficial. If the objectives can only be accomplished with the support of drilling, or other analytical services such as geochronology or geochemistry, or through the purchase of third-party assets (e.g., datasets) please describe these activities here. Keep in mind that most of the budget request should go toward support of the student, and that any support investigations (drilling and analytical services) or other purchased assets should be limited to less than 20 percent of the overall budget request.

f. Mentoring strategy and timetable. Provide a realistic mentoring approach and timetable for completing the mapping project A table embedded in your proposal can be a clear and concise way of conveying this information. Explain how much time the Principal Investigator/faculty advisor will spend directly engaged with the student(s) and what his/her specific role will be. Clearly discuss how the Principal Investigator/faculty advisor will mentor the student before, during, and after the field experience. If the student has experience in geologic mapping (for example, a second year EDMAP student), then explain why you may have a more flexible mentoring schedule versus working with a junior or senior undergraduate student. If the Principal Investigator plans to be closely engaged with the student throughout the project (e.g., in the field with the student mapper for the entire duration of the mapping project), then please explain how the student will gain independent experience with the techniques being learned. If applicable, explain how the Principal Investigator will mentor any field assistants, and explain exactly what the assistant(s) role will be. Will there be any student interaction with or mentorship from State Geological Survey staff or USGS scientists? The program considers project review by USGS and State geological survey partners an important part of EDMAP Projects and sharing your project plan with them is beneficial. NCGMP strongly encourages geologic mapping projects to utilize a buddy system approach to promote safe field practices. Please include a discussion of field safety if appropriate.

g. Deliverables. You must provide a list of all deliverables. If maps are produced, they must be submitted (with scale) and accompanying technical reports by quadrangle, portion of quadrangle, or study area (indicate bounding coordinates), that will be produced by this project. Keep in mind that the primary student mapper will be the first author of the deliverables while other students (e.g., mapping assistants) will be secondary authors or acknowledged on the deliverable. If two primary mappers are funded on a project, then two separate map deliverables and a breakdown of which map deliverable will be authored by which student are required. All EDMAP deliverables, when possible, are required to be delivered as a high quality digital Portable Document Format (PDF) files. See Part IV, Section F for more information about Project Deliverables.

h. Project Personnel. Proposed personnel must include the name of the Principal Investigator, other supervising professor(s), and student(s). Clearly list the primary student mapper(s) and those that will be assistants. A short biography of each will assist the Proposal Evaluation Panel to judge both the qualifications of the professor(s) and the ability of the student(s) to complete the geologic mapping project. Full CV/resumes are not required if sufficient biographical information is provided. The Principal Investigator should include educational information about the student’s prior geologic experience (e.g., field camp, analysis projects, or other mapping projects), and any course work that would help significantly in the project. The Principal Investigator and other supervising professors should include teaching experience relevant to the proposed project.

For projects that include inter-institutional collaborations, include the expected contribution and relevant background of each PI, co-PI, and other faculty member serving in a defined role. It is important that the proposal make it clear that the combined skills and knowledge of the faculty team warrant a collaborative approach to the project. Be sure to identify which faculty member is the point of contact for the NCGMP, which must be a faculty member at the lead institution (i.e., the institution submitting the proposal and receiving payments).

NOTE: As the timing of proposal submission comes soon after the beginning of the school year, we appreciate that it is sometimes difficult to identify the student(s) who will undertake some kinds of projects, especially in the case of new graduate students. Proposals submitted that do not identify the actual students who will do the project are allowed. However, the name, contact information, and biography/qualifications of ALL students involved in the project (e.g., primary mappers and assistants) must be submitted to the USGS, before the Office of Acquisition and Grants formally issues the cooperative agreement. This should give professors several extra months to identify students to undertake the project. It is preferred that most students will be identified in the original proposals (but this is not part of the proposal review criteria). Finally, even if the name and background information of the student(s) are not included in the proposal, it must be made clear whether the student is an undergraduate, a Masters, or a Doctoral student, and the minimal educational requirements and qualifications for the student(s). Otherwise, the Proposal Evaluation Panel will not be able to determine if the students are qualified to do the described level of work.

i. Other support. If the student has pending requests for support to perform a similar project from other institutions, these requests should be listed.

j. Budget explanation and justification. It is important that the Proposal Evaluation Panel understand your budget in order to determine if it is adequately justified for the proposed mapping project. The budget justification section should explain in detail the itemized budget in the included Budget Sheet (Attachment B).

8. USGS Data Management Plan

Proposals submitted to USGS must include a supplementary document of no more than two pages labeled "Data Management Plan" (DMP). This supplementary document should describe how the proposal will conform to USGS policy on the dissemination and sharing of research results and associated data. A valid DMP may include only the statement that no detailed plan is needed (e.g., “No data are expected to be produced from this project”), if the statement is accompanied by a clear justification. This supplementary document may include:

• the types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials, and other materials to be produced during the project;

• the standards to be used for data and metadata format and content (where existing standards are absent or deemed inadequate, this should be documented along with any proposed solutions or remedies);

• policies for access and sharing including provisions for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property, or other rights or requirements;

• provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and the production of derivatives; and plans for archiving data, samples, and other research products, and for preservation of free public access to them.

Additional guidance on data management plans is available from the USGS Data Management web site here: https://www2.usgs.gov/datamanagement/plan/dmplans.php

9. Budget Sheets (Attachment B). Only one budget sheet per proposal is required, but if, for logistical reasons, the budget request for one student is significantly different than another student, it may be useful to submit separate, individual budget sheets. Itemize budget sheets and include rates for salary and travel logistics. If there is a cost item that represents a large proportion of your proposal budget, the Proposal Evaluation Panel will want to know details. Please include a description of the cost share (cash vs. in kind). Examples of cost share (university/institution costs) include the Principal Investigator salary, student salary or assistantships, travel expenses, laboratory analysis, or other non-Federal support. If cost share includes support from another organization outside of the proposing institution, include a letter from that organization as evidence

PLEASE READ EACH CATEGORY DESCRIPTION BELOW AND PROVIDE THE DETAILED BREAKDOWN THAT IS REQUIRED FOR EACH. THIS WILL HELP AVOID POSSIBLE DELAYS IN PROCESSING A FUNDED PROPOSAL, AS AN AWARD WILL NOT BE ISSUED UNTIL ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION IS PROVIDED.

The budget should contain the following:

k. Salaries. Include all students (list number of students, salary rate and amount of time on project for each student). Federal EDMAP funds do not support Teaching Assistantships (TA). Research Assistantships (RA) are allowed but only for students working exclusively on the proposed project. No faculty salary is allowed (but faculty salary may be used as match). In collaborative proposals that involve more than one student, if the students are from different institutions it is permissible to use different salary levels, but these must be justified in a manner that demonstrates that any differential remains equitable.

l. Fringe Benefits. Propose your rates/amounts. If rates are audit approved, include a copy of the audit agreement and/or the name of the audit agency. In collaborative proposals that involve more than one student, if the students are from different institutions, it is permissible to use different fringe benefit levels, but these must be justified in a manner that demonstrates that any differential remains equitable. Audit approval documentation should be provided for each institution.

m. Field Expenses. Itemize the estimated travel costs (i.e., number of people, number of travel days, per diem rate, mileage rate, airfare or other transportation, and any other travel costs).

n. Miscellaneous. Federal EDMAP funds are not allowed for the purchase or rental of capital equipment, such as GPS units, rock hammers, Brunton compasses, hand lenses, cameras, or other nonexpendable items. Matching funds may be used for this purpose, provided they are directly related and essential to the project. Itemize supplies such as base maps, aerial photographs, petrographic thin sections, film, datasets and other expendable field and office supplies. List any contractual services and associated costs. Use this section to itemize costs that are not identified elsewhere on the budget sheet. (Provide an estimated breakdown to include number and cost for each item).

o. Drilling and analytical expenses. Drilling and analytical laboratory (e.g., geochemistry, geochronology, geophysics) expenses are to be capped to less than 20 percent of your total proposal costs. Please note, Federal EDMAP funds are prohibited from being used to fund analytical work at any Federal facility (matching funds for this are allowed).

ii. Teaching assistantships. Federal EDMAP funds are not intended for teaching assistantship salaries, nor are matching funds. EDMAP funds may be used to support student research assistantships if the student is working exclusively on the EDMAP project.

iii. Professional meetings. Federal EDMAP funds are not intended for travel or registration to professional meetings nor are they an acceptable Federal match.

iv. Software. Software licenses and maintenance contracts are non-allowable expenses (Federal or Institution match) IF the proposed project is a Field-Focused Project. Software is an allowable expense if proposing a Data Synthesis Project.

v. Overhead expenses. It is not permissible to use items or facilities (computers, computer facilities, plotters, rock lab, office space, etc.) as match that are already university/department/institution overhead expense. These items should be covered by indirect costs.

q. Total Direct Charges. Total for items k – o. Total direct charges MUST have a 1:1 Federal/Proposing Institution match. Failure to do so will result in automatic ineligibility and your proposal will not be further evaluated. The match side may be higher, but it must meet the 1:1 match requirement. In collaborative proposals, partial match from each institution is allowed as long as the total reaches the 1:1 threshold.

r. Indirect Charges. Show proposed rate and amount. Proposals must include a copy of the Indirect Negotiated Cost Rate between the institution and the Federal Government. NOTE: The 2009 Reauthorization of the National Geologic Mapping Act (Public Law 111-11) states that the USGS and recipients of EDMAP grants shall not use more than 15.25% of the Federal funds to pay indirect, servicing, or program management charges (which is equivalent to 18% of total direct costs). In collaborative proposals, different rates and amounts are allowed based on the direct costs to be received by each institution. A copy of the Indirect Negotiated Cost Rate must be included for each institution claiming indirect charges.

s. Matching Funds. Regardless of the Proposing Institution’s federally negotiated indirect cost rate, a Proposing Institution must show a 1:1 match of the total direct costs and no more than 18% on the Federal indirect cost line. Up to 18% of a Proposing Institution’s total direct costs may be used as a Proposing Institution match on the Proposing Institution’s indirect cost line. If a Proposing Institution chooses (or is required) to show a higher than 18% rate on the Proposing Institution’s indirect cost line it can be listed under “uncollected indirect costs” on the University/proposing Institution side, the result will be a higher Proposing Institution budget total than the Federal budget total. If the Proposing Institution’s approved rate is less than 18%, the approved rate must be used. This also applies to subcontracts. If you have a sub-award issued for a portion of your project the same rules apply to the 18% cap for indirect costs on the federal side. In collaborative proposals, partial match from each institution is allowed as long as the total reaches the 1:1 threshold.

NOTICE OF MATCH AMOUNT - Please note that in accordance with the program announcement a 1:1 match is required. If you, the recipient, chooses to provide an over match (i.e., exceeding the 1:1 match requirement), it is to your discretion but by doing so you will be held to meet that match amount referenced in your application. A modification will not be issued to reduce the match amount. An increased match does not increase your chances of award.

The following is a summary of what is required for the 1:1 match:

(i) A 1:1 Federal/Proposing Institution match is required…