Final PA G18AS00010.docx

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSCIAL

DATA PRESERVATION PROGRAM

(NGGDPP)

Authorized by The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58, Sec. 351)

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT No. G18AS00010

For Fiscal Year 2018

ISSUE DATE: December 12, 2017

CLOSING DATE & TIME:

February 13, 2018, 6:00PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT CAREFULLY –

THE PROPOSAL FORMAT HAS BEEN CHANGED

Paperwork Reduction Act Approval— OMB Control No. 1028-0087 Expiration Date: 08/31/2018 PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT: The Paperwork Reduction Act states that the agency must disclose why information is being collected, how it will be used, and whether you have to provide it. The National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program is collecting this information to evaluate submitted proposals seeking funding for data preservation-related activities. Your response is required to receive funding. A Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number (1028-0087). The average burden associated with this collection is estimated to average 36 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions and completing the required information. If you have comments about this form, please e-mail gs-info_collections@usgs.gov.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ii

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS ii

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT CHANGES iii

POINTS TO REMEMBER iii PART I: Public Law, Program Priorities, and NGGDPP Reports and Products

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

PART III. Proposal Guidelines

PART IV. General Provisions

E. Contacts………………………………………………………………………13 List of Attachments

Attachment D – Cost Principles, Audit, and Administrative Requirements………….37

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT CHANGES

Changes have been implemented in the 2018 Program Announcement. The requirement to describe past NGGDPP funded projects has been eliminated. In addition to proposing a data and collection preservation project, states may propose a pilot project to upload and store data files, in addition to metadata records, in the National Digital Catalog. States proposing to digitize geologic maps for use in GIS environments must adhere to the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP)-compliant standard, and these final map products must be submitted to The National Geologic Map Database. The proposal page limit has been reduced from 8 pages to 5 pages to encourage clear and concise project descriptions and reduce the burden on proposers and reviewers.

Several significant changes were implemented in the 2017 Program Announcement. These changes remain in this 2018 Program Announcement. Proposals submitted to the USGS must include a Data Management Plan (DMP) to conform with Executive Order of February 22, 2013, “Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research. Instructions for writing a DMP are explained in Part II. C.9. State applicants are required to provide curricula vitae (CV) for prime project personnel.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

· Describe the project and the process you expect to follow to complete the required work. If you are proposing multiple activities to complete the project, clearly state the work you will be doing for each activity. Please note that if reduced funds are awarded, scope of work may require modification.

· Verify the federal share of the cost of the proposed activities is no more than 50 percent of the total cost. The state portion can be larger than the federal portion; however, if the federal contribution is more than the state portion - regardless of the amount - the grant proposal shall be disqualified and will not be evaluated by the grant review panel. Review and verify budget numbers prior to proposal submission.

· Include appropriate descriptions of project personnel and their experience and skills to complete the proposed data preservation tasks. Extended supervisory hours performed by senior staff or other management activities for which funding is requested must be justified. Submit curriculum vitae or resumes (2-page maximum) for key personnel. (CVs do not count toward 5-page limit.)

· Provide a clear justification for preserving the selected data and materials. If you propose preserving multiple collections, prioritize the collections and provide rationale. Preserving USGS assets using NGGDPP funds is not allowed; collections proposed for preservation should be owned by your state geological organization. Strong justification is required for preserving collections owned by a private or another state entity (for example, state oil and gas commission).

· Equipment funding requests including scanners, computers, storage media, and relevant software licenses are acceptable as long as the equipment is necessary for the successful completion of the work funded by the NGGDPP. A full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote are required for any proposed equipment. The NGGDPP will not fund general software licenses, database software systems, or equipment required for your state’s IT infrastructure and operation, regardless of your proposed NGGDPP-related work.

· Non-allowable expenses under the NGGDPP include: excessive supervisory hours without appropriate justification; duplicate digitization/conversion of artifacts produced and preserved by other agencies; travel to conferences and workshops; tuition; and computer maintenance.

· Begin submitting your proposal to Grants.gov well in advance of the due date. Do not wait until the due date to begin the submission process. See Part III, Section A for more information.

Please contact us if you have questions, we are here to help. However, questions specific to your proposal as to what will or will not be funded cannot be addressed.

iv

PART I: Public Law, Program Priorities, NGGDPP Reports and Products, Program Outreach A. Public Law The National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (NGGDPP) was established and authorized in Section 351 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58, Sec. 351). Section 351 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 recognizes the need for the preservation and cataloging of and access to geological and geophysical data for future economic importance. To read Section 351 or the entire Act, visit: http://datapreservation.usgs.gov/page/policy_act.

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

(1) archive geologic, geophysical, and engineering data, maps, well logs, and samples;

(2) provide a national catalog of such archival material; and

(3) provide technical and financial assistance related to the archival material.

For more information about the NGGDPP, read the “Implementation Plan for the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program” (2006) which is available at: http://datapreservation.usgs.gov/docs/2006DataPreservation.pdf.

Supplemental authority: The Organic Act of 1879 (43 USC 31 et seq. 43 USC 36c).

B. Program Priorities PLEASE NOTE: Proposals that do not specifically address NGGDPP fiscal year (FY) 2018 priorities will NOT be considered for an award.

The NGGDPP FY 2018 priorities include: 1) preservation of geoscience materials and data to benefit access by researchers and investigators, and 2) submission of digital geologic maps to The National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB, https://ngmdb.usgs.gov).

The NGGDPP FY 2018 priorities require participants to 1) preserve geoscience materials and data, 2) submit metadata records describing the preserved materials and data in conformance with the NGGDPP metadata schema to the National Digital Catalog, and where relevant, 3) submit to The National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) scanned geologic maps (including related resource, hazard, and engineering maps) and digital geologic maps converted to the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program's NCGMP09 (renamed GeMS) format. Components of the National Digital Catalog include metadata describing geological and geophysical data collections and individual items in those collections.

States may propose an additional pilot project to utilize the National Digital Catalog as a digital repository for files (e.g., images; digital scans of field notebooks, geophysical logs, and other historic documents; data tables). The files may not be copyrighted or restricted from public distribution. State geological surveys may propose to store files and associated metadata records in the National Digital Catalog for public dissemination and long-term storage.

The proposal must describe a project that addresses the FY 2018 priorities and requirements to complete comprehensive activities to preserve specific collections. Most proposals will be funded wholly or not at all. However, funding may be reduced in certain circumstances. Cohesive and related activities adhering to a holistic data preservation strategy are favored by the NGGDPP, as opposed to disparate activities. If applicable, hiring of students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematical fields is strongly encouraged to educate the next generation of geoscientists.

FY 2018 Priority – Preserve geoscience data and materials

In FY 2018, state geological surveys may request funds to inventory, preserve, archive, and modernize geologic, geophysical, and engineering data, maps, notebooks, publications, well logs, aerial photos, and samples. Preservation activities may include the following:

conversion of paper records and/or analog data to digital formats for preservation and access;

maintaining digital data in modern formats and on permanent media to preserve accessibility;

updating digital data to new formats to maintain accessibility as older digital storage technology becomes obsolete and newer technology becomes available;

updating digital geologic maps to the NCGMP09 (to be renamed "GeMS") format (see https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/NCGMP09/), focusing on "born digital" geologic maps that were previously published in a GIS format;

pilot projects to partner with USGS to utilize the National Digital Catalog as an accessible digital repository for file resources;

appropriately describing geoscience assets to increase use and understanding, including creating metadata records for submission to the National Digital Catalog;

supporting computing equipment and staff to create new, or improve existing databases that provide and pertain to the curation of digital or physical data;

preserving and/or rescuing time-dependent, unique geologic data or collections of significant value in imminent danger of loss from deteriorating physical surroundings, threat of disposal, or rapidly deteriorating media on which they reside (e.g., data stored on magnetic tape or aging aerial photos); and enhancing or developing data archiving systems, databases, and web applications to enhance understanding, interpretation, and use of geoscience materials.

NGGDPP’s intention is to promote the availability of preserved data and materials to further geoscientific research. Therefore, all attempts should be made to publicly expose the preserved data and materials sponsored by NGGDPP grants, avoiding copyrights and restrictions.

Metadata records at the collection or individual sample level (depending on proposed activities) for the improved materials must be uploaded to the National Digital Catalog. Collections shall be described using an online metadata form. Individual collection items shall be described in flat files (CSV format) or XML-formatted files conforming to the NGGDPP metadata schema that specifies metadata elements.

C. NGGDPP Reports and Products All recipients of funds shall submit a final technical report within 90 days after the end of the grant performance period. The final technical report documents and summarizes the results of the work performed during the grant performance period. This report must contain a cover page and a main body. The cover page must include the following information: award number; project title; author and affiliation; author's address, telephone number, and e-mail address; term covered by the award (start and end dates); submittal date of final technical report; and abstract describing work performed. The main body must include 1) the comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the project; 2) if established goals were not met, explanation of circumstances and impediments; and 3) specific examples of user success stories and/or other societal benefits that highlight state’s preservation accomplishments in this project. Please limit report length to no more than 5 pages.

When the work performed includes creation of metadata, the metadata submitted to National Digital Catalog must describe 1) inventoried collections using supported methods documented in web page titled “Data Provider Dashboard” (http://datapreservation.usgs.gov/page/submit_data/), and/or 2) individual samples using one of the supported methods documented at “Prepare Metadata Files for Upload to National Digital Catalog” (http://datapreservation.usgs.gov/page/prepare_metadata_for_NDC) for collections already entered in the National Digital Catalog. Grantees are responsible for the successful upload of metadata to the National Digital Catalog.

D. Pilot Project – National Digital Catalog Repository for Storage of Geoscience Files To enhance dissemination and availability of geoscience data and documents (e.g., images; digital scans of field notebooks, geophysical logs, and other historic documents; data tables) to researchers and the public, states geological surveys may propose a separate pilot project in their proposal. The pilot project must propose to 1) preserve, 2) digitize, 3) describe in NGGDPP-compliant metadata format, and 4) upload to the National Digital Catalog geoscience images, tables, and documents for long-term access and use by researchers and the public. Use of the National Digital Catalog as a repository for the storage and dissemination of sizeable image files is available to all state geological surveys participating in the NGGDPP. The National Digital Catalog should serve as the primary access and distribution point for the stored digital files. These files should not be made available elsewhere on the Web to avoid duplication and versioning issues. The files may not be copyrighted or restricted from public distribution. The pilot project may be described separately from the primary proposed project that addresses NGGDPP priorities. Pilot project description should encompass less than 2 pages and a separate budget sheet (Attachment B) for the proposed pilot project activities must be provided. Pilot project description (2 pages) and budget sheet (1 page) do not count against the 5-page proposal limit.

PART II. Timetables, Eligibility, Format Instructions, and Proposal Evaluation A. Timetables Proposal Announcement Date: December 12, 2017 Closing Date and Time for Proposal Submission: February 13, 2018, 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Proposals received after the deadline will NOT be considered for an award.

The earliest start date for new grants will be after the USGS receives its final FY 2018 appropriation, notice of full-year continuing resolution, or June 1, 2018, whichever is later.

The latest start date is September 14, 2018. Awards will be made for a 12-month period only. No awards will be issued for less or more than 12 months.

B. Eligibility – Who May Submit a Proposal Only state geological surveys are eligible to apply to this Program Announcement under the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 105-58, Sec. 351). A university may submit a proposal on behalf of a state geological survey if the state geological survey is organized under a state university system.

C. Proposal Format Instructions Proposals must be arranged according to the format provided below. Following this format ensures that every proposal contains all essential information and is evaluated equitably. The proposal may be in MS Word or PDF format. The proposal and associated forms shall be submitted to www.grants.gov. Provide requested information in the correct locations within the proposal template. Failure to do so may result in disqualification of the proposal.

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 state 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/Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. Most states and universities have a rate agreement, which may be titled “State and Local Rate Agreement” or “Colleges and Universities Rate Agreement”. This agreement provides the rates approved for use in grants, contracts, and other agreements with the Federal Government. If you request fringe benefits or indirect costs, the indirect cost rate agreement is requested to verify rates requested. In the absence of an indirect rate agreement, applicants may charge no more than 10% indirect costs.

5. FY 2018 NGGDPP Proposal Information Sheet (Attachment A). Summary sheet shall clearly list project and budget summary. Please include a mailing address for the principal investigator. Outcome notifications will be sent to the principal investigator and the authorized institution representative. The Proposal Information Sheet is NOT included in the 5-page limit.

6. Project Summary. The project summary shall not exceed one single-spaced page. It shall include identification of the project goals (for example, collection inventory, sample metadata generation, or both) and scope, summary of the approach, project activities, methods, societal benefits, and anticipated results. The Project Summary is included in the 5-page limit.

7. Project Description. The project description (with project summary) of the proposal is limited to 5 single-space pages (including figures, tables), with no smaller than 11-point font size, and 1-inch margins. All text, figures, and tables shall be sized to fit on 8½” x 11” paper. The project description section of your proposal should include the following:

(a) Introduction: The introduction should provide a brief overview of the project activities, methods, and goals. Provide background information about the preserved artifacts, primary users, and frequency of use of the preserved materials and data. Explain the societal and scientific benefits and the importance of the proposed preservation activities to your state. A statement of use or a letter of support from a stakeholder may be included. Letters of support from stakeholders do not count against the 5-page limit.

(b) Project narrative: Describe the procedures that will be carried out to preserve materials and data. Include descriptions of the separate activities for the designated processes, including the quality assurance and control methods to ensure accuracy and quality of products. Discuss the generated products (other than the final technical report), such as metadata for specific collection and items or an improved database. Provide a table or list that includes information about the principal investigator, staff, and support positions (such as geologist, information technologist, or database developer). Briefly discuss each person’s role on the project so that it links to the budget. For each person, give a brief statement of their background, define the roles and responsibilities of each project member, and provide CVs (no more than two pages each) that include expertise relevant to the proposed activities, and indicate whether the person works for your organization or elsewhere (contractor or volunteer). If the contractor has not yet been hired, describe experience and skills necessary for completing the work. CVs do not count against the 5-page proposal limit.

8. Data Management Plan (DMP). To conform with Executive Order of February 22, 2013, Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research, proposals submitted to the USGS must include a DMP, which explains how data and metadata generated by the proposed project will be disseminated and shared with other researchers and the public. Generation and cataloging of metadata describing preserved data and materials is required by the NGGDPP. The DMP should include:

a. Description of the types of collections, materials, and data that are expected to be preserved and made publicly accessible by the proposed project.

b. Standards that will be used for the data and metadata formats, including justifications for deviations from the prescribed standards. As described in Part I, C. NGGDPP Reports and Products, metadata describing rescued and preserved data and materials must conform to the NGGDPP metadata schema (http://datapreservation.usgs.gov/page/ submit_data/).

c. Policies for access and sharing, including provision for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property, and other rights or requirements. If your state is preserving data and materials with restricted access rights, explain these limitations.

d. Provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and production of derivatives from your preserved data and artifacts.

e. Plans for archiving and maintaining free public access to preserved data, samples, and other research products in your state facilities and on the Web. The metadata records you submit to the National Digital Catalog will be archived by the USGS and remain freely and publicly accessible.

The DMP does not count against the 5-page proposal limit.

9. Detailed Budget. Your proposal must include one completed detailed budget sheet (Attachment B) for priorities 1) preservation of geoscience materials and data to benefit access by researchers and investigators, and 2) submission of digital geologic maps to The National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB, https://ngmdb.usgs.gov). A separate detailed budget sheet is required for the pilot project (to upload and store data files in the National Digital Catalog). The detailed proposed budget must match the “Amount Requested” on the NGGDPP Proposal Information Summary Sheet (Attachment A). Attachments A and B provide format guidance. You may create your own budget sheet with the same format which has additional rows for needed itemization. In the detailed budget sheet, individual federal expenditures do not have to be matched by state funds. However, the total project sum of contributions from a state geological survey shall be equal to or greater than the amount requested from the NGGDPP and shall be derived from non-federal sources (direct and indirect costs). Failure to provide a detailed budget itemizing state expenditures may result in rejection of the proposal.

Please read each category description below and provide the detailed breakdown for each cost. This information will help avoid delays processing a funded proposal, as an award will not be issued until all required information is provided. Please be scrupulous in your calculations as they will be meticulously analyzed for consistency and accuracy.

The detailed budget shall include the amount proposed for each of the following:

(a) Salaries and wages. List names, positions, number of hours individuals will spend on various activities, their rate of compensation and project role. Salaries or wages for student assistants (undergraduate and/or graduate students) are an acceptable cost to the Program. If a position is vacant, indicate the position title. Include only personnel actively involved in this preservation project. Under many circumstances senior management salary/time is covered by the overhead (indirect cost) portion of the budget; if this is the case, senior management salary/time should not be included. If senior management personnel do some of this work, include an explanation of their roles. Non-state survey staff working on the project should also be included if they are being supported by other state funding. The detailed proposed budget shall include the total time worked on the project (in units of hours), rate-of-compensation (dollars/hour for hourly employees, salary/year, or salary/month), and job title or role of each person.

(b) Fringe benefits. Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures. Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of the rate computations. Indicate whether rates are used for proposal purposes only or whether they are also fixed or provisional rates for billing purposes. Include a copy of the Negotiated Rate Agreement or internal memo supporting the proposed rates. The Negotiated Rate Agreement and internal memo do not count toward the 5-page limit.

(c) Travel expenses. State the purpose of the trip(s) and itemize estimated travel costs (including number of people, number of travel days, per diem rate, mileage rate, airfare, or other travel costs) necessary to perform the activities in your proposal.

(d) Other direct-cost line items to list.

· Supplies. List costs for office and laboratory/facility supplies. Itemize by including the number and cost for each item.

· Equipment. NGGDPP funds may be used to purchase computer hardware, GPS, vehicles, or other nonexpendable property. If necessary, NGGDPP funds may be used to purchase software site licenses needed to complete data preservation projects. Show the cost of all proposed equipment/software site licenses necessary for achieving project goals. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote. If full justification for equipment is not provided, equipment costs will not be supported.

Routine computer maintenance contracts and charges for computer time are not acceptable direct costs (these should be covered by indirect costs). Explain and justify any extraordinary items.

Generalpurpose equipment must be purchased from the applicant's operating funds. Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested solely with the recipient. Non-expendable equipment means equipment having a useful life of more than one (1) year and having an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per item. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier recipient.

· Contractual services. Identify the activities for which such services would be used. Identify proposed contractors (individual or corporate) and provide criteria by which contractors will be, or have been, selected. For each individual, include their job title, total labor hours, and rate of compensation.

(e) Total direct costs. Total items (a) through (d).

(f) Indirect charges. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the cost principles applicable to the applicant's organization. If applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and general and administrative costs, each charge should be shown. Explain the distinction between items included in the two cost pools. Applicant should propose rates for evaluation purposes, which they are also willing to establish as fixed or ceiling rates in any resulting award. A copy of the indirect negotiated cost agreement with the Federal Government must be included. If one is not established, applicants may charge 10% indirect costs. A copy of the Indirect Negotiated Cost Agreement does not count against the 5-page limit.

(g) Total charges. Total items (a) through (f). The total budget proposed must show that the federal share of the cost of the activity does not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the activity as required by Public Law 109-58, Energy Policy Act of 2005. The non-federal share (direct and indirect costs) may be more than the federal contribution and may include compensation provided to contractors to perform services directly applicable to the proposed project.

The 5-page proposal shall include 1) Project Summary, and 2) Project Description. Standard Forms 424s, project summary sheet (Attachment A), project personnel justification and expertise table or list, CVs (max 2 pages per CV), letters from stakeholders, DMP, budget table (Attachment B), negotiated rate and cost agreements, and equipment quotes do not count toward the 5-page limit.

D. Proposal Evaluation Criteria NGGDPP proposals will be reviewed by a seven member peer panel, consisting of three state geological survey representatives, three USGS representatives, and one non-USGS, federal representative. These panel members represent the professional areas of science, data management and preservation.

Evaluation Criteria. All proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria listed below. NOTE: To avoid conflict of interest, no panelist may vote on a proposal from his or her state geological survey or state agency nor may any panelist discuss with other panel members his or her state’s proposal. This does not prohibit cooperation or collaboration between USGS and non-USGS scientists once a grant is in place.

All proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria with each criterion having equal weight:

· Technical merit. This factor considers the merit and technical viability of the proposed approach and the probability of achieving positive results within the designated period.

· Societal Benefits. This factor considers the contribution of the preservation activities to maximizing efficiencies, and conserving and disseminating knowledge to enhance scientific investigations.

· Knowledge, performance, and experience. This factor considers knowledge, performance, and experience of the principal investigator and coworkers, including demonstrating the ability to successfully complete data preservation tasks, and satisfying NGGDPP reporting requirements from previously funded projects (if applicable). This factor includes the capability to provide necessary facilities and support to ensure satisfactory completion of the proposed work.

· Appropriateness and reasonableness of the budget. This factor considers whether the proposed budget: 1) describes how federal funds will be matched by state funds and not exceed 50 percent of total cost of proposed activities; 2) is commensurate with the level of effort needed to accomplish the project; 3) is reasonable relative to the value of the anticipated results; and 4) is within the Program’s goals of maximizing the distribution of available funds to 23-25 state preservation projects.

PART III: Proposal Guidelines A. Electronic Proposal Submission Requirement Applicants are responsible for electronically submitting the proposal to www.grants.gov by 6:00pm, EST, February 13, 2018. Be sure to read the instructions carefully. Paper copies will NOT be accepted.

Please be aware the electronic submission process requires first-time users to register using an e-Authentication process. This registration process can be complex and can take up to 3 weeks to complete. Be advised that you may not be successful completing electronic submission for the first time if you begin the process only a few days before the due date. If you are from a university, contact your Office of Sponsored Programs. They may already have completed the registration process and should work with you to submit the proposal.

If you have any questions or problems with the registration process, or the completion of the application package, please contact the grants.gov help desk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

When you submit a grant application package to Grants.gov, you will receive a confirmation screen as well as three additional emails over two business days from Grants.gov informing you of your application processing status:

1. Confirmation screen

2. Submission Receipt (with “Track My Application” link)

3. Submission Validation (or Rejection with Errors)

4. Agency Retrieval

1. CONFIRMATION: Submission Confirmation Screen After a grant application package is submitted, a confirmation message will appear on the computer screen. This screen confirms that an application has been submitted to Grants.gov. This page contains a tracking number and a “Track My Application” link for monitoring the progress of the submission.

2. NOTIFICATION 1: Submission Receipt Email Within two business days after the application package has been received by the Grants.gov system, a submission receipt email will be sent that indicates the submission has entered the Grants.gov system and is ready for validation. This email contains the same tracking number and a “Track My Application” link that is shown in submission confirmation screen for monitoring the progress of the submission.

3. NOTIFICATION 2: Submission Validation Receipt Email – This is the important one!

This second email will include a message validating or rejecting the submitted application package due to errors. The Grants.gov system is designed to check for technical errors within the submitted application package. Grants.gov does not review application content for award determination.

4. NOTIFICATION 3: Grantor Agency Retrieval Email Once the application package has passed validation, it is delivered to the grantor for award determination and further approval. After the grantor has confirmed receipt of the application, a third and final email will be sent from Grants.gov. The grantor may also assign the application package an agency-specific tracking number for use within their internal system. IF THIS E-MAIL HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED WITHIN FOUR DAYS OF THE CLOSING DATE, PLEASE CONTACT THE CONTRACTING OFFICER, Margaret Eastman, (703) 648-7366, mrussell@usgs.gov.

If you need help entering your proposal, you can reach the Grants.gov Contact Center at: 1-800-518-4726. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time, and they are closed on federal holidays.

When contacting the Grants.gov Contact Center, please have the following information available to help expedite the inquiry:

· Funding Opportunity Number (FON)

· Name of Agency You Are Applying To

· Specific Area of Concern The electronic submission will consist of required forms SF-424, SF-424a, and SF-424b, plus the additional items described in Section C of this Announcement.

B. Involvement of Federal Employees Federal employees, including USGS employees, are prohibited from assisting in any capacity (paid or unpaid) with preparation of any proposal submitted under this Announcement. Proposals that have a real, or apparent, conflict of interest related to federal employees will not be processed for evaluation.

C. Rejection of Proposals after Initial Review If the proposal does not meet all requirements specified in the Program Announcement, as determined by the Contracting Officer in consultation with the NGGDPP management, the applicant will be promptly notified in writing of the rejection along with the reason for the rejection. If the federal share of the cost of the proposed activities is more than 50 percent of the total cost, the proposal shall be rejected.

D. NGGDPP Products and Reports The following deliverables will be required as a condition of received federal funds:

1) Metadata submitted to National Digital Catalog

a) Describe inventoried collections using the supported methods documented at “Data Provider Dashboard Instructions” (http://datapreservation.usgs.gov/page/submit_data/).

b) Provide metadata for individual samples in collections already inventoried and entered in the National Digital Catalog through one of the supported methods documented at “Prepare Metadata Files for Upload to National Digital Catalog” (http://datapreservation.usgs.gov/page/prepare_metadata_for_NDC). Metadata describing digitized geologic maps submitted to the NGMDB shall also be cataloged in the National Digital Catalog.

2) If applicable, provide preserved digital map files to the NGMDB by coordinating file and associated data transfer with Dave Soller, NGMDB Project Chief (drsoller@usgs.gov).

3) Final Technical Report Following project completion, all awards made under the NGGDPP will require submittal of a final technical report that must document and summarize the results of the work. The final technical report must contain:

· Cover page

· Award Number

· Title

· Author and affiliation with address and zip code

· Author's telephone number and e-mail address

· Term covered by the award (start and end dates)

· Submittal date of final technical report

· Abstract

· Main body

· Comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the period.

· If established goals were not met, explanation of circumstances and impediments.

· Specific examples of user success stories and/or other societal benefits that highlight state’s preservation accomplishments in this project.

The final technical report is limited to no more than five pages. A final technical report must be submitted within 90 days after the end of the grant performance period. Failure to submit a final technical report may hinder receipt of future NGGDPP funds. Final technical reports shall be submitted electronically to Natalie Latysh, NGGDPP Grants Program Manager, nlatysh@usgs.gov. A copy of the transmittal letter shall be submitted to Margaret Eastman, USGS Contract Specialist, mrussell@usgs.gov.

PART IV. General Provisions A. Funding The total amount of NGGDPP FY 2018 funding available for state efforts is expected to be approximately $750,000. In FY 2018, the NGGDPP anticipates awarding successful proposals that propose diverse projects of variable funding levels under this Program Announcement. Each state geological organization is allowed to submit one proposal that addresses the FY 2018 program priorities to preserve geoscience materials and describe them using NGGDPP metadata format in the National Digital Catalog.

NOTE: Notification of a successful proposal does not constitute authority to incur costs. Costs may be incurred only after the receipt of a grant award executed by a Contracting Officer of the USGS.

B. Outcome Notification Following the peer panel reviews, the USGS will make funding decisions and notify applicants of one of four possible decisions:

1. proposal has been recommended for funding in FY 2018, subject to appropriations;

2. proposal is being declined and will not be funded in FY 2018; or

3. proposal will be funded at a reduced amount, requiring the applicant to submit an amended proposal and budget; or

4. proposal will be funded at an increased amount, requiring the applicant to submit an amended proposal and budget.

C. Award Terms and Conditions Award Recipient must comply with award Terms and Conditions (Attachment C) and Cost Principles, Audit, and Administrative Requirements for Federal Awards (Attachment D). Submittal of an application constitutes the applicant’s acceptance of the terms and conditions for inclusion on any award resulting from their application. Any concerns with the requirements of the Special Terms and Conditions shall be presented to the Contracting Officer at least three (3) days prior to the closing date of the Announcement.

D. Pre-award costs are not authorized under this program.

E. Contacts For Grants.gov issues, go to the grants.gov website: support@grants.gov

For contract issues, contact Margaret Eastman, (703) 648-7366, mrussell@usgs.gov.

For questions about the NGGDPP, contact Natalie Latysh, the NGGDPP Grant Program Manager, (303) 202-4852, nlatysh@usgs.gov, or, Lindsay Powers, the NGGDP Program Coordinator, (303) 202-4828, lpowers@usgs.gov.

END OF PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Attachment A

FY 2018 NGGDPP Proposal Information Summary

Name of the State Geological Survey:

Project Title:

Proposed Start Date: (Date) (The date you would like to start work must be between June 1, 2018, and September 14, 2018. The earliest start date for new grants will be after the USGS receives its final FY 2018 appropriation, notice of full-year continuing resolution, or June 1, 2018, whichever is later.)

Proposed Duration: (12 months from Proposed Start Date) No awards are issued for less than or more than 12 months.

Has this proposal been submitted to any other agency for funding? (List name of agency and program or division to which this proposal was submitted)

Active NGGDPP-related grants: (List project title and funding sources for all active awards)

END OF PROPOSAL INFORMATION SUMMARY

Attachment B

NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL

DATA PRESERVATION PROGRAM

FY 2018 DETAILED BUDGET TEMPLATE

State: _______________________________________

Proposal Short Title: _________________________________________

Budget Category

Federal Funds Requested State Funds Proposed

Survey Staff (Name)

Students

Total Salaries

Survey Staff (Name)

Students

Total Fringe Benefits

Note: Individual federal expenditures do not require a state match. However, the total project sum of contributions from a state geological survey shall be equal to or greater than the amount requested from the NGGDPP and shall be derived from non-federal sources.

Attachment B

NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL

DATA PRESERVATION PROGRAM

FY 2018 DETAILED BUDGET TEMPLATE

State: _______________________________________

Proposal Short Title: _________________________________________

Travel Expenses (itemize):

Name:

Other Direct Costs:

END OF FY 2018 DETAILED BUDGET

FY 18 NGGDPP Program Announcement – G18AS00010 Page | 17

Attachment C

Special Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptance

Acceptance of a Federal Financial Assistance award from the Department of the Interior (DOI) carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of award. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award by signature or electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to and approved by DOI and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference below.

2. Grant Administration This grant will be administered by:

U.S. Geological Survey Office of Acquisition and Grants Margaret Eastman, Grants Specialist 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 211 Reston, VA 20192 Telephone (703) 648-7366 Email: mrussell@usgs.gov

Written communication shall make reference to the Cooperative Agreement number and shall be mailed to the address above or mrussell@usgs.gov.

3. Method of Payment Payments under financial assistance awards must be made using the Department of the Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system (www.asap.gov).

A. The Recipient agrees that it has established or will establish an account with ASAP. USGS will initiate enrollment in ASAP. If the Recipient does not currently have an ASAP account, they must designate an individual (name, title, address, phone and e-mail) who will serve as the Point of Contact (POC). All recipients, including foreign entities, must have a DUNS number and a EIN/TIN number in order to receive payment.

B. With the award of each grant, a sub-account will be set up from which the Recipient can draw down funds. After recipients complete enrollment in ASAP and link their banking information to the USGS ALC (14080001), it may take 7-10 days for sub-accounts to be activated and for funds to be authorized for drawdown in ASAP.

C. Inquiries regarding payment should be directed to ASAP at 855-868-0151.

D. Payments may be drawn in advance only as needed to meet immediate cash disbursement needs.

4. Program Personnel A. Principal Investigator The Principal Investigator is the individual designated by the Recipient (and approved by the USGS) who is responsible for the technical direction of the research project. The Principal Investigator cannot be changed or become substantially less involved than was indicated in the Recipient's proposal, without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

B. Grants Program Manager The Grants Program Manager will work closely with the Principal Investigator to ensure that all technical requirements are being met. Grants Program Manager responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing technical advice on the accomplishment of the proposal's goals; reviewing the technical content of reports and the other information delivered to the USGS; and determining the adequacy of technical reports. The Grants Program Manager is Natalie Latysh, U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, Mail Stop 975, Denver, CO 80225.

The NGGDPP Program Coordinator is Lindsay Powers, U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, Mail Stop 975, Denver, CO 80225. The Program Coordinator does not have the authority to issue any technical direction which constitutes an assignment of additional work outside the scope of the award; in any manner cause a change in the total cost or the time required for performance of the award; or change any of the terms, conditions, or general provisions of the award.

C. Contracting Officer (CO) Contracting officers are individuals who have been delegated in writing by the USGS Office of Acquisition and Grants as the sole authority designated to obligate Federal funds and create terms and conditions of awards. They are the only individuals who have authority to negotiate, enter into, and administer awards resulting for this program. Contracting officers have responsibility to ensure the effective use of Federal funds.

Functions of the Contracting Officer include but are not limited to:

(1) Issuing the grant program announcement in coordination with the Grants Program Manager.

(8) Approving invoice payments.

(9) Receiving all requests for changes to an award. The contracting officer shall serve as the mandatory control point for all official communications with the grantee which may result in changing the amount of the grant/cooperative agreement, the grant/cooperative agreement budget, or any other terms and conditions of the grant.

(10) Receiving financial reports required by the terms and conditions of the award.

(11) Closing out grant/cooperative agreement awards when all applicable award requirements have been complied with.

5. Reporting Requirements A. Required reports/documents The Principal Investigator is required to submit the following reports or documents:

Report/Document

No. of Copies and Method of Transmittal

Submit To

When Due

(1) For collection inventory:

on-line collection inventory form

below Within 90 calendar days after the end of the performance period. See Section 5.B (1) below.

(2) For metadata describing individual samples in a collection:

digital metadata files