FY 18 SM PA .pdf

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

-- STATEMAP --

The State Component of the

National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

Authorized by The National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 2009

(Public Law 111-11)

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT No. G18AS00006

For Fiscal Year 2018

ISSUE DATE: September 13, 2017

CLOSING DATE & TIME:

November 15, 2017 @ 3:00 p.m. EST

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT CAREFULLY AND NOTE ANY CHANGES

Paperwork Reduction Act Approval – OMB control number 1028-0088, Expiration Date 10/31/2018 i

FY18 – STATEMAP Program Announcement - G18AS00006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS i

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS i

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT CHANGES ii

PART I. Public Law, Program Priorities, and Geologic Map Products 1

A. The National Geologic Mapping Act 1

B. STATEMAP Component of the NCGMP 1

C. STATEMAP Proposals 2

D. Geologic Map Products 2

PART II. Timetables, Eligibility, Format Instructions, and Proposal Evaluation 3

A. Timetables 3

B. Eligibility – Who May Submit a Proposal 4

C. Proposal Format Instructions 4

D. Proposal Evaluation 11

PART III. Proposal Delivery and Submission Instructions 12

PART IV. General Provisions 13

A. General Provisions of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program 13

B. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars 13

C. Publication 13

D. Funding 14

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Proposal Submission Forms and their Instructions

A. STATEMAP Proposal Summary Sheet

B. Statement of Outcome

C. Budgets Sheets (for both entire proposal and individual projects)

D. Terms and Conditions

E. Instructions for Uploading Deliverables

Form required at the end of the project period (form is online only)

F. Standard Form 425 – Federal Financial Report (submitted through FedConnect); form is available online at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_forms/ http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_forms/ ii

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT CHANGES

New NCGMP Vision and Mission Statement inserted (Part I A)

New NCGMP Definition of a Geologic Map inserted (Part I D)

New guidelines regarding appropriate mapping scale and derivative maps included (Part I D)

New guidance and instructions for uploading digital deliverables included; new requirement to use

NCGMP Grants Management database for delivery of deliverables (Part I D, Attachment E)

Updated text on Digital STATEMAP Products (Part I D)

More detailed guidance on SMAC Letters included (Part II C 5)

Technical Section length requirement changes from 30 pages to 25 pages (Part II C 9)

Travel expenses not to exceed $2000 are allowable for a staff member to attend one scientific conference/workshop. (Part II C 9.h and Part II C 10.d vii)

Matching funds are now only required for Total Direct Charges and Total (Direct and Indirect) Budget.

Matching funds are no longer required for each individual project. (Part II C 11.h)

Updated panel membership details (Part II D)

Evaluation Criteria 2 has changed from Purpose of geologic mapping to Purpose and Impact of geologic mapping. The Statement of Outcome (Criteria 2d) has been included in this evaluation criteria and the score weighting has changed from 15 points to 20 points. (Part II D)

The score weighting for Evaluation Criteria 3, Technical Quality of the Proposal, has changed from 30 points to 25 points. (Part II D)

More descriptive language about Evaluation Criteria 5, Products from previous USGS STATEMAP cooperative agreements, has been included that specifies what previous products are reviewed by the

Panel. (Part II D)

Statement “Hard copies of the proposals are no longer required” has been removed (Part III)

Attachment D, Section A.5: National Geologic Map Database has been included to receive publications.

Attachment E, Instructions for Uploading Deliverables, is new.

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

A. The National Geologic Mapping Act

The 102 nd

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 three times since then, most recently by the 111 th

Congress in 2009 (Public Law

111-11, sec. 11001). The Act recognizes that geologic maps are the primary database for virtually all applied and basic earth-science investigations. To read copies of the original act and the two reauthorizations, visit: http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/about/.

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

1. Determine the Nation’s geologic framework through the systematic development of geologic maps; such maps will contribute to the National Geologic Map Database.

2. Develop complementary national databases (e.g., geophysical and paleontologic databases) that provide value-added information to the National Geologic Map Database.

3. Apply cost-effective mapping techniques that assemble and disseminate geologic-map information, and that render such information of greater application and benefit to the public.

4. Develop public awareness of the role and application of geologic-map information to the resolution of national issues of land use management.

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 National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program 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

STATEMAP program continues to carry out NCGMP’s mission by developing a national geologic framework through the development of three-dimensional geologic map databases.

B. STATEMAP Component of the NCGMP

The primary objectives of the STATEMAP component of the NCGMP are to establish the geologic framework of areas determined to be vital to the economic, social, or scientific welfare of individual

States. The State Geologist shall determine mapping priorities in consultation with a multi-representational State Mapping Advisory Committee. These priorities shall be based on: a) state requirements for geologic-map information in areas of multiple-issue need or areas of compelling single-issue need, and b) State requirements for geologic-map information in areas where mapping is http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/about/ required to solve critical earth-science problems. Priorities are not dependent on past agreements with the USGS.

C. STATEMAP Proposals

Only one proposal will be accepted from each State each fiscal year. Proposals may contain a number of new geologic mapping projects and may include (but are not required to include) one compilation or digitization project. It is recommended that states submit no more than 4 projects total. Projects may contain one or multiple quadrangles in an area. Each project should: (1) be clearly defined and justified, and (2) be organized around a credible issue or area to be mapped. A 1:1

Federal/State funding match is required for the total budget. A graphic or index map showing the project areas should be included in the proposal. While geologic mapping projects may take more than one year to complete, a completely new proposal subject to full review must be submitted each year.

The STATEMAP Proposal Evaluation Panel will recommend a funding level for the entire proposal.

The evaluated strength and quality of proposals will be considered in making funding decisions. If full funding is not granted, an applicant is required to submit to the STATEMAP Program Officer and

Grant Specialist a revised form SF 424, revised summary sheet, revised budget sheets, and revised deliverables if they will change, limited to the projects and amount recommended for funding.

Alternatively, an applicant can decline to participate in the program.

D. Geologic Map Products

According to the new NCGMP strategy, the preferred optimal operational NCGMP definition of a

“geologic map” is one supported by a robust material-properties-based geologic framework model database of geological features and strata that is regularly-updated, well-coordinated, multi-resolution, seamless, and 3D, and that can be interpreted into various customized and user-friendly derivative map products. At the minimum, a geologic map should include: (1) a clear and legible base (include base map credit and map projection), (2) scale and contour interval, (3) north arrow and magnetic declination, (4) title, authorship, publisher, and date, (5) location index map, (6) field data or field data stations, (7) description of map units, (8) explanation of map symbols, and (9) unit symbols on map. A geologic map also may include correlation or sequence of map units, stratigraphic columns, cross sections, other down-hole or three-dimensional data, 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 3-dimensional database.

Two types of primary geologic map products are acceptable to the STATEMAP Program. One is for new geologic mapping and one is digital map compilation. New geologic mapping should be done at a scale deemed appropriate for the geologic problem being addressed. The result envisioned for the digital compilation project is a 1:100,000 scale digital geologic map that will eventually become part of the State database and the National Geologic Map Database (this does not include areas where base maps of 1:100,000 scale are generally not available or where the State Mapping Advisory

Committee authorizes another scale). Derivative maps may augment the primary geologic map products only if they provide additional value to the geologic problem being addressed.

All STATEMAP deliverables are to be provided as a high quality digital Portable Document Format

(PDF or GeoPDF) file according to the guidelines outlined below (Digital STATEMAP Products). At the end of an awarded cooperative agreement period of performance, a digital version of your

STATEMAP deliverable(s) is required to be delivered to the STATEMAP Program Officer.

Deliverables may be in draft form; however, they must include the parts of a geologic map listed above. If the map is not yet published, the final updated published map (as an open-file or formal series) must be made available to the STATEMAP Program Officer as soon as it is released.

Deliverables should be uploaded to the new NCGMP Grants Management database (Dropbox will no longer be used). Please see Attachment E for instructions on uploading deliverables. Any questions regarding the upload process can be addressed to the NCGMP Program Analyst, Mike

Marketti (mmarketti@usgs.gov).

Digital STATEMAP Products

As you prepare your geologic maps, compare the stratigraphic nomenclature used on your map to the

U.S. Geologic Names Lexicon (Geolex) (http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Geolex/). In a document or spreadsheet submitted with your deliverable maps, specify all discrepancies and provide guidance on corrections or additions to be applied to Geolex. Include in this guidance any relevant bibliographic citations (e.g., for names that have been introduced, modified, or abandoned) that are not in Geolex.

In order to support the goals of NCGMP, specifically the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB), you are strongly encouraged to provide your deliverables in the NCGMP09 database standard schema

(http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/NCGMP09/). Following eight years of test-implementation and discussion with AASG partners, the (minor) revisions have been incorporated, and the document and software tools are being prepared for formal publication as "GeMS" (Geologic Map Schema). When published, this standard will be submitted to the FGDC as the proposed Federal Standard, and will become required for all NCGMP deliverables. All correspondence concerning NCGMP09/GeMS should be directed to Dave Soller (drsoller@usgs.gov). In addition, the use of the FGDC Digital

Cartographic Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization is strongly encouraged

(http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/fgdc_gds/).

In 2002, the Association of American State Geologists formally adopted an AASG/NGMDB Working

Group's recommendations for "Guidelines for Digital STATEMAP Products”

(http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/dataexch/STATEMAPguidelines.html). Although those

Guidelines are somewhat outdated, their general nature remains valid and should be consulted while preparing your deliverable.

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

A. Timetables

Proposal Announcement Date: September 13, 2017

Closing Date and Time for Proposal Submission: November 15, 2017 @ 3:00 p.m. (EST)

B. Eligibility – Who May Submit a Proposal

Only State Geological Surveys are eligible to apply to the STATEMAP component of the National

Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program pursuant to the National Geologic Mapping Act (Public Law

111-11). Since many State Geological Surveys are organized under a State university system, such universities may submit a proposal on behalf of the State Geological Survey.

State Geological Surveys must have a State Mapping Advisory Committee (or equivalent) that meets annually to qualify for funding. This committee shall advise the State Geological Survey on geologic mapping priorities within their State. A letter of support from the Chair of the State Mapping

Advisory Committee must accompany the proposal (see Section C5 below for more details).

State Geological Surveys that have been funded previously under STATEMAP must be in compliance with requirements specified in previous STATEMAP awards and must have no outstanding deliverables (transmittal letter, geologic maps, and technical reports) due. Failure to meet previous award requirements will be grounds for ineligibility (see Attachment D, Section A.5 6).

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 should 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 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. 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 effective 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, that is exempt for individual program regulations that have restrictions regarding indirect costs. The program authority for

STATEMAP 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/organization.

5. Letter from the Chair of State Mapping Advisory Committee (SMAC). The letter should discuss state priorities, the long-term mapping plan, the process used to prioritize geologic mapping projects selected for the current proposal, and how the proposed mapping fits into the long-term mapping plans for the state. The date of the committee meeting and a list of committee members who attended the meeting including their affiliations and expertise are also required. This letter is NOT a summary of the proposed projects. SMAC letters are typically a couple of pages long, and should be limited to no more than 4 pages (not including the list of members). Voting SMAC members must not be listed on any projects as personnel.

6. STATEMAP Proposal Summary Sheet (Attachment A). Using the provided or similar format in Attachment A, submit a proposal summary sheet that includes project dates, proposed projects, deliverables, funds requested per project, and total funding requested..

7. Statement of Outcome (Attachment B). This should be one page with a bibliographic citation showing how one of your state’s recently published STATEMAP products was used by another organization or person. It is beneficial to include a letter from the organization stating that the geologic map was a critical component of their decision-making process.

8. Table of Contents.

9. Proposal Technical Section. The technical section of the proposal is limited to 25 single space pages, with no smaller than 11-point font size, and 1-inch margins. Proposals shorter than 25 pages are encouraged as long as they contain sufficient content. Remember that a graphic is worth a thousand words, and the Proposal Evaluation Panel has many proposals to read.

Figures must be labeled, of high quality, and easy to read. References are included in this 25 page limit.

The technical section of your proposal includes the following:

a. Introduction. The introduction should include the relevance of the proposed projects to the

State’s long-range geologic mapping plan. It should give a clear and concise overview of the project objectives and societal and scientific problems to be addressed. A graphic showing how your long-range plan may relate to population growth, transportation corridors, or some other societal need can be very helpful

b. Location and Geologic Setting. A clear, readable map (with scale) showing the location of each project area should accompany the text. Please keep in mind that the Proposal

Evaluation Panel may not know your State’s geography as well as you. A separate generalized geologic map of your State may also be helpful.

c. Purpose and Justification. This section should answer a few simple, but important questions. Why are you doing this mapping? Who are your customers? What are the fundamental scientific contributions? What benefits will society receive from the mapping?

If geologic maps already produced nearby have been used by local or state agencies in making decisions, reporting on these outcomes is encouraged.

d. Strategy for Performing the Geologic Mapping. This section should emphasize how the geologic mapping will be accomplished, who will be mapping where, and for how long.

Please include a drilling or sample collection plan, and the logistics of how the geologic mapping will be accomplished. Provide an explanation for more expensive work, such as drilling or helicopter support. If a project is part of a multiyear effort, explain what will be completed for each year. This section should be consistent with the budget justification and budget itemization sections.

e. Preliminary Results and Prior Work. If you or others have done any work in the area, especially funded by STATEMAP, include a brief summary of findings or outcomes.

f. Deliverable Geologic Maps. You should provide an explicit list of geologic maps that will be delivered at the end of the one-year cooperative agreement period. If a project cannot be completed in one year, interim or partial maps are still required at the end of the period of performance that document significant progress. We recommend that these maps be labeled according to the year of development, for example, Interim Map X (mapping year 1 of 2). If a deliverable is a partial quad, you must indicate exactly which section of the quad will be mapped and delivered. When maps are submitted at the end of the period of performance, it is recognized that they may be in review, and not in final form. However, all necessary map components must be included (see Part I, section D). Note: It is expected that all of your map deliverables reflect what you propose and what your budget requests. For example, if you request funding for GIS work, geochemistry, or geochronology, your map product must include these components.

g. Project Personnel. Provide a table or list that includes information about the Principal

Investigator, staff, and support positions (such as geologist, field assistant, or cartographer).

Briefly discuss each person’s role on the project so that it links to the budget and mapping strategy section. For each person give a brief statement of their background or vita, and indicate whether the person works for your Survey or elsewhere (contractor or volunteer).

Unnamed personnel or unfilled positions should not be listed as a funding match. NCGMP strongly encourages geologic mapping projects to be a team approach to promote safe field practices.

h. Budget explanation and justification. This section should explain and justify in detail your budget. It is important that you itemize your supplies, laboratory and drilling expenses, travel expenses, and any unusual costs in this section for the proposal evaluation panel. If travel to a conference is included, provide justification for this particular trip with regards to geologic mapping in your state.

10. 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”), as long as 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 in the course of 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: http://www.usgs.gov/datamanagement/plan/dmplans.php

11. Budget sheets (Attachment C) Your proposal must include one budget sheet for the entire proposal, and one budget sheet for each project. These attachments are only a format guide.

You may create your own budget sheet with the same format which has more lines for needed itemization. For each project the amount of contributions from a State Geological Survey must be equal to or greater than the amount requested from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and must be derived from non-Federal sources. All budget costs must be itemized and consistent with the mapping strategy and budget justification sections. If it is an expensive item, or a significant proportion of your proposal request, the Proposal Evaluation Panel will want to know its details. NOTE: STATEMAP proposal budgets are Not to Exceed $300,000 total requested budget.

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 budgets shall contain the following:

http://www.usgs.gov/datamanagement/plan/dmplans.php

Salaries and Wages. List names, positions, and the rate-of-compensation for each person. Salaries or wages for student assistants (both undergraduates and graduate students) are an acceptable cost to the program. This should only include personnel actively involved in the mapping projects. The portion of staff time involved in digitizing, reviewing and map production (to open-file status) can be charged here. If senior management personnel do some of this actual 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 (see below under cost share). The budget sheet should include the total time worked on the project(s) (in units of months, weeks, days, hours, or percentage of time), rate-of-compensation

(dollars/hour for hourly employees, salary/year, or salary/month), and job title or role for each person. If contract employees are hired under a different category in the budget, their total time, rate-of-compensation, job titles, and roles should also be explained. Unnamed personnel or unfilled positions should not be listed as a funding match.

Example Salary/Wage Budget Section

Employee Job Title/Role Compensation

Rate

Units (mo, wk, hr, %)

Federal

Cost

State

Cost

Employee A Geologist II $50,000/year 2 months $8333

Employee B Lead GIS

Technologist

$31.50/hour 240 hours $7560

a. 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. If you request fringe benefits and not indirect costs you still have to provide an indirect cost rate agreement or show how the fringe benefit rate(s) is calculated.

b. Field Expenses. Itemize the estimated travel costs (i.e., number of people, number of travel days, per diem rate, mileage rate, airfare, transportation, and any other travel costs). Note: travel expenses for state mapping advisory committee meetings are not acceptable expenses.

c. Other Direct Cost Line Items to List.

i. Supplies. List costs for office, field, and laboratory supplies, including base maps, aerial photographs, petrographic thin sections, and other office and laboratory supplies. Itemize by including the number and cost for each item. Do not list a lump sum for each category; a breakdown needs to be provided to show how the costs were determined.

ii. Equipment. List expendable equipment costs. Federal STATEMAP funds are not intended for the purchase of computer hardware, GPS, vehicles, or other nonexpendable property. STATEMAP funds may, if necessary, be used for the purchase of software site licenses that are used specifically for the completion of

STATEMAP products. Requests for software must be accompanied by a copy of an up-to-date cost quote from the software company and prorated for STATEMAP use only.

iii. Drilling. Itemize and describe drilling costs and rates.

iv. Map digitization costs. Provide a breakdown of costs. If map digitization is to be contracted out, then it should be identified here. Explain and justify any extraordinary items.

v. Contractual services. Identify proposed contractors (individual or corporate) and provide the criteria by which contractors will be, or have been selected. Provide breakdown of all costs.

vi. Data. If utilizing datasets like LiDAR or geophysics, you must show how this information will be used to enhance the mapping or map product. If these datasets are used as a match, make sure no Federal funds were used to collect the data. Also, you must pro-rate the data cost for the area covered by the proposed map.

vii. Travel. Travel expenses not to exceed $2000 are allowable for a staff member to attend one scientific conference/workshop (optional). Note: A detailed breakdown for all costs related to conference/workshop travel needs to be provided.

d. Non-allowable Expenses

i. Equipment and nonexpendable property. Federal STATEMAP funds are not intended for the purchase of computer hardware, GPS, vehicles, or other nonexpendable property, nor can these expenses be used as matching costs for

Federal funds.

ii. Tuition and course fees. Federal STATEMAP funds are not intended to pay tuition or course fees nor can student tuition or course fees be used as a matching cost for Federal funds.

iii. Computer maintenance. Routine computer maintenance contracts and charges for computer time are not acceptable costs (these should be covered by indirect costs).

iv. Printing. Federal STATEMAP funds are not intended for State printing of multicolored or quality black-and-white versions of geologic maps produced in the program, nor can the cost to a State for such printing be used as a matching cost for Federal funds.

e. Total direct charges. (Items a - e) The total of the proposal (all projects combined)

MUST show a 1:1 Federal/State match of direct charges.

f. Indirect Charges. Show proposed rate and amount. Proposals must include a copy of the negotiated indirect cost rate agreement. Be sure that indirect charges apply only to those direct cost items allowable under the negotiated cost rate agreement. Usually sub-contract direct costs are either excluded from indirect charges, or there is a cap on the amount of subcontract costs eligible for indirect charges. NOTE: The 2009

Reauthorization of the National Geologic Mapping Act (Public Law 111-11) states that the USGS and recipients of STATEMAP 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).

g. Matching Funds. Regardless of the State’s federally negotiated indirect cost rate, a State 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 State’s total direct costs may be used as a State match on the State’s indirect cost line. If a State chooses (or is required) to show a higher than

18% rate on the State’s indirect cost line it can be listed under “uncollected indirect costs” on the State’s side, the result will be a higher State budget total than the Federal budget total. If the State’s approved rate is less than 18%, the approved rate must be used. Please read the statement below carefully to fully understand the matching requirements. This also applies to subcontracts. If you have a sub-award issued for a portion of your project the same rules apply in regards to the 18% cap for indirect costs on the federal side.

The following is a summary of what is required in regards to the 1:1 match:

i. A 1:1 Federal/State match is required for TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES on the entire proposal budget (all projects combined)

ii. A 1:1 Federal/State match is required for the GRAND TOTAL (this includes direct costs and indirect cost – all projects combined)

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE COST CATEGORIES MUST BE BROKEN

DOWN AS DESCRIBED ABOVE ON THE BUDGET SHEETS.

12. Collaborative support for the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB). For all published maps and reports for which STATEMAP funding was received in previous years, provide the specified bibliographic information for the Map Catalog. See http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/partners.html or contact Dave Soller (drsoller@usgs.gov) for details. In your proposal, indicate that this has been or has not been accomplished.

http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/partners.html mailto:drsoller@usgs.gov

D. Proposal Evaluation

STATEMAP proposals will be reviewed by a seven (7) member peer panel. Four (4) members will be

State Geologists selected by the Association of American State Geologists (one from each region and one at large). Three (3) members will be USGS geologists representing different regions. The

STATEMAP Program Officer will act as Chair and will choose the three USGS members. All panelists are required to serve a three-year term.

Evaluation Criteria. All proposals will be considered in accordance with the criteria listed below. The evaluated strength and quality of proposals will be considered in making funding decisions. Panel feedback will be provided to PI’s in the decision letters.

NOTE: To avoid any conflict of interest, no panelist may vote on a proposal from his or her State

Geological Survey or State agency; nor may any panelist take part in any discussion with other panel members about his or her State’s proposal.

1. State Mapping Advisory Committee (10 points).

a. Is the committee broad based and balanced?

b. Is a letter from the committee chair included?

c. Does the letter explain both the State’s mapping priorities, the process by which priorities were reached, and the long-term mapping plan?

d. Are the names, affiliations, and expertise of each committee member listed?

2. Purpose and Impact of geologic mapping (20 points).

a. How well does the proposal relate to the State Geological Survey’s intermediate to long-term plan?

b. How well does the proposed mapping respond to societal or customer needs?

c. How well does the proposed mapping address the goals of the National Geologic Mapping

Act?

d. Is a ‘Statement of Outcome’ provided? Does it show how one of your state’s recently published STATEMAP products was used by another organization or person? Is a letter from this organization or person included that states the impact or benefit of the geologic map or how it was a critical component of their decision-making process?

3. Technical Quality of the Proposal (25 points).

a. Is the proposal well-written and concise?

b. How well does the proposal demonstrate the scientific and technical viability of the proposed objectives?

c. Do the deliverables for each project adequately relate to the proposed project?

d. Does the proposal stress relevant and new scientific contributions?

4. Budget Clarity and Justification (15 points).

a. Does the overall budget have a 1:1 match of Federal and State funds?

b. Does the budget clearly show each employee by name, salary rate, and length of time employed on each project?

c. Is the proposed staff sufficient to accomplish the proposed goals?

d. Are all field expenses, supplies, and other expenses reasonable and adequately itemized?

e. Are all items included as direct cost appropriate?

f. Are contract employees clearly distinguished from those already on the State Geological

Survey payroll?

5. *Products from previous STATEMAP cooperative agreements (30 points).

a. What is the quality of the map deliverables and do they include the components necessary to convey the geology of the quadrangle or mapped area? (see Part I, section D and Part II, section 9.f.)

b. Have all deliverables been submitted in a timely fashion?

c. Has the state survey updated the National Geologic Map Database?

*If your State Geological Survey has received prior STATEMAP support, the NCGMP Program Office will judiciously select a geologic map from your most recent deliverables to best represent the quality of your work as an example for the STATEMAP Proposal Evaluation Panel. In the case that a particular map includes several plates, all corresponding plates including additional data, derivative maps, cross-sections, etc., may be included at the discretion of the Program Officer for the Panel to review. However, additional plates are not required. Please note: accompanying pamphlets/reports will not be provided for the Panel for review.

PART III. Proposal Delivery and Submission Instructions

Applicants are held responsible for the proposal to be electronically submitted to GRANTS.GOV

(www.grants.gov) by November 15, 2017 @ 3:00 p.m. (EST). This website includes step by step instructions for GRANTS.GOV. Please be aware that the electronic submission system is relatively complex for first-time users and involves several preliminary registration steps to be taken before the proposal can be submitted (go to www.grants.gov and click on the “Register” link in the upper right section of the page). Be advised that it is virtually impossible to begin the process of electronic submission for the first time if you start just a few days before the proposal submission due date. If you are affiliated with a university, contact your Office of Sponsored Programs as they may already have completed the registration process and should work with you to submit the application.

Please allow sufficient time for the proposal to be submitted electronically and allow time for possible computer delays. It is strongly advised not to wait until the last minute for submission. A proposal received after the closing date and time will not be considered for award. If it is determined that a proposal will not be considered due to lateness, the applicant will be notified immediately.

All grant programs are required to use GRANTS.GOV to advertise program announcements. Any form that is not available online may be submitted as attachments at the end of the proposal through the http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ online application process.

PART IV. General Provisions

A. General Provisions of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

By accepting Federal assistance, your organization agrees to abide by the provisions of the National

Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, namely the National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 2009, Public Law 111-11 (http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/), and OMB Circular A-16 “Coordination of

Surveying, Mapping and Related Spatial Data Activities” http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a016/a016_rev.html.

B. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars

By accepting Federal assistance, your organization agrees to abide by the applicable OMB Circulars in the expenditure of Federal funds and performance under this program. Copies of these Circulars can be obtained from the Internet at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_docs.

1. 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative 2Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit

Requirements for Federal Awards, as implemented by the Department of the Interior in 2 CFR

Part 1402 and 43 CFR Part 12.

C. Publication

1. Publication or open-file release of the results of any project carried out under this assistance award is authorized in map or publication “series” of State Geological Surveys. Publication includes conventional format in paper copy, reproducible mylar or similar material, and electronic format as digital files on computer readable disk, CD-ROM, or similar medium.

Maps or manuscripts submitted to journals, professional organizations, or commercial firms, for publication shall be accompanied by the following notation:

“This map and explanatory information (or manuscript) is submitted for publication with the understanding that the United States Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for governmental use.”

2. Program Credit. All geologic maps and manuscripts resulting from any project carried out under this assistance award resulting wholly or in part from the cooperative agreement shall bear a cooperative statement in the map header, on the title page of an accompanying explanatory text, and in the acknowledgments that accompany the map or any resulting report/manuscript. This credit shall read:

“This geologic map (or report) was funded in part by the USGS National Cooperative

Geologic Mapping Program under StateMap award number GXXACXXXXX, 20XX.”

[Include award number and year funded] http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/ http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a016/a016_rev.html http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_docs

3. Disclaimer. All maps and explanatory text or reports submitted for publication by professional societies or commercial firms shall carry the following notation:

“The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government.”

4. Publication information should be entered into the National Geologic Map Database

(http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/partners.html).

D. Funding

1. The STATEMAP program is required by statute (Public Law 111-11) to be carried out on a 1:1 matching basis; each recipient must match each Federal dollar with a non-Federal dollar (direct and indirect costs). The non-Federal share may be contributions of services or cash provided to contractors to perform geologic mapping or other services directly applicable to proposed work on the project. The specific source(s) of the State contribution, such as State legislative appropriation, must be provided in the proposal. The 1:1 ratio, however, does not prevent

States from securing additional funds from other tax-supported entities to increase the level of work that is accomplished in a region. The Program encourages multiple partnerships, as they enhance the production of geologic maps. A letter or item of evidence should be included with the proposal to support other non-state-survey funds. Federal regulations prohibit the matching of Federal funds with other Federal funds. Consequently, third-party funding arrangements, though encouraged, should be viewed as adding additional activities that are accounted for separately from the USGS-State-matching funds agreement.

2. Non-state-survey "appropriate" state cost share requires at least three basic pieces of documentation: (1) a letter or other official piece of paper from the proposed source of the non-state-survey cost share clearly committing to the cost share and, as specifically as possible, identifying the exact nature of the share (i.e., timing, dollars, equipment, services, personnel, etc.); (2) specific information in the Strategy for Performing the Geologic Mapping section that links the non-state-survey cost share directly and convincingly to the proposed geologic mapping activities; (3) specific information in the budget materials that shows how the non-state-survey cost share will match Federal dollars, category-by-category, and in sufficient detail to corroborate the descriptive material in the Strategy section. Actual or apparent costs caused by the required indirect (overhead) rate (18% total costs) being less than the State Survey’s negotiated cost agreement are NOT a permissible cost share contribution.

3. Performance of projects funded by this program will conform to OMB Circular A-16 (revised).

As noted in that circular, use of USGS funds for the purchase of equipment will not be authorized.

4. Funds for the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program and in turn, STATEMAP awards, will not be available until enactment of the Department of the Interior Appropriations.

Since it is anticipated that awards will not be announced until after February 15, 2018, http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/partners.html proposed project start dates should not begin prior to April 15, 2018. Also, projects must start no later than September 15, 2018.

NOTE: An award issued by the USGS Office of Acquisition and Grants is required for the

State agency to obligate USGS funds. Notification of a successful proposal does not constitute authority to incur costs funded by USGS money. Costs may be incurred only after the receipt of an award issued electronically through FedConnect from the USGS.

5. Requests for no-cost extensions, not to exceed 90 days, shall be forwarded to the Grant

Specialist/Contracting Officer for consideration not later than 30 days prior to the requested end date. After discussion with STATEMAP Program Officer, the Grant Specialist/Contracting

Officer will make a final decision on a case-by-case basis and notify the Recipient in writing.

Asking for a no-cost extension in no way jeopardizes the success of a future proposal.

However, if a State asks for a no-cost extension, it cannot extend past a date 30 days in advance of the STATEMAP Proposal Evaluation Panel meeting for the next funding cycle.

-- END OF PROGRAM ANNOUNCMENT--

Attachment A

USE THE FOLLOWING FORMAT

STATEMAP PROPOSAL SUMMARY SHEET

Name of State Geological Survey:

Principal Investigator (person we can call to ask questions if needed):

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

Project Titles:

Project 1 Title:

Amount:

Project 2 Title:

Amount:

Project 3 Title:

Amount::

Project 4 Title:

Amount::

Start date: End date:

Project Deliverables (please include list of quadrangles and partial quadrangles):

Project 1 Deliverables:

Project 2

Project 3

Project 4

Total Federal Funds Requested: $_____________________

Attachment B

STATEMAP STATEMENT OF OUTCOME

Include a bibliographic citation and a paragraph showing how a recent published STATEMAP product was used by another organization or person. It is helpful to include a letter from the organization stating that the geologic map was a critical component of their decision-making process.

Bibliographic citation:

Paragraph:

Attachment C

STATEMAP Element

BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR ENTIRE PROPOSAL

State: _______________________________________

Proposal Short Title: _________________________________________

Budget Category Federal Funding ”Requested” Matching Funds “Proposed”

SALARIES:

Survey Staff $ $ Contract Staff $ $ (provide salary rate & time for each)

Total Salaries: $ $

FRINGE BENEFITS:

Survey Staff $ $ Contract Staff $ $ Total Fringe Benefits: $ $

BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR ENTIRE PROPOSAL

State: _______________________________________

Proposal Short Title: _________________________________________

FIELD EXPENSES:

Per Diem $ $ Lodging Cost $ $ Vehicle Cost $ $ Mileage $ $ (provide number & rate for each) $ $

MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES:

Office and Laboratory Supplies (itemize)

Drilling $ $ Map Digitizing Costs $ $ (breakdown the above costs) $ $ Total Direct Costs: $ $ Indirect Cost (__ %) * $ $ Uncollected Indirect Cost $ --------------------------------- $

GRAND TOTAL: $ $

* Not to exceed 18%

BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR INDIVIDUAL PROJECT BUDGET

State: _________________________________

Proposal Short Title: ______________________________________________

Individual Project Title: ____________________________________________

SALARIES:

Survey Staff $ $ Contract Staff $ $ (provide salary rate & time for each)

Total Salaries: $ $

FRINGE BENEFITS:

Survey Staff $ $ Contract Staff $ $ Total Fringe Benefits: $ $

BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR INDIVIDUAL PROJECT BUDGET

State: _________________________________

Proposal Short Title: ______________________________________________

Individual Project Title: ____________________________________________

FIELD EXPENSES:

Per Diem $ $ Lodging Cost $ $ Vehicle Cost $ $ Mileage $ $ (provide number & rate for each)

MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES:

Office and Laboratory Supplies (itemize)

Drilling $ $ Map Digitizing Costs $ $ (breakdown the above costs) $ $ Total Direct Costs: $ $ Indirect Cost (__ %) * $ $ Uncollected Indirect Cost $ --------------------------------- $

INDIVIDUAL PROJECT TOTAL: $ $

* Not to exceed 18%

Attachment D

SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SECTION A – ASSISTANCE ADMINISTRATION DATA AND DELIVERABLES

A.1. Cooperative Agreement Administration

This cooperative agreement will be administered by:

U.S. Geological Survey

Office of Acquisition and Grants

Kimberly L. Dove, Grants Specialist

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 205

Reston, VA 20192

Telephone (703) 648-7487

Email: kdove@usgs.gov

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

A.2. Consideration

1. The recipient’s proposal as identified on Page 1, Block 10 is incorporated by reference. The total estimated cost of the USGS share for the performance of this cooperative agreement is the total amount indicated in Block 13. Costs hereunder shall in no event exceed that amount without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

2. Prior approval of the Grant Specialist/Contracting Officer is not required for transfer of funds between direct cost categories when the cumulative amount of the transfers during the performance period does not exceed ten (10) percent of the total USGS cash award. Prior written approval is required from the Grant Specialist/Contracting Officer for transfers in excess of the ten (10) percent limitation.

A.3. 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).

mailto:kdove@usgs.gov

1. 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).

2. With the award of each grant/cooperative agreement, 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 up to 10 days for sub-accounts to be activated and for funds to be authorized for drawdown in ASAP.

3. Inquiries regarding payment should be directed to ASAP at (855) 868-0151.

A.4. Definitions

1. Grant Agreement

A grant agreement is the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a state or local government or other recipient whenever:

a. the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the state or local government or other recipient in order to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by Federal statute, rather than acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government; and

b. no substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the

Fede…