FY2025 EDMAP Program Announcement Final.pdf

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

-- EDMAP --

The Educational Component of the

National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

Re-authorized in 2021 by the Infrastructure and Jobs Investment Act

(Public Law 117-58, Section 40202: “National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program”)

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT No. G25AS00031

For Fiscal Year 2025

ISSUE DATE: October 1, 2024

CLOSING DATE & TIME:

January 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT CAREFULLY AND NOTE ANY

CHANGES

Paperwork Reduction Act Approval – OMB control number 1028-0088; Expiration Date 04/28/2027

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents 2

List of Attachments 3

Program Announcement Changes 4

PART I. Public Law, Program Priorities, and Geologic Map Products 7

A. The National Geologic Mapping Act 7

B. EDMAP Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program 8

C. EDMAP Proposals 9

1. Types of EDMAP Proposals 10

2. Other Proposal Requirements 11

D. Funding Request Limits 12

E. Geologic Map Products 12

PART II. Timetables, Eligibility, Format Instructions, and Proposal Evaluation 15

A. Timetables 15

B. Eligibility—Who May Submit a Proposal 15

1. Student Eligibility 16

C. Proposal Format Instructions 16

D. Proposal Evaluation 26

1. Evaluation Criteria 26

PART III. Proposal Delivery and Submission Instructions 27

PART IV. General Provisions 28

A. General Provisions of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program 28

B. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars 28

C. Rights in Technical Data 28

D. Publication 29

E. Funding 30

F. Project Deliverables 31

G. Statement about Derogatory Terms in Stratigraphy 32

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Proposal Submission Forms and Instructions

A. Mandatory EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet

B. Budget Sheets

C. Project Abstract Summary

D. Terms and Conditions

E. Contact Information for State Geological Surveys

F. Contact Information for USGS Project Leads and Ongoing Projects of the NCGMP

G. Current (FY2024) EDMAP Projects

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

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT CHANGES FOR FY2025

Given the extensive recent changes to the EDMAP Program Announcement, the

NCGMP is available to answer any questions you may have. Please direct questions to

EDMAP@usgs.gov.

Part I, A, and throughout: There are minor editorial changes throughout the Program

Announcement.

Part I, A, and throughout: Opening and closing dates of the Program Announcement are updated to reflect FY2025 dates.

Part I, C, EDMAP Proposals, and throughout: EDMAP proposals may now request a period of performance between 12 and 24 months.

Part I, C, EDMAP Proposals, and throughout: Primary student mapper tuition is now an acceptable form of match, so long as tuition is no more than 50% of total matched dollars.

Part I, C, 1, Types of EDMAP Proposals: Field-Focused projects must now produce geologic maps at detailed and intermediate scales (between 1:24,000 and <1:250,000) only.

Part I, C, 1, Types of EDMAP Proposals: Data Synthesis Projects must now produce geologic maps at detailed and intermediate scales (between 1:24,000 and <1:250,000) only.

Part I, D, Funding Request Limits: EDMAP proposals may now request up to $45,000 per 12 months (or $90,000 for 24 months) for each primary graduate student mapper and up to

$25,000 per 12 months (or $50,000 for 24 months) for each primary undergraduate mapper.

Part I, E, Geologic Map Products: The partnering State Geological Survey (i.e., the State

Geological Survey where the project is being conducted) may now use STATEMAP funds to assist with publishing EDMAP products.

Part I, E, Geologic Map Products: Proposals including training in the Geologic Map Schema

(GeMS) standard as well as the production of a GeMS Level 3 geodatabase will be prioritized over proposals excluding these items.

Part I, E, Geologic Map Products: If proposing generation of geospatial data (e.g., ArcGIS or

GeMS database), you must check geoplatform.gov to determine if data already exist for your study area. The Federal government will not fund the production of duplicate, identical mailto:EDMAP@usgs.gov geospatial data (e.g., two GeMS Level 3 databases of the same 7.5-minute quadrangle at the same scale).

Part II, B, Eligibility: Who May Submit a Proposal, and throughout: Primary Student Mapper

(graduate or undergraduate) tuition is now an allowable expense under the EDMAP Program.

However, no more than 50% of the Federal request may be used to pay tuition.

Part II, B, Eligibility: Who May Submit a Proposal: A Principal Investigator (PI) may have no more than two active EDMAP Awards at any given time. If an Award has expired (it is past the period of performance end date) and deliverables have not been submitted, the responsible

PI is ineligible for any future EDMAP Awards until deliverables are submitted. Institutions of delinquent PIs may also be ineligible for future EDMAP Awards or any Awards issued by the

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Part II, B, 1, Student Eligibility: A Primary Student Mapper may be supported by no more than 36 months of EDMAP funding and no more than two Awards (e.g., one 24 month award and one 12 month award).

Part II, C, 7, Proposal Technical Section, g, Deliverables: A final report (typically the student’s thesis) and a transmittal letter are required deliverables for each EDMAP Award.

Part II, C, 9, a, Salaries and/or Tuition: Section (a) has been retitled, as primary student mapper(s) tuition is now an allowable expense/match (up to 50% of both match and request).

Tuition for mapping assistants is not an authorized source of match or an allowed request.

Part II, C, Budget, etc.: Field Tablets are now an allowable expense (or match) under EDMAP

(in accordance with the current definition of “Supplies” in 2 CFR), provided the cost per unit is under $5,000. Additionally, guidance on budget categories has been revised – please read carefully.

Part II, D, Proposal Evaluation, 1, Evaluation Criteria: Proposals are now evaluated on whether or not the project will produce and submit a corresponding GeMS Level 3 database.

Part II, D, Proposal Evaluation, 1, Evaluation Criteria: Proposals are not evaluated on whether primary student tuition match and/or request amounts are less than 50% of the requested funds and/or matched dollars.

Part IV, F, Project Deliverables: In an effort to limit the need for some no-cost extensions, project deliverables are now due no later than 90 days after the end of the project period of performance – in line with the final technical report timeline as defined in the award terms and conditions.

Attachment A, Mandatory EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet: Mandatory EDMAP Proposal

Cover Sheet is updated to include Proposed Project Start Date, Proposed Project End Date, Proposed Funding Request, Proposed Institution Match, and indication of whether the proposed study site includes Tribal Nation lands.

Attachment B, EDMAP – ENTIRE PROPOSAL BUDGET: Attachment B is updated. Note that the blue text is provided for example only and should be deleted upon use.

Attachment C, Project Abstract Summary: This new attachment in FY2025 is required with all submitted EDMAP Proposals.

Attachment D, Terms and Conditions: Entire section is updated as per the U.S. Geological

Survey (USGS) Office of Acquisitions and Grants (OAG). Please read carefully.

Attachment E, Contact Information for State Geological Surveys: Information is updated for

FY2025.

Attachment F, Contact Information for USGS NCGMP Project Leads: Information is updated for FY2025.

Attachment G, Current EDMAP Projects: Information is updated for FY2024.

Note regarding updates to 2 CFR 200 effective October 1, 2024

Please be aware that projects anticipated for funding under this NOFO will be subject to the revised Uniform Guidance, effective 10/1/2024. For reference, resources are included below to help determine how this may affect your proposal and budgeted costs.

OMB’s revised Uniform Guidance launch was on April 4, 2024. To view the announcement

OMB made on April 4, 2024 introducing the finalized Uniform Guidance, visit here.

The final rule, Guidance for Federal Assistance, was published to the Federal Register on

April 22, 2024 (89 FR 30046).

OMB released a redline document showing the 2024 revisions, and issued accompanying implementation memorandum M-24-11, as well as reference guides.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1 https://www.cfo.gov/resources/uniform-guidance/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2024/04/04/the-biden-harris-administration-finalizes-guidance-to-make-grants-more-accessible-and-transparent-for-families-communities-and-small-businesses/ https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/22/2024-07496/guidance-for-federal-financial-assistance https://www.cfo.gov/assets/files/2%20CFR%20Revisions%202024%20Redline.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/M-24-11-Revisions-to-2-CFR.pdf https://www.cfo.gov/assets/files/Uniform%20Guidance%20_Reference%20Guides%20FINAL%204-2024.pdf

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

A. The National Geologic Mapping Act

The 102nd Congress recognized that the U.S. Geological Survey (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, thereby creating the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP). The Act has been re-authorized five times since then, most recently by the 117th Congress in 2021 (Infrastructure and Jobs Investment Act P.L. 117-58, Section 40202). The Act recognizes that geologic maps are the primary data base for virtually all applied and basic earth-science investigations.

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

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

(NGMDB).

2. Develop complementary national databases (e.g., geophysical and geochemical databases) that provide value-added information to the NGMDB.

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 2021, NCGMP went through a process of renewing its vision and mission by developing a new strategic plan (see https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2021/1013/ofr20211013.pdf). As described in this Strategic Plan, in addition to geologic mapping at traditional scales such as 1:24,000, the renewed vision of the USGS NCGMP is to create national and continental-resolution two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) digital geologic maps of the United States and its territories to address the changing needs of the Nation. The mission of the NCGMP is to characterize, interpret, and disseminate a national geologic framework model of Earth through geologic mapping and associated research; this research will support the responsible use of land, water, energy, and minerals, and mitigate the impact of geologic hazards on society, thereby facilitating national security and economic growth through informed earth resource management.

https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2021/1013/ofr20211013.pdf

The EDMAP Program continues to carry out the NCGMP mission and address Department of the Interior Secretarial priorities by training students in skills needed for geologic mapping.

Geologic mapping training supported by EDMAP provides the foundational capacity to describe and interpret the geologic framework information necessary to inform the management of the land and water resources of the Nation, adapt to changes in the environment, and secure the Nation.

Many EDMAP projects include lands of American Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Tribes, and

Alaska Native Corporations (hereafter referred to as Tribal Nations). The NCGMP supports the fulfillment of the federal trust responsibility to Tribal Nations by recognizing their sovereignty and responding to the science needs expressed by Tribal communities. The

Program works closely with State and academic partners to ensure Tribal Nations are appropriately notified of NCGMP supported geologic mapping activities inclusive of Tribal

Nation land.

In addition, EDMAP support helps to maintain strong academic geologic mapping programs, which in turn produce a healthier workforce at geological surveys throughout the Nation.

B. EDMAP Component of the NCGMP

The primary objective of the EDMAP component of the NCGMP is to train the next generation of geologic mappers. To do this, the NCGMP provides funds for undergraduate and graduate student research projects that involve all activities relevant to the creation of geologic maps (defined broadly as all maps that characterize the solid Earth and/or its constituents). Through these cooperative agreements, the NCGMP hopes to expand the research and educational capacity of national academic programs that teach Earth science students the broad range of techniques relevant to geologic mapping and the analysis of field, geophysical, borehole, and remote sensing data. As of 2024, EDMAP has funded more than

1,501 students from more than 177 universities.

To reflect the evolving skillsets required of geologic mappers, technological advancements in geologic mapping, and new/emerging themes in geologic mapping, the FY2025 EDMAP

Program Announcement includes a set of funding opportunities designated as “Data

Synthesis Projects,” which represent a separate Proposal category. This additional category was first introduced in FY2022 and continues this year. The NCGMP encourages submission of novel EDMAP Data Synthesis Project proposals that involve both training in skills relevant to the data modeling and synthesis needs of contemporary geologic mappers, and training in traditional field methods. Examples of potential Data Synthesis Projects are provided later in this Program Announcement.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL EDMAP PROPOSALS – WHETHER FIELD-FOCUSED or

DATA SYNTHESIS – MUST INCLUDE THE GENERATION OF A GEOLOGIC MAP

(see definition above). Requirements to produce a Data Synthesis geologic map can be found in Part I, section E, “Geologic Map Products.”

To expand the range of institutions and individuals that can take part in EDMAP, amongst other reasons, the NCGMP acknowledges that inter-institutional collaboration may be desirable to complete FY2025 EDMAP projects. Parameters for such collaborative proposals are described in Part II, section B, “Eligibility.”

A list of funded FY2024 EDMAP projects can be found in Attachment G of this announcement.

For more information about the USGS NCGMP EDMAP Program please visit: EDMAP |

U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov) or email EDMAP@usgs.gov.

C. EDMAP Proposals

New in FY2025, continuous project proposals may be submitted for any length of time between 12 and 24 months. Each proposal should show a 1:1 Federal/Institution funding match. Matching funds may include: (1) direct financial match in dollars to cover project expenses; (2) faculty (PI or non-PI) salary or student salary or primary mapper tuition (see limits on using tuition as match later in this document); (3) volunteer services by professional and technical personnel, consultants, or other skilled or unskilled labor if the services are an integral and necessary part of the project; (4) purchased, rented, and/or donated property such as field supplies, laboratory supplies, or office supplies that are justified to support the project

(the value of donated property must not exceed the fair market value of the property at the time of the donation); (5) field travel and field accommodations; and (6) sample preparation and sample analysis costs. Costs associated with travel to or registration for professional meetings may not be considered as matching funds. Also, Federal dollars or Federal donations may not be considered as matching funds.

Only one proposal will be accepted from an individual Principal Investigator or PI (Professor or faculty advisor), although more than one proposal can be accepted from a single institution if authored by different PIs. PIs may submit proposals containing multiple sub-projects so long as a different geologic map deliverable is proposed for each project. The PI is required to write and submit the proposal.

For FY2025, proposals must include a detailed cover sheet that outlines the features of the proposal, contact information for the PI(s) and student(s), type of project, https://www.usgs.gov/programs/national-cooperative-geologic-mapping-program/science/edmap-0 https://www.usgs.gov/programs/national-cooperative-geologic-mapping-program/science/edmap-0 deliverables, and an explanation of the mentored field experience (see “Mandatory

EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet” at the end of this Program Announcement).

For the purposes of the EDMAP Program, the term “detailed map” refers to maps of scales ranging from 1:24,000 to 1:63,360. The term “regional map” refers to maps of scales ranging from 1:250,000 to 1:500,000. The term “intermediate map” refers to maps of scales that are intermediate between a “detailed map” and a “regional map,” as defined herein.

1. Types of EDMAP Proposals

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

a. Field-Focused Projects

Field-Focused Projects are those that generate a geologic map at a detailed or intermediate scale (between 1:24,000 and <1:250,000), displaying specific geological strata or rock units, based on extensive mentored field mapping. The primary emphasis of Field-Focused Projects must be on student mapping in the field, as has been expected through previous EDMAP

Program Announcements. In the case of a Field-Focused Project, a map showing the 2D geologic framework must be produced and delivered to both the NCGMP and the State

Geological Survey where the mapping was conducted.

b. Data Synthesis Projects

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

Data Synthesis Projects could also involve the collection of new data, analysis of preexisting data, or resolution of anomalies in existing datasets so data can be geospatially merged (e.g., mapping critical minerals or hazardous wastes in soils in an urban environment to address specific sources of contamination in runoff), and ultimately produce a geologic map (as defined above). This map must address a scientific or mapping methods problem and must be based on Earth science data. Examples include a map of the physical characteristics or structure of an aquifer to help inform changing groundwater quality, a map generated using remotely sensed data, or map that predicts lithologies and/or structure across a region.

Given the needs of modern geologic mapping, such as digitizing existing paper maps and converting digital maps to the USGS Geologic Map Schema (GeMS) standard schema, the activities proposed under a Data Synthesis Project can take many forms; however, the goal of the project must be training students in geologic mapping. These activities may include the development of targeted geographic information system (GIS) and/or modeling skills needed for 3D mapping, the development of digital applications to assist field mapping, the extraction and processing of data relevant to geologic mapping from third party datasets, and retroactively generating standards-compliant data from legacy mapping products. However, the major focus of a Data Synthesis Project, and the way the deliverables will document student learning related to geologic mapping, must be clearly described in the proposal. All deliverables that document these outcomes must be identified on the “Mandatory EDMAP

Proposal Cover Sheet.” In the case of a Data Synthesis Project, the final product must be delivered to both the NCGMP and to the State Geological Survey where the study site is located (if a State Geological Survey exists for that study site).

2. Other Proposal Requirements

All EDMAP proposals must include a mentored field experience focusing on aspects of geologic mapping (for additional information, please contact the EDMAP Program Officer).

However, the field experience may be different if proposing a Data Synthesis Project. For example, the mentored field experience could be a guided field trip along transects aimed at understanding regional geology across a province. A proposed project would be considered eligible for Data Synthesis Project funding so long as the student both learns skills that enable the creation of maps or spatially referenced models that are relevant to Earth science, and ultimately produces a geologic map. The proposed mentored field experience for Data Synthesis Projects must be identified within the proposal and on the “Mandatory

EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet.”

All proposals must inform and coordinate with the State Geological Survey in the state of the proposed study site. If a proposed study site does not have a State Geological Survey, then please inform and coordinate with a USGS Project Lead that is funded by the National

Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (to obtain contact information for State Geological

Surveys, see Attachment E or visit: http://www.stategeologists.org/ to obtain contact information for NCGMP-funded USGS Project Leads, see Attachment F). A written letter of acknowledgement or support from the State Geologist of the proposed study site (or a USGS

Project Lead if the study site does not have a State Geologist) must accompany all proposals

(see Proposal Evaluation Criteria, p. 25). As part of this coordination and planning process, the method of eventual geologic map publication should be discussed very early in the http://www.stategeologists.org/ planning process. However, receiving EDMAP funds does not constitute a guaranteed publication of any map.

D. Funding Request Limits

EDMAP allows funding requests of up to $45,000 PER 12 MONTHS (maximum request

= $90,000 for 24 months) for each graduate student primary mapper/analyst and up to

$25,000 PER 12 MONTHS (maximum request = $50,000 for 24 months) for each undergraduate primary mapper/analyst. Each primary student mapper must generate their own geologic map.

A primary mapper/analyst is defined as the lead student on an individual project; this person is responsible for producing the first-authored geologic map required at the end of the project.

Assistant geologic mappers/analysts are encouraged, but costs for assistants are included in the overall request per primary mapper/analyst (for example, for one undergraduate primary mapper/analyst and two field assistants, the total request is still limited to $50,000 for 24 months). A proposal may request funding for multiple primary mappers/analysts (for example, one undergraduate primary mapper and one graduate primary mapper for a total request not to exceed $140,000 over 24 months), however, each primary mapper/analyst is responsible for a separate first-authored map (two map deliverables are required in this case). For any questions regarding request amount limits per student, please contact the EDMAP Program Officer at

EDMAP@usgs.gov.

E. Geologic Map Products

Statements below addressing the characteristics of geologic maps within EDMAP are generally applicable to all products, including those generated through Data Synthesis

Projects.

The EDMAP definition of a 2D geologic map created by a Field-Focused Project is a robust material-properties-based framework of geological units and features that can be interpreted into various customized and user-friendly derivative map products. At minimum, the geologic map should include: (1) a clear and legible base (include base map credit and map projection); (2) scale (fractional and bar) and contour interval; (3) north arrow and magnetic declination; (4) title, authorship, publisher (or the institution that carried out the mapping), and date; (5) index map showing mapping contributions by the student author(s) and by previous mappers; (6) field data or field data stations; (7) description of map units; (8) explanation of map symbols; and (9) unit symbols on map. All maps submitted under

EDMAP also must show the bounding coordinates in degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS) notation or decimal degrees notation. If a submitted map does not include these minimum criteria, then it will be returned.

A geologic map may also include correlation or sequence of map units, stratigraphic columns, cross sections, other down-hole or 3D data, derivative maps, and text, but these additions are not required. Geologic maps in digital form also may contain a variety of point data for specific sites, essentially comprising a 3D database.

The EDMAP definition of a geologic map in the case of a Data Synthesis Project is defined broadly as any map that characterizes the solid Earth and/or its constituents. At a minimum (if applicable), the geologic map should include: (1) a clear map projection; (2) scale (fractional and bar); (3) north arrow and magnetic declination; (4) title, authorship, publisher (or the institution that carried out the mapping), and date; (5) field data or field data stations, if field data were collected; (6) description of relevant discrete or continuous map units; (7) explanation of map symbols; and (8) unit symbols on map. Again, if a submitted map does not include these minimum criteria, then it will be returned.

In the case of both Field-Focused and Data Synthesis Projects, deliverable geologic maps will consist of data acquired and/or originally analyzed during the award period and mapped at a scale deemed appropriate for the geologic problem being addressed. However, proposed maps must be at either detailed or intermediate scale.

Students should learn techniques of mapping with emphasis on the development of new maps and/or new mapping methodologies. PIs must plan mapping projects in coordination with other FEDMAP or STATEMAP mapping projects in the field area, because NCGMP will not fund two maps of the same area of equitable scale or of similar purpose. All EDMAP deliverable maps are required to be submitted as high quality digital Portable Document

Format (PDF) files that address the minimum requirements for map components and notation as described above. Any GIS or desktop-publishing files developed during the preparation of the PDF should be included in the deliverable. Please coordinate deliverable submission with the NCGMP office if producing a product that is not listed here (e.g., a Data Synthesis deliverable). At the end of an awarded Cooperative Agreement period of performance, EDMAP deliverables must be delivered to the NCGMP Program Office and delivered to the

State Geological Survey where the study site is located (if there is a State Geological Survey for that study site).

Student maps and other products are a significant component of the NCGMP, therefore, all

EDMAP deliverables will be posted to the NGMDB website (http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/) Current

‘Mapping in Progress’ EDMAP projects can be found at https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/mip/. In addition to the generated products, the NCGMP will archive any source files (e.g., ArcGIS, http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/mip/

Adobe Illustrator) for future use by other geologists, upon written request. If you do not want your student’s deliverable posted to the NGMDB website, then please indicate that to the

NCGMP in your transmittal letter when you submit your deliverable. Unless otherwise indicated, your student’s deliverable will be uploaded to the website with a disclaimer watermark identifying it as an unpublished EDMAP deliverable. It is strongly recommended that you work with your partnering State Geological Survey toward publication of your student’s deliverable(s), as applicable. The partnering State Geological Survey may apply for funds to assist with the publication process via the STATEMAP Program.

To assist the student and PI in map preparation, various general and NCGMP-supported resources for cartography and database design are available at https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/. This site is the recommended starting point for preparation of EDMAP products.

NCGMP has adopted GeMS as the standard to be used for all NCGMP-funded map products produced by the USGS and State Geological Surveys. Proposals including training in and the production of a GeMS database will be prioritized over proposals that do not include training in and submission of a GeMS database. Additional resources on GeMS can be found at https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/.

Geospatial Data Requirements

If you receive financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), you must follow these rules for geospatial data:

Follow Federal Standards: All geospatial data you collect or create must meet the standards set by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) or the Department of the Interior. This is required by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which is part of Public Law 115-254, specifically in Subtitle F (Geospatial Data), sections 751-759C (codified at 43 U.S.C. §§

2801–2811).

Include Metadata: Your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files must include complete metadata. Metadata is information that describes the data, such as where it came from, how accurate it is, and how it should be used. This is to ensure that anyone using the data understands its context and quality.

Check for Existing Data: Before you start collecting new geospatial data, you need to check

GeoPlatform.gov. This is to see if there is already existing geospatial data from federal, state, local, or private sources that can meet your needs and is available for free. If such data is available, you should use it instead of gathering new data.

These rules help ensure that geospatial data is reliable, high-quality, and that resources are used efficiently.

https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/ https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/

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

A. Timetables

Program Announcement Date: October 01, 2024

Closing Date and Time for Proposal Submission: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m.

(EST)

B. Eligibility - Who May Submit a Proposal

EDMAP is restricted to U.S. Universities with geoscience or related departments or programs

(for more information on whether your institution is eligible to submit an EDMAP proposal, contact the EDMAP Program Officer). University professors (including adjunct professors) must write and submit the proposals; the supported student(s) must not write the proposal.

EDMAP Cooperative Agreements are intended to fund graduate (Master’s and Doctoral) students and/or upper level (junior and senior) undergraduate students. Graduate and undergraduate students must have received appropriate geoscience or related training prior to the time that they begin the proposed project.

EDMAP cooperative agreements do not support faculty/PI salaries; however, EDMAP agreements can support primary student tuition and research assistantships. Starting in

FY2025, up to 50% of your total proposed request may be used for primary student mapper tuition. Additionally, primary student mapper tuition may comprise no more than 50% of your proposed match.

The bulk of the award is intended to support the student’s proposed efforts (field work and/or synthesis work, tuition, salary/research assistantship). No faculty salary is allowed, although the PI may ask for minor logistical financial support (e.g., travel funds) to mentor the student(s) in the field for a credible amount of time. Most of the budget request should go toward student support. Any support investigations (e.g., drilling and analytical services) or other purchased assets should be limited to less than 20 percent of the overall project budget.

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

Additionally, a specific PI may have no more than TWO active, non-delinquent EDMAP

Awards at any given time. Failure to submit deliverables in a timely manner may be grounds for ineligibility. PIs that have been previously funded under EDMAP must comply with the requirements specified in previous EDMAP awards, must be in good standing (i.e., no delinquent deliverables still pending on a previous award without a Program-approved extension), and have fewer than two active EDMAP Projects to be eligible for EDMAP funding in FY2025. Failure to meet previous award requirements will be grounds for ineligibility.

1. Student Eligibility

Although EDMAP proposals are accepted for up to 24 months of funding, a primary student may be supported by no more than 36 months of EDMAP funding. Students may be funded on two consecutive EDMAP awards, or a student may be supported by an EDMAP award from two different institutions, degrees, or PIs. However, the student is only eligible for 36 months of cumulative funding. The PI must indicate on the “Mandatory EDMAP Proposal

Cover Sheet” if the student has been supported by any prior EDMAP funding.

C. Proposal Format Instructions

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

PDF file.

All proposals must include the following documents:

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

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

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

4. Negotiated Rate Agreement: A copy of the University’s negotiated indirect cost rate agreement is required if requesting indirect costs. Per the program authority for EDMAP, indirect costs are capped at 18%. Please note that in the absence of a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, the maximum indirect rate that may be charged is the de minimus rate (see 2

CFR 200.414(f)).

5. Support letter from study-site State Geologist (or USGS Project Lead if there is no

State Geologist for the study site): A letter of acknowledgement or support is mandatory, This must come from the State Geologist (or head of the State Geological Survey geologic mapping program) in the state where the study site is located. If the study site does not have a

State Geologist, then a letter of support from an NCGMP-funded USGS Project Lead working in that area is sufficient. It is highly recommended that discussions occur with the State

Geologist/State Survey or the USGS Project Lead prior to the request for a letter of support.

Informing them of your proposed field mapping and/or research project is of benefit to everyone. If other organizations are supporting your proposed project, then additional letters of support are welcome. See Attachments D and E for State and USGS contacts. For questions related to coordination with USGS Project Leads and/or State Geologists, please contact the

EDMAP Program Officer.

6. Mandatory EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet: Please be mindful of the formatting requirements and changes to the Cover Sheet in FY2025.

7. Proposal Technical Section: This section of the proposal is limited to 10 single-spaced pages, no smaller than 11-point font size, and 1-inch margins. Remember that a graphic can be far more beneficial than text, and the Proposal Evaluation Panel has many proposals to read. The 10-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and personnel information.

Letter(s) of support, attachments, budget sheets, and data management plan are not included in the 10-page limit. The technical section of the proposal must include the following:

a. Abstract. The abstract must be no more than 350 words and include: (1) a statement of purpose, objective, or hypothesis; (2) research methods to accomplish the goal; (3) expected scientific or societal impacts of your research; (4) expected conclusions or outcomes; and (5) a statement that identifies the state and quadrangle or areas that will be mapped or otherwise addressed through mapping-related activities.

Please describe clearly and concisely what you propose to do in your project. Do not include personal information.

b. Introduction. The introduction should be a brief description of the problem and background. Reference should be made to any earlier geologic mapping, or geologic mapping going on nearby at present. If the PI has received prior EDMAP funding in recent years, then please include a discussion of previous projects, results, impacts of previous results, and if/how this work relates to the work being proposed.

Please be as specific as possible and include a bibliography of previous EDMAP products. Please state if this project is a significant part of a thesis. The introduction is a good place to discuss coordination with a State Geological Survey or USGS.

c. Location and geologic setting. The proposed study area must be located within the United States and (or) U.S. Territories. A clear, readable map (with scale) showing the location (with coordinates) of your project area should accompany the text. Please keep in mind that the Proposal Evaluation Panel may not be familiar with the geography of the proposed field area. If the footprint of the proposed work includes Tribal Nation lands, please indicate the name(s) of the Tribal Nation(s) and provide the following details: (1) whether physical access to Tribal Nation land(s) is desired and if so, the land area designation/name, (2) whether or not the proposed activity would include soil disturbance (e.g., sample collection) on or near

Tribal Nation lands, and (3) details on pre-coordination, request for access, or other communication with Tribal Nations on the proposed project (if applicable).

d. Purpose and Justification. This section should answer the following simple, but important questions: Why are you doing this project? What scientific questions are you addressing? What benefits will society receive from the mapping? If you have previously proposed similar research, then please convey how the current proposal is related to this other research and how the current proposal is different from this other research.

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

f. Mentoring strategy and timetable. Provide a realistic mentoring approach and timetable for completing the mapping project. A table embedded in the proposal can be a clear and concise way of conveying this information. Explain how much time the PI/faculty advisor will spend directly engaged with the student(s) and what their specific role(s) will be. Clearly discuss how the PI/faculty advisor will mentor the student(s) before, during, and after the field experience. If the student mappers have experience in geologic mapping (for example, a second year EDMAP student), then explain why you may have a more flexible mentoring schedule versus working with a junior or senior undergraduate student who might have less experience with geologic mapping. If the PI plans to be closely engaged with the student(s) throughout the project (e.g., in the field with the student mapper for the entire duration of the mapping project), then please explain how the student(s) will gain independent experience with the techniques being learned. If applicable, explain how the PI will mentor any field assistants, and explain exactly what the assistant(s) role(s) will be. State where there will be any student interaction with or mentorship from State Geological Survey staff or USGS scientists. The NCGMP considers project review by USGS and State

Geological Survey partners to be an important part of EDMAP Projects, and thus sharing the project plan with theses partners is beneficial. Proposals must include a discussion of field safety as part of the overall mentoring plan. NCGMP strongly encourages geologic mapping projects to utilize a buddy system approach to promote safe field practices.

g. Deliverables. Please provide a list of all deliverables. If maps are produced by the project, then they must be submitted (with accompanying technical reports) by quadrangle, portion of quadrangle, or study area (indicate bounding coordinates). Keep in mind that the primary student mapper will be the first author of the deliverables, whereas other students (e.g., mapping assistants) will be secondary authors or acknowledged on the deliverable. If two primary mappers are funded on a project, then two separate map deliverables and a breakdown of which map deliverable will be authored by which student are required. All EDMAP deliverables, when possible, are required to be delivered as high-quality digital PDF files. See Part IV, Section F for more information about Project Deliverables. A final report (can be the student’s thesis) and a transmittal letter should be submitted as deliverables with the geologic map(s). Deliverables must be submitted both to the NCGMP Office and to the State

Geological Survey where the study site is located (if a State Geological Survey exists for that study site).

h. Project Personnel. Proposed personnel must include the name of the PI, other supervising professor(s), and student(s). Clearly list the primary student mapper(s)/analyst(s) and any students that will be assistants. A short biography of each person will assist the Proposal Evaluation Panel to judge both the qualifications of the professor(s) and the ability of the student(s) to complete the geologic mapping project.

Full CV/resumes are not required if sufficient biographical information is provided.

The PI should include information about the student’s prior geologic educational experience (e.g., field camp, analysis projects, or other mapping projects), and any course work that would help significantly in the project. The PI and other supervising professors should include teaching experience relevant to the proposed project.

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

NOTE: Because the timing of proposal submission comes soon after the beginning of the school year, NCGMP understands that it is sometimes difficult to identify the student(s) who will undertake some kinds of projects, especially in the case of new graduate students. Proposals submitted that do not identify the actual students who will do the project are allowed, however, the name, contact information, and biography/qualifications of ALL students involved in the project (e.g., primary mapper(s)/analyst(s) and assistants) must be submitted to the USGS before the Office of Acquisition and Grants formally issues the cooperative agreement. This scenario should give professors several extra months to identify students to undertake the project. It is preferred that most students will be identified in the original proposals

(but identification of students is not part of the proposal review criteria). Finally, even if the name and background information of each student is not included in the proposal, the proposal must specify whether each student is an undergraduate, a master’s, or a Doctoral student, and must include the minimal educational requirements and qualifications for each student. Otherwise, the Proposal Evaluation

Panel will not be able to determine if the students are qualified to do the described level of work.

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

j. Budget explanation and justification. It is important that the Proposal

Evaluation Panel understands the proposed budget to determine if it is adequately justified for the proposed mapping project. The budget justification section should explain in detail the itemized budget in the included Budget Sheet (Attachment B).

8. USGS Data Management Plan: Proposals submitted to the USGS must include a supplementary document of no more than two pages labeled "Data Management Plan"

(DMP). This supplementary document should describe how the proposal will conform to

USGS policy on the dissemination and sharing of research results and associated data. A valid

DMP may include only the statement that no detailed plan is needed (e.g., “No data are expected to be produced from this project”), if the statement is accompanied by a clear justification. This supplementary document (DMP) may include:

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

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

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

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

Additional guidance on data management plans is available from the USGS Data

Management web site here: https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans

9. Budget Sheets (Attachment B): Only one budget sheet per proposal is required, but if, for logistical reasons, the budget request for one student is significantly different than that of another student, then it may be useful to submit separate, individual budget sheets. Please itemize budget sheets and include rates for salary and travel logistics. If there is a cost item that represents a large proportion of your proposal budget, then the Proposal Evaluation Panel will want to know details. Please include a description of the cost share (cash vs. in-kind).

Examples of cost share (university/institution costs) include the Principal Investigator salary, student salary or assistantships, travel expenses, laboratory analysis, or other non-Federal support. If cost share includes support from another organization outside of the proposing institution, then please include a letter from that organization as evidence.

PLEASE READ EACH CATEGORY DESCRIPTION BELOW AND PROVIDE THE

DETAILED BREAKDOWN THAT IS REQUIRED FOR EACH. THIS EFFORT WILL

https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans

HELP AVOID POSSIBLE DELAYS IN PROCESSING A FUNDED PROPOSAL,

BECAUSE AN AWARD WILL NOT BE ISSUED UNTIL ALL REQUIRED

INFORMATION IS PROVIDED.

The budget should contain the following:

a. Personnel/Salaries and/or Tuition. Include all students (list number of students, salary rate, tuition rate (if requesting or matching with tuition), and amount of time on project for…