FY24 STATEMAP Program Announcement Final_AB_MM.pdf

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT No. G24AS00043

For Fiscal Year 2024

ISSUE DATE: September 18, 2023

CLOSING DATE & TIME:

Tuesday, January 9, 2024 - @ 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 10/31/2024

-- STATEMAP --

The State Component of the

National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

Re-authorized in 2022 by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

(Public Law 117-58, Sec. 40202: “National Cooperative Geologic

Mapping Program”) i

FY2024– STATEMAP Program Announcement – G24AS00043

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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 2

C. STATEMAP Proposals 2

D. FY2024 Guidance for STATEMAP Geologic Map Products 3

E. FY2024 Requirements for New Mapping Products 6

PART II. Timetables, Eligibility, Format Instructions, and Proposal Evaluation 8

A. Timetables 8

B. Eligibility – Who May Submit a Proposal 8

C. Proposal Format Instructions 8

D. Proposal Evaluation 16

PART III. Proposal Delivery and Submission Instructions 18

PART IV. General Provisions 18

A. General Provisions of the NCGMP 18

B. Office of Management and Budget Circulars 19

C. Publication 19

D. Funding 20

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

A. STATEMAP Proposal Summary Sheet

B. STATEMAP Project Abstract Summary

C. Budget Sheet for Entire Proposal

D. Budget Sheet for Individual Project

E. Special Terms and Conditions

F. Instructions for Uploading Deliverables

G. STATEMAP Proposals with Tribal Implications

H. Data Management Plan - Example Template

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

I. Standard Form 425 – Federal Financial Report (submitted through GrantSolutions); form is available online at https://www.grants.gov/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html https://www.grants.gov/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html ii

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT CHANGES

Part I, A, and throughout: Editorial changes were made throughout the entire Program Announcement for conciseness and clarity.

Part I, A, and throughout: Authorizing legislation for the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping

Program (2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) is updated.

Part I, A, and throughout: Issue date and closing date and time are updated. Please note the longer than

60-day open period.

Part I, A, and throughout: Language related to NCGMP federal trust responsibility to Tribal Nations added here and throughout PA.

Part I, C, STATEMAP Proposals: Proposal Period of Performance may be between 12 and 24 months, not either 12 or 24 months.

Part I, D, FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Products: Any GeMS database produced under STATEMAP should be tagged at Category 2. For example, new mapping performed under Guidance Criterion 1 must include a GeMS database. This GeMS database may be tagged at

Guidance Criterion 5, Category 2.

Part I, D, FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Products: Clarification provided in

Guidance Criterion 1 to allow for completion of unfinished, non-STATEMAP funded maps so long as new mapping activities occur.

Part I, D, FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Products: Accompanying GeMS database produced under Guidance Criterion 1 may now be either a previously published (within the past 5 years) map that has not been superseded, or a final version of the newly mapped product.

Part I, D, FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Products: Accompanying GeMS database produced under Guidance Criterion 2 may now be either a previously published (within the past 5 years) map that has not been superseded, or a final version of the new derivative product.

Part I, D, FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Products: Additional requirements are added for submissions related to Guidance Criterion 3, subsurface geologic data. Additionally, an

FGDC-compliant metadata file must accompany all submissions funded under Guidance Criterion 3.

Part I, D, FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Products: Emphasis is placed on compilation work under Guidance Criterion 4.

Part I, D, FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Products: Ability to convert previously submitted non-GeMS (e.g., NCGMP09) or GeMS Level 2 or lower databases to current GeMS Level 3 standards is added as an option under Guidance Criterion 5.

Part I, D, FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Products: For clarity, specific activities that are permissible under Guidance Criterion 8 – GeMS and 3D training – are added.

Part I, D, FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Products: The Guidance Criterion related to submission of borehole data is removed for FY2024.

Part I, D, FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Products: Funds may now be used under Guidance Criterion 10 to formally re-name any strata/Formations in your State that contain a derogatory term as identified by Secretarial Order.

Part I, D, FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Products: Funds may now be used under Guidance Criterion 11 to develop digital Statewide or regional geologic name dictionaries.

Part I, D, FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Products, and throughout: If proposing a collaborative project under Guidance Criterion 13, a letter from the collaborating State Geologist is no longer needed. Additionally, funds may be requested to attend joint workshops directly related to collaborative projects.

Part I, D, FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Products: A reminder is provided that any production of a GeMS database should fall under Guidance Criterion 5 (Category 2). Therefore, the GeMS databases required with the proposal of new mapping (Guidance Criterion 1) would not count towards your maximum $500,000 that can be expended on Category 1 activities.

Part I, E, FY2024 Requirements for New Mapping Products: Added guidance on Geospatial Data.

Part II, C, Proposal Format Instructions: Reference to the Letter of Support from collaborating State

Geologist is removed.

Part II, C, Proposal Format Instructions: The STATEMAP Proposal Summary Sheet is updated for

FY2024. Clarification regarding what constitutes work on or over Tribal Lands is added. States must now indicate whether any proposed digital data exist in the geoplatform.gov database. Also, please remember to list funds requested and match proposed per project, not just by Category and Guidance

Criteria.

Part II, C, 9, Proposal Technical Section: Suggestion to include a graphic tying each proposed project and deliverable to your long-range mapping plan and societal needs is added.

Part II, C, 9, Proposal Technical Section: If proposing work on or near Tribal Lands, provide details in the Location and Geologic Setting Section of your proposal on: (1) whether or not physical access to Tribal Lands is required, (2) whether or not the proposed activity would include soil disturbance

(e.g., sample collection) on or near Tribal Lands, and (3) details regarding State pre-coordination, request for access, or other communication with Tribes on the proposed project (if applicable).

Part II, C, 9, Proposal Technical Section: Text added to reiterate that final, published versions of any geologic map produced with STATEMAP funds must be submitted no later than one year after the

State’s Period of Performance ends.

Part II, C, 11, Budget Sheets: If only one project is proposed, only one budget sheet is needed. Simply submit Attachment C only and no Attachment D.

Part II, C, 11, Budget Sheets: Definition for non-expendable property is provided. Non-expendable property is defined as having a functioning shelf-life of at least two years and a cost greater than

$5,000.

Part II, C, 11, Budget Sheets: Clarification added that if software licenses are already covered in your fringe benefits, then they should not be a listed request/match on your budget sheets. Clarification added that student contractors are an acceptable expense.

Part II, C, 11, Budget Sheets: Requirement to attend a USGS-sponsored conference or event has been removed. State may now request up to $6,000 for conference, workshop, or training travel. If travel costs are directly related to Guidance Criterion 13, they do not count towards this $6,000 maximum.

Part II, D, Proposal Evaluation: Weights of Proposal Evaluation Criteria are modified.

Part II, D, Proposal Evaluation: Starting in FY2024, a GeMS Level 3 database will be evaluated alongside a recently submitted PDF geologic map.

Part IV, D, Funding: No Cost Extensions may not exceed 30 days prior to the STATEMAP Panel that directly proceeds the end of a State’s Period of Performance without resulting in a penalty during the next Proposal Evaluation Panel. For example, if a State requests an additional one year No Cost

Extension, the State will be penalized for tardiness during their next STATEMAP Proposal Evaluation.

Attachment A: Clarification added so that Category 1 and Category 2 requests are outlined for each proposed project. Additionally, indication of whether geoplatform.gov was searched for each project is added.

Attachment E, B.2, Additional Regulations: Government-wide regulations related to Tribal Nations and Alaskan Native Villages are added.

Attachment F, NCGMP-Funded Research with Tribal Implications: STATEMAP Summary: New in

FY2024 is Attachment F, a guidance document related to proposing work on, over, or near Tribal

Lands.

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

A. The National Geologic Mapping Act

To establish a coordinated program that prioritizes the geologic mapping requirements of the Nation and to increase production of geologic maps, the 102nd Congress passed the National Geologic

Mapping Act (Public Law 102-285), referred to within as “the Act.” Signed into law in 1992, the Act created the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

(NCGMP). Since, the Act has been re-authorized five times, most recently by P.L. 117-58, the

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ58/PLAW-

117publ58.pdf), Sec. 40202: “National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program”. The Act recognizes that geologic maps are the primary base for virtually all applied and basic earth-science investigations.

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.

2. Submit aforementioned maps to the National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB); develop complementary national 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 published a new Strategic Plan, renewing its vision and mission (see https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2021/1013/ofr20211013.pdf). As described in this Strategic Plan, the renewed vision of the USGS NCGMP is to create an integrated, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional

(3D) digital geologic map of the United States and its territories to address the changing needs of the

Nation. This mission of the NCGMP is to characterize, interpret, and disseminate a national geologic framework model of the Nation through geologic mapping and associated research. These data are also intended 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, required and defined by the Act, also carries out NCGMP’s mission and supports Department of the Interior Secretarial priorities (see https://www.doi.gov/ourpriorities) by developing a national geologic framework through the generation of 2D and 3D geologic map databases. The geologic mapping supported by STATEMAP provides the foundational information necessary to manage the Nation’s land and water resources, adapt to changes in the environment, and secure the Nation. Geologic maps and associated STATEMAP products provide the data necessary to assess our natural resources, including critical and rare earth minerals, protect our waters, and maintain the health of our ecosystems. STATEMAP mapping efforts continue to support the development of modern infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and pipelines in almost every State by providing http://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ58/PLAW-http://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ58/PLAW-http://www.doi.gov/ourpriorities) http://www.doi.gov/ourpriorities) http://www.doi.gov/ourpriorities) information necessary for land-use planning, as well as the exploration of aggregate resources and building materials. Additionally, as many STATEMAP projects occur on, over, or near Tribal Lands, the Program directly supports the fulfillment of the federal trust responsibility to Tribal Nations, supporting Tribal sovereignty and science needs by integrating Tribal input on geologic mapping proposed by State Geological Surveys. STATEMAP funding also helps to maintain strong geologic mapping programs and a steady workforce at geological surveys across the Nation.

B. STATEMAP Component of the NCGMP

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

States and the Nation. The State Geologist/Survey Director/Chief Scientist (or similar position) shall determine mapping priorities in consultation with a multi-representational and multidiscipline State

Mapping Advisory Committee (SMAC). These priorities shall be based on: (1) State requirements for geologic map information in areas of multiple issue need or areas of compelling single-issue need, and

(2) State requirements for geologic map information in areas where mapping is required to solve critical earth science problems. Priorities are not dependent on past agreements with the USGS.

Also establishing the geologic framework of the nation is the NCGMP’s U.S. GeoFramework Initiative

(USGI), which is a collaborative effort that builds on the NGMDB Phase 3 Concept and works to: (1) construct a multi-resolution and seamless national 2D/3D geologic framework model, (2) leverage existing and new geologic mapping, and (3) provide new syntheses and enhanced databases to support scientific discovery and informed decision-making. In designing a national 2D/3D geologic framework model, it is necessary for the USGS to foster a comprehensive approach to planning, data management, workflow, and other elements (i.e., a standardized workflow for implementation). The USGI calls for an array of new deliverables that extend beyond the range of most historically-funded STATEMAP projects. The complexity of incorporating those new features is recognized in this FY2024 Program

Announcement with continued emphasis on USGI deliverables and the needs they create.

C. STATEMAP Proposals

One proposal will be accepted from each State each fiscal year (FY), although proposals may contain any number of projects. Projects may contain one or multiple quadrangles and/or specific areas of interest that fit outside of a traditional quadrangle. Each project should: (1) be clearly defined and justified, (2) be organized around a credible issue or area to be mapped, and (3) respond to the FY24

STATEMAP Guidance Criteria listed below. 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 body of the proposal. The performance period for FY2024 STATEMAP Cooperative Agreements can be between 12 and 24 months, and a completely new proposal subject to full review may be submitted each year. The STATEMAP Proposal Evaluation Panel will recommend a funding level for every proposal submitted in each FY cycle. The strength and quality of each proposal, as determined by the

STATEMAP Proposal Evaluation Panel, will be considered in 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, a revised summary sheet (Attachment A), revised budget sheets, shapefiles outlining the revised project areas, and a Project Abstract Summary (Attachment B).

Revisions must be aligned with the proposed projects and amount recommended for funding by the

NCGMP. Additionally, if the funding decision amount is less than the proposed award amount, revisions MUST include a reduction in amount of work and/or deliverables proposed, unless

States increase match to cover any work not supported with the final Federal Award. For example, if the Award amount is 70% of what was requested, NCGMP expects a 70% reduction in deliverables and/or project scope. Alternatively, an applicant can decline to participate in the

STATEMAP Program.

D. FY2024 Guidance Criteria for STATEMAP Geologic Map Products

Applicants must submit proposals for projects following at least one of the Guidance Criteria (GC) that follow and must identify, on the proposal cover sheet, which of the following Guidance

Criteria are being met with each project. Proposed projects may include any combination of the following Guidance Criteria which fall under one of two Categories, as listed below:

Category 1: New, Detailed Mapping (GC 1 and 2; Maximum Request = $500,000)

Guidance Criterion 1

Create and submit new geologic maps at a scale deemed appropriate for the geologic problem being addressed, typically at 1:24K to 1:100K scale, but not limited to this range. Completion of unfinished, non-STATEMAP funded maps may be conducted under this guidance criterion so long as new mapping activities occur. Draft geologic maps must be submitted as PDFs. A Geologic Map Schema

(GeMS) Level 3 database of either (1) a previously published (within the past 5 years) map that has not been superseded or (2) a final version of the newly mapped product must be submitted with each new mapping product delivered (however, funding needed to complete and submit these required GeMS databases should be tagged as Guidance Criterion 5, Category 2).

Guidance Criterion 2

Create and submit derivative maps that augment any new mapping proposed or augment a previously produced, yet still relevant, geologic map product from any source. This may be done only if the derivative map provides additional value to a significant geologic problem. In all cases, the purpose of the derivative product should be adequately explained and the geologic map(s) on which it was based should be clearly identified. Each derivative map must be accompanied by a GeMS Level 3 database of either the final version of the new derivative map or a previously published (within the past 5 years) and not superseded map. Funding needed to complete and submit the GeMS database should be tagged under Guidance Criterion 5.

Category 2: Activities in Support of the U.S. GeoFramework Initiative (GC 3 – 13)

Guidance Criterion 3

Create and submit new subsurface geologic data based on previously published non-digital subsurface maps and/or on new 3D mapping/modeling. This includes the development of subsurface data sets from previously published non-digital subsurface maps including digitization of structure contour and isopach data, digitization of cross section traces, and extraction of XYZ data from cross sections.

Digitized contour maps should be submitted as citable (i.e., data are hosted on the web and have been peer reviewed) GeMS Level 3 geospatial databases, if possible. Grids or raster surfaces submitted as

CSVs should, at a minimum, have the following described: projection, Z units, XY cell size, grid extent, identification or description of horizon being mapped, description of type and density of input data used to create the surface, some description of the interpolation used to create the surface, originator, contact information, and a URL/doi for the data if published and available. Data submitted should have accompanying FGDC-compliant metadata file. Acceptable subsurface geologic maps should focus on elevation and/or thickness of one or more units of regional significance.

Guidance Criterion 4

Develop geologic map compilations within the State (e.g., multiple counties or multiple 30’x60’ quadrangles) at 1:100K to 1:500K. Gaps may exist in digital Statewide compilations. Compilations of surficial geology, Quaternary geology, bedrock geology, basement geology, or any combination thereof are acceptable. Compilations must meet the GeMS Level 3 standard, be internally reconciled, and be accompanied by a description of how the compilation was constructed. Funds for necessary field-checking to reconcile conflicts in geologic mapping can be requested to support the compilation process.

Guidance Criterion 5

Convert relevant published paper or digital maps (of any age, as long as they have not been superseded) to citable GeMS Level 3 geologic map databases (see https://doi.org/10.3133/tm11B10 and https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/docs/GeMS-Submittal-Requirements.pdf) and/or bring previously submitted non-GeMS Level 3 compliant databases (e.g., NCGMP09) to current

GeMS Level 3 requirements. To be eligible for GeMS Level 3 conversion, source maps must have a

Product Description Page (PDP) in the NGMDB and the PDP URL must be provided.

Guidance Criterion 6

Organize and submit via an NCGMP-provided template, geochronological sample data collected or generated within your State for inclusion in the USGS National Geochron Database, managed by the

NGMDB. Note that if your State previously received funds under this Guidance Criterion, you may only receive FY2024 funds to submit data not previously submitted.

Guidance Criterion 7

Provide updates to the NGMDB Catalog, in accordance with NGMDB guidelines and format, for all published State maps and related reports not generated using STATEMAP funds. States may also request funds to update or correct existing NGMDB records, including the appropriate tagging of PDPs and other NGMDB content to enable discoverability within the Catalog.

Guidance Criterion 8

Develop the capacity to produce 3D maps and/or models of the subsurface, and/or develop the capacity to construct GeMS Level 3 databases. Funds may be used for training, workshop attendance, workflow development, and/or purchase of appropriate software.

https://doi.org/10.3133/tm11B10 https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/docs/GeMS-Submittal-Requirements.pdf

Guidance Criterion 9

Create and submit digital geologic map information for geoheritage sites in your State. Data should be submitted as geospatial/GIS files, with attributes related to the scientific, educational, cultural, economic, and/or aesthetic features of the site(s). Reasoning for designation as a geoheritage site and societal significance must also be included for each site. No sites present in the National Park Service’s

National Natural Landmarks (see: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nnlandmarks/nation.htm) and Type

Section Inventory may be included.

Guidance Criterion 10

Inventory all publications in the NGMDB produced by your State that contain the Derogatory Term identified in Secretarial Order 3404 (see https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/so-

3404-508.pdf), and those words previously identified by the Board on Geographic Names in 1963 and

1974 (see https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-other-words-are-considered-derogatory-under-secretarys-order-3404-and-doi-derogatory) that are deemed derogatory. Funds may also be used to formally re-name existing strata in your State that contain any of the above Derogatory Terms. Template for inventory will be provided by the NCGMP. Note that if your State previously received funds under this Guidance Criterion, you may only receive FY2024 funds to formally rename existing strata.

Guidance Criterion 11

Update the stratigraphic chart for your entire State or regions of significance within your State, and/or develop a Statewide or regional digital lexicon. The resulting deliverable should be an updated scientific chart and submitted as an update to the U.S. Geologic Names Lexicon (Geolex) in accordance with NGMDB Geolex update guidelines.

Guidance Criterion 12

Develop/update and submit a State Fact Sheet and/or status maps of the State’s 2D and/or 3D seamless

GIS-formatted mapping coverage at scales between 1:100K to 1:500K. A separate status map can be submitted for each scale. Status maps for surficial geology, Quaternary geology, bedrock geology, basement geology, or any combination thereof are acceptable. Status maps may include all mapping products by a State (e.g., mapping funded outside of STATEMAP), but STATEMAP products must be tagged. Submit to the NCGMP a PDF and geospatial/GIS files for each status map. State Fact Sheets must include a map of the State outlining all previously performed STATEMAP projects, along with a summary of STATEMAP geologic mapping in table format including columns with fiscal year, project(s)/deliverable(s), and funds spent/requested.

Guidance Criterion 13

Develop coordinated, parallel projects with neighboring States to collaboratively address any of the above Guidance Criteria. Funds may be used to coordinate and attend working group meetings/workshops related to proposed collaborative work. The intention to propose this work must be listed on the proposals for each State involved.

http://www.nps.gov/subjects/nnlandmarks/nation.htm) http://www.nps.gov/subjects/nnlandmarks/nation.htm) https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/so-3404-508.pdf https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/so-3404-508.pdf https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-other-words-are-considered-derogatory-under-secretarys-order-3404-and-doi-derogatory https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-other-words-are-considered-derogatory-under-secretarys-order-3404-and-doi-derogatory

A total proposal request may not exceed $800,000. Additionally, a maximum of $500,000 may be requested for Category 1 activities; however, all GeMS databases should be tagged as Category 2

(GC 5). Proposed projects may include any combination of the Guidance Criteria listed above.

E. FY2024 Requirements for New Mapping Products

All new 2D map product deliverables funded by the FY2024 STATEMAP Program must be accompanied by a published GeMS Level 3 geologic map database with a Digital Object Identifier or similar URL. The associated published map must have an NGMDB PDP (or have been recently submitted to the NGMDB) and ideally published within the last 5 years. All submitted GeMS databases should be tagged as Guidance Criterion 5, therefore, the required submission of a GeMS database will not expend any of the $500,000 that can be applied to new mapping.

All GeMS Level 3 databases must be submitted to the NGMDB using the GeMS Upload Form on the

NGMDB’s Connect website found at:

https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/connect/members/login/?next=/connect/gems/. The GeMS website (see https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/) provides resources and instructions on submitting

GeMS databases using the GeMS Upload Form. Prior to submission, all GeMS Level 3 databases must be verified for compliancy using the validation and geologic names checking scripts provided by the

NGMDB via the GeMS website; these scripts and related documentation (e.g., GeMS Checklist), as listed in Requirements for Submitting GeMS-compliant map databases to the NGMDB (see https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/docs/GeMS-Submittal-Requirements.pdf), must be included in the submission.

If proposed projects will deliver new geologic maps and/or associated draft GeMS databases, these delivered draft maps must be published no later than one year after the end of the period of performance. Once published, geologic map deliverables must be submitted to the NGMDB.

Geologic mapping should be done at a scale deemed appropriate for the geologic problem being addressed. At 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. Although not required, a geologic map may also include correlation or sequence of map units, stratigraphic columns, cross sections, other down-hole or three-dimensional data, derivative maps, and text. Geologic maps in digital form also may contain a variety of point data for specific sites, essentially comprising a three-dimensional database. For cartographic elements, please use the Federal Geospatial Data Committee

(FGDC) standard whenever feasible (see https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/#CartoStnd). Metadata must comply with FGDC standards.

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

Geolex (see http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Geolex/). The GeMS geologic names checking script assists in identifying formal geologic names on the map that are in Geolex, which helps authors and the

NGMDB with modifying nomenclature as needed. The script produces a spreadsheet in which the https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/connect/members/login/?next=/connect/gems/ https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/ https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/docs/GeMS-Submittal-Requirements.pdf http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Geolex/ author should provide details (e.g., relevant bibliographic citations for names that have been introduced, modified, or abandoned) on corrections or additions that should be considered for Geolex.

All non-GeMS deliverables must be uploaded to the NCGMP Management System Website

(https://my.usgs.gov/ncgmp/). All GeMS Level 3 databases must be submitted directly to the

NGMDB via the GeMS Upload Form found at this URL:

https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/connect/members/login/?next=/connect/gems/. An auto-generated email will be sent to users after uploading a GeMS database using the GeMS Upload Form. Submit a copy of this

GeMS submission confirmation email (screenshot or printed PDF) along with other non-GeMS deliverables to the NCGMP Management System.

See https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/ for more information about the GeMS standard.

Please see Attachment E for instructions on uploading deliverables. Any questions regarding the upload process can be addressed to the NCGMP STATEMAP Program Officer, Jenna Shelton

(statemap@usgs.gov).

Geospatial Data Availability Requirements

All geospatial data collected for or produced through the use of the Department of the Interior financial assistance funds are required to meet all relevant standards established by the Federal

Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) as authorized by Geospatial Data Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-254, Subtitle F – Geospatial Data, §§ 751-759C, codified at 43 U.S.C. §§ 2801– 2811. Interior requires fully compliant metadata on all Geographic Information Systems files developed for financial assistance projects. If a funded financial assistance project involves acquiring or collecting geospatial data, the recipient is required to search GeoPlatform.gov to determine that no existing Federal, State, local or private data meet the Government’s needs and are available at no cost before acquiring or collecting additional geospatial data.

2 CFR 1402.315 Availability of Data

(a) All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, eports, conclusions, valuation products or other scientific assessments in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual, resulting from a financial assistance agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being available in a manner that is sufficient for independent verification.

(b) The Federal Government has the right to:

(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, produced under a Federal award; and

(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/connect/members/login/?next=/connect/gems/ https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/ mailto:statemap@usgs.gov scientific assessments, for Federal purposes, including to allow for meaningful third-party evaluation.

All deliverables that include geospatial data products must include appropriate metadata conforming to

FGDC standards. FGDC standards can be found on https://www.fgdc.gov/standards.

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

A. Timetables

Proposal Announcement Date: September 18, 2023

Closing Date and Time for Proposal Submission: January 9, 2024 @ 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 NCGMP pursuant to the National Geologic Mapping Act (Public Law 117-58, Sec. 40202: “National

Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program”). Because 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 follow 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) or penalty in the review process.

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, provided in the order listed below.

All proposals must include the following documents in one PDF in this order:

http://www.fgdc.gov/standards

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”. This document provides the rates approved for use on grants, contracts, and other agreements with the Federal Government. New regulations (2 CFR

200.414) went into effect in 2015 stating that a recipient must provide a federally approved negotiated rate agreement OR their indirect costs cannot exceed 10%. The language states the agency will comply with the recipients approved rate, however, 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. Attendance via virtual means is encouraged to increase representation. This letter is

NOT a summary of the proposed projects. SMAC letters should be limited to no more than four 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, Guidance Criteria (1 through 13) aligned with those proposed projects, deliverables, whether each proposed project/deliverable will include data collected on or near Tribal Lands

(Y or N), funds requested per project (both federal and matched funds), and total funding requested. Please list funds requested and matched for each Category for each project. If the proposal includes any activities on or near Tribal Lands, data interpolated over Tribal Lands, or the generation of new data with potential impact to Tribal interests (e.g., ceded territory), States are required to identify this under each project included on Attachment A and provide additional details within the Proposal Technical Section. See Attachment F for guidance on conducting NCGMP-funded work on or near Tribal Lands. New in FY2024 is the requirement to indicate on Attachment A whether any proposed digital data already exist in the geoplatform database (www.geoplatform.gov).

7. Statement of Outcome Letter. This should be a one-page letter from an organization or person that used a recently published STATEMAP product generated by your State. The letter must explain why the geologic map or product was critical to the success of their mission and include the bibliographic citation for the recently published STATEMAP product used.

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 if they contain sufficient content. The use of tables and charts for clarity and conciseness is encouraged. Figures must be labeled, of high quality, and easy to read. Please keep in mind that any figures/images included should be of sufficient resolution such that they are legible when your proposal is printed. References ARE NOT 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 mapping plan and proposed deliverables may relate to population growth, transportation corridors, or some other societal need can be very helpful.

b. Location and Geologic Setting. IF APPLICABLE, a clear, readable map (with scale) showing the location of each project area should accompany the text. A separate generalized geologic map of your State may also be helpful. If the footprint of your proposed work is on or near Tribal lands, provide details: (1) whether or not physical access to Tribal Lands is required, (2) whether or not the proposed activity would include soil disturbance (e.g., sample collection) on or near Tribal Lands, and (3) details on State pre-coordination, request for access, or other communication with Tribes on the proposed project (if applicable).

c. Purpose and Justification. This section should answer a few simple, but important questions. Why are you proposing this work? 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. IF APPLICABLE, this section should emphasize how the geologic mapping will be accomplished, who will be mapping where, and for how long. Include logistics of how the geologic mapping will be accomplished. If drilling, sample collection, and/or other analyses are proposed, please include a justification as to why these are included in the mapping strategy and how they will inform the proposed mapping. 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. NCGMP strongly encourages geologic mapping projects to be a team approach to promote safe field practices.

e. Preliminary Results and Prior Work. If you or others have done any work in the proposed study area, including work not funded by STATEMAP, include a summary of findings or outcomes. This is not a list of prior STATEMAP work, but rather a summary of the current state of science and mapping in the proposed study area.

f. Deliverable Geologic Maps and/or Products. You must provide an explicit list of geologic maps and/or products that will be delivered at the end of the one- or two-year Cooperative

Agreement period. If a deliverable is a partial quad, you must indicate exactly which section of the quad will be mapped and delivered. When PDF map graphics 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, it is expected that a final, published version of the produced map be submitted to NCGMP no later than one year after the Period of Performance ends. All necessary map components must be included on the PDF map graphic (see Part I, section

D). Note: It is expected that all map deliverables will reflect what you propose and what your budget requests. For example, if you request funding for the collection of new geochemical or geochronological data, your deliverables must include these data.

Additionally, please provide the NGMDB Product Description Page URL(s) for any published maps to be converted to GeMS Level 3 databases and submitted along with new mapping products (e.g., see Guidance Criterion 1).

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).

To support changes in staffing, specific person’s names do not need to be included if applicable; however, it is strongly suggested that names are included. Rather, job titles

(e.g., Geologist) may be used in lieu of employee names. However, unfilled positions may not be used as match.

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 over the proposed performance period. If travel to a conference is included, provide justification for this trip with proposed conference role.

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.”), if the statement is accompanied by a clear justification. This supplementary document may include:

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

b. 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);

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

d. provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and the production of derivatives; and

e. plans for archiving data, samples, and other research products, and for preservation of free public access to them.

An example template for data management plans is provided in Attachment F. 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

Note: The DMP does not count towards the 25-page technical section limit.

11. Budget sheets (Attachments C and D). Your proposal must include one budget sheet for the entire proposal (see Attachment C), and one budget sheet for each project (see

Attachment D). If only one project is proposed, only Attachment C (entire proposal budget sheet) is required. These attachments are only a formatting guide. You may create your own budget sheet with the same information. The financial contribution from a State Geological

Survey must be equal to or greater than the amount requested from the USGS and must be derived from non-Federal sources. All budget costs must be itemized and consistent with the 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 a Federal request of $800,000.

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/data-management/data-management-plans

Salaries and Wages. List names and/or 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 proposed projects. The portion of staff time involved in, for example, 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. 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

OR

Geologist

Geologist II $50,000/year 2 months $8,333

Employee B

OR

GIS

Specialist

Lead GIS

Technologist

$31.50/hour 240 hours $7,560

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).

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; please note that nonexpendable property is defined as having a functioning self-life of at least two years and a cost greater than $5000.

STATEMAP funds may, if necessary, be used for the purchase of software site licenses (e.g., software required for 3D modeling) that are used specifically for the completion of STATEMAP products, unless these costs are already covered in your fringe benefits.