Clarification_of_BAA_Paragraph_IV_4.docx

Clarification of BAA Paragraph IV 4 regarding appropriations law and cost sharing contributions

Paragraph IV 4 of the BAA states that “appropriations law requires that the USGS may not pay more than one-half the cost of topographic mapping carried on in cooperation with States and municipalities”. While the law will allow USGS to fund up to 50% of a project, due to average annual USGS funding levels, the average cost share provided by the USGS in the past year was in the range of 15-27%. Offerors should note that per Paragraph VIa.2.- “Cost sharing contribution proposed by Offeror” is a criteria against which proposals will be evaluated. Offerors are highly encouraged to maximize the cost-share percentage of their offer.

Offerors are also strongly encouraged to note any flexibility in areal extent that may exist within their proposal, by providing options and/or their ability to scale the project according to funding for the USGS to consider.