PKG00248018-instructions.docx

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL

DATA PRESERVATION PROGRAM

(NGGDPP)

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

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT No. G19AS00009

For Fiscal Year 2019

ISSUE DATE: January 31, 2019

CLOSING DATE & TIME:

March 14, 2019, 6:00PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT CAREFULLY –

THE PROPOSAL FORMAT HAS BEEN CHANGED

Paperwork Reduction Act Approval — OMB Control No. 1028-0087 Expiration Date: 09/30/2021 PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT: The Paperwork Reduction Act states that the agency must disclose why information is being collected, how it will be used, and whether you have to provide it. The National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program is collecting this information to evaluate submitted proposals seeking funding for data preservation-related activities. Your response is required to receive funding. A Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number (1028-0087). The average burden associated with this collection is estimated to average 36 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions and completing the required information. If you have comments about this form, please e-mail gs-info_collections@usgs.gov.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT CHANGES

Changes have been implemented in the 2019 Program Announcement. Please thoroughly review all sections to ensure compliance with the Program Announcement requirements.

In FY2019, states may request funding for 3 Priorities: Priority 1) collection inventory and metadata record revision in the National Digital Catalog (NDC); Priority 2) preservation activities associated with the rescue, inventory, digitization, and public dissemination of geoscience data and physical collections; and Priority 3) inventory and preservation of critical mineral resources data and assets and travel to a Critical Mineral Resources Workshop. States may also request funding to support travel to a 2019 Data Rescue and Preservation Workshop. If applicable, states must submit two separate budget sheets for: 1) combined budget for Priority 1, Priority 2, travel to 2019 Data Rescue and Preservation Workshop, and ancillary costs for these activities (fringe rates, direct and indirect costs); and/or 2) budget for Priority 3, including travel to a Critical Mineral Resources Workshop, and ancillary costs for these activities – total federal share for Priority 3 cannot exceed $35,000. Priority 3 projects can only be funded if/when USGS receives an FY19 appropriation for these activities. Due to the uncertainty of priority 3 funding, funds may be allocated for priority 1 and 2 projects before priority 3 funds, based on the timing and approval of a FY19 budget.

State surveys may request up to $2,000 of federal funds for collection inventory and updating metadata records in the National Digital Catalog (NDC) (see FY2019 Priority 1 on page 1). States may solely request funding for inventory and metadata record updates; a data preservation project is not required. All states that request funds for Priority 1 will receive funds for this activity. However, requested funds must still be matched at 100% or greater by the recipient. (Failure to include the required match for Priority 1 only proposals will result in the rejection of the proposal.)

In addition to preserving data and collections for Priority 2, states may upload and store data and/or image files with metadata records in the NDC to enhance direct access by users. States proposing to digitize geologic maps for use in GIS environments must adhere to the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP)-compliant standard, and these final map products must be submitted to The National Geologic Map Database.

For Priority 3, state surveys may request up to $35,000 for identifying critical mineral resources and preserving related data and assets, and attending a regional Critical Mineral Resources Workshop (see FY2019 Priority 3 on page 3). Requested funds for Priority 3 must be matched at 100% or greater by the recipient.

In addition to proposing Priority 1, 2, and/or 3 projects, states may apply for federal funds to support travel to a 2019 Data Rescue and Preservation Workshop, co-sponsored by the NGGDPP and the Association of American State Geologists (AASG). States may solely request funding for workshop attendance (i.e., data preservation projects are not required). All states that request travel funds to attend the 2019 Data Rescue and Preservation Workshop will receive funds. To obtain NGGDPP funds to support travel to the 2019 Data Rescue and Preservation Workshop, states must:

1) Request NGGDPP funds, explained in Part II. Section C. 10

2) Provide travel estimates in the budget table (Attachment B),

3) Meet the 100% or higher match requirement (failure to include the required match for workshop only proposals will result in the rejection of the proposal).

States may request funding for any or all priorities.

Page limit requirements have changed due to the addition of Priority 3 (see details in Part II., Section C. page 5).

Several significant changes were implemented in recent program announcements, and these changes remain in this 2019 Program Announcement. Proposals submitted to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) must include a Data Management Plan (DMP) to conform with Executive Order of February 22, 2013, “Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research”. Instructions for writing a DMP are explained in Part II. C.8. State applicants are required to provide curricula vitae (CV) for primary project personnel.

All proposals must explicitly state how the proposed work addresses at least one of the U.S. Department of the Interior priorities (found here: https://www.doi.gov/ourpriorities).

IMPORTANT GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS

· In drafting your technical proposal, please address feedback received from previous NGGDPP panel reviews, as relevant to the newly proposed project. The feedback provided to you may help improve your proposal and chance of being funded.

· Provide a clear justification for preserving the selected data and materials. Explain how the results of the project meet the priorities of your organization and benefit your stakeholders and society, and explicitly state how the proposed work addresses at least one of the U.S. Department of the Interior priorities (found here: https://www.doi.gov/ourpriorities). Please be specific and provide examples.

· The Program places high value on increasing access to preserved materials. Ideally, digital data should be made readily available through digital means. Please describe how the materials and data will be made available. If materials will not be made publicly available, provide a clear justification.

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

· Preserving USGS assets using NGGDPP funds is not allowed; collections proposed for preservation should be owned by your state geological organization. Strong justification is required for preserving collections owned by a private or another state entity (for example, state oil and gas commission).

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

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

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

· Non-allowable expenses under the NGGDPP include: preservation of USGS products; duplicate digitization/conversion of artifacts produced and preserved by other agencies; travel to any other conference or workshop except for the 2019 Data Rescue and Preservation Workshop and a regional Critical Mineral Resources Workshop; tuition; and computer maintenance.

· Begin submitting your proposal to Grants.gov well in advance of the due date as there is no possibility of late submissions. See Part III, Section A for more information.

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

iv

PART I: Public Law, Program Priorities, Program Outreach A. Public Law The National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (NGGDPP) was established and authorized in Section 351 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58, Sec. 351), which recognizes the need for the preservation and cataloging of and access to geological and geophysical data for research availability. To read Section 351 or the entire Act, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/core-science-systems/national-geological-and-geophysical-data-preservation-program/energy-policy-act.

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

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

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

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

For more information about the NGGDPP, read the “Implementation Plan for the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program” (2006) which is available at: https://www.usgs.gov/core-science-systems/national-geological-and-geophysical-data-preservation-program/implementation.

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

B. Program Priorities PLEASE NOTE: Proposals that do not specifically address NGGDPP fiscal year (FY) 2019 priorities will NOT be considered for an award.

The NGGDPP FY 2019 priorities include: 1) inventory of geoscience materials and updating records in the NDC; 2) preservation of geoscience materials and data including submission of scanned geologic maps (including resource, hazard, and engineering maps) and/or digitized geologic maps and associated geodatabases converted to the NCGMP09 (GeMS) format to The National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB, https://ngmdb.usgs.gov), and submission to NDC of metadata records describing preserved resources in conformance with NGGDPP metadata schema, to increase access by researchers, resource managers, decision-makers, and the public, for the benefit of society; and 3) identification of data and materials related to critical mineral resources.

The proposal must describe projects that address the FY 2019 priorities and requirements to complete comprehensive activities to inventory, describe, and preserve specific collections. It is possible for proposed Priority 2 and/or Priority 3 projects to receive reduced or no funding. Cohesive and related activities adhering to a holistic data preservation strategy are favored by the NGGDPP, as opposed to disparate activities. If applicable, hiring students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematical fields is strongly encouraged to educate the next generation of geoscientists.

FY 2019 Priority 1 – Inventory geoscience materials and update NDC records

All states that request funding for Priority 1 will receive funds, up to $2,000, for inventory and NDC update activities. NDC updates must include complete metadata records for all existing entries in the NDC, which may require over-writing previous entries. New metadata records describing physical geoscience collections may be added to the NDC. All awarded Priority 1 funds must be matched with state funds.

FY 2019 Priority 2 – Preserve geoscience data and materials

In FY 2019, state geological surveys may request funds to inventory, preserve, archive, and/or modernize geologic, geophysical, and engineering data, maps, notebooks, publications, well logs, photographs, and samples. Preservation activities may include but are not limited to the following:

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

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

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

utilizing the NDC as an accessible trusted digital repository for file resources;

describing geoscience assets to increase use and understanding, including creating metadata records for submission to the NDC;

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

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

Metadata records at the collection or individual sample level (depending on proposed activities) for the preserved materials must be uploaded to the NDC. Collections shall be described according to metadata attributes provided by NGGDPP. Individual collection items shall be described in flat files (CSV format) or XML-formatted files conforming to the NGGDPP metadata schema that specifies metadata elements.

To enhance dissemination and availability of geoscience data and documents (e.g., images; digital scans of field notebooks, geophysical logs, and other historic documents; data tables) to researchers and the public, states geological surveys may upload to the NDC, geoscience images, tables, and documents for long-term access and use by researchers and the public. Use of the NDC as a repository for the storage and dissemination of data and image files is available to all state geological surveys participating in the NGGDPP. The NDC should serve as the primary access and distribution point for the stored digital files. These files should not be made available elsewhere on the Web to avoid duplication and versioning issues. The files may not be copyrighted or restricted from public distribution.

FY 2019 Priority 3 – Identify Critical Mineral Resources

The USGS is commencing a process to identify priority areas with the potential for hosting critical minerals as directed by Executive Order 13817 “A Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals”. As one element of implementing the Executive Order, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretarial Order 3359 “Critical Mineral Independence and Security” directed the USGS to develop a plan to improve the Nation’s understanding of domestic critical mineral resources. Fortier and others (2018)1 published a list of 35 critical minerals that are the focus of the USGS component of the Critical Minerals Mapping Initiative. The USGS is initiating a process to identify and prioritize focus areas that host critical minerals in the United States to be used to guide future geologic mapping and associated geophysical and geographic data collection. The USGS anticipates holding regional (Alaska, Eastern, Central, and Western U.S.) 2-day workshops that focus on defining target areas for future data collection for critical minerals. The states will be invited to one workshop in their respective geographic area to help understand the mineral deposits and help delineate the focus areas. The USGS will support travel for up to two participants per state, up to $900 per participant in federal funds to attend the workshops. The workshops will be held in August 2019, at designated USGS facilities. Part (g)2 of Section 351 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58, Sec. 351) authorizes the NGGDPP to provide financial assistance to state geological surveys for studies and activities that enhance understanding, interpretation, and use of materials archived by the state geological surveys.

In FY2019, state geological surveys may request funds, up to $35,000 of federal match, to support the process of identification and prioritization of focus areas for critical minerals in the United States through the following types of activities that meet the intent of Priority 3:

· identifying and making available (in digital formats) unpublished and published mineral resource information on the 35 critical minerals outlined in Fortier and others (2018) that may have geologic potential in the state;

· describing the relevant mineral information for mineral deposits and occurrences that host critical minerals, using nonproprietary data and assembled digitally in a template to be provided by the USGS, that would include name, location, geology, resource information on contained commodities, production information, resource or reserve estimations, ore grade, deposit type, mining history, reference citations, and other relevant information or in digital format in existing state survey-hosted online database(s);

· identifying and providing digital access to publicly available drill core data and information for priority areas with the potential for hosting critical mineral resources;

· providing a depth to Precambrian basement map in common geospatial digital data format employing the GeMS using available seismic and/or drill core data;

· sharing information on ongoing exploration activities focused on critical mineral resources;

1 Fortier, S.M., Nassar, N.T., Lederer, G.W., Brainard, Jamie, Gambogi, Joseph, and McCullough, E.A., 2018, Draft critical mineral list—Summary of methodology and background information—U.S. Geological Survey technical input document in response to Secretarial Order No. 3359: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2018–1021, 15 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20181021.

· providing geospatial representation(s) of areas that delineate prospective areas or geologic belts with the potential for hosting critical mineral resources together with supporting datasets;

· describing critical minerals assets to increase use and understanding, including creating metadata records for submission to the NDC; and,

· participating in a 2-day Critical Mineral Resources Workshop, scheduled August 2019, with the USGS to develop geospatial data sets to be used in identifying and prioritizing focus areas that are known or have the potential to host critical minerals (travel to the workshops to be paid by the state geological survey using federal funds up to $900 per participant, travel for up to 2 state participants may be requested, $1,800 max federal travel costs for Priority 3).

All awarded Priority 3 funds must be matched with state funds.

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

C. Program Outreach - 2019 Data Rescue and Preservation Workshop The NGGDPP and AASG will conduct a data preservation workshop to share information, provide training opportunities, and learn from successful efforts rescuing, preserving, and disseminating information about geoscientific data and artifacts to further earth science investigations. The 3-day workshop will be hosted by the Colorado Geological Survey and held in September 24-26, 2019, in Golden, Colorado. Invitation to the workshop is extended to representatives of state geological surveys, museums, and USGS and other federal agencies. In this Program Announcement, state geological surveys may apply for NGGDPP funds to support travel for up to two people to the workshop. Additional state personnel may attend the workshop, but the Program will not provide funds for more than two state representatives. Note: States that only request workshop travel funds must meet the 50% or higher match requirement, matching federal funds with state funds.

PART II. Timetables, Eligibility, Format Instructions, and Proposal Evaluation A. Timetables Proposal Announcement Date: January 31, 2019 Closing Date and Time for Proposal Submission: March 14, 2019, 6:00 p.m. EDT

Proposals received after the deadline will NOT be considered for an award.

For applications that only include Priority 1 and/or Priority 2 projects, the earliest start date will be after the USGS receives its final FY 2019 appropriation, notice of full-year continuing resolution, or May 1, 2019, whichever is later. The latest start date is September 14, 2019.

For applications that include Priority 3 projects, the start date will be after USGS receives its final FY 2019 appropriation. For Priority 3 projects, spatial information for focus areas with the potential to host critical mineral resources must be submitted to NGGDPP by December 16, 2019. Other Priority 3 products (mineral reports, documents, databases, data files, website addresses) and products for Priority 1 and/or Priority 2 activities are due 90 days following end of grant performance period, in summer or fall 2020.

For applications that only include participation in the 2019 Data Rescue and Preservation Workshop, start date is September 1, 2019 and end date is October 31, 2019.

With exception of the Data Preservation Workshop, awards will be made for a 12-month period only.

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

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

Proposals are limited to 10-pages, which include 1) Project Summary, and 2) Project Description, provided separately for Priority 2 and 3, and limited to 5 pages for each priority; each priority proposal is limited to 5 pages. Other forms and documents, including: Standard Forms 424s, project summary sheet (Attachment A), project personnel justification and expertise table or list, CVs (max 2 pages per CV), letters from stakeholders, DMP, budget tables (Attachment B), negotiated rate and cost agreements, and equipment quotes do not count toward the 10-page limit.

All proposals must include the following documents:

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

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

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

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

5. FY 2019 NGGDPP Proposal Information Sheet (Attachment A). Summary sheet shall clearly list project and budget summary for all priorities. Please include e-mail addresses for the principal investigator and authorized institution representative. Outcome notifications will be sent via e-mail to the authorized institution representative and the principal investigator. The Proposal Information Sheet is NOT included in the page limit.

6. (a) Project Summary for Priority 1. The project summary for Priority 1 shall briefly describe inventory and NDC metadata record update and improvement activities. Existing metadata records cataloged in NDC may be deleted and updated, and/or new metadata records may be added. Additional project description is not required for Priority 1.

(b) Summary for Priority 2 and 3 projects only. The project summary shall provide a high-level overview of project goals and scope, summary of the approach, societal benefits, and anticipated results. This summary shall not exceed 1,000 total characters and may be used in public outreach communications to advertise preservation activities funded by the NGGDPP. The Project Summary is included in the 5-page limit per priority.

7. Project Description for Priority 2 projects only. The project description (with project summary) of the proposal is limited to 5 single-space pages (including figures, tables), with no smaller than 11-point font size, and 1-inch margins. All text, figures, and tables shall be sized to fit on 8½” x 11” paper. The project description section of your proposal should include the following:

(a) Introduction: The introduction should provide a brief overview of the project activities, methods, and goals. Provide background information about the preserved artifacts, primary users, and frequency of use of the preserved materials and data. Preserving USGS assets using NGGDPP funds is not allowed; collections proposed for preservation should be owned by your state geological organization. Strong justification is required for preserving collections owned by a private or another state entity (for example, state oil and gas commission). Explain the societal and scientific benefits and the importance of the proposed preservation activities to your state. Explicitly state how the proposed work addresses at least one of the U.S. Department of the Interior priorities (found here: https://www.doi.gov/ourpriorities). A statement of use or a letter of support from a stakeholder may be included. Letters of support from stakeholders do not count against the page limit.

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

8. Project Description for Priority 3 projects only. The project description (with project summary) of the proposal is limited to 5 single-spaced pages (including figures, tables), with no smaller than 11-point font size, and 1-inch margins. All text, figures, and tables shall be sized to fit on 8½” x 11” paper. The project description section of your proposal should include the following:

Project narrative: Describe the procedures and workflows that will be carried out to achieve the listed activities under Priority 3 and how they will result in the products for Priority 3. Provide a table or list that includes the roles and responsibilities of the principal investigator, staff, and support positions (such as geologist, information technologist, or database developer). Briefly discuss each person’s role on the project so that it links to the budget.

9. Data Management Plan (DMP). To conform with Executive Order of February 22, 2013, Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research, proposals submitted to the USGS seeking funding for Priorities 1, 2, and 3, must include a DMP, which explains how data and metadata generated by the proposed project will be disseminated and shared with other researchers and the public. The DMP should include:

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

b. Standards that will be used for the data and metadata formats, including justifications for deviations from the prescribed standards. As described in Part III, D. NGGDPP Products and Reports, metadata describing rescued and preserved data and materials must conform to the NGGDPP metadata schema (https://www.usgs.gov/core-science-systems/national-geological-and-geophysical-data-preservation-program/prepare-metadata).

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

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

e. Plans for archiving and maintaining free public access to preserved data, samples, and other research products in your state facilities and on the Web. Please describe how the materials and data will be made available. If materials will not be made publicly available, provide a clear justification. The metadata records you submit to the NDC will be archived by the USGS and remain freely and publicly accessible.

The DMP does not count against the page limit.

10. Data Rescue and Preservation Workshop – Request must be made in the proposal for NGGDPP funds to support travel to the 2019 Data Rescue and Preservation Workshop, scheduled for September 24-26, 2019, and organized in collaboration with the AASG and hosted by the Colorado Geological Survey. States may request travel funding for two people with data preservation or metadata responsibilities. Workshop travel expenses are itemized in the proposal budget (Attachment B), in which federal NGGDPP funds cannot exceed 50-percent of total project cost. Maximum USGS funds to be provided for workshop travel: $900.00 per workshop attendee (maximum of 2 attendees per state; $1,800 max per state; additional state representatives are welcome to the meeting at the state’s expense). A registration fee of $80.00 per attendee must be paid with state funds, which can be part of the match. States that only propose workshop travel expenses must still meet the 50% or higher match requirement for workshop travel. Provide cost estimates for workshop attendance for 1 to 2 people in the budget table (Attachment B). If the contiguous proposed data preservation project is declined, the state will receive matching funds to sponsor travel to the workshop if the request for these funds is made in the proposal. NOTE: To maximize federal funding, it is recommended that workshop travel funds be included on the federal side or matched with state funds equally in the budget table. If a preservation project is not funded, the state will receive the workshop travel funds that are requested or if requested federal travel funds exceed state match, the state will be asked to reformulate the budget to comply with the 1:1 state to federal match. If most of the travel funds are assigned to the state, the required match will be considered met (state funds exceed federal funds) with no budget modification required, and the state will receive only the funds requested (potentially, with a minimal federal match).

11. Detailed Budget. Your proposal must include completed detailed budget sheets (Attachment B). If applicable, one budget sheet must include expenses for Priority 1 inventory, Priority 2 preservation activities, travel to 2019 Data Rescue and Preservation Workshop, and ancillary costs (fringe rates, direct and indirect costs.) If applicable, a separate budget sheet must include expenses for Priority 3, including approximate travel costs to a Critical Mineral Resources Workshop and ancillary costs. Federal funds requested for Priority 1 cannot exceed $2,000, and must be matched with state funds. Federal funds requested for Priority 3 cannot exceed $35,000, and must be matched with state funds. The detailed proposed budget(s) must be summarized and provided in the “Amount Requested” on the NGGDPP Proposal Information Summary Sheet (Attachment A). Attachments A and B provide format guidance. You may create your own budget sheet with the same format including additional rows for needed itemization. In the budget sheet, individual federal expenditures do not have to be matched by state funds, line by line. However, the total funding contributed by a state geological survey shall be equal to or greater than the amount requested from the NGGDPP and shall be derived from non-federal sources (direct and indirect costs). Failure to provide a detailed budget itemizing state expenditures may result in rejection of the proposal.

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

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

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

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

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

i. 2019 Data Rescue and Preservation Workshop in Golden, Colorado, September 24 – 26, 2019

States may request funding for travel to the 3-day 2019 Data Rescue and Preservation Workshop in Golden, Colorado (see Part I, Section D). A registration fee of $80.00 for each participant must be paid for with state funds which can be part of the match. (Information about the registration will be provided at a later date.) States may request funding to send two people with data preservation or metadata responsibilities to the workshop. Maximum USGS funds to be provided: $900.00 per workshop attendee (maximum 2 attendees; $1,800 max per state). Additional state attendees are welcome to the workshop, but federal funding will only be provided for 2 state participants. States that only apply for workshop travel expenses must match federal funds with state funds; failure to include the required state match for workshop travel will result in rejection of the proposal. Airfare estimates should be based on travel to Denver International Airport (located approximately 1 hour east of meeting/hotel facilities in Golden, Colorado).

ii. Regional Critical Mineral Resources Workshop in Reston, Virginia; Denver, Colorado; Reno, Nevada; or Spokane, Washington; August 2019

In the Priority 3 budget sheet, states may request funding for travel for up to 2 participants, $900 per participant, not to exceed $1,800 of federal share, to a regional 2-day Critical Mineral Resources Workshop (see Part I, Section B, Priority 3). States may request travel funding for one staff member responsible for identifying mineral resource data and assets and developing geospatial data sets to be used in identifying and prioritizing focus areas that are known or have the potential to host critical minerals. Critical Mineral Resources Workshop travel expenses are itemized in the Priority 3 proposal budget, in which total federal NGGDPP funds cannot exceed $35,000 and must be equal to or less than 50-percent of total Priority 3 project cost.

(d) Other direct costs.

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

Equipment. NGGDPP funds may be used to purchase computer hardware, GPS, or other nonexpendable property required for the project. Non-expendable equipment has a useful life of more than one (1) year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per item. If necessary, NGGDPP funds may be used to purchase software site licenses needed to complete data preservation projects. Show the cost of all proposed equipment/software site licenses necessary for achieving project goals. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote. If full justification for equipment is not provided, equipment costs will not be supported.

Generalpurpose equipment must be purchased from the applicant's operating funds. Routine computer maintenance contracts and charges for computer time are not acceptable direct costs under this program. Explain and justify any extraordinary items included in the proposed project budget.

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

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

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

(g) Total charges. Total items (a) through (f). The total budget proposed must show that the federal share of the cost of the activity does not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the activity as required by Public Law 109-58, Energy Policy Act of 2005. The non-federal share may be more than the federal contribution.

D. Proposal Evaluation Priority 1 will be funded at the requested amount (up to $2,000) and therefore will not be critically evaluated. NGGDPP proposals for Priority 2 and Priority 3 projects will be reviewed by a seven-member peer panel, consisting of three state geological survey representatives, three USGS representatives, and one non-USGS representative. These panel members represent the professional areas of science, data management, and preservation.

Evaluation Criteria. All proposals for Priority 2 and Priority 3 projects will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria listed below and the Important Guidelines and Requirements listed on pages iv – v (italicized). NOTE: To avoid conflict of interest, no panelist may vote on a proposal from his or her state geological survey or state agency, nor may any panelist discuss with other panel members his or her state’s proposal. This does not prohibit collaboration between USGS and state scientists once a grant is in place.

Priority 2 and Priority 3 projects will be evaluated separately according to the following criteria with each criterion having equal weight:

· Technical merit. This factor assesses the technical approach of the proposed work and the probability of achieving positive results within the designated period. Assessment includes analysis of methodologies, technology, and workflows.

· Societal Benefits. This factor assesses the value of the proposed preservation products to advancing scientific understanding, enhancing environmental health, increasing economic growth and/or public safety.

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

· Appropriateness and reasonableness of the budget. This factor considers whether the proposed budget is commensurate with the level of effort needed to accomplish the project and reasonable relative to the value of the anticipated results.

PART III: Proposal Guidelines A. Electronic Proposal Submission Requirement Applicants are responsible for electronically submitting the proposal to www.grants.gov by 6:00pm, EDT, March 14, 2019. Be sure to read the instructions carefully. Paper copies will NOT be accepted.

Please be aware the electronic submission process requires first-time users to register using e-Authentication process. This registration process can be complex and take up to 3 weeks to complete. Be advised that you may not be successful completing electronic submission for the first time if you begin the process only a few days before the due date. If your organization is affiliated with a university, contact the Office of Sponsored Programs, which may be familiar with the federal grant process and can work with you to submit the proposal.

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

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

1. Confirmation screen

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

3. Submission Validation (or Rejection with Errors)

4. Agency Retrieval

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· Funding Opportunity Number (FON)

· Name of Agency You Are Applying To

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

During the application period an applicant may submit a revised or corrected proposal through grants.gov. Include a cover letter as the first page of the proposal stating that the proposal is revised and the previous submittal is to be withdrawn from consideration. Revised submissions must be completed by March 14, 2019, at 6:00 pm EDT.

Please allow sufficient time for the proposal to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and allow time for possible computer delays.