PKG00254701-instructions.pdf

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT

OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

-- EDMAP --

The Educational Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

Authorized by The National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 2009

(Public Law 111-11)

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT No. G20AS00005 For Fiscal Year 2020

ISSUE DATE: September 09, 2019

CLOSING DATE & TIME

November 19, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. EST i

FY20 – EDMAP Program Announcement – G20AS00005

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT CAREFULLY AND NOTE ANY CHANGES

Paperwork Reduction Act Approval – OMB control number 1028-0088; Expiration Date 10/31/2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Table of Contents i

List of Attachments ii

Program Announcement Changes iii

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

A. The National Geologic Mapping Act 1 B. EDMAP Component of the NCGMP 2 C. EDMAP Proposals 2 D. Geologic Map Products 3

PART II. Timetables, Eligibility, Format Instructions, and Proposal Evaluation 4

A. Timetables 4 B. Eligibility—Who May Submit a Proposal 4 C. Proposal Format Instructions 5 D. Proposal Evaluation 12

PART III. Proposal Delivery and Submission Instructions 13

PART IV. General Provisions 13

A. General Provisions of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program 13 B. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars 13 C. Rights in Technical Data 14 D. Publication 14 E. Funding 15 F. Project Deliverables 16 ii

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Proposal Submission Forms and their Instructions

A. EDMAP Proposal Summary Sheet

B. Budget Sheets (Total Proposal and Individual Projects)

C. Special Terms and Conditions; Program and Financial Contact Information

D. State Geological Surveys - Contact Information

E. USGS Project Chiefs - Contact Information

F. Current (FY2018) Edmap Projects

G. Forms required during and at the end of the project period (form is online only)

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

https://www.grants.gov/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html https://www.grants.gov/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html iii

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT CHANGES

Part I, D: Added recommendation to work with supporting State geological survey to publish EDMAP maps.

Part I, D: Added additional requirement for map deliverables: “All maps submitted under EDMAP also must show the bounding coordinates, in DMS notation”

Part I, D: Recommended and provided resources for GeMS geologic map database schema: “We recommend that you follow the FGDC Cartographic Standard and the GeMS database schema. Additional resources on GeMS can be found at https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/.”

Attachments D, E, and F have been updated.

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

A. The National Geologic Mapping Act

The 102nd Congress recognized that the USGS and the State Geological Surveys needed a coordinated program to prioritize the geologic mapping requirements of the Nation, and to increase production of these geologic maps. The National Geologic Mapping Act (Public Law 102-285) was signed into law in 1992 and created the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP). The Act has been re-authorized three times since then, most recently by the 111th Congress in 2009 (Public Law 111-11, sec. 11001). The Act recognizes that geologic maps are the primary database for virtually all applied and basic earth-science investigations. To read copies of the original act and the two reauthorizations, visit: http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/about/.

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

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

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

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

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

In 2016-2017, NCGMP went through a process of renewing its vision and mission by developing a new strategic plan. The vision of the USGS NCGMP is to create an integrated, three-dimensional, digital geologic map of the United States and its territories to address the changing needs of the Nation by the year 2030. The mission of the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program is to characterize, interpret, and disseminate a national geologic framework model of the Earth through geologic mapping and associated research in order to support the responsible use of land, water, energy, and minerals and to mitigate the impact of geologic hazards on society, thereby facilitating national security and economic growth through informed earth resource management.

The EDMAP program continues to carry out NCGMP’s mission and address the Department of Interior’s Secretarial priorities by developing a national geologic framework through student geologic mapping. Geologic mapping supported by EDMAP 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 EDMAP products provide geologic data necessary to assess our natural resources and hazards, support the development of modern infrastructure and inform land-use planning. In addition, EDMAP support helps to maintain strong academic geologic mapping programs which in turn produce a healthier workforce at geological surveys throughout the Nation.

http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/about/ http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/about/

B. EDMAP Component of the NCGMP

The primary objective of the EDMAP component of the NCGMP is to train the next generation of geologic mappers. To do this NCGMP provides funds for undergraduate and graduate students in academic research projects that involve geologic mapping as a major component.

Through cooperative agreements NCGMP hopes to expand the research and educational capacity of academic programs that teach earth science students the techniques of geologic mapping and field data analysis. Another important goal is to increase the level of communication between the Nation’s geologic surveys (both the USGS and State Geological Surveys) and geologic mappers in the academic community. We hope that this improved communication will have two results: 1) the academic mapping community will learn more about the societal needs that drive geologic mapping projects at the USGS and State Geologic Surveys, and 2) more geologic maps produced in academia will eventually be made available to the public. As of 2019, EDMAP has funded 1,290 students from 165 universities.

For more information about the USGS NCGMP EDMAP program please visit:

http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/about/. A list of currently funded EDMAP projects can be found in Attachment F.

C. EDMAP Proposals

Proposals are to be submitted for a 12-month continuous project effort. Each proposal should show a 1:1 Federal/University funding match. Only one proposal will be accepted from an individual Principal Investigator (PI) (Professor or faculty advisor), although more than one proposal can be accepted from a single university if authored by different Principal Investigators.

The Principal Investigator is required to write and submit the proposal. The primary emphasis of the proposal must be on student mapping in the field. All proposals must inform or coordinate with a State Geological Survey or a Project Chief in the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program or other USGS projects that have a significant geologic mapping component.

(To obtain contact information for State Geological Surveys see Attachment D or visit:

http://www.stategeologists.org/). To obtain contact information for USGS Projects see Attachment E. Even if you do not seek active participation by the State Geological Survey or the USGS, letting them know that you are planning a project in their state or field area fulfills this requirement. A written letter of acknowledgement or support from a State Geologist and/or USGS Project Chief must accompany all proposals (see proposal criteria 1.

Coordination below). As part of this coordination and planning process, the method of eventual geologic map publication should be discussed very early in the planning process. However, receiving EDMAP funds does not constitute a guaranteed publication of any map.

Funding Request Limits EDMAP allows funding requests of up to $17,500 for each graduate student primary mapper and $10,000 for each undergraduate primary mapper per year. A primary mapper is defined as the lead student mapper on an individual project and is responsible for his/her first-authored geologic map that is required to be delivered to the Program at the end of the project. Assistant geologic mappers are encouraged, but costs for assistant mappers are included in the overall http://www.stategeologists.org/ http://www.stategeologists.org/ request per primary mapper (for example, for one undergraduate primary mapper and two field assistants, the total request is still limited to $10,000). A proposal may request funding for multiple primary mappers (for example, one undergraduate primary mapper and one graduate primary mapper for a total request not to exceed $27,500), but each primary mapper is responsible for a separate first-authored map, and multiple deliverable maps are required in this case. For any questions regarding request amount limits per student, please contact the Program Officer. NOTE: EDMAP funds are not intended to support field camps.

D. Geologic Map Products

According to the new NCGMP strategy, the preferred optimal operational NCGMP definition of a “geologic map” is one supported by a robust material-properties-based geologic framework model database of geological features and strata that is regularly-updated, well-coordinated, multi-resolution, seamless, and three-dimensional (3D), and that can be interpreted into various customized and user-friendly derivative map products. At the minimum, a geologic map should include: (1) a clear and legible base (include base map credit and map projection), (2) scale (fractional and bar) and contour interval, (3) north arrow and magnetic declination, (4) title, authorship, publisher (or the University that carried out the mapping), and date, (5) index map showing mapping contributions by the student author(s) and by previous mappers, (6) field data or field data stations, (7) description of map units, (8) explanation of map symbols, (9) unit symbols on map. All maps submitted under EDMAP also must show the bounding coordinates, in DMS notation. 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, but these additions are not required. Geologic maps in digital form also may contain a variety of point data for specific sites, essentially comprising a 3D database.

Deliverable geologic maps will consist of new data acquired during the award period and mapped at a scale deemed appropriate for the geologic problem being addressed. It is hoped that students will learn the techniques of detailed field mapping, and emphasis is on the development of new geologic maps. Principal Investigators must plan mapping projects in coordination with other mapping projects in your field area since the NCGMP will not fund two maps of equitable scale from both EDMAP and STATEMAP/FEDMAP programs. All EDMAP deliverables are required to be delivered as a high quality digital Portable Document Format (PDF or GeoPDF) files that address the minimum requirements for map components and notation as described in the previous paragraph. Any GIS or desktop-publishing files that were developed during the preparation of the PDF should be included in the deliverable. At the end of an awarded cooperative agreement period of performance, your EDMAP deliverables are required to be delivered to the EDMAP Program Officer. Deliverables will be submitted electronically through the EDMAP Dropbox. A link to the EDMAP Dropbox will be provided by the Program Office prior to project end dates.

Because your student’s maps are a significant component of the NCGMP, we will post all EDMAP deliverable geologic maps to the USGS National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) website (http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/), which currently provides access to more than 100,000 geoscience publications (see http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Prodesc/proddesc_81551.htm for an example

EDMAP deliverable). In addition to the map, we will archive any source files (e.g., ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator) for future use by other geologists, upon written request. If you do not want your student’s map deliverable posted to the NGMDB website indicate that to us in your transmittal letter when you submit your deliverable. Unless otherwise indicated, your student’s map will be uploaded to the website with a disclaimer watermark identifying the map as an unpublished EDMAP deliverable. Since many EDMAP products do not get published, we feel that this is an excellent way for map users to find these geologic maps as well as a way for students to show their good work. We recommend that you work with your supporting State Geological Survey toward publication of your student’s map.

To assist the student and Principal Investigator in map preparation, various general and NCGMP-supported resources for cartography and database design are available at https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/. This site is the recommended starting point for preparation of EDMAP products. We recommend that you follow the FGDC Cartographic Standard and the GeMS database schema. Additional resources on GeMS can be found at https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/. Please contact Dave Soller (drsoller@usgs.gov) with any questions about these resources.

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

A. Timetables

Proposal Announcement Date: September 9, 2019.

Closing Date and Time for Proposal Submission: November 19, 2019 @ 3:00 p.m. (EST)

B. Eligibility - Who May Submit a Proposal

U.S. accredited university geoscience or related departments are eligible for EDMAP funds.

University professors must write and submit the proposals. EDMAP cooperative agreements are intended to fund upper level (junior and senior) undergraduate and graduate (Masters and Doctoral) students conducting geologic mapping in the field. Undergraduate students must have received mineralogy, petrology and structural geology training prior to the time they are to begin the proposed geologic mapping project. While it is proper for the Principal Investigator or faculty advisor to ask for some logistical support so that they may mentor their student(s) in the field for a credible amount of time, the bulk of the award is intended to support the student’s mapping efforts. EDMAP cooperative agreements do not support faculty salaries nor do they support student tuition.

Universities that have been previously funded under EDMAP must be in compliance with requirements specified in previous EDMAP 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.

Student Eligibility

Although EDMAP proposals are for one year of funding, students are eligible to apply for two different years of funding. Although the program envisions that students may be funded for two consecutive field seasons, a student may receive an EDMAP award from two different institutions, degrees, or Principal Investigators. However, the student is only eligible for two years of funding cumulatively. The Principal Investigator must indicate in the proposal if the student has received any prior EDMAP funding. NOTE: The panel will only review one-year projects, so two-year projects are not eligible for funding.

C. Proposal Format Instructions

Proposals must be arranged according to the format and order provided below. Following this format ensures that every proposal contains all essential information, and is evaluated equitably.

All documents must be combined and submitted as one Portable Document Format (PDF) file.

All proposals must include the following documents:

1. Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance (mandatory form provided in grants.gov). The person who electronically submits the SF-424 must have the authority to bind the University 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. Most States and Universities have a rate agreement. They are usually titled “State and Local Rate Agreement” or “Colleges and Universities Rate Agreement.” The document provides the rates approved for use on grants, contracts and other agreements with the Federal Government. New regulations (2 CFR 200.414) went into effective in 2015 stating that a recipient must provide a federally approved negotiated rate agreement or their indirect costs cannot exceed 10%. The language states the agency will comply with the recipients approved rate, however, that is exempt for individual program regulations that have restrictions regarding indirect costs. The program authority for EDMAP 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. Support letter from State Geologist or USGS Project Chief. A letter of acknowledgement or support from the State Geologist in the state that you are proposing to conduct field mapping and/or a USGS Project Chief is mandatory. It is highly recommended that discussions occur with the State Geologist and/or the USGS Project Chief prior to the request of a letter of support. Informing them of your proposed field mapping and research is of benefit to everyone. If other organizations are supporting your proposed project, letters of support are welcome. See Attachments D and E for State and USGS contacts. For questions related to coordination with USGS Project Chief and/or State Geologists, please contact the Program Officer.

6. EDMAP Proposal Summary Sheet (Attachment A).

7. Proposal Technical Section. This section of the proposal is limited to 10 single-spaced pages, no smaller than 11-point font size, and 1-inch margins. Remember that a graphic is worth a thousand words, and the Proposal Evaluation Panel has many proposals to read. The 10-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and vitae. (The attachments and budget sheets are not included in the 10-page limit.) The technical section of your proposal includes the following:

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

in. Please be clear and concise to briefly describe what you propose to do in your project. Do not include personal information. This abstract will be used to acknowledge EDMAP cooperative agreement awardees and post to the USGS EDMAP website.

b. Introduction. The introduction is a brief description of the problem and background.

Particular reference should be made to any earlier mapping, or mapping going on nearby at present time. If the PI has received prior EDMAP funding in recent years, discussion of previous projects, results and impacts of previous results, and if/how this work relates to the work being proposed should be included. Please be as specific as possible, and include a bibliography of previous EDMAP products. Please state if this project is a significant part of a thesis. The introduction is a good place to discuss coordination with a state geological survey or USGS.

c. Location and geologic setting. A clear, readable map (with scale) showing the location (with coordinates) of your project area should accompany the text. Please keep in mind that the Proposal Evaluation Panel may not know your proposed field area’s geography as well as you.

d. Purpose and Justification. This section should answer a few simple, but important questions. Why are you doing this mapping? What scientific questions are you addressing? What benefits will society receive from the mapping? If you have previously proposed similar research convey how the current proposal ties into it and how it is different. Please avoid boilerplate proposals from year-to-year.

e. Strategy for Performing the Geologic Mapping. This section should explain how your student will achieve the scientific results presented in the previous section through geologic mapping. If multiple primary mappers are involved, please be specific about the roles and individual mapping projects of each student. A short discussion about the digital cartography and GIS component of the mapping is also beneficial. If the objectives can only be accomplished with the support of drilling, or other analytical services such as geochronology or geochemistry, please describe these activities here. Keep in mind that most of the budget request should go toward getting the student in the field, and that these support investigations (drilling and analytical services) should be limited to less than 20 percent of the overall budget request.

f. Mentoring strategy and timetable. Provide a realistic mentoring approach and timetable for completing the mapping project. A table embedded in your proposal can be a clear and concise way of conveying this information. Explain how much time the Principal Investigator/faculty advisor will spend in the field with the primary student mapper and what his/her specific role will be. Clearly discuss how the Principal Investigator/faculty advisor will mentor the student before, during, and after the fieldwork. If the student has experience in geologic mapping (for example, a second year EDMAP student), then explain why you may have a more flexible mentoring schedule versus working with a junior or senior undergraduate student. If the Principal Investigator plans to be in the field with the student mapper for the entire duration of the mapping project, then please explain how the student will gain independent mapping experience. If applicable, explain how the Principal Investigator will mentor any field assistants, and explain exactly what the assistant(s) role will be. Will there be any student interaction with or mentorship from State Geological Survey staff or USGS scientists? The program considers project review by USGS and State Geological Survey partners an important part of EDMAP Projects and sharing your project plan with them is beneficial.

g. Deliverables. You must provide a list all maps (with scale) and accompanying technical reports by quadrangle, portion of quadrangle, or area (indicate bounding coordinates), that will be produced by this project. Keep in mind that the primary student mapper will be the first author of the map deliverable while mapping assistants will be secondary authors or acknowledged on the map. If two primary mappers are funded on a project, then two separate map deliverables and a breakdown of which map deliverable will be authored by which student are required. All EDMAP deliverables are required to be delivered as a high quality digital Portable Document Format (PDF or GeoPDF) files. See Part IV, Section F for more information about Project Deliverables.

h. Project Personnel. Proposed personnel must include the name of the Principal

Investigator, other supervising professor(s), and student(s). Clearly list the primary student mapper(s) and those that will be mapping assistants. A short biography of each will assist the Proposal Evaluation Panel to judge both the qualifications of the professor(s) and the ability of the student(s) to complete the geologic mapping project. The Principal Investigator should include educational information about the student’s prior geologic mapping experience (field camp or other mapping projects), and any course work that would help significantly in geologic mapping. The Principal Investigator and other supervising professors should include teaching experience of geologic mapping or related courses, prior geologic mapping publications, and other geologic mapping experience. NCGMP strongly encourages geologic mapping projects to be a buddy system approach to promote safe field practices.

NOTE: Since the timing of proposal submission comes soon after the beginning of the school year, we appreciate that it is sometimes difficult to identify the student(s) who will do the mapping, especially in the case of new graduate students. Proposals submitted that do not identify the actual students who will do the mapping are allowed. However, the name, contact information, and vitae (qualifications) of ALL (primary mappers and assistants) students must be submitted to the USGS, before the Office of Acquisition and Grants formally issues the cooperative agreement. This should give professors several extra months to identify student mappers. It is preferred that most students will be identified in the original proposals. Finally, even if the name and vitae of the student(s) are not included in the proposal, it must be made clear whether the student is an undergraduate, a Masters, or a Doctoral student, and the minimal educational requirements and qualifications for the student.

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

i. Other support. If the student has pending requests for support from other institutions, these requests should be listed.

j. Budget explanation and justification. It is important that the Proposal Evaluation Panel understand your budget in order to determine if it is adequately justified for the proposed mapping project. The budget justification section should explain in detail the itemized budget in the included Budget Sheet (Attachment B).

8. USGS Data Management Plan

Proposals submitted to USGS must include a supplementary document of no more than two pages labeled "Data Management Plan" (DMP). This supplementary document should describe how the proposal will conform to USGS policy on the dissemination and sharing of research results and associated data. A valid DMP may include only the statement that no detailed plan is needed (e.g. “No data are expected to be produced from this project”), as long as the statement is accompanied by a clear justification. This supplementary document may include:

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

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

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

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

Additional guidance on data management plans is available from the USGS Data Management web site here: https://www2.usgs.gov/datamanagement/plan/dmplans.php

9. Budget Sheets (Attachment B). Only one budget sheet per proposal is required, but if, for logistical reasons, the budget request for one student is significantly different than another student, it may be useful to submit separate, individual budget sheets. Itemize budget sheets and include rates for salary and travel logistics. If there is a cost item that represents a large proportion of your proposal budget, the Proposal Evaluation Panel will want to know details. Please include a description of the cost share (cash vs. in kind). Examples of cost share (university costs) include the Principal Investigator salary, student salary or assistantships, travel expenses, laboratory analysis, or other non-Federal support. If cost share includes support from another organization outside of the university, include a letter from that organization as evidence. Note: EDMAP allows the total of Direct and Indirect charges to equal $17,500 for each primary graduate mapper and $10,000 for each primary undergraduate mapper per year.

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 budget should contain the following:

k. Salaries. Include all students (list number of students, salary rate and amount of time on project for each student). Federal EDMAP funds do not support Teaching Assistantships (TA). Research Assistantships (RA) are allowed but only for students working exclusively on the proposed geologic mapping project. No faculty salary is allowed.

l. 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.

m. Field Expenses. Itemize the estimated travel costs (i.e., number of people, number of travel days, per diem rate, mileage rate, airfare or other transportation, and any other travel costs).

n. Miscellaneous. Federal EDMAP funds are not allowed for the purchase or rental of capital equipment, such as GPS units, rock hammers, Brunton compasses, hand lenses, cameras, or other nonexpendable items. Matching funds may be used for this purpose, provided they are directly related and essential to the project. Itemize supplies such as base maps, aerial photographs, petrographic thin sections, film, and other expendable field and office supplies. List any contractual services and associated costs. Use this section to itemize costs that are not identified elsewhere on http://www.usgs.gov/datamanagement/plan/dmplans.php http://www.usgs.gov/datamanagement/plan/dmplans.php the budget sheet. (Provide an estimated breakdown to include number and cost for each item).

o. Drilling and analytical expenses. Drilling and analytical laboratory (e.g.

geochemistry and geochronology) expenses are to be capped to less than 20 percent of your total proposal costs. Remember that a primary goal of the EDMAP program is to train students in the skills of geologic mapping and interpretation in the field.

p. Non-allowable Expenses

i. Tuition and course fees. Federal EDMAP funds are not intended to pay tuition or course fees, and use of tuition waivers as matching funds is not acceptable.

Tuition remission is not an acceptable match.

ii. Teaching assistantships. Federal EDMAP funds are not intended for teaching assistantship salaries. Federal EDMAP funds may be used to support student research assistantships as long as the student is working exclusively on the EDMAP project.

iii. Professional meetings. Federal EDMAP funds are not intended for travel or registration to professional meetings nor are they an acceptable Federal match.

iv. Software. Software licenses and maintenance contracts are non-allowable expenses.

v. Overhead expenses. It is not permissible to use items or facilities (computers, computer facilities, plotters, rock lab, office space, etc.) as match that are already a university/department overhead expense. These items should be covered by indirect costs.

q. Total Direct Charges. Total for items a – e. Total direct charges MUST have a

1:1 Federal/University match. Failure to do so will result in automatic ineligibility and your proposal will not be further evaluated. The match side may be higher but it must meet the 1:1 match requirement.

r. Indirect Charges. Show proposed rate and amount. Proposals must include a copy of the Indirect Negotiated Cost Rate between the institution and the Federal Government. NOTE: The 2009 Reauthorization of the National Geologic Mapping Act (Public Law 111-11) states that the USGS and recipients of EDMAP grants shall not use more than 15.25% of the Federal funds to pay indirect, servicing, or program management charges (which is equivalent to 18% of total direct costs).

s. Matching Funds. Regardless of the University’s federally negotiated indirect cost rate, a University must show a 1:1 match of the total direct costs and no more than 18% on the Federal indirect cost line. Up to 18% of a University’s total direct costs may be used as a University match on the University’s indirect cost line. If a University chooses (or is required) to show a higher than 18% rate on the University’s indirect cost line it can be listed under “uncollected indirect costs” on the University side, the result will be a higher University budget total than the Federal budget total.

If the University approved rate is less than 18%, the approved rate must be used. This also applies to subcontracts. If you have a sub-award issued for a portion of your project the same rules apply to the 18% cap for indirect costs on the federal side.

NOTICE OF MATCH AMOUNT - Please note that in accordance with the program announcement a 1:1 match is required. If you, the recipient chooses to provide an over match exceeding the 1:1 match requirement it is to your discretion but by doing so you will be held to meet that match amount referenced in your application. A modification will not be issued to reduce the match amount. An increased match does not increase your chances of award.

The following is a summary of what is required for the 1:1 match:

(i) A 1:1 Federal/University match is required for "TOTAL DIRECT COSTS"

(salaries, fringe benefits, field expenses, misc. supplies)

(ii) A 1:1 Federal/University match is required for "TOTALS" (Total Direct Costs

+ Indirect Costs)

Both "Totals" must meet the 1:1 match requirement. Failure to meet the matching requirement will result in automatic ineligibility and your proposal will not be further evaluated.

Examples of allowable match include the following:

(i) Salary: Faculty, student, RA’s, field assistants.

(ii) In-kind support: For example, the time a co-advisor from outside the institution spends with the primary student or contracting costs supporting the project. Information documenting amounts for in-kind support should be included.

(iii) Field expenses, analysis costs, drilling costs.

Please contact the Program Officer for any questions regarding matching funds.

t. Total. Total for items g and h. NOT TO EXCEED $17,500 FOR EACH PRIMARY

GRADUATE STUDENT AND $10,000 FOR EACH PRIMARY

UNDERGRADUATE PER YEAR.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE COST CATEGORIES (Direct and Indirect Charges) MUST BE BROKEN DOWN AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.

D. Proposal Evaluation

EDMAP proposals will be reviewed by a 9-member panel in early January. Four (4) members will be professors. Two (2) members will be State Geologists chosen by the Association of American State Geologists. Two (2) members will be USGS geologists. The EDMAP Program Officer will serve as Chair and will choose the USGS and academic members. All members will serve 3-year terms. No panelist may review, or take part in any discussion with other panel members prior to or during a panel meeting about a proposal that originated from her/his university, or for which other potential conflicts of interest are recognized.

Evaluation Criteria. All proposals for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined below. Successful proposals will be funded in full (in some rare cases, partial funding grants may be awarded). Each reviewer will complete a review for each proposal, and these reviews will become part of the official proceedings of the Proposal Evaluation Panel meeting. Panel feedback will be provided to PI’s in the decision letters.

1. Coordination (10 points). Has the PI discussed or planned their mapping project with the appropriate State Geologist or USGS Project Chief? Is a letter of support from the State Geologist and/or USGS Project Chief included with the proposal? What is the degree of this coordination? Are geologists from other organizations, such as the USGS or State Geological Surveys, included in the project?

2. Justification (20 points). How well does the proposed geologic mapping project answer any significant scientific questions? How well does the mapping project address a problem that has any significant societal value? How well does the proposed mapping address Secretarial priorities and the goals of the National Geologic Mapping Act?

3. Technical quality (30 points). Are the scientific objectives clearly stated? How well does the proposal stress what is important and new? How does the proposal address necessary support data, such as paleontologic or geochemical information, if that data is critical to the success of the geologic mapping? How well does the mapping strategy focus on developing student mapping skills? Does the student appear to be capable of accomplishing the objectives stated, and in the time allowed? Is the proposal well-written and concise?

4. Mentorship (25 points). What is the level of faculty mentoring and will the faculty member be spending adequate time advising the student on geologic mapping techniques and other aspects of the project? How well does the proposal address details on mentoring activities including time before, during, and after the fieldwork? What is the degree of communication between the Principal Investigator and student geologic mapper? If there are assistant mappers, are they being mentored as well?

5. Budget (15 points). Is the proposed budget commensurate with the level of effort required to accomplish the objectives? Is the cost reasonable relative to the anticipated results? Are non-Federal funds or in-kind services available to at least equally match the requested Federal funding amount? (For example, this could consist of documentation showing salary paid or intended to be paid to a graduate student for any work relating to the field project. In addition, university stipends for RA (Research Assistant) work paid to the student for any work related to the research project during the year can be used as the university match. Alternatively, match can be shown as money paid to undergraduate field assistants during work on the research project.) Is the budget designed primarily to get the student into the field to learn and perform geologic mapping? Is the amount of faculty advisor support modest and reasonable? Is the budget well itemized and explained and justified in detail?

PART III. Proposal Delivery and Submission Instructions

Applicants are held responsible for the proposal to be electronically submitted into GRANTS.GOV (www.grants.gov) by November 19, 2019 @ 3:00 p.m. (EST). This website includes step by step instructions for GRANTS.GOV. Please be aware that the electronic submission system is relatively complex for first-time users and involves several preliminary registration steps to be taken before the proposal can be submitted (go to www.grants.gov and click on the “Register” link at the top of the page). Be advised that it is virtually impossible to begin the process of electronic submission for the first time if you start just a few days before the proposal submission due date. Please contact your Office of Sponsored Programs as they may already have completed the registration process and should work with you to submit the application.

Please allow sufficient time for the proposal to be submitted electronically and allow time for possible computer delays. It is strongly advised not to wait until the last minute for submission.

A proposal received after the closing date and time will not be considered for award. If it is determined that a proposal will not be considered due to lateness, the applicant will be notified immediately.

All grant programs are required to use GRANTS.GOV to advertise program announcements.

Any form that is not available online may be submitted as attachments at the end of the proposal through the online application process.

PART IV. General Provisions

A. General Provisions of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

By accepting Federal assistance, your organization agrees to abide by the provisions of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, namely the National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 2009, Public Law 111-11 (http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/), and OMB Circular A- 16 “Coordination of Surveying, Mapping and Related Spatial Data Activities” http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a016/a016_rev.html.

B. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars

By accepting Federal assistance, your organization agrees to abide by the applicable OMB http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/ http://ncgmp.usgs.gov/ http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a016/a016_rev.html http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a016/a016_rev.html

Circulars in the expenditure of Federal funds and performance under this program. Copies of these Circulars can be obtained from the Internet at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_docs.

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

Requirements for Federal Awards, as implemented by the Department of the Interior in 2 CFR Part 1402 and 43 CFR Part 12.

C. Rights in Technical Data

The U.S. Government may publish, reproduce, and use all technical data developed as a result of this assistance award in any manner and for any purpose, without limitation, and may authorize others to do the same. The Program Officer agrees to contact the authors of any EDMAP product for review and coordination in the release of technical data. Full credit for authorship will be given. Every effort to protect the scientific integrity of newly gathered data will be made by the EDMAP Program Officer.

D. Publication

1. Publication of any map produced under EDMAP is contingent upon final acceptance by the State Geological Surveys and the USGS and is not based on having received an award. Map content and design guidance is available at http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/cartores/. Maps with explanatory information submitted to journals, professional organizations, or commercial firms, for publication shall be accompanied by the following notation:

"This map and explanatory information is submitted for publication with the understanding that the United States Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for governmental use."

2. A copy of each map with all accompanying explanatory information shall be submitted to the Project Officer simultaneously with its submission for publication. The cover letter accompanying the maps should state how a copy of these files could be obtained if needed by either the USGS or State Geological Survey. One reprint of each map shall be submitted to the Project Officer immediately following publication. One reprint should also be sent to the appropriate State Geological Survey.

3. Program credit. All geologic maps resulting from any project carried out under this assistance award resulting wholly or in part from the cooperative agreement will bear the following credit statement in the map header, on the title page of an accompanying explanatory text, and in the acknowledgments that accompany the map or any resulting report:

“Support (or partial support) provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program.” [Include award number and year funded] http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_docs http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_docs http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/cartores/ http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/cartores/

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

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

E. Funding

1. The EDMAP program is designed to be carried out on a 1:1 Federal/University match.

Recipients shall match each Federal dollar with a non-Federal dollar (both direct and grand total to include direct and indirect costs). The non-Federal share may be contribution of funds or services. Such services can include those related to the student research project or cash provided to contractors. The source(s) of the university contribution must be listed in the proposal. The matching requirement must be met annually. If other non-Federal funds are used as match, a letter or item of evidence should be included with the proposal to support these funds.

2. USGS funds cannot be used for the purchase of equipment.

3. Funds for the FY2020 National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program and in turn, EDMAP funds will not be available until enactment of USGS appropriations. Student awards will be made in the form of cooperative agreements to the supervising faculty member and the institution. Within the total award, a maximum of 15 percent of total direct costs may be included for support of the supervising faculty member. A Principal Investigator may apply for EDMAP funds for the same student two years in a row (a student in eligible for a total of two years of EDMAP funds); awards are only issued one year at a time, and a new proposal must be submitted for competition in the second year.

Funding for the first year does not guarantee funding in the second year. We anticipate issuing awards in the spring of 2020, therefore you should plan project start dates between April 15, 2020 and September 15, 2020.

4. If a university or college has been awarded a cooperative agreement for several students, and one or more of those students are unable for any reason to fulfill their geologic mapping project, those funds awarded to the student(s) must be forfeited, and cannot be reallocated to the remaining students doing mapping at that institution.

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

Specialist/Contracting Officer for consideration not later than 30 days prior to the effective proposal end date. After discussion with EDMAP Program Officer, the Grant Specialist/Contracting Officer will make a final decision on a case-by-case basis and notify the Recipient in writing. Asking for a no-cost extension in no way jeopardizes the success of a future proposal. However, if a Principal Investigator asks for a no-cost extension, it cannot extend past a date 30 days in advance of the EDMAP Proposal Evaluation Panel meeting for the next funding cycle.

SPECIAL NOTE: A cooperative agreement issued by the USGS Office of Acquisition and Grants, approved and released by the USGS Contracting Officer, obligates USGS funds.

Notification of a successful proposal does not constitute authority to incur costs. Costs incurred prior to receipt of an approved cooperative agreement will be at the risk of the university. Once the cooperative agreement for a successful proposal has been approved and released through FedConnect by the USGS Contracting Officer, the university may incur costs.

F. Project Deliverables

All geologic map deliverables (transmittal letter, technical report, and geologic map) must be sent to the EDMAP Program Officer before the last day of the performance period. All geologic maps and accompanying technical reports must include all student authors’ names (identify funded EDMAP students) and the statement of EDMAP Program Credit including the award number and year funded (Part IV, Section D.3).

All EDMAP deliverables are to be electronically delivered as a high quality digital Portable Document Format (PDF or GeoPDF) files. At the time the transmittal letter, geologic map, and accompanying technical report are submitted to the EDMAP Program Officer, a copy should be sent to the appropriate State Geological Survey and/or USGS Project Chief for their files.

Deliverables will be submitted electronically through the EDMAP Dropbox. A link to the EDMAP Dropbox will be provided by the Program Office prior to project end dates.

EDMAP Program Officer:

U.S. Geological Survey Attn: Darcy K. McPhee EDMAP Program Officer 908 National Center 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, Virginia 20192 Email: dmcphee@usgs.gov

-- END OF PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT –

mailto:dmcphee@usgs.gov mailto:dmcphee@usgs.gov

ATTACHMENT A

USE THE FOLLOWING FORMAT

EDMAP PROPOSAL SUMMARY SHEET

(University/College, City & State)

1. PROPOSED PROJECT TITLE: __________________________________________

2. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(s)/SUPERVISING FACULTY:

Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________________________________ E-mail: __________________________________________________________________

3. STUDENT NAME(s)/DEGREE PROGRAM:

4. AUTHORIZED INSTITUTIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________________________________…