U.S. Geological Survey Use of Space in Cooperator Facilities

This program is designed to provide dedicated workspace and access to cooperator facilities for research that supports USGS research and data collection in the classification of public lands and the examination of geological structures, water, minera

This program provides dedicated workspace and access to cooperator facilities to support USGS research and data collection in the classification of public lands and the examination of geological structures, water, mineral, and biological resources, as well as other products of the national domain. It includes a range of USGS assistance awards not addressed by other CFDA program entries. Awards are funded through internal projects and programs; funds are not separately budgeted or reserved for external projects or proposals under this entry. In addition to workspace, the program offers access to specialized equipment and facilities necessary for collaborative research. These resources enable integration of expertise, enhance data collection and analysis, and ensure that research activities are conducted in environments equipped to meet programmatic and scientific standards.

Public nonprofit institutions/organizations, private nonprofit institutions/organizations, and State and/or local governments may make application for support by a named principal investigator. Due to limited availability of funds to support new external projects, consultation with USGS is strongly recommended prior to submission of applications.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. 6301-6308), the United States Geological Survey is authorized to continue existing, and on and after November 10, 2003, to enter into new cooperative agreements directed towards a particular cooperator, in support of joint research and data collection activities with Federal, State, and academic partners funded by appropriations herein, including those that provide for space in cooperator facilities Provided, That activities funded by appropriations made may be accomplished through the use of contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements (including noncompetitive cooperative agreements with tribes) as defined in section 6302 of title 31, United States Code.

Public nonprofit institutions/organizations, private nonprofit institutions/organizations, and State and/or local governments may make application for support by a named principal investigator. Due to limited availability of funds to support new external projects, consultation with USGS is strongly recommended prior to submission of applications.

Applications must be in support of scientific research projects which are within the Survey's area of responsibility. The majority of funds are used to support research that will enhance existing, long-term collaborative projects. Funds can be used for attendance at national conferences for the dissemination of project results. Further, conferences and symposia will be supported only if it is clear that equivalent results cannot be obtained at regular meetings of professional societies. Office furniture, office equipment, and foreign travel are not normally considered for support.

Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. This program is subject to the provisions of 2 CFR Part 200 and Department of the Interior regulations 2 CFR Part 1402. Application form Standard Form (SF) 424 must be used. The application requirements as contained in the announcement package and the above regulations must be used for this program. Applications may be made only through the internet site http://www.grants.gov.

Scientists within the Geological Survey will review and evaluate all applications consistent with authorized USGS program purposes. Criteria for judging applications will include scientific excellence and relevance to the solution of important problems within the mission of the Geological Survey. Applications will be funded only to the extent permitted by available funds.

Notification of an award is by receipt of a cooperative agreement from an authorized Grants Officer within the Department of the Interior.

Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines.

Final award decisions are not subject to appeal; however, the Department of the Interior will provide all applicants with information on why their proposals were not selected for award.