UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

[U.S. Geological Survey]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

[National GAP Analysis Program]{.mark}

*PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 07HQPA0011*

**For Fiscal Year 2007**

**ISSUE DATE: April 13, 2007**

**CLOSING DATE & TIME:**

**May 23, 2007 3:30 p.m. EDT**

**Full Text Program Announcement**

**Funding Opportunity Description:**

The Gap Analysis Program (GAP) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is
offering grant and/or cooperative agreement opportunities to States,
local governments, or other recipients for projects performed in
partnership with USGS GAP. The GAP has developed project partnerships
across the country for nearly twenty years. The program operates under
the broad authorities of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 USC
661), the Land and Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 (15 USC 5657a(2))
and the Organic Act of the U.S. Geological Survey (43 USC 36d). Project
proposals must be consistent with the program's authorities, and with
the specific program objectives and annual priorities itemized in this
announcement and its addenda.

Gap analysis is a scientific method for identifying the degree to which
native animal species and natural communities are represented in our
present-day mix of conservation lands. Those species and communities not
adequately represented in the existing network of conservation lands
constitute conservation \"gaps.\" The purpose of the Gap Analysis
Program is to provide broad geographic information on the status of
ordinary species (those not threatened with extinction or naturally
rare) and their habitats in order to provide land managers, planners,
scientists, and policy makers with the information they need to make
better-informed decisions.

The specific mission of the GAP is to provide state, regional, and
national assessments of the conservation status of native vertebrate
species and natural land cover types of the U.S. and to facilitate the
application of this information to land management activities.

This is accomplished through the following five objectives:

1.  map the land cover of the U.S.

2.  map predicted distributions of vertebrate species for the U.S.

3.  document the representation of vertebrate species and land cover
    types in areas managed for the long-term maintenance of biodiversity

4.  provide this information to the public and those entities charged
    with land use research, policy, planning, and management

5.  build institutional cooperation in the application of this
    information to state and regional management activities.

For more information on the program please refer to
[http://gapanalysis.nbii.gov](http://gapanalysis.nbii.gov/).

**Selected Project Topics**

The following topics, derived from the previously stated programmatic
objectives, represent categories that potential recipients must use in
considering their proposals. Each brief description below provides a
resource for additional information on that topic. Projects proposals
must be consistent with at least one of the categories. In addition,
each proposal must be consistent with the current geographic and
programmatic areas of interest, since specific project needs change on
an annual basis. These are listed in Addendum I. For examples of
previously funded projects, see Addendum II.

**Objective 1: Land cover mapping of the United States.**

# GAP is actively involved in mapping the vegetative land cover of the United States. Most projects are currently scaled at multi-state regions and the thematic resolution is the ecological system. For more information on the Gap program's mapping projects and products, see [**http://gapanalysis.nbii.gov**](http://gapanalysis.nbii.gov/). For an overview of current land cover mapping methods, see "A Brief Overview of the Southwest Regional GAP Land Cover Mapping Effort," by John Lowry at [**http://www.gap.uidaho.edu/Bulletins/13/bulletin13_TOC.htm**](http://www.gap.uidaho.edu/Bulletins/13/bulletin13_TOC.htm). For more information on the ecological systems concept see [**http://www.natureserve.org/publications/usEcologicalsystems.jsp**](http://www.natureserve.org/publications/usEcologicalsystems.jsp) 

# Objective 2: Vertebrate species modeling for the United States.

> Along with the national land cover mapping effort, GAP develops
> species range and predicted distribution models for relevant species
> to the study area. Current standards on methodology and delivery are
> available in the GAP Handbook which is available online at
> [http://gapanalysis.nbii.gov](http://gapanalysis.nbii.gov/). In
> addition, applicants should show familiarity with novel concepts being
> explored by the program by reviewing relevant presentations from the
> 2005 National Meeting. These are also available at the above web site.

# Objective 3: Create, develop, and maintain protected area database for United States.

# Gap analysis is performed by using land cover and species distribution data layers and intersecting them with a dataset of land ownership and management. These "stewardship" data are assembled by the GAP program, often in conjunction with partners. Standards for developing stewardship data are available in the GAP Handbook which is available online at [**http://gapanalysis.nbii.gov**](http://gapanalysis.nbii.gov/).

# 

# Objective 4: Applications and outreach related to GAP goal, objectives, concept, or data products.

> It is the mission of the USGS Gap program to facilitate the use of the
> program's datasets through dissemination efforts, technical
> assistance, and assistance in developing institutional cooperation.
> Applicants may apply for funding to develop techniques, or to
> otherwise assistance in the application of GAP datasets to
> conservation issues. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the
> types of applications funded by the program by reviewing the "Research
> and Applications" page at
> [http://gapanalysis.nbii.gov](http://gapanalysis.nbii.gov/).

**Award Information:**

The ***estimated*** amount of funding available from GAP is \$200,000
for Fiscal Year 2007. However the actual amount awarded could be
significantly different, depending upon the availability of funds.
Typical awards are in the amount of \$10,000 to \$200,000 however,
individual proposals are not restricted to a set level of funding.
Projects will be evaluated as to whether they are economical, as well
scientifically meritorious. Multi-year proposals may be submitted as
described in the "Multi-Year Proposal" section below.

**Multi-Year Proposals:**

If work proposed requires multiple years to complete, then a multi-year
proposal is appropriate and applicants are encouraged to write their
proposals accordingly. However, the proposal should clearly define the
work to be completed in all years, and the evaluation panel reserves the
option to fund only the first year of multi-year proposals. The
additional years of funding for a multi-year grant are contingent upon
the availability of funds and satisfactory progress demonstrated by the
Principal Investigator or recipient. We will determine satisfactory
progress by reviewing progress reports submitted to GAP personnel.

**Eligibility Information:**

Applications will be accepted from any individual/agency who has the
ability to conduct projects consistent with the goal and objectives of
GAP. This includes all universities, State agencies, Tribal governments
or organizations, nonprofit organizations, industry or other private
sector organizations, and all Federal agencies.

**Application and Submission Information:**

Applicants are to submit proposals electronically at
[http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/). Apply no later than May
23, 2007, @ 3:30 p.m. EDT. If you have any questions concerning the
submission process, please contact Faith Diane Peters at
<fpeters@usgs.gov>. Applicants will receive an email response from the
USGS Office of Acquisition and Grants to acknowledge receipt of
submitted proposals.

Proposals submitted through
*[http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/)* after the closing date
will ***not be considered*** for award. If it is determined that an
application will not be considered due to lateness, the applicant will
be so notified immediately. Applicants will be notified of the status of
their application (accepted or not) by June 1, 2007.

It may be necessary to amend this announcement during the open period,
and it is also possible that the deadline will be extended. It is the
responsibility of applicants to check this announcement to see if it is
amended or extended.

Please arrange your application according to the format provided below.
Following this format ensures that every proposal contains all essential
information and is evaluated equitably.

1\. Proposal Forms

Begin by downloading the PureEdge Viewer at http://www.grants.gov under
the "Get Started" tab in the upper right corner of the screen. The
PureEdge Viewer will enable applicants to view and complete the
following required forms:

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

SF-424a Budget Information

SF-424b Assurances -- Non-Construction Programs

2\. Proposal Narrative

a\. **Proposal Summary Sheet**

> The first page of the proposal shall contain the following
> information:

Project Title:

Principal Investigator(s) (person we can contact, if needed):

Name:

Address:

Phone:

FAX:

Email:

Name of university, agency, or other organization:

Project duration:

Proposed project start date:

Total Funds Requested:
\$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

b\. **Proposal Text**. The text (a-g below) should be no longer than 10
pages, with 1-inch margins and a font size no smaller than 12. The text
for multi-year proposals may be up to 15 pages. Please include the
following:

a.  [Synopsis of project]{.underline}. Give a brief introduction to
    project goal, background, methods, and potential findings and/or
    deliverables.

b.  [Objectives]{.underline}. Clearly define goal(s) of project. State
    how proposal addresses the goal or objectives of GAP. The proposal
    should state how it addresses the project topics provided in the
    program announcement above and the specific geographic or
    programmatic area of interest described in Addendum I.

c.  [Background and justification]{.underline}. Provide background
    information for project and justify why the project is important.
    What specifically does this project contribute to GAP, conservation
    biology, landscape conservation and/or planning? How will this
    project benefit society? How is this project important to GAP,
    conservation biology, landscape conservation and/or planning on a
    local, regional, or national scale?

d.  [Work Plan/Approach/Methods]{.underline}. This section should
    include a fairly detailed discussion of the proposed approach,
    methods and work including a technical approach if applicable. The
    percentage of your time that you can devote to the proposed work
    should also be indicated.

e.  [Preliminary Results and Prior Work (if applicable)]{.underline}.
    Provide a brief summary of findings or outcomes of any prior work
    you have completed in this area.

f.  [Planned Product(s)]{.underline}. List product(s) (reports,
    analyses, digital data, etc.) that will be delivered at the end of
    the project period. When reports are submitted at the end of the
    work period, it is recognized that they may be in review and might
    not yet be in final form. We encourage PI's to publish all results
    in a peer-reviewed journal.

g.  [Dissemination of Project Results.]{.underline} The USGS considers
    dissemination of data and results to potential users of those
    results to be an integral and crucial aspect of projects funded by
    this program. Beyond the requirements for a final report, describe
    your plan for dissemination of project data and results that will
    result in the greatest possible benefit to customers as defined by
    your proposal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to disseminate
    results to the scientific community and appropriate professional
    organizations; local, State, regional and Federal agencies; and the
    general public. The USGS encourages PI's to publish project reports
    in peer reviewed scientific and technical journals.

h.  [References Cited]{.underline}. List all references to which you
    refer in text and references from your past work in the field that
    the project addresses. Be sure to identify references as journal
    articles, chapters in books, abstracts, maps, digital data, etc.

i.  [Project Personnel]{.underline}. List the Principal Investigator
    first, followed by the names of other individuals. Indicate the role
    for each participant in the project (ecologist, biologist, GIS /
    remote sensing analyst, field assistant, etc.). Include a **brief**
    vita for each person. List the expertise each participant brings to
    the project. Emphasize previous experience in the field of study
    that the project addresses.

j.  [Continuation projects]{.underline}. List the total amount of
    funding per year for which support was provided by the USGS, as well
    as the duration of each increment (including no-cost extensions),
    and the total number of person months committed by each Principal
    Investigator each year.

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c.  **Budget Sheets**. This information will provide more details than
    what is required under the SF 424A form. Please include the
    following:

    a.  [Salaries and Wages]{.underline}. List names, positions, and
        rate of compensation. If contract employees are hired, include
        their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles.

    b.  [Fringe benefits/labor overhead]{.underline}. 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.

    c.  [Field Expenses]{.underline}. Briefly itemize the estimated
        travel costs (i.e., number of people, number of travel days,
        lodging and transportation costs, and other travel costs).

    d.  [Supplies]{.underline}. Enter the cost for all tangible
        property. Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and
        field supplies separately. Provide detail breakdown of the
        proposed amount.

    e.  [Equipment]{.underline}. Show the cost of all special-purpose
        equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project.
        \"Special-purpose equipment\" means scientific equipment having
        a useful life of more than 1 year and having an acquisition cost
        of \$5,000 or more per item. Each item should be itemized and
        include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote,
        if available. General-purpose equipment must be purchased from
        the applicant\'s operating funds. Title to non-expendable
        personal property shall be vested solely with the Recipient.
        Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a
        sub-tier recipient.

    f.  [Services or consultants]{.underline}. Identify the tasks or
        problems for which such services would be used. List the
        contemplated sub-recipients by name (including consultants), the
        estimated amount of time required, and the quoted rate per day
        or hour.

    g.  [Travel]{.underline}. State the purpose of the trip and itemize
        the estimated travel costs to show the number of trips required,
        the destinations, the number of people traveling, the per diem
        rates, the cost of transportation, and any miscellaneous
        expenses for each trip. Calculations of other special
        transportation costs (such as charges for use of applicant-owned
        vehicles or vehicle rental costs) should also be shown.

    h.  [Publication costs]{.underline}. Show the estimated cost of
        publishing the results of the project, including the final
        report. Include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction,
        page or illustration charges, and a minimum number of reprints.
        Provide detailed breakdown.

    i.  [Other direct costs]{.underline}. Itemize the different types of
        costs not included elsewhere; such as, shipping, computing,
        equipment-use charges, or other services.

    j.  [Total Direct Charges]{.underline}. Totals for items a - i.

    k.  [Indirect Charges (Overhead)]{.underline}. Indirect cost/general
        and administrative (G&A) cost. Show the proposed rate, cost
        base, and proposed amount for indirect costs based on the cost
        principles applicable to the Applicant\'s organization. If the
        Applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and
        G&A costs, each charge should be shown.

    l.  [Amount proposed]{.underline}. Total items j and k.

    m.  [Multi-year projects]{.underline}. The Applicant shall provide
        summary information as well as a detailed budget for the
        additional years. **The SF 424, however, shall reflect support
        for the first year only.**

**Award Terms and Conditions**

a.  [No-cost extensions to the project period]{.underline}: No-cost
    extensions are discouraged. The GAP awards grants and cooperative
    agreements for projects that extends or supplements the ongoing work
    within the U.S. Geological Survey. The timely conduct of funded
    projects is of great importance to the achievement of the goals of
    the GAP. Applicants should consider their time commitments at the
    time of applying for a grant. Requests for no-cost extensions will
    be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should supply
    documentation supporting their request for an extension.

b.  [Dissemination of results]{.underline}: All award recipients shall
    complete proposed work within the required time frame, results
    should be published in a peer-reviewed form, and **all data
    resulting from the project shall be released to the public domain in
    a timely fashion.** The Government may publish, reproduce, and use
    all technical data developed as a result of this award in any manner
    and for any purpose, without limitation, and may authorize others to
    do the same. Data generated as a part of work funded under this
    program is not subject to a proprietary period of exclusive data
    access. Any data generated must be made available to the USGS as
    soon as it is available. The USGS reserves a royalty-free,
    nonexclusive and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or
    otherwise use, and to authorize others to use the data for
    Government purposes. Any project funded in whole or part with funds
    obtained under this program shall fall under this clause. The USGS
    Contracting Officer is the sole person to decide which data fall
    into this category if questions arise.

**Application Review Information**

Proposals will be reviewed by a four-member panel. The panel will be
composed of two reviewers from the USGS and two reviewers external to
the USGS at academic institutions with institutional expertise relevant
to the Gap Analysis Program. All reviewers will have expertise in the
goals and objectives of GAP. A standardized scoring sheet will be used
by all reviewers for each project. Evaluation Criteria for the panel are
below. Evaluations and recommendations from the panel will be forwarded
for policy review to the Chief Biologist for Information or his/her
designee. The policy review may include discussions with panel members
about how scoring determinations were made. Reviewers will reserve the
right to adjust their evaluations and recommendations based on
additional information stemming from the policy review. Final decisions
are the sole responsibility of the USGS.

**Evaluation Criteria**

All proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following
criteria:

1.  **Consistency with programmatic objectives, topical areas of
    interest (from program announcement), and geographic and thematic
    emphases (Addendum I): (35 points)**

    a.  How well does the proposal support or help refine the stated
        program objectives?

    b.  How well does the proposed work fit specific project needs
        stated for the current year?

**2. Scientific quality and impact: (25 points)**

(a) Does the work address the goal and/or objectives of GAP?

(b) Does the proposed work advance the field of conservation biology,
    landscape conservation or land use planning?

(c) Is the proposed work widely applicable to other geographic areas or
    conservation issues?

**3. Work plan: (15 points)**

(a) Is the approach clear and designed for success?

(b) Are the project objectives appropriate for proposed time frame?

(c) Does the project have the expertise it needs for success?

(d) Are the geographic or topical areas selected for project
    appropriate?

(e) Are the methods selected for project appropriate?

**4. Planned Products and Dissemination of Results: (15 points)**

(a) Will the products be applicable to conservation biology, landscape
    conservation or land use planning?

(b) Will the results be published in a peer-reviewed form? Does the
    project have a plan for disseminating results and is it feasible?

(c) Are the products widely applicable to other local, regional, or
    national projects?

(d) Are the products clearly defined?

(e) Are the products appropriate to the work as well as to the expected
    users?

(f) Can these products be produced in the proposed time frame with
    resources requested?

(g) Does the product and dissemination plan have a high potential for
    adaptation and use by end users?

**5. Budget Justification and Clarity: (5 points)**

> \(a\) Is staff sufficient to accomplish the proposed goals?
>
> \(b\) Are field expenses, supplies, lab work, and other expenses
> appropriate?
>
> \(c\) Are expenses adequately itemized?

**6. Experience/Competence of Project Personnel: (5 points)**

a.  Have the applicants demonstrated (through bibliographic references,
    previous experience, awards, etc.) that they are capable of doing
    the proposed project?

b.  Have the applicants demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the project
    subject?

> \(c\) For recent GAP award recipients:

-   Were reporting requirements from previous GAP awards satisfied?

-   Was the work completed in a competent fashion?

**Award Administration Information:**

Award recipients are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations
of the grant/cooperative agreements and sub-award supported activities
to assure compliance with applicable Federal requirements, and that
performance goals are being achieved. Recipient monitoring must cover
each program, function or activity.

## The following reports will be required from all award recipients:

  ----------------- -------------- ------------- --------------------------
  **Report**        **Number of    **Submit to** **Due**
                    copies and                   
                    format**                     

  \(1\) Publication 1 reprint      Gap Analysis  Immediately following
                                   Program       publication. See
                                   Office        instructions below.

  \(2\) Final       1 Adobe        Gap Analysis  On or before 90 days after
  Technical Report  Acrobat PDF    Program       the expiration of the
                    file           Office        agreement. See
                                                 instructions below.

  \(3\) Progress    1 Adobe        Gap Analysis  60 days before the end of
  Report (for       Acrobat PDF    Program       the first year of funding.
  multi-year awards file           Office        Second year funding is
  only)                                          contingent on receipt of
                                                 the report and
                                                 demonstration of
                                                 satisfactory progress. See
                                                 instructions below.

  \(4\) Quarterly   Original + 1   Contracting   On or before 15 working
  SF-272 Federal                   officer\*     days after the end of each
  Cash Transactions                              three-month performance
  Report                                         period. See instructions
                                                 below.

  \(5\) SF-269      Original + 1   Contracting   On or before 90 working
  Financial Status                 officer\*     days after the expiration
  Report                                         of the agreement. See
                                                 instructions below.
  ----------------- -------------- ------------- --------------------------

\* See Agency Contacts section below

**Report Preparation Instructions**:

\(1\) [Publication]{.underline}: Publication means any book, report,
photograph, map, chart, or recording published or disseminated to the
scientific community. Preprints of articles submitted for publications
will be accepted as final reports. All publications that contain work
performed during the project period shall include the following
statements:

> "*Research supported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Department
> of the Interior, under USGS award number (Recipient, insert award
> number). 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."*

\(2\) [Final Technical Report]{.underline}: A final report that includes
the findings of the in-depth studies sponsored by the Gap Analysis
Program is due within 90 days following the expiration of the grant
agreement. The final report should be submitted as a PDF file on a
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM to:

> National Gap Analysis Program
>
> 530 S. Asbury Street, Suite 1
>
> Moscow, ID 83843
>
> **Format for Final Technical Report**
>
> \(A\) Title page must contain the following information:
>
> •  Award number
>
> •  Name of principal investigator(s)
>
> •  Title of the report
>
> •  Statement that reads as follows:
>
> *"Research supported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Department
> of the Interior, under USGS award number* \[insert award number\].
> *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."*
>
> \(B\) Any figures, tables, or equations should be embedded in the
> report and included in the PDF file (a tagged PDF). Provide
> alternative text for each figure, table, and equation; this text,
> combined with the caption or title, should convey to the nonsighted
> person what the image or equation conveys to the sighted person.
>
> \(C\) The report should contain a list of citations for all
> publications (including abstracts) that may have resulted from work
> funded by the Mineral Resources External Research Program.

\(3\) [Progress Report:]{.underline} Recipients of multi-year awards
shall submit a report that summarizes the progress of the project during
the first funding period. Work that was proposed for the first year
should have been completed in that year. The heading on page 1 of the
report should include (a) the GAP award number, (b) the Principal
Investigator's name, and (c) the title of the research project. The
progress report shall consist of accomplishments, unanticipated problems
encountered, plans for solving unanticipated problems, and any other
information pertinent to the progress of the project. Funding expended
by the award recipient during year one must also be detailed in the
Progress Report. The Progress Report should be submitted as an Adobe
Acrobat PDF file via e-mail attachment to: <gap@uidaho.edu> with
"Progress Report for GAP award \[insert award number\]" in the subject
line.

\(4\) **STANDARD FORM 272, FEDERAL CASH TRANSACTIONS REPORT** is
required quarterly for each PMS subaccount. Quarterly reports are due 45
days after the end of each fiscal quarter. Instructions for submitting
SF 272 can be found at the following website:

http://www.dpm.psc.gov/grant_recipient/psc_272_reports/psc_272_reports.aspx?explorer.event=true

If after 45 days, recipient has not submitted a report, the account will
be placed in a manual review status. Funds may be withheld for accounts
with delinquent reports.

\(5\) STANDARD FORM 269, FINANCIAL STATUS REPORT (original and 1 copy)
is required annually and is due 90 calendar days after the end of the
annual budget period.

**(6) FINAL FINANCIAL STATUS REPORT. The recipient will liquidate all
obligations incurred under the award and submit a final SF 269 Financial
Status Report no later than 90 calendar days after the grant/cooperative
agreement completion date. Recipient will promptly return any unexpended
federal cash advances or will complete a final draw from PMS to obtain
any remaining amounts due. Once 120 days has passed since the
grant/agreement completion date, the PMS subaccount for this award may
by closed by USGS at any time.**

\(7\) Subsequent revision to the final SF 269, Financial Status Report,
will be considered only as follows -

> \(i\) When the revision results in a balance due to the Government,
> the recipient must submit a revised SF 269 and refund the excess
> payment whenever the overcharge is discovered, no matter how long the
> lapse of time since the original due date of the report.
>
> \(ii\) When the revision represents additional reimbursement costs
> claimed by the recipient, a revised SF 269 may be submitted to the
> Contracting Officer with an explanation. If approved, the USGS will
> either request and pay a final invoice or re-establish the PMS
> subaccount to permit the recipient to make a revised final draw. Any
> revised final report representing additional reimbursable amounts must
> be submitted no later than 1 year from the due date of the original
> report, i.e., 15 months following the agreement completion date. USGS
> will not accept any revised SF 269 report covering additional
> expenditures after that date and will return any late request for
> additional payment to the recipient.

## [Method of Payment:]{.underline}

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is using the Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS) Payment Management System (PMS), Division of
Payment Management of the Financial Management Service, Program Support
Center, to provide electronic invoicing and payment for assistance award
recipients. The Recipient must either have an established account or
will establish an account with PMS at the time of award of the
agreement. With the award of each grant/cooperative agreement, a
sub-account will be set up from which the Recipient can draw down funds.
The DHHS will forward instructions for obtaining payments to the
recipients. Inquiries regarding this payment system should be directed
to:

> Division of Payment Management
>
> Department of Health and Human Services
>
> P.O. Box 6021
>
> Rockville, MD 20852

The Division of Payment Management web address is
[www.dpm.psc.gov](http://www.dpm.psc.gov/).

[Financial Report (SF-269):]{.underline} Each award recipient shall use
the SF-269 or SF-269A to report the status of funds at the end of the
project. Copies of the SF-269 form can be obtained from the following
web site:

<http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html>

Financial information shall be reported on an accrual basis. However, if
the recipient's accounting records are not normally kept on an accrual
basis, the recipient shall not be required to convert its accounting
system, but shall develop such accrual information through best
estimates, based on an analysis of the documentation on hand.

**Agency Contacts:**

Questions concerning the application process at *Grants.gov*:

### *Grants.gov* Help Desk at: 1-800-518-GRANTS

Questions concerning this Program Announcement and all related grants
questions to:

Faith Diane Peters, Contracting Officer

U.S. Geological Survey

Office of Acquisition and Grants

National Center, Mail Stop 205G

Reston, VA 20192

Phone: (703) 648-7356

E-Mail: [fpeters@usgs.gov](mailto:kcraig@usgs.gov)

Questions concerning this Program Announcement and all related technical
questions to:

Kevin J. Gergely, Gap Analysis Program Coordinator

U.S. Geological Survey

National GAP Operations Office

530 S. Asbury St., Suite 1

Moscow, ID 83843

Phone: (208) 885-3555

E-mail: gap@uidaho.edu

**General Provisions**

**[(1) Cost Principles, Audit, And Administrative
Requirements]{.underline}**

The Recipient shall be subject to the following OMB circulars and
regulations, which are incorporated herein by reference. Copies of these
Circulars can be obtained from the Internet at:
[*http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html*](http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html).

[Educational Institutions]{.underline}

> a\. 2 CFR 220, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions (OMB
> Circular No. A-21)
>
> b\. OMB Circular No. A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
> Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education,
> hospitals, and Other Non-profit Organizations, as implemented in 2 CFR
> 215 and 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F.
>
> c\. OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments and
> Non-Profit Organizations, as implemented in 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart A:
> Administrative and Audit Requirements and Cost Principles for
> Assistance Programs

[State and Local Governments]{.underline}

> a\. 2 CFR 225, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal
> Governments (OMB Circular A-87)
>
> b\. OMB Circular A-102, Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State
> and Local Governments; as implemented in 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart C
>
> c\. OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments and
> Non-Profit Organizations, as implemented in 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart A:
> Administrative and Audit Requirements and Cost Principles for
> Assistance Programs

[Non-Profit Organizations]{.underline}

> a\. 2 CFR Part 230, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations (OMB
> Circular A-122), except recipients listed in Appendix C to Part 230
> are subject to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 31.2,
> Contracts with Commercial Organizations (Contract Cost Principles and
> Procedures)
>
> b\. OMB Circular No. A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
> Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education,
> hospitals, and Other Non-profit Organizations, as implemented in 2 CFR
> 215 and 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F.
>
> c\. OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments and
> Non-Profit Organizations, as implemented in 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart A:
> Administrative and Audit Requirements and Cost Principles for
> Assistance Programs

[Organizations for Profit, Individuals, and Others Not Covered
Above]{.underline}

> a\. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 31.2, Contracts with
> Commercial Organizations (Contract Cost Principles and Procedures)
>
> b\. OMB Circular No. A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
> Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education,
> hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations, as implemented in 2 CFR
> 215 and 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F,
>
> c\. FAR Subpart 42.1, Contract Audit Services; FAR Subpart 42.7,
> Indirect Cost Rates; FAR Subpart 42.8, Disallowance of Costs

**[2. Additional Regulations]{.underline}**

This award is subject to the following additional regulations of the
U.S. Department of the Interior:

> a\. 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart D: Government Debarment and Suspension
> (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug Free
> Workplace
>
> b\. 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart E: Buy American Requirements for
> Assistance Programs
>
> c\. 43 CFR Part 17, Subpart A: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race,
> Color, or National Origin
>
> d\. 43 CFR Part 17, Subpart B: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of
> Handicap
>
> e\. 43 CFR Part 17, Subpart C: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Age
>
> f\. 43 CFR Part 18, New Restrictions on Lobbying

**[3. Additional Articles Required For Compliance With Statute Or
Regulation]{.underline}**

a\. [Buy American Act Notice (43 CFR Sec. 12.710(c)]{.underline})

> Pursuant to Sec. 307(b) of the Department of the Interior and Related
> Agencies Appropriations Act. FY 2000, Public Law 106-113, please be
> advised of the following:
>
> In case of any equipment or product that may be authorized to be
> purchased with financial assistance provided using funds made
> available in this Act, it is the sense of the Congress that entities
> receiving the assistance should, in expending the assistance, purchase
> only American-made equipment and products.

b\. [Metric Conversion (43 CFR Sec 12.915)]{.underline}

> All progress and final reports, other reports, or publications
> produced under this award shall employ the metric system of
> measurements to the maximum extent practicable. Both metric and
> inch-pound units (dual units) may be used if necessary during any
> transition period(s). However, the recipient may use non-metric
> measurements to the extent the recipient has supporting documentation
> that the use of metric measurements is impracticable or is likely to
> cause significant inefficiencies or loss of markets to the recipient,
> such as when foreign competitors are producing competing products in
> non-metric units.

c\. [Anti-Lobbying (43 CFR Part 18)]{.underline}

> The Recipient shall not use any part of the appropriated funds from
> the Department of Interior for any activity or the publication or
> distribution of literature that in any way tends to promote public
> support or opposition to any legislative proposal on which
> Congressional action is not complete.

d\. [The Seat Belt Provision (43 CFR Sec. 12.2(e))]{.underline}

> Recipients of grants/cooperative agreements and/or sub-awards are
> encouraged to adopt and enforce on-the-job seat belt use policies and
> programs for their employees when operating company owned, rented, or
> personally owned vehicles. These measures include, but are not limited
> to, conducting education, awareness, and other appropriate programs
> for their employees about the importance of wearing seatbelts and the
> consequences of not wearing them.

e\. [Use of U.S. Flag Air Carriers]{.underline}

> Any air transportation to, from, between or within a country other
> than the U.S. of persons or property, the expense of which will be
> paid in whole or in part by U.S Government funding, must be performed
> by, or under a code-sharing arrangement with, a U.S. flag air carrier
> if service provided by such a carrier is \"available\" (49 U.S.C.
> 40118, commonly referred to as the Fly America Act). Tickets (or
> documentation for electronic tickets) must identify the U.S. flag air
> carrier\'s designator code and flight number. See the Federal Travel
> Regulation §301-10.131 - §301-10.143 for definitions, exceptions, and
> documentation requirements. (See also Comp. Gen. Decision B-240956,
> dated September 25, 1991.)

f\. [Activities on Private And Other Non-Federal Lands]{.underline}

> 1\) The recipient shall comply with applicable State, local and Tribal
> government laws, including laws relating to private property rights.
>
> *This award involves funds appropriated to the biological research
> activity of the USGS. Therefore the following subsection of this
> provision applies:*
>
> 2\) Funds provided for the biological research activity in USGS annual
> appropriations may not be used to conduct surveys on private property,
> unless specifically authorized in writing by the property owner.
>
> a\) Accordingly, the recipient shall not enter non-Federal real
> property for the purpose of collecting information regarding the
> property, unless the owner of the property has --

(1) consented in writing to the entry;

(2) been provided notice of that entry; and

(3) been notified that any raw data collected from the property must be
    made available at no costs, if requested by the land owner.

> b\) In this provision, the term "recipient" includes any person that
> is an officer, employee, or agent of the recipient, including a person
> acting pursuant to a contract or sub-agreement.

g\. [No Endorsement Provision (43 CFR 12.2(d))]{.underline}

> *Paragraph 2) applies to all awards.*
>
> *The remainder of this provision applies because:*

-   *the principal purpose of the agreement is a partnership where the
    recipient/partner contributes resources to promote agency programs
    or publicize agency activities, assists in fundraising, or provides
    assistance to the agency; and*

-   *the agreement authorizes joint dissemination of information and
    promotion of activities being supported; and*

-   *the recipient [is not]{.underline} a State government, a local
    government, or a Federally-recognized Indian tribal government. \]*

> 1\) Recipient shall not publicize or otherwise circulate, promotional
> material (such as advertisements, sales brochures, press releases,
> speeches, still and motion pictures, articles, manuscripts or other
> publications) which states or implies governmental, Departmental,
> bureau, or government employee endorsement of a product, service, or
> position which the recipient represents. No release of information
> relating to this award may state or imply that the Government approves
> of the recipient\'s work products, or considers the recipient\'s work
> product to be superior to other products or services.
>
> 2\) All information submitted for publication or other public releases
> of information regarding this project shall carry the following
> disclaimer:
>
> The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the
> authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or
> policies of the U.S. Government. Mention of trade names or commercial
> products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government.
>
> 3\) Recipient must obtain prior Government approval for any public
> information releases concerning this award which refer to the
> Department of the Interior or any bureau or employee (by name or
> title). The specific text, layout photographs, etc. of the proposed
> release must be submitted with the request for approval.
>
> 4\) A recipient further agrees to include this provision in a subaward
> to any subrecipient, except for a subaward to a State government, a
> local government, or to a Federally-recognized Indian tribal
> government.

h\. [Access To Research Data]{.underline}

> 1\) By regulation (43 CFR 12.936), recipients that are institutions of
> higher education, hospitals, or non-profit organizations are required
> to release research data first produced in a project supported in
> whole or in part with Federal funds that are cited publicly and
> officially by a Federal agency in support of an action that has the
> force and effect of law (e.g., regulations and administrative orders).
> "Research data" is defined as the recorded factual material commonly
> accepted in the scientific community as necessary to validate research
> findings. It does not include preliminary analyses; drafts of
> scientific papers; plans for future research; peer reviews;
> communications with colleagues; physical objects (e.g., laboratory
> samples, audio or video tapes); trade secrets; commercial information;
> materials necessary to be held confidential by a researcher until
> publication in a peer-reviewed journal; information that is protected
> under the law (e.g., intellectual property); personnel and medical
> files and similar files, the disclosure of which would constitute an
> unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; or information that could be
> used to identify a particular person in a research study.
>
> 2\) These requirements do not apply to commercial organizations or to
> research data produced by State or local governments. However, if a
> State or local governmental grantee contracts with an educational
> institution, hospital, or non-profit organization, and the contract
> results in covered research data, those data are subject to these
> disclosure requirements.
>
> 3\) Requests for the release of research data subject to this policy
> are required to be made to USGS under, which will handle them as FOIA
> requests under 43 CFR 2.25. If the data are publicly available, the
> requestor will be directed to the public source. Otherwise, the USGS
> Contracting Officer/Grants Officer, in consultation with the af­fected
> recipient and the PI, will handle the request. This policy also
> provides for assessment of a reasonable fee to cover recipient costs
> as well as (separately) the USGS costs of responding.

i\. [Government Furnished Property Or Property Authorized For
Purchase]{.underline}

> The recipient shall comply with 2CFR Part 215, Section 215.34. Title
> to nonexpendable personal property acquired wholly or in part with
> Federal funds shall be vested in the Recipient unless otherwise
> specified in the award document. The Recipient shall retain control
> and maintain a property inventory of such property as long as there is
> a need for such property to accomplish the purpose of the project,
> whether or not the project continues to be supported by Federal funds.
> When there is no longer a need for such property to accomplish the
> purpose of the project, the Recipient shall use the property in
> connection with other Federal awards the Recipient has received. Under
> no circumstances shall title to such property be vested in a sub-tier
> recipient. Disposal of nonexpendable personal property shall be in
> accordance with the applicable OMB circular.
>
> There is no non-expendable personal property authorized on this
> grant/cooperative agreement.
>
> The following equipment will be vested:

**[4. Additional General Terms and Conditions]{.underline}**

a\. [Research Integrity]{.underline}

> 1\) USGS requires that all grant or cooperative agreement recipient
> organizations adhere to the Federal Policy on Research Misconduct,
> Office of Science and Technology Policy, December 6, 2001, 65 Federal
> Register (FR) 76260, http://www.ostp.gov/html/001207_3.html. The
> Federal Policy on Research Misconduct outlines requirements for
> addressing allegations of research misconduct, including the
> investigation, adjudication, and appeal of allegations of research
> misconduct and the implementation of appropriate administrative
> actions.
>
> 2\) The recipient must promptly notify the USGS Project Office when
> research misconduct that warrants an investigation pursuant to the
> Federal Policy on Research Misconduct is alleged.

b\. [Fiscal Integrity]{.underline}

> The recipient will notify the USGS Contracting Officer/Grants officer
> of any significant problems relating to the administrative or
> financial aspects of the award, such as misappropriation of Federal
> funds.

c\. [Program Income]{.underline}

> 1\) The recipient will have no obligation to the Federal Government
> for program income earned from license fees and royalties for
> copyrighted material, in accordance with 43 CFR 12.924(h) (for A-110
> recipients) or 43 CFR 12.65(e) (for A-102 recipients).
>
> 2\) If the recipient is an educational institution or nonprofit
> research organization, any other program income will be added to funds
> committed to the project by the Federal awarding agency and recipient
> and be used to further eligible project or program objectives, as
> described in 43 CFR 12.924(b)(1).
>
> 3\) For all other types of recipients, any other program income will
> be deducted from total allowable costs to determine the net allowable
> costs before calculating the Government\'s share of reimbursable
> costs, as provided in 3 CFR 12.65(g)(1) (for A-102 recipients) or 43
> CFR 12.924(b)(3) (for A-110 recipients).

**Addendum I**

**Geographic and programmatic priorities -- Potential Project Topics for
FY 2007**

**1: Land cover mapping of the United States.**

There are no specific geographic or programmatic priorities at this
time. Potential applicants should check this announcement during the
open period to see if revisions and additions are made.

# Objective 2: Vertebrate species modeling for the United States.

There are no specific geographic or programmatic priorities at this
time. Potential applicants should check this announcement during the
open period to see if revisions and additions are made.

# Objective 3: Create, develop, and maintain protected area database for United States.

There are no specific geographic or programmatic priorities at this
time. Potential applicants should check this announcement during the
open period to see if revisions and additions are made.

**Objective 4: Research, applications, and outreach related to GAP goal,
objectives, concept, or data products.**

1\. GAP data have been incorporated to various degrees into the majority
of State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAP) recently completed across the U.S.
Proposals are needed that address: the utility of the GAP data to the
SWAP process and implementation; the scientific quality of the SWAPs and
their appropriateness for advancing conservation of biodiversity as
envisioned by the GAP; and/or the methodological enhancements to the GAP
that might further support future SWAP efforts.

2\. The most recently completed project by the program is the Gap
Analysis of the Southwest, which incorporated standardized mapping and
modeling procedures to provide seamless regional data sets. Proposals
are needed that assess the perceived quality and utility by end users,
the opportunities and barriers for the data to be used for its ultimate
purpose, to assist in biodiversity conservation planning, but also to
support other land management uses or educational purposes; and/or
potential methodological enhancements to regional scale projects that
may increase the utility of the products.

**Addendum II**

**Gap Analysis Program -- Current Projects**

**Northwest Regional Gap Analysis Project Species Modeling**

Natural Heritage Programs are critical sources of species data for their
specific states. Heritage programs function as the repository for
species collections and occurrence records. The existing relationship
between the five Northwest Heritage programs (Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
Montana, and Wyoming) will be utilized in the collaborated effort to
acquire species data necessary for the Northwest project. This research
study is to provide three specific components. The first component is a
database of species occurrence for the Northwest. The second component
is modeling range, distribution, and habitat quality of vertebrates for
the Northwest. The third component is to build a web-based geodatabase
to support the Northwest Gap Analysis Project. Project end date:
September 9, 2009.

**Northwest Regional Gap Analysis Project Vegetation Mapping: Map Zones
2 and 7**

The development of maps using NatureServe's Ecological Systems for map
zones 2 and 7 (USGS National Land Cover Data Set mapping zones) , in
Oregon and California occurring over two years. The project involves
using two different methods to map Ecological Systems: (1) the Gradient
Nearest Neighbor (GNN) method for forest and woodland Systems, and (2)
CART modeling using modified Southwest Re-GAP protocols for nonforest
Systems. The mapping will be conducted by ecoregions (Omernik level
III), which conform much more closely to real ecological boundaries than
do the MRLC map zones in this area. The final ecoregion maps will be
tiled together to produce seamless maps for entire map zones. Several
methods will be used to minimize seams between ecoregions and with
adjacent map zones. Project end date: December 31, 2007.

**Land Stewardship Mapping for the National Gap Analysis Program in the
Southwest and Southeast**

The importance of the stewardship map in the GAP process is not only to
fulfill the analytical mission of GAP but also to provide a spatial
documentation of the existing network of conservation lands. The results
of this spatial documentation are considered a key to identify and
encourage cooperative management responsibility and equitable division
of that responsibility among various land managers. This project will
produce a land stewardship map for the Southeast region as part of the
regional gap project currently underway for the National Gap Program.
The stewardship maps will depict individual management units of public
land and private conservation lands when voluntarily provided. Each
tract will be attributed for land ownership, managing institution, and
management status according to the methods in the GAP handbook and newly
developed SWReGAP stewardship standards. A substantial effort will be
made to identify and contact all potential conservation landowners
and/or managers holding tracts at least as large as the GAP minimum
resolution size. Effort will also be made to form partnerships with land
stewards and institutions to acquire the most current and accurate
digital boundary files and to produce digital boundary files of each
tract if they are lacking. Project end date: March 31, 2008.