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**UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR**

**U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY**

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| **U.S. Geological Survey**                                            |
|                                                                       |
| **Mineral Resources External Research Program**                       |
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PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT No. 07HQPA0009

**For Fiscal Year 2007**

**ISSUE DATE: January 12, 2007**

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| **CLOSING DATE & TIME:**                                              |
|                                                                       |
| **February 23, 2007 4:00 p.m. EDT**                                   |
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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

Page

Funding Opportunity Description 3

Award Information 3

Selected Research Topics 4

Multi-Year Proposals 5

Applicant Eligibility 6

Application Procedure 6

Proposal Evaluation 10

Reporting Requirements 12

Agency Contacts 14

Award Terms and Conditions 14

DON'T WAIT!! GET STARTED [NOW]{.underline}!!!

Begin your application process by visiting the *Grants.gov* web site and
click on the tab in the upper right side of the screen marked, "Get
Started." Begin working on the six steps [now]{.underline} because it
will take time to complete each step. If you wait until the last minute,
you will not have enough time to complete the steps before the deadline
for receipt of applications. Also, it will take time to become familiar
with filling out the electronic versions of the SF 424 forms that must
be completed and submitted with your application.

Although no changes to the program announcement are anticipated, check
back periodically at *Grants.gov* FIND to make certain no modifications
have been issued.

[HELP!]{.underline}

### For all technical questions about applying through *Grants.gov*, call the *Grants.gov* Help Desk at: 1-800-518-GRANTS

For questions concerning this Program Announcement, please contact F.
Diane Peters, Contracting Officer, at (703) 648-7356; fpeters@usgs.gov.

Mineral Resources External Research Program Announcement for Fiscal Year
2007

**Funding Opportunity Description:**

The Mineral Resources Program (MRP) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
is offering a grant and/or cooperative agreement opportunity to
universities, State agencies, Tribal governments or organizations, and
industry or other private sector organizations that have the ability to
conduct research in topics related to non-fuel mineral resources that
meet the goals of the Mineral Resources Program. The long-term goals of
the MRP, as described in the MRP Five-Year Plan for FY 2006-2010 are as
follows:

# Long-term goal 1: Ensure availability of up-to-date quantitative assessments of potential for undiscovered mineral deposits

# Long-term goal 2: Ensure availability of up-to-date geoenvironmental assessments of priority Federal lands

# Long-term goal 3: Ensure availability of reliable geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral locality data for the United States

# Continuing goal: Ensure availability of scientific facilities and services required to achieve MRP goals (geochemical research and development laboratories, geophysical research and development laboratories, and project-level geographic information systems and information management)

# Long-term goal 4: Ensure availability of long-term data sets describing mineral production and consumption

**The MRERP will consider all research-based proposals that address one
of the MRP's long-term goals
(**<http://minerals.usgs.gov/plan/2006-2010/2006-2010_plan.html>)**.
However, proposal scoring criteria, documented in the Proposal
Evaluation section below, will reward proposals that address the
selected research topics listed below.**

**Award Information:**

The ***total*** amount of funding available for the MRERP is expected to
be \$1,000,000. As of the posting date of this announcement the Federal
appropriations process for 2007 was not complete. The actual MRERP
funding available will be determined when the appropriations process for
2007 is complete. If changes are required because of the appropriations
process, notice will be distributed by the same means as this initial
notice. If no further notice is received, the dates and amounts reported
here should be taken as firm.

If the available funding remains approximately \$1,000,000, the MRP
anticipates making awards in Fiscal Year 2007 for 10 to 20 proposals
submitted under this program announcement, however, individual proposals
are not restricted to a set level of funding. Work performance under
these awards must start before October 1, 2007, and the proposed work
must be completed no later than one year from the start date. Multi-year
proposals may be submitted as described in the "Multi-Year Proposal"
section below.

Collaborative proposals between an external organization and a
USGS/MRERP project may be funded as a cooperative agreement or as a
grant depending upon the extent and type involvement of the USGS in the
work. Discussion and coordination between internal and external
researchers is encouraged; however, USGS personnel are prohibited from
helping an external organization prepare its proposal for competitive
funding.

**Proposals to fund research in foreign countries will be considered
when the proposed research provides knowledge or new techniques leading
to a greater understanding of U.S. mineral resource issues.**
Applications submitted by foreign organizations must be submitted in
English and in U.S. dollars. Awards involving foreign governments may
require additional coordination and approval by the U.S. Department of
State.

MRERP reserves the right to fund either part or all of the applicants
involved in a collaborative study.

**Selected Research Topics:**

The USGS MRP conducts research to reduce the uncertainty in non-fuel
mineral resource and mineral environmental assessments. As assessments
are dynamic, so must be the research that supports them. Each year the
MRERP designates selected research topics as priority for support. **For
2007, the MRERP is soliciting research proposals that address assessment
for concealed non-fuel mineral resources. Research should focus on
better understanding selected mineral systems, the mechanism of
concealment, the nature of the cover, or remote techniques to identify
concealed mineral resources.**

In 2007, MRP research on assessment techniques for concealed mineral
resources is being coordinated by Mark Gettings (520-670-5507;
<mgetting@usgs.gov>) and Karen Kelley (303-236-2467;
[kdkelley@usgs.gov](mailto:kdkelly@usgs.gov)). To help applicants
understand the scope of the research being conducted in this effort,
selected topics being addressed are listed below with contact
information for responsible USGS scientists. The MRERP encourages
collaborative research with on-going USGS work. Applicants are
encouraged to contact USGS scientists listed below to discuss
collaborative research opportunities, and to provide documentation from
a USGS scientist illustrating how the proposed research will address MRP
research needs.

**Selected Topics Addressing**

**Assessment Techniques for Concealed Mineral Resources**

> **Primary Characteristics of Mineralizing Systems**

-   Features of northern Alaskan deposits

-   Features of south-central/southwestern Alaska deposits

-   Features of porphyry Cu, Carlin-type, and Revett-type deposits in
    the Basin and Range

> **Contacts:** Karen Kelley for Alaska (303-236-2467;
> [kdkelley@usgs.gov](mailto:kdkelly@usgs.gov)); Peter Vikre for Basin
> and Range (775-784-5597; <pvikre@usgs.gov>)
>
> **Characteristics of Post-Mineralization Cover**

-   Cenozoic history of intermontane basins and adjacent highlands in
    the Basin and Range region

-   Tertiary volcanic rock characteristics

-   Post-Laramide tectonic history of the Basin and Range region

-   Post-mineralization structural cover characteristics of Alaska

> **Contacts:** Tom Moore for Alaska (650-329-5713; <tmoore@usgs.gov>);
> Alan Wallace for Basin and Range (775-784-5789; <alan@usgs.gov>)
>
> **Geophysical and Geochemical Methods to Identify Concealed Mineral
> Resources**

-   Synergy of regional stream sediment geochemistry, hydrology, and
    structure for assessments of concealed deposits

-   Electrogeochemical techniques in detection of deposits

-   Evaluation of other geophysical and geochemical assessment methods
    not currently in use by the USGS

-   Textural analysis of geophysical data

> **Contacts:** Rick Saltus for geophysics (303-236-1375;
> <saltus@usgs.gov>); Bob Eppinger for geochemistry (303-236-2468;
> <eppinger@usgs.gov>)
>
> **Methods of Spatial Analysis to Evaluate Covered Areas for Concealed
> Mineral Systems**

-   Spatial/temporal data layer correlation

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-   Spatial scaling properties of geologic features

-   Statistical methods for evaluating geophysical and geochemical
    anomaly coverage and developing most efficient data collection.

> **Contact:** Mark Gettings (520-670-5507; <mgetting@usgs.gov>)

**Multi-Year Proposals:**

All work that can be completed in one year should be proposed as a
one-year project. Applicants should carefully consider their time
commitments and request the required grant duration and funding to
accomplish the project goals. If the proposed work is such that two
years are required to complete the research, then a two-year proposal is
appropriate and applicants are encouraged to write their proposals
accordingly. However, proposals should clearly define the work to be
completed in the first and second years. The MRERP review panel may
recommend funding only the first year of a two-year proposal when the
proposed research is easily divided into two, one-year projects or when
they feel that results from the first year's proposed work will need to
be evaluated before a second year of research can be considered.

**The second year of funding of a two-year grant is contingent upon the
availability of funds and satisfactory progress by the Recipient.
Progress will be determined through technical review of a Progress
Report by the MRERP coordinator or his or her agent. The Progress Report
shall be submitted by the Recipient, in accordance with grant award
reporting requirements (see Report Requirements section), 60 days prior
to the end of the first year of funding.**

**Applicant Eligibility (Who May Submit a Proposal):**

Applications will be accepted from any individual who has the ability to
conduct research consistent with the Mineral Resources Program goals
identified in the "Funding Opportunity Description" section and who is
not employed by a Federal agency. Federal employees can be collaborators
in proposed research, however, they are prohibited from receiving MRERP
funds for salary or other expenses. Applicants can be affiliated (but
are not required to be affiliated) with universities, State agencies,
Tribal governments or organizations, industry, or other private sector
groups.

The following proposals are **ineligible** for consideration under this
announcement:

-   Proposals from U.S. Government agencies or U.S. Government
    employees.

-   Proposals from Federally Funded Research and Development Centers
    (FFRDC).

-   Proposals in which there is a real or the appearance of a conflict
    of interest.

**Application Procedure:**

Applicants are to submit proposals electronically at
*http://www.grants.gov /Apply*, no later than February 23, 2007 @ 4:00
p.m. EDT. **Applicants are also required to provide [one]{.underline}
stapled, double-sided copy of the submitted proposal (text and required
forms), by the same deadline, to F. Diane Peters, U.S. Geological
Survey, National Center, Office of Acquisition and Grants, Mail Stop
205G, Reston, VA 20192.** If you have questions concerning the
submission process, please contact Diane Peters at 703-648-7356 or
<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 /Apply* after the
closing date and time 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.

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. **Failure to follow these
guidelines will result in your proposal not being considered.**

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

(The DI-2010 U.S. Department of the Interior Certifications Regarding
Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters, Drug-Free
Workplace Requirements and Lobbying is required but is not yet available
through *Grants.gov*. This form will be completed when the
grant/cooperative agreement is awarded).

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, state agency, or other organization:

Project Deliverable:

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

> b\. **Proposal Text**. The text (a-g below), should be no longer than
> 10 pages when printed on letter-size paper, with 1-inch margins and a
> font size no smaller than 12 points. The text for multi-year proposals
> may be up to 15 pages. **Proposals not following these guidelines will
> not be considered.** Please include the following:

a.  [Statement of Problem]{.underline}. Give a brief introduction to the
    research problem.

b.  [Objectives]{.underline}. Clearly define goals of project. State how
    the proposal addresses MRP goals.

c.  [Relevance and Impact]{.underline}. Explain why the work is
    important. Specify the contribution to science related to mineral
    resources and the benefits that society will receive from the
    project. Because MRP is focused on regional and/or national issues
    related to mineral resources, **proposals should describe why the
    research is important to *regional* or *national* mineral resource
    issues.**

d.  [Work Plan]{.underline}. This section should include a fairly
    detailed discussion of the work plan and technical approach. The
    percentage of your time that you can devote to the proposed work
    should also be indicated. **Proposals that are collaborative with
    ongoing MRP projects should provide a statement from an MRP project
    scientist documenting how the proposed research will fulfill USGS
    MRP research needs.**

e.  [Preliminary Results and Prior Work]{.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 performance period to satisfy the Final Technical Report
    requirement (see Award Administration Information below). **All
    results should ultimately be published in a peer-reviewed form**.

g.  [Dissemination of Research Results.]{.underline} The USGS considers
    dissemination of research 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
    Technical Report (see Award Administration Information below),
    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. **Describe in detail your plans for
    dissemination of the project results and indicate the customers to
    whom the project is directed.** Applicants are strongly encouraged
    to disseminate research results to the scientific community and
    appropriate professional organizations; local, State, regional and
    Federal agencies; and the general public. The USGS encourages the
    Recipient to publish research results in 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 research problem 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 (geologist, geochemist, field
    assistant, etc.). Include a **brief** vita for each person.
    Emphasize previous experience in the field of study that the
    proposal 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.  [Lab Analyses]{.underline}. Include geochemical analyses,
        radiocarbon age dating, etc. Briefly itemize cost of all
        analytical work.

    e.  [Supplies]{.underline}. Enter the cost for all tangible
        property. Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and
        field supplies separately. Provide detail on any specific item,
        which represents a significant portion of the proposed amount.

    f.  [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. **The MRERP is not intended to be a major
        equipment purchase opportunity. If new equipment is critical for
        conducting the proposed research then cost-sharing with the PI's
        institution or a third party for equipment purchases is
        encouraged and is factored in the scoring of the proposal.**

    g.  [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.

    h.  [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.

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

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

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

    l.  [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.

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

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

**Proposal Evaluation:**

Proposals will be reviewed by a seven-member panel. The panel will be
composed of a chairperson (an MRP representative), two reviewers from
the USGS, and four reviewers external to the USGS. All reviewers will
have expertise in mineral resources. The chairperson is a non-voting
member. All proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following
criteria:

**Fundamental Qualifying Criteria:** Is the proposed work a research
effort (i.e., goes beyond an initial data compilation phase) and does it
address one of the long-term goals of the USGS Mineral Resources Program
(<http://minerals.usgs.gov/plan/2006-2010/2006-2010_plan.html>)? If the
answer to either of these is "no" then the proposal will not be
considered nor scored.

**1. Scientific quality and impact: *(40 points)***

(a) Does the proposed research address one of the selected research
    topics designated as priority for support for the current year (see
    Selected Research Topics above)? ***(15 points)***

(b) Does the proposed work respond to societal or customer needs at a
    regional or national level?

(c) Will this work make fundamental advances in geoscientific research,
    enhance technology development, or provide fundamental minerals
    information?

(d) Will this work (1) advance our understanding of (a) the occurrence,
    quality, quantity, and environmental characteristics of mineral
    resources, (b) the fundamental processes that create and modify
    them, or (c) the life cycle of minerals and mineral materials; (2)
    contribute to developing objective methods for assessing mineral
    resources; or (3) help predict the potential environmental impact of
    mineral development?

(e) Will this work contribute to resolution of issues involving the
    economy, sustainable use, land stewardship, environmental impact, or
    public health?

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

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

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

(c) Are the geographic areas selected for study appropriate?

(d) Are the tools selected for research appropriate?

(e) Is there documentation from a USGS scientist illustrating how the
    proposed research will address MRP research needs?

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

(a) Will the products respond to societal and/or customer needs?

(b) Will the results be published in a peer-reviewed form?

(c) Is there an adequate plan for dissemination of the project results
    to the scientific community and general user community (i.e.,
    appropriate professional organizations; local, State, regional and
    federal agencies; and the general public)

(d) Are the products far-reaching -- do they have regional or national
    impact?

(e) Are the products clearly defined?

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

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

**4. Budget Justification and Clarity: *(15 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?
>
> \(d\) Is cost-sharing proposed for major budget items (e.g., equipment
> purchases)?

1.  **Experience/Competence of Research Personnel: *(15 points)***

2.  For previous MRERP award recipients: ***(10 points)***

    -   Was publication of project results and data in peer‑reviewed
        scientific or technical journals achieved in a timely manner?

    -   Were reporting requirements from previous MRERP awards
        satisfied?

    -   Was the work completed in a competent fashion?

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

    b.  Have the applicants demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the
        scientific problem?

**Reporting Requirements:**

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

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

  \(1\) Publication 3 reprints     MRERP         Immediately following
                                   coordinator   publication. See
                                                 instructions below.

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

  \(3\) Progress    1 Adobe        MRERP         60 days before the end of
  Report (for       Acrobat PDF    coordinator   the first year of funding.
  multi-year awards file                         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 Mineral Resources
External Research 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:

> External Research, Mineral Resources Program
>
> U.S. Geological Survey
>
> 913 National Center
>
> 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
>
> Reston, VA 20192
>
> **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 MRERP 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: <mrerp@usgs.gov> with
"Progress Report for MRERP award \[insert award number\] in the subject
line.

\(4\) [Federal Cash Transactions Report]{.underline}: The award
recipient shall submit the SF-272 Federal Cash Transactions Report in
order for the USGS Contracting Officer and Project Officer to monitor
cash advanced to the award recipient, and to obtain disbursement
information about the grant/cooperative agreement. Copies of the SF-269
form can be obtained from the following web site:

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

\(5\) [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 (projects shall not exceed one year). 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:**

Technical questions concerning the application process at *Grants.gov*:

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

Questions concerning this Program Announcement:

F. Diane Graves, 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: <fgraves@usgs.gov>

**Award Terms and Conditions:**

## **[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/).
>
> **[No-cost extensions to the project period]{.underline}**
>
> No-cost extensions are discouraged. The MRP awards grants and
> cooperative agreements for research that extends or supplements the
> ongoing research within the U.S. Geological Survey. The timely conduct
> of funded projects is of great importance to the achievement of the
> goals of the MRP. 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.
>
> **[Dissemination of results]{.underline}**
>
> The Principal Investigator is strongly encouraged to disseminate
> research results promptly to the scientific community and appropriate
> professional organizations; local, state, regional and federal
> agencies; and the general public. Research findings must be published
> in scientific or technical journals, in a peer-reviewed form.
>
> 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.

\--End of Program Announcement No. 07HQPA0009\--

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