US Geological Survey, National Biological Information Infrastructure

Announcement for Grants.gov

Requisition 08-3220-1218

**Funding Opportunity Description**

The U.S. Geological Survey's National Biological Information
Infrastructure (NBII) Program \<http://www.nbii.gov\> wishes to enter
into an agreement with a CESU partner for technical assistance to
increase science delivery and technology transfer about biological and
natural resources data and information. The purpose is to further data
development in a variety of thematic and geographic areas at varying
scales using innovative biological informatics tools.

The NBII is a collaborative effort among federal, state, local,
agencies, non-governmental organizations, universities, and private
sector groups to provide an integrated gateway to biological data and
information. NBII is used by land managers, researchers, decision
makers, educators, and the general public for many purposes that include
land-use decisions, scientific research, policymaking, and general
information needs of its users.

The NBII provides the nation with a mechanism for accessing the vast
amount of existing disparate biological and natural resources data,
information products, and analytical tools that support and enhance
science-based decision-making. Using enterprise portal technology, the
NBII helps provide an integrating framework for making these data and
information accessible. In 2001, the NBII program was authorized to
establish a series of regional and thematic Nodes throughout the country
with the objective of providing data and information relevant to those
areas available that support efforts of federal, non federal,
university, non-profit, and citizens of each Node.

The NBII is looking for collaborative opportunities with a University to
increase the availability and usefulness of biological and natural
resources related scientific data and information by developing or
enhancing them through visualization products, tools, models, web based
applications, and/or semantic systems. Technical assistance relates to
the following research areas:

[Butterflies and Moths of North America]{.underline}

The purpose is to further the development of the data component for the
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA). This cooperative effort
to build a national database in support of pollinator research and
management includes interaction with various state, federal and
international organizations as well as interested research and
educational institutions.

Efforts include updating BAMONA with the most accurate and current
distribution record, photographs, life history, and nomenclature
available by collaborating with experts in the community (including USGS
scientists), enhancing the database so multiple records can be entered
for the same species and location to help create the capability of
mapping trends over time, a web interface for display and analysis of
data, investigating the ability to create maps that distinguish between
historical and recent records, and participating in national efforts to
develop standards and tools for pollinator data and information through
the North American Pollinator Protection Council.

[Whirling Disease]{.underline}

The purpose is to further the development of the data and mapping
components of the Whirling Disease Mapping and Data Repository. Whirling
disease impacts 25 states across the country, but the data are contained
in disparate data sets and infrastructure systems. This cooperative
effort to build a national database to integrate and provide research
data and information to support whirling disease research and management
includes interaction with various state and federal agencies as well as
interested research and educational institutions.

Efforts include providing additional whirling disease data from at least
2-4 states within the affected area through collaboration and
partnerships, updating the database with the most accurate and current
point data and descriptors, and enhancing the GIS interface to include a
set of environmental and other contextual GIS data that can be linked
through the map application to occurrence/point data.

[Threatened and Endangered Mammals in Northern Continental Divide
Ecosystem]{.underline}

The purpose is to further the development of the data sharing component
of the Threatened and Endangered Mammals in Northern Continental Divide
Ecosystem and surrounding region. This cooperative effort brings
together scientific information for researchers and managers that
include interaction with various state, federal and international
organizations as well as interested research and educational
institutions.

Efforts include developing a user friendly web-database interface that
brings together widely dispersed information throughout the region to
facilitate access and enter data, perform queries, and retrieve
customizable reports.

[Fisheries and Aquatic Resources]{.underline}

The purpose is to further the development of the data sharing component
of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Node partnership. This
cooperative effort brings together data and that provides information
for researchers and managers in the fisheries and aquatic resources
disciplines that include interaction with various state, federal and
international organizations as well as interested research and
educational institutions.

Efforts include data and website assessment, planning and development of
new site structure, development of new pages and content writing,
maintenance of portal-based web pages as well as collaboration with
other FAR Node base partners providing application development at Penn
State University.

[Bird Conservation]{.underline}

The purpose is to further the development of the data sharing component
of the Bird Conservation Node partnership. This cooperative effort
brings together data and that provides information for researchers and
managers in the bird conservation community that includes interaction
with various state, federal and international organizations as well as
interested research and educational institutions.

Efforts include data and website assessment, collaborating on emerging
research data and publications to access, planning and development of
new content, enhancing portal-based applications as well as
collaboration with other Bird Conservation Node partners including the
Fish and Wildlife Service.

[Fire Research and Management Exchange System]{.underline}

The purpose is to further the development of data sharing within the
region on fire data, models, and tools in support of the Fire Research
and Management Exchange System (FRAMES). The FRAMES cooperative effort
brings together scientific data, models, tools and other resources that
provide information for researchers and managers across the country that
includes interaction with various state and federal organizations as
well as interested research and educational institutions. The products
will be available to scientists, policymakers, and the public.

Efforts include developing a user friendly web-database interface that
brings together widely dispersed information throughout the fire
community to facilitate access, perform queries, and promote
collaboration among FRAMES partners including Forest Service, NOAA, and
USGS.

[Mountain Prairie Region]{.underline}

The purpose is to enhance data sharing within the region including the
states of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska,
and Kansas. The Mountain Prairie cooperative effort brings together
scientific data, models, tools and other resources that provide
information for researchers and managers that impact regional issues.
The effort includes interaction with various state and federal
organizations as well as interested research and educational
institutions. The products will be available to scientists,
policymakers, and the public.

Efforts include developing a user friendly web-database interface that
brings together widely dispersed information about climate, the
Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Northwest Environmental Data Network, and
prairies to facilitate access, perform queries, and encourage
collaboration among regional partners.

Overall, the USGS and CESU participants will collaborate to develop and
deliver biological data and information, tools, models, products, and
web based systems, and in ensuring the information reaches professionals
in federal and state agencies, educators, and ultimately the public. The
CESU partnership will supplement and enhance work already underway on
these various geographic and thematic Nodes and their projects to
contribute in the development of a national NBII network.

**Award Information**

The USGS NBII expects this cooperative agreement to last up to 3 years
with the opportunity for renewal. The USGS NBII anticipates making a
single award for this project in FY2008 to an existing CESU Program
university within the Rocky Mountain CESU. It is anticipated that the
total amount of funding available for the project is \$425,000, of which
\$132,700.00 will be made available in FY2008. Continuation of the
project in years 2 and 3 will be based on successful performance and
available funding. Award of funding through this year's competition is
not a guarantee of future funding.

**Eligibility Information**

[Eligible Applicants:]{.underline}

This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a
Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU) Program. CESU's are
partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education.
Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the Rocky
Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program.

[Cost Sharing:]{.underline}

Cost sharing or matching funds are encouraged, but not required to apply
for this announcement. Please note any cost sharing or matching funds in
the proposal narrative.

**Application and Submission Information**

*No additional requirements.*

**Application Review Information**

*Evaluation Criteria:*

**Purpose, Objectives, and Relevance: (25 points)**

> \(a\) The objectives are well defined, measurable, and realistic for
> the project's anticipated timeframe.

(b) The proposal adequately describes the project and provides rationale
    for benefits to both USGS and the University.

**Technical Approach: (25 points)**

(a) The project design contains enough detail to show the development of
    the project and the relations between the tasks, milestones and
    goals. The milestones are clear, and supported by a well thought-out
    schedule that indicates the work to be accomplished for the duration
    of the project during year 1. Years 2 & 3 may be addressed in a
    generalized series of goals that will be supported by a work plan to
    be requested prior to issuance of year 2 or year 3 funds.

**Budget Justification and Clarity: (20 points)**

(a) The staff is sufficient to accomplish proposed goals.

(b) The budget line items are appropriate and reasonable and
    commensurate with the level of effort needed to accomplish project
    objectives.

**Qualifications, Experience, and Past Performance: (30 points)**

(a) The applicant demonstrates experience in developing operational
    biodiversity data management systems.

(b) The applicant demonstrates experience in develop of applications for
    displaying and analyzing scientific data, models, applications, or
    other tools

(c) The applicant demonstrates experience in developing relationships
    with data providers and data recipients.

*Review and Selection Process:*

Applications will be reviewed within two weeks of close of grant
application window. Points will be awarded based on the evaluation
criteria above. The University with the highest number of points will be
selected as the recipient of the cooperative agreement.

*Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates*

The anticipated announcement will be available on grants.gov for 10
days. The anticipated award date will be July 1, 2008.

**Application and Submission Information**

Apply electronically through grants.gov. Questions are to be directed to
Faith Peters: fpeters@usgs.gov

## Content and Form of Application: 

1.  University Name

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1.  Principal Investigator (Faculty member who will oversee the
    cooperative agreement) including address, phone number, fax number,
    and email address

2.  Technical contact (Staff member(s) who will administer the
    cooperative agreement) including address, phone number, fax number,
    and email address

3.  List laboratories, field equipment, and facilities available for
    project work.

4.  Experience of staff to conduct the stated work objectives of the
    project.

Proposal Text - The text should be no longer than 15 pages, with 1-inch
margins and a font size no smaller than 12. Please include the
following:

b\. Proposal text should include the following

> a\. [Introduction and Statement of Problem]{.underline}. Give a brief
> introduction to the research problem. Provide a brief summary of
> findings or outcomes of any prior work that has been completed or is
> ongoing in this area
>
> b\. [Objectives]{.underline}. Clearly define goals of project. State
> how the proposal addresses USGS goals and its relevance and impact.
> Explain why the work is important.
>
> c\. [Methods]{.underline}. This section should include a fairly
> detailed discussion of the work plan and technical approach to both
> field and laboratory techniques**.**
>
> d\. [Planned Products and Dissemination of Research
> Results]{.underline} List product(s) (reports, analyses, digital data,
> etc.) that will be delivered at the end of the performance period. 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
> 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 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 project reports in scientific and technical
> journals.
>
> e\. [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.
>
> 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. 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 (if applicable)
>
> 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.
>
> 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.

**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**                          **Due Dates**

  Performance Report                  On or before 90 working days after
                                      the expiration of the agreement

  Quarterly SF-272 Federal Cash       On or before 15 working days after
  Transactions Report                 the end of each three-month
                                      performance period

  SF-269 Financial Status Report      On or before 90 working days after
                                      the expiration of the agreement
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

## [Performance Report:]{.underline} Recipients of awards under this program are responsible for managing and monitoring the project, program, sub-award, function or activity supported by the award. Performance reports shall generally contain brief information on each of the following:

> \(1\) A comparison of actual accomplishments with the goals and
> objectives established for the period.

\(2\) Reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate.

(3) Other pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis
    and explanation of unexpectedly high cost items.

> [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.

## [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 (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 Contact

Faith D. Peters <fpeters@usgs.gov>

**Agency Contact**

Government Technical Representative:

Jennifer Pollock

Biological Information Specialist

USGS NBII Program

PO Box 25046, MS 302

Denver Federal Center

Denver, CO 80225

Tel: 303.202.4260

Email: <japollock@usgs.gov>