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Performance and Accountability Report

Limited copies of the FY2006 Performance and Accountability Report were printed in black and white.

The FY2006 Performance and Accountability Report is available at: http://www.doi.gov/pfm/bur_annual_rpt/

index.html.

On the Cover

The cover illustrates some of the dynamic events that have impacted the USGS during 

2006. The USGS worked with rescue and recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina, 

continues to monitor Mt. St. Helens volcanic activity, and studies the life and habitat of 

the Gulf Sturgeon in an effort to preserve the species. The USGS is also monitoring the 

melting of snow and ice on the glaciers as it affects the population of Arctic wildlife. 

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How to Read This Report: From Mission to Measurement

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) FY2006 

Performance and Accountability Report (PAR) will 

reach many people who have specific needs for 

the information it contains. We have designed our 

presentation to serve multiple audiences, with 

varied approaches, points of view, and levels of 

interest. 

Our PAR contains an introduction, three sections, 

and an appendix. Combined, these elements 

provide an accurate and thorough accounting of 

the USGS stewardship of critical resources and 

services to the American people.

The introduction contains a letter from our Director 

highlighting our mission, accomplishments, 

reliability of financial and performance data, and 

Federal Manager’s Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA) 

assurances, followed by a depiction of the bureau 

at a glance.

Section I: Management Discussion and Analysis is 

a high-level overview of the USGS’s performance 

in FY2006. It is designed for the public, 

legislators, officials from Federal, State, and local 

governments, and other interested parties.

After a brief discussion of our mission and 

organizational structure, Section I summarizes our 

performance for the year by highlighting results 

of our most important performance measures 

and discusses our procedures to ensure their 

relevance and reliability, along with a description 

of difficulties experienced in measuring 

performance.

Section I also discusses our financial statements, 

including a discussion of our key financial related 

measures and stewardship information.

In addition, Section I presents USGS’s compliance 

with legal and regulatory requirements, such 

as the FMFIA, Federal Financial Management 

Improvement Act, and the President’s 

Management Agenda. 

Section I also shares some forward-looking 

information on the current and future challenges 

facing USGS, and discloses limitations to our 

financial statements. 

Section II: Performance Data and Analysis

presents an evaluation of our performance budget, 

the USGS’s performance results in detail, and 

program evaluation and procedures undertaken to 

validate and verify our performance results. 

This will be most useful to Congressional members 

and staff, program examiners with the Office 

of Management and Budget, analysts with the 

Office of the Inspector General, the Government 

Accountability Office, and interested citizens and 

customers. 

Section III: Financial Information will interest 

anyone who is concerned with tracking the 

bureau’s financial performance. 

This section contains an assessment of our 

consolidated financial statements by an 

independent certified public accounting firm. 

The objective of a financial statement audit is to 

determine whether the consolidated financial 

statements are free of material misstatement. 

An audit includes examining, on a test basis, 

evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 

in the consolidated financial statements. An audit 

also includes an assessment of the accounting 

principles used and signficant estimates made 

by management, as well as an evaluation of 

the overall consolidated financial statement 

presentation. 

Section III also presents consolidated financial 

statements, footnotes, required supplemental 

information, and required supplemental 

stewardship information.

The Appendix contains a list of acronyms.
Introduction

Message from the Director. ...............................................................................................................i

The Bureau at a Glance ....................................................................................................................iii

SECTION I - Management Discussion and Analysis

Overview of the Organization ...........................................................................................................2

Performance Summary ......................................................................................................................5

Analysis of Our Financial Statements ...........................................................................................12

Limitations to Our Financial Statements .......................................................................................16

Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements ..............................................................17

Looking Forward ...............................................................................................................................24

SECTION II - Performance Data and Analysis

Message from the Director, Office of Budget and Performance ..............................................32

Performance Budget Results ..........................................................................................................34

Performance Plan Development ....................................................................................................37

Performance Measure Results ......................................................................................................38

Validation and Verification of Performance Data ........................................................................88

Program Evaluation Data .................................................................................................................90

Table of Contents
SECTION III - Financial Information

Message from the Chief Financial Officer. ...................................................................................94

Audit Information

 Inspector General Transmittal Letter. .......................................................................................96

 Independent Auditors’ Report ...................................................................................................98

Financial Statements Information

 Consolidated Balance Sheets .................................................................................................110

 Consolidated Statements of Net Cost ....................................................................................112

 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Position .........................................................113

 Combined Statements of Budgetary Resources ..................................................................114

 Consolidated Statements of Financing ..................................................................................115

 Notes to the Financial Statements ..........................................................................................117

Required Supplemental Information

 Combining Statements of Budgetary Resources by Major Budget Accounts ................142

 Working Capital Fund ................................................................................................................146

 Deferred Maintenance .............................................................................................................148

General Stewardship Information ................................................................................................149

 Heritage Assets – Museum Collections .................................................................................150

 Heritage Assets – Library Collections. ...................................................................................152

Required Supplemental Stewardship Information

 Research and Development Investments ..............................................................................156

Appendix

Glossary of Acronyms ....................................................................................................................170
Message from the Director

 i

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) serves the Nation by providing timely 

and reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; 

minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, 

biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect 

our quality of life. This Performance and Accountability Report (PAR) 

highlights examples of USGS science that fulfill our mission and provide the 

information America needs. 

Natural disasters and their aftermath have been a primary focus of USGS 

research and monitoring efforts again in fiscal year (FY) 2006. Wildfires 

in the West, active volcanoes in Alaska and Washington, and devastating 

earthquakes around the world served as stark reminders that such hazards 

are a natural part of life on this planet. Sound scientific information is 

essential for developing the policies needed to protect people and property. 

The accomplishments described in this PAR, a few of which are highlighted here, attest to the breadth and value of 

USGS science:

• As Hurricane Rita approached the Texas and Louisiana coasts in September 2005, the USGS deployed an 

experimental water-level and barometric pressure gage network to record the magnitude, extent, and timing of 

hurricane storm surge and coastal flooding. A total of 47 sensors were deployed. The effort proved to be a success 

and the results showed that the technology works. The information provided to emergency managers and scientists 

is critical to future efforts to model and plan for similar coastal storm surge events.

• The USGS post-hurricane response efforts for Dennis, Katrina, Ophelia, Rita, and Wilma, including data collection 

and research as well as establishing and maintaining the Katrina remote sensing clearinghouse, will provide 

information needed to plan for future severe storms.

• A new 24/7 operation center and seismic-event processing system at the USGS National Earthquake Information 

Center will significantly reduce the time it takes to complete analysis and report earthquakes and related hazards 

that occur outside normal business hours.

• Worldwide, real-time telemetry was expanded to more than 90 percent of the Global Seismographic Network. 

Data from 8 of the 130 stations will flow directly to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Pacific 

Tsunami Warning Center for use in developing tsunami warnings and alerts.

• Augustine Volcano, located close to the North Pacific air corridor in Cook Inlet, Alaska, began erupting in January 

2006, after 6 months of increasing unrest. USGS scientists and colleagues at the Alaska Volcano Observatory 

implemented 24/7 monitoring to provide rapid warnings of explosive ash-forming eruptions. The eruption continued 

into May with 14 separate explosive events injecting volcanic ash to altitudes near or above the cruise altitudes of 

commercial jet airliners, causing rerouting of aircraft and cancellation of flights to avoid destruction of aircraft and 

personal injury. 

• The USGS worked with State and local partners to develop and release a suite of seismic and landslide hazard 

maps for the Seattle urban corridor; Seattle authorities are using these USGS maps and information to assist in 

establishing city seismic hazard policies and priorities.
ii i

• USGS scientists worked with colleagues in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop surveillance and 

detection strategies for sampling a wide range of wild birds for the new strain of highly pathogenic avian 

influenza.

• The USGS is collaborating with Federal, State, County, and local agencies and non-government organizations to 

develop procedures to use high-resolution satellite and airborne remote sensing to map and monitor the urban 

interface around forested communities in northern Arizona; the urban/wildland interface is particularly vulnerable 

to catastrophic wildfires. The results will be applicable to communities at risk from wildfire throughout the 

Western United States.

• Floods are the most frequent of all catastrophic natural hazards, threatening lives and property in every State. The 

USGS plays a critical role in reducing flood losses through scientific research and through operation of the national 

streamgaging network, which provides real-time information to the National Weather Service and emergency 

responders and long-term data to flood-plain managers. The USGS National Flood Summary information from 

1970 to 1998, including maps and data, is now available on the World Wide Web. In addition to the real-time 

data on floods, the USGS periodically summarizes historic information about flooding. In 2006 the USGS released 

another in its series of reports “Summary of Significant Floods in the United States and Puerto Rico, 1994 through 

1998 Water Years” and also made this information available on the World Wide Web. 

• The USGS monitors the presence and evaluates impacts of natural and anthropogenic contaminants in many 

environmental settings across the nation. During the past year, collaborative work with the City of Austin Texas 

led to insights that coal-tar based sealcoat—the black, shiny emulsion applied to parking lots and driveways—is 

a major source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban watersheds. PAHs are toxic to aquatic life 

and are suspected human carcinogens. With the intent to protect aquatic life, the City of Austin banned the use of 

coal-tar based sealcoat (effective January 2006), while allowing continued use of asphalt-based sealcoats which 

have much lower PAH levels.

Our accomplishments have been described within performance data in this PAR, which is reliable and complete. 

Further discussion is provided by the Chief of the Office of Budget and Performance on page 32. The financial data in 

this PAR is also reliable and complete, and is discussed further by the Chief Financial Officer on page 94.

Last month I was honored to be named the 14th Director of the USGS. First and foremost, I am a scientist, and so it 

is with great excitement that I embark on a commitment to ensuring that the USGS continues to live up to its promise 

of providing sound science for citizens and decision makers. Throughout FY 2006, the bureau was guided under the 

leadership of Acting Director Patrick Leahy. Pat did an exceptional job of developing an integrated-science approach to 

addressing the issues facing land and resources while ensuring that the bureau’s scientific integrity remained intact. 

I appreciate his leadership as Acting Director and efforts to make my transition as the new Director as seamless as 

possible.

The accomplishments described in this PAR attest to the diversity of USGS science conducted on behalf of the Nation 

and the importance of collaboration with partners in planning and implementing projects. The USGS is proud to 

provide the science needed for a safer, stronger America.

Mark D. Myers 

Director 

October 2006
 iii

╒════════════The Bureau 

History and Enabling Legislation

The USGS, a bureau within the Department of the Interior (Department and/or DOI), was created by 

an act in the final session of the 45th Congress in 1879 for the “classification of the public lands, and 

examination of the geological structure, mineral resources, and products of the national domain.” 

Mission

The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the 

Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and 

mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.

Strategic Goals

Resource Protection: Protect the Nation’s natural, cultural, and heritage resources

Resource Use: Manage resources to promote responsible use and sustain a dynamic economy

Serving Communitites: Safeguard lives, property and assets, advance scientific knowledge, and 

 improve the quality of life for communities we serve

Organization

Regions: Eastern, Central, and Western 

Scientific Disciplines: Biology, Geology, Geography, and Water

Support Entities: Geospatial Information, Facilities, and Science Support

 

Employees

USGS has scientists, technicians, and support staff in every State and several foreign countries with a 

total of approximately 8,600 employees.

Budget

The Bureau’s FY2006 budget, including transferred and supplemental appropriations, was $996.7 million.

Internet

The Bureau’s Internet address is http://www.usgs.gov.
 iv

at a Glance════════════╕

 Programs

• Biological Informatics

• Coastal and Marine Geology

• Contaminant Biology

• Cooperative Research Units - Biology

• Cooperative Topographic Mapping

• Cooperative Water 

• Earth Surface Dynamics

• Earthquake Hazards

• Energy Resources

• Enterprise Information

• Facilities

• Fisheries: Aquatic and Endangered Resources 

• Geographic Analysis and Monitoring 

• Global Seismic Network

• Ground Water Resources

• Hydrologic Networks and Analysis

• Hydrologic Research and Development

• International

• Invasive Species

• Land Remote Sensing

• Landslide Hazards

• Mineral Resources

• National Cooperative Geologic Mapping

• National Geomagnetism 

• National Streamflow Information 

• National Water-Quality Assessment

• Priority Ecosystems Science

• Science Support

• Science Impact

• State Water Resources Research

• Status and Trends of Biological Resources

• Terrestrial, Freshwater, and Marine Ecosystems

• Toxic Substances Hydrology

• Volcano Hazards

• Wildlife and Terrestrial Resources

Biology

Geography

Geology

Water
USGS scientists wade into tule to collect Hg samples in Franks Tract, California. 
Section I

Management

Discussion 

and Analysis

Contents

Overview of the Organization ...........................................................................................................2

Performance Summary ......................................................................................................................5

Analysis of Our Financial Statements ...........................................................................................12

Limitations to Our Financial Statements .......................................................................................16

Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements ..............................................................16

Looking Forward ...............................................................................................................................24

1
Management Discussion and Analysis

2 Overview of the Organization

Who We Are and What We Do

T

he USGS serves the Nation as an 

independent fact-finding agency that 

collects and analyzes natural resource 

data and provides scientific understanding 

about conditions, issues, and problems. 

The USGS is the science provider of choice 

for information and understanding to help 

resolve complex natural resource problems 

across the Nation and around the world. 

The USGS was created by an act of Congress in 

1879. When the USGS was established, the Federal 

government held title to more than 1.2 billion acres of 

land, nearly all of it west of the Mississippi River, and 

only 200 million acres of this land had been surveyed. 

John Wesley Powell, who led one of the great western 

surveys that preceded the creation of the USGS 

and who later served as the second USGS Director, 

suggested that very little of the remaining public land 

was suitable for conventional farming and that only 

a small fraction of the arid land was irrigable using 

known resources. Powell proposed radical changes in 

the land system, including organization of irrigation and 

pasturage districts, to improve management of water 

and natural resources by sociopolitical institutions, 

based on natural science. One hundred and twentyseven years later, the USGS continues to provide the 

scientific foundation to ensure the best planning and 

the best decisionmaking. 

Today, the USGS is sought out by thousands of partners 

and customers for its natural science expertise and its 

vast earth and biological data holdings, and is the only 

integrated natural resources research 

bureau in the Federal government.

The value of USGS to the Nation rests 

on its ability to carry out studies on a 

national scale and to sustain long-term 

monitoring and assessment of natural 

resources. Because it has no regulatory 

or managerial mandate, the USGS 

provides impartial science that serves 

the needs of our changing world. Its 

diversity of scientific expertise enables 

the USGS to carry out large-scale, multi-disciplinary 

investigations that build the base of knowledge 

about the Earth. In turn, decisionmakers at all levels 

of government and citizens in all walks of life have 

information available to them for their needs to address 

pressing societal issues.

The thousands of scientists, technicians, and support 

staff of the USGS are located in nearly 400 offices in 

every State and in several foreign countries. With an 

annual budget of approximately $997 million, the USGS 

leverages its resources and expertise in partnership 

with more than 2,000 agencies of Federal, State, local, 

and Tribal governments; the academic community; nongovernmental organizations; and the private sector. 

Field investigations, direct observations of natural 

science processes and phenomena, and monitoring 

and data collection are the scientific hallmarks of the 

USGS.

The USGS is proud of its outstanding history of public 

service and staying at the forefront of advances 

in understanding the Earth, its processes, and its 

resources. USGS scientists pioneered hydrologic 

As a new employee of the USGS, I am eager to learn as much as I can about the diverse and 

excellent science we conduct every day. I also believe that the public is enthusiastic to learn 

about earth science and how it applies to their lives, and that the USGS is the perfect place 

for people to learn. The USGS is a sponsor and major material contributor to the international 

“Earth Science Week” event, organized by the American Geological Institute. One of our most 

important contributions is interacting with the public and enhancing its science literacy. This is 

a responsibility that comes with being the Nation’s premiere earth science agency. 

 Mark Myers, USGS Director

Vision

The USGS is a world 

leader in the natural 

sciences through our 

scientific excellence 

and responsiveness 

to society’s needs.
 Management Discussion and Analysis

Overview of the Organization 3

techniques for gaging the 

discharge in rivers and streams 

and modeling the flow of complex 

ground-water systems. Innovative 

ventures with the private sector 

have given the world access to 

digital images of neighborhoods 

and communities in one of the 

largest data sets ever made 

available online. Modern-day 

understanding of the formation 

and location of energy and mineral resource deposits 

is rooted in fundamental scientific breakthroughs 

by USGS scientists. USGS biologists revolutionized 

thinking about managing wildlife resources, providing 

a sound scientific basis for waterfowl conservation 

and recreational hunting to work in tandem as adaptive 

management, not as conflicting interests. Advances in 

seismology are making early warnings of earthquakes 

a reality that will give the needed alert time to save 

lives. The future of the global community presents 

unprecedented opportunities for the science of 

the USGS to continue to make substantive and lifeenhancing contributions to the betterment of the Nation 

and the world.

The USGS addresses both national 

program priorities and local science 

needs on the landscape through a 

matrix-management approach. (See 

organizational chart below.) 

Regional Directors, Regional 

Executives, and Regional Science 

Coordinators are deployed across the 

Nation, bringing bureau leadership 

and programs closer to customers and 

their issues. Together, they ensure the 

quality of our science and its relevance to the needs 

of land and resource management decisionmakers. 

National programs are overseen by Associate 

Directors for each discipline and administered by 

Program Coordinators at Headquarters in Reston, 

Virginia. Together, they offer holistic science solutions 

by bringing to bear the expertise of scientists from 

multiple disciplines, integrating science to confront the 

complexity of a continually changing world. 

USGS resources and science benefit not only the 

immediate needs of partners and customers but also 

the Nation as a whole through application of the results 

to similar issues across the country and into the future. 

Strategic Direction

The USGS will combine and 

enhance our diverse programs, 

capabilities, and talents and 

increase customer involvement to 

strengthen our science leadership 

and contribution to the resolution 

of complex issues.
Management Discussion and Analysis

4 Overview of the Organization

Management Discussion and Analysis

How We Are Organized

The USGS has major field centers for the three regions 

in Reston, Virginia (Eastern), Denver, Colorado (Central), 

and Menlo Park, California (Western). The USGS rents 

4.3 million square feet of space in about 192 GSA 

buildings nationwide and owns 34 installations with 1.3 

million square feet of space in 283 owned buildings. The 

USGS operations include: 

• an earthquake monitoring network comprising a 

global seismographic network of 141 stations located 

worldwide with national and regional networks 

located throughout 35 states and territories and the 

National Earthquake Information Center in Golden, 

Colorado; 

• 14 geomagnetic observatories; 

• a landslide network and the National Landslide 

Information Center;

• a volcano hazards network and volcano 

observatories in five States to monitor 51 U.S. 

volcanoes;

• 17 biological science centers and associated field 

stations and a center for biological informatics;

• approximately 7,000 streamgages and water quality 

monitors, the National Water Quality Laboratory, and 

the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility; 

• Map products and services that provide 24/7 online 

accessibility to over 187 gigabytes of geospatial 

data in The National Map, over 57,000 hard-copy 

topographic maps that cover all 50 States, U.S. 

territories, and Federated states, satisfied more 

than 43 million requests per month for web mapping 

services in nationalatlas.gov and more than 350,000 

page-sized smaller-scale maps downloaded per 

month, 2.6 petabytes of cartographic and digital 

data stored at the EROS Data Center, archive aerial 

photographs, and 32 years of global satellite data; 

• an average of 10,800,000 successful requests made 

to the USGS homepage every month, an average 

of 400,000 customer inquiries made to USGS 

libraries and Earth Science Information Centers 

annually, more than 25,000 scientific and technical 

publications previously available only in paper 

made electronically accessible, and an average 

of 21.8 million SPAM and virus-infected messages 

blocked monthly by Information Technology security 

operations (74% of incoming email); and

• affiliation with 40 Cooperative Research Units and 54 

State Water Resources Research Institutes.

USGS also owns 8 research vessels, all of which 

are at least 45 feet in length, have accomodations 

for overnight use by more than one person, and are 

manned by licensed Captains. Many of these vessels 

also contain operating laboratories. 

The Eastern region is composed of 175 sites in 26 

States east of the Mississippi River, the District of 

Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and 

the U.S. Virgin Islands and has approximately 2,580 

employees distributed across duty stations throughout 

the region. 

The Central region is composed of 15 States between 

the Mississippi River and the western slope of the 

Rocky Mountains. Approximately 2,000 employees and 

900 onsite contractors are distributed in 76 cities and 21 

field offices across the Central region. 

The Western region is composed of 9 Western States, 

Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the 

Mariana Islands. Approximately 2,170 employees are 

distributed in 33 cities and 64 field offices across the 

Western region. 

The Headquarters location in Reston, Virginia, is within 

the District of Columbia metropolitan area and has 

approximately 1,850 employees stationed in Reston and 

in several foreign countries.

The Focus of Our Science

The USGS vision, mission, and strategic direction focus

on responsiveness and customer service, underscoring 

the application of science to customer, partner, and 

other stakeholder needs; directing the combined 

expertise of the bureau’s scientific disciplines; and 

defining its commitment to pursuing an integrated 

approach to providing science for a changing world. 

Information— about natural hazards, resources, 

and the environment— is the key to understanding 

the Earth. USGS science provides comprehensive, 

high-quality, and timely scientific information to 

decisionmakers and the public. The information 

holdings of the USGS offer an amazing gateway to 

rich data bases, manipulatable maps, newly acquired 

satellite images, real-time information, and a wealth 

of reports spanning more than a century of science. 

The growing global population lives in an information 
 Management Discussion and Analysis

Performance Summary 5

age that is becoming incredibly complex. Scientific 

information is increasingly essential to an everwidening— and demanding— customer base. 

To meet the critical science needs of the 21st Century, 

USGS is building on its traditional strengths while 

becoming more flexible and responsive. USGS is 

working to integrate its scientific disciplines while 

building on its world leadership and scientific 

excellence; to streamline operations to become as 

efficient as possible; to use the rapid advances in 

information technology to better deliver information to 

support the needs of decisionmakers; and to do a better 

job of understanding our many customers and partners. 

The Focus of Our Strategic Plan

USGS long-term goals for meeting the 

challenges of the 21st Century are included in 

the Department-wide Strategic Plan and are 

supported by meaningful standards of performance. 

Measures for science and customer satisfaction 

build upon and are supported by internal goals and 

performance targets for employees and operations. 

The following pages describe how our performance 

measures fit into the Department-wide Strategic Plan. 

First, a discussion of the Department Government 

Performance Results Act (GPRA) goals that are 

applicable to USGS operations is described. Following 

that discussion, a table of end outcome goals 

correlated to the GPRA goals is included to illustrate 

those relationships. To demonstrate the integration of 

performance and financial information, our financial 

results— discussed later in the Management 

Discussion and Analysis (MD&A)— are reported and 

directly correlated to the strategic plan GPRA goals and 

supporting end outcome goals. A high-level summary 

of performance results follows this discussion with a 

more comprehensive and detailed presentation of every 

performance goal and indicator in the performance 

budget following in Section II: Performance Data and 

Analysis.

GPRA Goals

A logic model was used to develop GPRA goals across 

the Department and create one Department-wide 

Strategic Plan implemented in FY2004 and continuing 

through the current year. It provides the Department a 

set of consistent goals with a common agenda and the 

means to increase focus on performance results; helps 

to make managers more accountable; and creates 

a springboard for communication, collaboration, 

and coordination in the interest of conservation with 

interested citizens, organizations, and constituents on a 

shared future direction.

USGS activities in FY2005 and FY2006 focused on 3 of 

the DOI’s GPRA goals and 6 of the DOI’s 17 end outcome 

goals, which support DOI’s GPRA goals. USGS activities 

in relation to the GPRA goals, and supporting end 

outcome goals, are described below.

Resource protection strategic goal

Protect the Nation’s natural, cultural, and heritage 

resources. USGS biological studies assist in 

maintaining healthy ecosystems and natural resources 

so that these habitats can continue to provide food, 

energy, medicine, transportation, and recreation. The 

USGS will continue to serve the biological research 

needs of DOI bureaus and others by providing 

scientific information through research, inventory, and 

monitoring. Information generated by the Biological 

Research Program contributes to achieving DOI bureau 

goals for improved management of the Nation’s land 

and water resources and biological communities and 

improved decisionmaking regarding land and resource 

use.

Resource use strategic goal 

Manage natural resources to promote responsible 

use and sustain a dynamic economy. USGS is the sole 

Federal provider of scientific information for objective 

resource assessments and unbiased research on 

mineral potential, oil, production, consumption, 

and environmental effects and is a primary Federal 

source for gas and alternative energy potential. The 

United States is the world’s largest user of mineral 

commodities and depends on other countries for 

100 percent of 17 mineral commodities and less than 

50 percent of 42 commodities that are critical to the 

U.S. economy. USGS provides the information for 

decisions about resources and consequences of their 

development. Similarly, USGS conducts national and 

global energy resource assessments of oil, natural gas, 

coalbed natural gas, gas hydrates, and coal resources 

and evaluates the risks for environmental and 

ecological degradation associated with the production 
Management Discussion and Analysis

6 Performance Summary

A more detailed discussion of Data V&V is in Section II: 

Performance Data and Analysis section.

Performance Measurement Challenges

Measuring performance of science is inherently 

difficult, and the USGS has customized the methods 

of measurement to USGS in order to make the results 

meaningful. Any performance data limitations are 

documented in the following pages and no corrective 

actions were needed. 

How We Performed in FY2006

USGS met or exceeded 100 percent of the 19 key DOI 

performance measures monitored during FY2006. 

Results for these key measures are presented below, 

following a summary description of each strategic 

goal and the percentage of relevant key performance 

measures met or exceeded. For a full report of 

the USGS performance measures, see Section II: 

Performance Data and Analysis. 

Many of USGS performance measures were new in 

FY2004, developed in conjunction with the Department’s 

Strategic Plan. Consequently, actual data was not 

available for those measures in FY2003. FY2004 

results became a point from which USGS began 

to show performance trends over a longer term, 

while identifying the factors that impact mission 

performance.

In evaluating performance, USGS is applying the 

Department’s 5 percent threshold in determining the 

result, which dictates that if the result is within 5 

percent of the target performance, this generates a 

“goal met” rating. The summary result for values that 

are less than 95 percent or more than 105 percent of 

the target must be either Target Not Met or Target 

Exceeded, respectively.

DOI is the Nation’s principal conservation agency, 

conserving Federally managed lands and waters, 

protecting fish and wildlife, and preserving public 

lands for future generations to enjoy. Science is key to 

making decisions on how to best conserve the Nation’s 

natural resources. USGS plays an important role in 

accomplishing DOI’s mission to administer programs on 

thousands of upland, wetland, and aquatic parcels, and

protecting native plant and animal species.

and use of energy resources. These investigations 

enable the Nation to make sound decisions regarding 

significant increases in domestic energy production 

with an understanding of potential impacts on the 

environment. 

Serving communities strategic goal 

Safeguard lives, property, and assets; advance 

scientific knowledge; and improve the quality of life 

for the communities we serve. The USGS hazards 

programs produce information and understanding that 

reduce the impact of natural hazards and disasters 

on human life and the economy. USGS analyses of 

the availability and quality of water resources help to 

develop, and monitor management practices to ensure 

the continued availability of water resources for human 

consumption, agriculture, business, recreation, and 

environmental stability. The USGS geography program 

is expanding its partnerships with Federal agencies and 

State and local governments to develop and promote 

the use of geographic data and mapping products 

that are essential for economic and community 

development, land and natural resource management, 

and health and safety services. Collection, 

management, and delivery of scientific information to 

inform land and resource decisionmaking is a primary 

focus of this goal.

GPRA Performance Data Validation and 

Verification 

In keeping with Departmental and Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB) policy for performance 

data validation and verification (V&V), USGS complies 

with requirements for performance data credibility. 

Our approach to achieving performance data credibility 

includes providing extensive Budget and Performance 

Integration and Activity Based Cost (ABC) Management 

training, tying organizational performance measures 

to individual performance plans, and implementation 

of the Department Data V&V Assessment Matrix. 

During FY2006, USGS continued to include USGSspecific measures, outputs, Management Excellence, 

and all Program Assessment Rating Tool performance 

measures in the Data V&V process. This extends the 

assurance of credibility to more performance data, 

ensuring usability for management decisionmaking and 

oversight. 
 Management Discussion and Analysis

Performance Summary 7

End Outcome Goal: Improve the health of watersheds, 

landscapes, and marine resources that are DOImanaged or -influenced in a manner consistent with 

obligations regarding the allocation and use of water. 

USGS met or exceeded 100 percent of the three key 

performance measures monitored during FY2006 

related to this end outcome goal. 

End Outcome Goal: Sustain biological communities on 

DOI-managed and -influenced lands and waters in a 

manner consistent with obligations regarding the allocation and use of water.

USGS met or exceeded 100 percent of the three key 

performance measures monitored during FY2006 

related to this end outcome goal. 

Managing the vast resources of America’s public 

lands has been a core DOI responsibility since the 

Department was founded in 1849. Lands and water 

managed by DOI produce resources critical to the 

Nation’s economic health. Science is a key foundation 

upon which DOI bases management decisions that 

promote natural resource use to sustain a dynamic 

economy while maintaining healthy lands and waters. 

USGS plays an important role in accomplishing DOI’s 

mission to administer programs providing information 

on millions of square miles of land across all of the 

United States. 

End Outcome Goal: Energy – Manage or influence 

resource use to enhance public benefit, promote 

responsible use, and ensure optimal value. 

Strategic Goal of Resource Use: 

Manage Resources to Promote Responsible Use and Sustain 

a Dynamic Economy

USGS met or exceeded 100 percent of the two key 

performance measures monitored during FY2006 

related to this end outcome goal. 

End Outcome Goal: Non-Energy minerals – Manage 

or influence resource use to enhance public benefit, 

promote responsible use, and ensure optimal value.

USGS met or exceeded 100 percent of the two key 

performance measures monitored during FY2006 

related to this end outcome goal. 

DOI’s responsibility to serve communities extends well 

beyond the lands and resources it manages. Interior 

is responsible for protecting lives, resources, and 

property, and providing scientific information for better 

decisionmaking. Science is the heart of performing 

these tasks. USGS plays a critical role in accomplishing 

DOI’s mission to protect communities by providing 

scientific information to reduce risks from earthquakes, 

landslides, and volcanic eruptions; on the quality and 

quantity of the Nation’s water resources; on geospatial 

and natural resource data; and in understanding the 

Earth.

End Outcome Goal: Protect lives, resources, and 

property.

USGS met or exceeded 100 percent of the three key 

performance measures monitored during FY2006 

related to this end outcome goal. 

End Outcome Goal: Advance knowledge through 

scientific leadership and inform decisions through the 

applications of science.

USGS met or exceeded 100 percent of the six key 

performance measures monitored during FY2006 

related to this end outcome goal. 

Strategic Goal of Serving Communities: 

Safeguard Lives, Property, and Assets; Advance Scientific 

Knowledge; and Improve the Quality of Life for the 

Communities We Serve

Strategic Goal of Resource Protection: 

Protect the Nation’s Natural, Cultural, and Heritage 

Resources
Management Discussion and Analysis

2006 Service to America Medal...

There’s an old cliché that in the most trying 

times, you should follow your heart, not your 

head. The USGS team that responded to 

Hurricane Katrina followed both. As a result, 

they played an indispensable part in the 

rescue of thousands of Hurricane Katrina 

survivors.

Soon after it became apparent that the 

levees had broken and the flooding was 

severe, the Louisiana government put a 

call out to all government agencies to 

assist with the rescue of people stranded 

on rooftops. The employees at two USGS 

science centers in Louisiana, the National 

Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) and 

Louisiana Water Science Center (LWSC), 

who received this call may not have had 

any formal training with Search and Rescue 

work, but they had a lot of heart, as well 

as boats, and they put in a request to their 

Regional Director, Dr. Thomas Casadevall, to 

go out into the field and do what they could 

to help. This was not typical work for USGS 

scientists, but Dr. Casadevall also realized 

that this was no typical disaster, and he 

authorized the use of USGS equipment and 

personnel for this effort.

Boat rescues took place from August 31st 

to September 5th, 2005. Twenty-five USGS 

scientists left each morning before dawn to 

navigate the murky waters of New Orleans. 

They worked with a multi-agency group of 

state and federal volunteers, rescuing a 

total of 600 people directly from rooftops 

and porches, in addition to providing food, 

water and other assistance to 2,000 others.

Having done their part to address the 

immediate humanitarian needs, the USGS 

team began placing more emphasis on 

putting its technical expertise to use. One 

of the biggest problems with the recovery 

efforts was that stranded individuals making 

The USGS worked with the Governor’s Office 

of Emergency Preparedness and the Federal 

Emergency Management Agency literally 

around the clock, producing hundreds of 

maps and bits of digital data every day. 

The team supplied the U.S. Army Corps 

of Engineers with maps of the city’s levee 

system and pumping stations. At the Army 

Corps’ request, they installed temporary 

real-time gauges in Orleans, Plaquemines 

and St. Bernard Parish, in addition to Lake 

Pontchatrain, to learn how quickly the area 

was dewatering.

Every single member of the USGS team 

was a hero in his or her own right, and 

the two directors of the USGS centers, 

Charles Demas, LWSC, and Gregory 

Smith, NWRC, certainly deserve special 

recognition. But everyone credits the “can 

do” attitude of the unit to their regional 

supervisor, Tom Casadevall. He was the 

first Interior Department senior executive 

to travel to Louisiana after the storm, and 

his colleagues universally praise him for 

empowering his employees. In many ways, 

Katrina marked the closing of a circle in 

Casadevall’s career. He had just begun 

his career with the USGS when Mount St. 

Helen’s erupted in 1980. He still recalls 

how important it was to have the support of 

senior leadership in this earlier crisis. There 

is no question that Casadevall provided the 

necessary support for his staff during this 

historic disaster.

Much has been made about what went 

wrong with Hurricane Katrina. This is 

one story about intelligent, courageous 

government workers who deftly used all the 

resources available to them, and got it right.

By Lamar Robertson, Partnership for Public 

Service

“911” calls were providing authorities 

with street addresses for their location, 

but flooded street signs and responders 

unfamiliar with New Orleans made 

locating victims virtually impossible. The 

USGS team was able to re-map the area, 

converting street maps to latitude and 

longitude reference points. These mapping 

techniques allowed them to provide “geoaddresses” for the origination point of 8,000 

emergency calls. USGS gave coordinates 

to boat and helicopter rescuers with GPS 

equipment which made it simple to locate 

distressed callers. For responders without 

GPS, the scientists provided the maps with 

geographic coordinates overlaid upon the 

street grids.

Hurricane Response Team Members 

at the Awards Ceremony 

“I’m proud that the 

USGS was a part 

of that side of the 

Katrina story.”

 Tom Casadevall

A team of 45 USGS scientists, led by Tom Casadevall, received a 2006 Service to America Medal for their 

search and rescue work in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
 Management Discussion and Analysis

Performance Summary 9

Resource Protection Key Performance Measures

End Outcome Goal:

Improve the health of watersheds, landscapes, and marine resources that are DOI-managed or -influenced in a 

manner consistent with obligations regarding the allocation and use of water.

Performance 

Restore Fire Adapted Ecosystems: Percentage satisfaction 

with scientific and technical products (DOI strategic plan key 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

97% 100% 100% ≥ 80% 96%

Forge Effective Partnerships: Satisfaction score (number 

score) on resource protection partnerships (DOI strategic 

plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

97% 97% 94% ≥ 80% 91%

Quality: Percentage of watershed and landscape-related 

research studies validated through appropriate peer review 

or independent review (DOI strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

End Outcome Goal:

Sustain biological communities on DOI-managed and -influenced lands and waters in a manner consistent with 

obligations regarding the allocation and use of water.

Performance 

Forge Effective Partnerships: Satisfaction score (number 

score) on biological research partnerships (DOI strategic 

plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

97% 98% 100% ≥ 80% 83%

Quality: Percentage of biological research studies validated 

through appropriate peer review or independent review (DOI 

strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Facilities Condition: Conservation and biological research 

facilities are in fair to good condition as measured by the 

Facilities Condition Index (lower FCI is good) (DOI strategic 

plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a .19 .19 .19 .19
Management Discussion and Analysis

10 Performance Summary

Resource Use Key Performance Measures

End Outcome Goal: 

Energy – Manage or influence resource use to enhance public benefit, promote responsible use, and ensure optimal 

value.

Performance 

Baseline Information: Number of targeted basins with oil and 

gas resource assessments available to support management 

decisions (DOI strategic plan key measure and PART 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

7 5 7 6 6

Quality and Utility of Information: Percentage of studies 

validated through appropriate peer review or independent 

review (DOI strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

End Outcome Goal:

Non-energy minerals – Manage or influence resource use to enhance public benefit, promote responsible use, and 

ensure optimal value.

Performance 

Baseline Information: Average square miles of the United 

States with non-energy mineral information available to 

support management decisions (DOI strategic plan key 

measure and PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

2,368,794 2,401,329 3,097,647 3,332,038 3,318,208

Quality & Utility of Information: Percentage of mineral studies 

validated through appropriate peer review or independent 

review (DOI strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Serving Communities Key Performance Measures

End Outcome Goal:

Protect lives, resources, and property.

Performance 

Hazards: Percentage of communities using DOI science 

on hazard mitigation, preparedness, and avoidance for 

each hazard-management activity (DOI strategic plan key 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

39.5% 43.2% 44.6% 47.5% 47.5%
 Management Discussion and Analysis

Performance Summary 11

Performance 

Facilities Condition: Buildings (administrative, employee 

housing) are in fair-to-good condition as measured by 

the Facilities Condition Index (FCI) (DOI strategic plan key 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a .20 .20 .20 .20

Adequacy: Percentage of sampled stakeholders reporting 

adequacy of science base to inform decisionmaking for each 

hazard-management activity (volcanoes, earthquakes, etc.) 

(DOI strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

97% 98% 99% ≥ 80% 100%

End Outcome Goal:

Advance knowledge through scientific leadership and inform decisions through the applications of science.

Performance 

Research: Soundness of methodology, accuracy, and 

reliability of science (program evaluation) (DOI strategic plan 

key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

100% 80% 100% 100% 100%

Inform decisions through the application of science: 

Improved access to needed science information (number 

score) (DOI strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

92% 90% 92% 90% 87%

Inform decisions through the application of science: 

Stakeholders reporting that information helped achieve goal 

(number score) (DOI strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

94% 93% 95% 90% 96%

Content and expanse of knowledge base: Percentage of 

land with temporal and spatial monitoring, research, and 

assessment/data coverage to meet land-use planning and 

monitoring requirements 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 54.74% 58.9% 70.25% 80.38%

Quality: Percentage of studies validated through appropriate 

peer review or independent review (DOI strategic plan key 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Facilities Condition: Facilities are in fair-to-good condition 

as measured by the Facilities Condition Index (FCI) (DOI 

strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a .17 .17 .17 .17
Management Discussion and Analysis

12 Analysis of Our Financial Statements

T

he USGS principal financial statements, which 

are included in Section III of this report, are 

prepared in accordance with accounting 

principles generally accepted in the United States of 

America as set forth for Federal entities, guidance 

issued by the OMB and the DOI. While the financial 

statements have been prepared from the USGS 

books and records in accordance with the formats 

prescribed by OMB, they are different from the 

financial reports used to monitor and control 

budgetary resources that are prepared from the same 

books and records. The financial statements should 

be read with the realization that they are a component 

of the U.S. Government, a sovereign entity.

The DOI Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is 

responsible for auditing the basic financial statements 

of USGS and has satisfied their responsibility by 

contracting these services to KPMG LLP. 

This analysis of the financial statements contains 

highlights on selected aspects of the accompanying 

principal financial statements. 

Assets – What We Own

The Fund Balance with Treasury of $257.6 million 

at September 30, 2006 is primarily composed of 

appropriated funds available to make authorized 

expenditures, and increased from FY2005 to FY2006 

based on timing of expenditures.

The total net Accounts Receivable (A/R) of $127.1 

million at September 30, 2006 is represented by 42 

percent of amounts owed from other Federal agencies 

and 58 percent owed from the public. The majority of 

the accounts receivable is established to cover the 

direct and indirect costs for reimbursable services 

performed in support of surveys, investigations, and 

scientific research. 

(In Thousands) % Change 2006 2005

Condensed Financial Statement Data:

 Fund balance with Treasury +7% $ 257,660 $ 240,082

 Accounts and interest receivable, net -5% 127,180 133,976

 Property, plant, and equipment, net -17% 133,092 162,170

 Other ≤1% 3,171 3,367

Total Assets -3% $ 521,685 $ 539,595

 Accounts payable -14% $ 63,802 $ 74,480

 Employee related liabilities -3% 138,014 142,453

 Other -3% 54,891 56,687

Total Liabilities -6% $ 256,707 $ 273,620

Total Net Position ≤1% $ 264,978 $ 265,975

Total appropriations received - SBR +3% $ 997,692 $ 960,374

Total costs +1% $ 1,463,920 $ 1,442,661

Total revenue +1% 410,202 405,921

Total net cost of operations +1% $ 1,053,718 $ 1,036,740
 Management Discussion and Analysis

Analysis of Our Financial Statements 13

The majority of the receivable balance is unbilled: 

over 98 percent of the $52.2 million in receivables 

from Federal agencies are unbilled, while 63 percent 

of the $74.9 million in receivables from the public 

are unbilled. The large unbilled balance is due to the 

manner in which agreements are written for survey and 

research type work. The revenue for many agreements 

is recognized as work is completed, but the receipt of 

payment is often not due until completion of a survey 

or research report is accomplished. The balance of 

unbilled A/R remained consistent in FY2006 due to

overall operations being generally consistent with the 

prior year.

The general property, plant, and equipment (PP&E), 

net of accumulated depreciation, amounted to $133 

million at September 30, 2006. Overall, PP&E decreased 

from FY2005 to FY2006 due to current year depreciation 

expense, combined with a volume of new purchases 

that were significantly offset by disposals incurred 

during the current fiscal year.

Liabilities – What We Owe

The USGS is a scientific service organization where the 

majority of its liabilities are payroll and benefits related. 

At September 30, 2006, the accrued payroll and 

benefits amount of $33.2 million plus Federal Employees 

Compensation Act (FECA) liabilities and annual leave 

due to employees represents 52 percent of USGS total 

liabilities of $256.7 million. The decrease from FY2005 

is primarily due to a reduction in our FECA actuarial 

liability.

Accounts payable of $63.8 million consists of 8 percent 

due to other Federal agencies and 92 percent due to 

the public. The balance of accounts payable decreased 

in FY2006 from the FY2005 balance in part due to USGS 

placing greater emphasis on making EFT payments to 

vendors, instead of issuing checks through Treasury 

to vendors, and due to a refinement of our accounts 

payable estimation methodology.

Deferred revenue, credits, and the deposit fund liability 

of $13.9 million consists primarily of amounts advanced 

to the bureau to cover reimbursable services to be 

provided at a future date.

Unfunded liabilities represented a significant portion 

of the total outstanding liabilities in both FY2005 and 

FY2006. The largest liabilities in this balance consists 

of $59.2 million of unfunded annual leave and $45.6 

million for both of the FECA liabilities. The other 

significant unfunded liabilities include the GSA Tenant 

Improvement liability of $17.3 million and contingent 

liabilities of $1.3 million.

Budgetary Resources – What We Receive

The USGS received approximately 62% percent, or 

$997.6 million, of its total budgetary resources of $1.6 

billion through appropriations received in FY2006. 

The approved budget for the USGS was modestly 

increased from FY2005. Other major sources of 

budgetary resources include unobligated balances 

carried over from FY2005 and spending authority from 

offsetting collections, totaling $116.2 million and $497.5 

million, respectively. As of September 30, 2006, $1.5 

billion of budgetary resources have been obligated. 

The majority of the budgetary resources were 

used during the current year to support surveys, 

investigations, and scientific research. The following 

restrictions applied to the FY2006 appropriations 

received: $63.8 million in funds available only for 

cooperation with States or municipalities for water 

resource investigations; $8 million to remain available 

until expended for satellite operations; $21.7 million for 

operation and maintenance of facilities and deferred 

maintenance and shall be available until September 

30, 2007; $1.6 million to remain available until expended 

for deferred maintenance and capital improvement 

projects that exceed $100,000 in cost; and $177.5million 

for biological research activity and the operation of 

Cooperative Research Units until September 30, 2007. 

The offsetting collections from the bureau’s 

reimbursable programs include the following: 

reimbursements from non-Federal sources are from 

States, Tribes, and municipalities for cooperative 

efforts and proceeds from sale to the public of copies 

of photographs and records; proceeds from sale of 

personal property; reimbursements for permits and 

licenses of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; 

and reimbursements from foreign countries and 

international organizations for technical assistance. 

Reimbursements from other Federal agencies are for 
Management Discussion and Analysis

14 Analysis of Our Financial Statements

mission-related work performed at the request of the 

financing agency. 

Appropriations represent the vast majority of the 

budgetary financing sources of the bureau. Other 

major financing sources are comprised of $2 million of 

transfers-in without reimbursement from other Federal 

agencies, $1.6 million in donations, and $67.9 million 

in imputed financing from costs absorbed by others, 

which represents costs paid by the Office of Personnel 

Management (OPM) for USGS retirement, health, and 

insurance benefits of USGS employees and Treasury’s 

Judgment Fund on the behalf of USGS.

Net Costs – What We Spend

In FY2006 and FY2005, net cost of operations totaled 

approximately $1 billion each year. 

Consistent with the prior year, our major GPRA end 

outcome goals were: 

• Improve health of watersheds and landscapes,

• Sustain biological communities,

• Manage or influence resources— energy, 

• Manage or influence resources— non-energy, 

• Protect lives, resources, and property, and 

• Advance knowledge through scientific leadership.

As mentioned in the previous budgetary resources 

discussion, the USGS budget was relatively flat 

from FY2005 to FY2006. Although the USGS instituted 

many changes in specific programs and operations 

at the cost center level during FY2006, there were 

generally no significant changes experienced in overall 

operations at the bureau level. As such, the costs 

presented on the FY2006 Statement of Net Cost per 

GPRA segment are generally consistent with the prior 

year amounts. 

Key Financial Metrics – What We Measure

Delinquent Debt Referred to Treasury over 180 Days 

Past Due

The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 

requires that delinquencies older than 180 days be 

referred to the Department of the Treasury’s Financial 

Management Service (FMS), which was established as 

the Federal government’s debt collection center. The 

USGS reports the status of receivables on quarterly 

Treasury Report on Receivables (TROR) reports. As of 

September 30, 2006, USGS reported on the TROR that 

$619 thousand, or 100 percent, in delinquencies over 

180 days past due had been referred to FMS for cross 

servicing. In FY2006, USGS again surpassed the DOI’s 

performance goal of referring 95 percent of the total 

amount eligible for referral to Treasury.

USGS billed accounts receivable due from the public 

increased from $25.7 million in FY2005 to $27.6 million 

in FY2006. Delinquent amounts from the public over 180 

days past due decreased from $649 thousand in FY2005 

to $630 thousand at the end of FY2006. 

Employee Bankcard Use and Delinquencies over 60 

Days Past Due

The use of government issued bankcards for official 

employee travel has been required for several years 

within the USGS. Emphasis has also been placed 

internally on paying the balance due in full by the due 

date established on the bankcard statements, as well 

as requiring supervisors to closely review and approve 

bankcard statements for their employees. 

The DOI set a performance goal of maintaining no more 

than 2 percent of the total balance due past 60 days old. 

USGS averaged about .5 percent of 60 days past due 

throughout FY2006. We attribute this success in part to 

our implementation during FY2005 of centralized billing 

of lodging cost, which significantly reduced the amount 

due by the individual traveler to the bankcard issuer 

and also increased the amount of rebate earned by the 

DOI from the credit card vendor. The rebate is available 

to the Secretary until expended for initiatives deemed 

appropriate and necessary.
 Management Discussion and Analysis

Analysis of Our Financial Statements 15

Vendor Payments Made On Time

The Prompt Payment Act requires interest to be paid 

on invoices that are not paid on time in accordance 

with the Act. USGS strives to pay vendors on-time and 

to avoid paying late payment interest penalties. DOI 

established a performance goal for bureaus to maintain 

98 percent of the number of payments not requiring 

interest over the total number of payments subject 

to the Prompt Payment Act. USGS again exceeded 

the DOI’s performance goal by paying 98.8 percent 

of vendor invoices on-time and without penalty. In 

addition, the late payment interest penalties decreased 

from $18,392 in FY2005 to $12,288 in FY2006. USGS will 

continue to monitor payment performance to ensure 

our timely vendor payment percentage stays on target. 

Vendor Payments Made Via Electronic Funds Transfer 

(EFT)

During FY2006, USGS continued its efforts to maximize 

the use of payment mechanisms compliant with EFT 

as required by the Debt Collection Improvement Act 

of 1996. The DOI established a performance goal to 

maintain over 96 percent of the number of vendor 

payments paid via electronic means over the total 

vendor payments made. During FY2006, the USGS 

exceeded the DOI’s performance goal by maintaining 

96.9 percent of payments made via EFT for vendor 

payments.

Other Bureau Performance Metrics

During FY2006, USGS continued to closely evaluate the 

financial operations of the bureau through sampling 

and other tests of compliance and performance. The 

results of internal performance metrics are distributed 

bureau-wide and have helped to maintain high quality 

processing of bureau transactions.

Stewardship Information

The USGS serves American citizens as a steward 

for a large, varied, and scientifically important body 

of heritage assets, and in conducting research and 

development that is critical to the health of our country 

and in understanding the Earth. Each year the USGS 

makes a substantial investment while fulfilling its 

stewardship responsibilities for the benefit of the 

Nation.

USGS has heritage assets in two categories: museum 

collections and scientific library collections. The 

museum collection includes a widespread collection of 

natural history specimens and cultural objects in many 

science and administrative centers throughout the 

United States. USGS library holdings, collected during 

more than a century of providing library services, are 

an invaluable legacy to the Nation. 

Costs associated with stewardship initiatives are 

treated as expenses in the financial statements in 

the year the costs are incurred. However, these 

investments in stewardship are intended to provide 

long-term benefits to the public and are included as 

supplemental information to highlight their long-termbenefit nature and to demonstrate our accountability 

over them. Stewardship resources are not required 

to be included in the assets reported in our financial 

statements; they are, however, important to 

understanding the operations and financial condition 

of USGS. See the Required Supplemental Information 

and Required Supplemental Stewardship Information 

portions of Section III: Financial Section for complete 

disclosures regarding stewardship information.

Improper Payments Act

The Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (P.L. 

107-300) requires Federal agencies to carry out a 

cost-effective program for identifying payment errors 

and recovering any amounts overpaid. An improper 

payment includes any payment that should not have 

been made, or that was made in an incorrect amount 

under statutory, contractual, administrative, or other 

legally applicable requirement. Incorrect amounts 

include: overpayments; underpayments (including 

inappropriate denials of payment or service); any 

payment made to an ineligible recipient or for an 

ineligible service; duplicate payments; payments 

for services not received; and payments that do not 

account for credit for applicable discounts. 

USGS reviewed all programs to determine the risk 

susceptibility of making improper payments and to 

perform more in depth assessments for those programs 

meeting OMB’s criteria for significant erroneous 

payments. We concluded that our programs have a low 

risk for making improper payments.
Management Discussion and Analysis

16 Limitations to Our Financial Statements

Management Assurances:

T

he Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act of 

1982 (FMFIA) and the OMB require all cabinetlevel Federal agencies to annually review their 

management control system. The objectives of DOI’s 

management control system are to provide reasonable 

assurance that: 

• The Department’s obligations and costs are in 

compliance with applicable laws;

• The Department’s assets are safeguarded against 

waste, loss, unauthorized use, or misappropriation; 

• The revenues and expenditures applicable to agency 

operations are properly recorded and accounted for 

to permit the preparation of reliable financial reports 

and to maintain accountability over assets; 

• All programs are efficiently and effectively carried 

out in accordance with applicable laws and 

management policy.

The efficiency of the DOI’s operations are continually 

evaluated using information obtained from reviews 

conducted by GAO, OIG, bureau reviews, and/or 

specifically requested studies. On a yearly basis, DOI 

requires all of its bureaus to conduct self-assessments 

of their FMFIA compliance. These diverse reviews 

provide a high level of assurance that Department 

systems and management controls comply with 

standards established by the FMFIA.

In support of the annually required DOI bureau reviews, 

the associate directors of Biology, Geology, Geography 

and Water; the regional directors of Eastern, Central, 

and Western Region; the Chief of Administrative 

Policy and Services; and the Chief Information Officer 

provided signed assurance statements to the Director 

that their areas of responsibility had assessed the 

systems of management, administration, and financial 

controls in accordance with standards, objectives, 

and guidelines prescribed by the FMFIA and the OMB 

Circular A-123, Management’s Responsiblity for Internal 

Control. 

The objectives of the assessments ensured that:

• programs achieved their intended results;

• resources were used consistent with the bureau’s 

mission;

• resources were protected from fraud, waste and 

mismanagement;

• laws and regulations were followed; and

• reliable and timely information was maintained, 

reported, and used for decision making.

Limitations to Our Financial Statements

The principal financial statements have been prepared to report the financial position and results of operations 

of the USGS, pursuant to the requirements of 31 U.S.C. 3515(b). 

While the statements have been prepared from the books and records of USGS in accordance with U.S. 

generally accepted accounting principles for Federal entities and the formats prescribed by the Office of 

Management and Budget, the statements are in addition to the financial reports used to monitor and control 

budgetary resources which are prepared from the same books and records. 

The financial statements should be read with the realization that they are for a component of the United States 

government, a sovereign entity. 
 Management Discussion and Analysis

Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements 17

In performing this assessment, USGS relied on 

the knowledge and experience management has 

gained from the daily operations of its programs and 

systems of accounting and administrative controls, 

and information obtained from sources such as 

management control assessments; OIG and GAO 

audits; program evaluations and studies; audits of 

financial statements; performance plans and reports; 

and other information.

Each assurance statement provided documentation on 

specific internal control assessments conducted and 

audits and/or reviews conducted by the OIG and/or 

GAO. The Acting USGS Director relied on this extensive 

documentation to support the bureau assurance 

statement on financial reporting to the Department 

as of June 30, 2006, and for the overall assurance 

statement provided to the Department on September 

15, 2006 (see Section II: Performance Data and Analysis

for additional information on the program evaluation).

FFMIA Assurance Statement

Based on the results of the USGS FY2006 assessment, the USGS can provide reasonable assurance that 

its internal control over the effectiveness and efficiency of operations and compliance with applicable 

laws and regulations as of September 30, 2006, was operating effectively and no material weaknesses 

were found in the design or operation of the internal controls.

In addition, the USGS conducted its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial 

reporting, which includes safeguarding of assets and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, 

in accordance with the requirements of Appendix A of OMB Circular A-123, Management’s Responsibility 

for Internal Control, and the CFO Council’s Implementation guide dated July 31, 2005, as implemented by 

the DOI. The assessment focused on the specific financial reports and the related financial statements’ 

line items identified by the DOI as material to the consolidated Department of Interior financial 

reports. Based on the results of this assessment, the USGS can provide reasonable assurance that its 

internal control over the financial reports and related line items identified by the DOI as material to the 

consolidated Department of Interior financial reports were suitably designed and operating effectively as 

of June 30, 2006, and no material weaknesses were found in the design or operation of internal control 

over financial reporting. Further subsequent testing through September 30, 2006, did not identify any 

reportable changes in key financial reporting internal controls. The USGS has no material weaknesses 

or nonconformances identified in the FY2006 assessment or carried over from prior fiscal years to report 

any corrective action plans.

I also conclude that USGS information technology systems generally comply with the requirements of 

the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) and Appendix III of OMB Circular A-130, 

Management of Federal Information Resources.

Further, I conclude that the USGS substantially complies with the three components of the Federal 

Financial Management Improvement Act; financial systems requirements, Federal Accounting 

Standards, and the U.S. Standard General Ledger at the transaction level.

 Pat Leahy

 Acting Director, USGS

 September 15, 2006
Management Discussion and Analysis

18 Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements

FY2006 Internal Control Automated Surveys:

In addition to the department-wide, discipline, region, 

and office-specific reviews, internal control automated 

surveys were sent to employees of 19 science centers 

(USGS Texas Water Science Center, Pacific Islands 

Ecosystem Research Center, USGS Wisconsin Water 

Science Center, USGS Indiana Water Science Center, 

USGS West Virginia Water Science Center, 6 offices 

in the Florida Integrated Science Center, USGS 

Idaho Water Science Center, USGS Caribbean Water 

Science Center, Woods Hole Science Center, USGS 

Nevada Water Science Center, Flagstaff Science 

Center, Leetown Science Center, USGS Portland 

Water Science Center, and USGS Tennessee Water 

Science Center), 1 office (National Center Cafeteria), 

and 2 teams (Earthquake Hazards Team, and Energy 

Resources Team). The employees were asked to 

evaluate various aspects of management control at 

their center, office, or team.

Science-support offices and products were assessed 

using email-administered employee opinion surveys. 

Standardized Internal Control Surveys were conducted 

at 22 science centers, offices, and teams, compared to 

the 16 conducted in FY2005.

Resolution of Internal Control Weaknesses 

and Non-Compliance with Laws and 

Regulations:

As reported in the Independent Auditors’ Report on 

Internal Control for FY2006, the USGS had no material 

weaknesses, one reportable condition, and one 

instance of noncompliance with laws and regulations. 

Unqualified Opinions on Principal Financial 

Statements:

The USGS is committed to strong financial management 

and has made much progress in this area in recent 

years. This achievement results from our commitment 

to strong management control and accountability 

over our financial resources, a commitment that we 

are extending into the future as we seek to further 

improve management of our financial resources. 

Significant progress was also made in quickly 

addressing internal control reportable conditions. In 

FY2001, nine reportable conditions reported by KPMG 

LLP were considered to be material weaknesses. 

Though no opinion was issued in FY2002, most matters 

were still considered to be uncorrected at that fiscal 

year-end. In FY2003, all but one of the prior material 

weaknesses were corrected, while all but three 

others were downgraded to reportable conditions. In 

FY2004, USGS had two reportable conditions and no 

material weaknesses. In FY2005 , USGS had no material 

weaknesses or reportable conditions. And in FY2006, 

USGS had no material weaknesses and one reportable 

condition. This progress illustrates our progression 

toward full attainment of unqualified audit opinions by 

correcting material weaknesses and maintaining that 

status through continuous improvement. 

The President’s Management Agenda (PMA):

In FY2006, USGS continued to improve in areas targeted 

in the PMA, which focuses on improving Federal 

management and program performance. Organized 

around the mutually reinforcing components, the PMA 

applies to every agency. The initiatives are:

• Strategic Management of Human Capital;

• Competitive Sourcing;

• Expanding Electronic Government (E-Gov);

• Budget and Performance Integration; 

• Improved Financial Performance; and

• Real Property Asset Management.

These initiatives share a common goal of enhancing 

citizen-centered governance focused on delivering 

results that matter to the American public. 

KPMG LLP’s Opinions Issued to USGS

FY2001 Disclaimer 

FY2002 No Opinion

FY2003 Unqualified Balance Sheet 

FY2004 Unqualified Financial Statements (all)

FY2005 Unqualified Financial Statements (all)

FY2006 Unqualified Financial Statements (all)
 Management Discussion and Analysis

Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements 19

OMB uses an Executive Branch Management 

Scorecard to monitor the status and progress 

of agencies toward attaining PMA goals. Colorcoded ratings (red, yellow, and green) are used to 

visually depict agency ratings. USGS strived to make 

progress in all initiatives during FY2006. Current year 

accomplishments are discussed below.

Strategic Management of Human Capital

Workforce Planning— The USGS continued to advance 

bureau workforce planning efforts with specific

emphasis on the approval of six separate Voluntary 

Separation Incentive Payment and Voluntary Early 

Retirement authorities. These incentives were offered 

to over 1,200 employees and resulted in more than 200 

separations. The impact of these separations served 

as the focus for FY 2006 organizational workforce plans 

and the development of staffing strategies needed 

to address skills for long-term science and science 

support goals. The USGS also invigorated its exit 

survey program to produce additional data to better 

address recruitment and retention issues for strategic 

workforce planning.

Leadership Training— The USGS continued to provide 

leadership training for the purpose of developing a 

critical mass of leaders at all levels of the organization. 

The Management/Supervisory Program implemented a 

360-degree evaluation process for supervisors based 

on the Human Resources competencies identified in 

the Core Competency Model for Managers. The USGS 

also implemented the full suite of Core Competencies 

for Managers with the goal of improving managerial 

performance at all levels of the USGS. This effort has 

been linked with the USGS workforce planning effort 

and with the long-term leadership development goals of

USGS.

Competitive Sourcing

Business Strategy Review—The USGS continued 

execution of its Business Strategy Review (BSR) 

process, outlined in the USGS Competitive Sourcing 

Green Plan FY 2005–2008. All full time equivalent (FTE) 

positions were grouped into nine functional business 

areas. The science technician activities, other than 

Hydro-tech FTEs, located in Reston, Virginia and 

Cook, Washington remain in house as a result of 

two streamlined competitive sourcing studies. The 

competitive sourcing study for the activities performed 

at the National Water Quality Laboratory was 

announced in September 2006.

2006 Management Actions and OMB Circular A–76— 

The USGS continued to restructure its map production 

workforce through two rounds of separation incentives. 

The USGS received buyout authority in December 2005. 

Sixty employees from the National Geospatial Program 

elected to take the two-phased buyout. Continuing 

with management decisions made in FY2005 (a 

scoping strategy for the National Geospatial Technical 

Operations Center (NGTOC) that was developed and 

approved by the Director with the decision to pursue 

OMB Circular A–76 competitive sourcing activity and 

an executive decision to centralize the NGTOC), a 

team was assembled in FY2006 and tasked to develop 

a Performance Work Statement and conduct a 

sourcing competition using A–76. Two Most Efficient 

Organization teams (Denver, Colorado, and Rolla, 

Missouri) were tasked to develop government-based 

proposals.

Expanding E-Government

Geospatial One-Stop (GOS)— In support of the 

Administration’s E-Gov initiatives and to further 

develop the customer base of the National Spatial 

Data Infrastructure (NSDI), USGS converged similar 

functions of The National Map and the GOS portal. This 

included planning, testing, and implementing “phase 

2” of the GOS portal. USGS continued to work with the 

Open Geospatial Consortium to develop specifications 

for open Web services and a common architecture for 

open services that reduces technical barriers to data 

sharing. The GOS surpassed 200,000 geospatial data 

resources in its catalog, and usage grew to 500,000.

Information Security— The USGS ensured that 

effective information security practices were carried 

out by (1) publishing standards, guidelines, and 

procedures; (2) providing general, role-based, and 

specialized IT security training; and (3) continuing 

to emphasize improved management, technical, 

and operational security controls. The transition 

of the security architecture to the Department’s 

Enterprise Services Network continued, with the goal 

of establishing a comprehensive network security 

infrastructure across the U.S. Department of the 

Interior. 
Management Discussion and Analysis

20 Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Security Certification and Accreditation (C&A)— In 

FY2006, the USGS mitigated weaknesses identified 

in the C&A and Internal Control Review processes. 

Seven systems were re-certified and accredited in 

FY2006. Other Security C&A activities included tests 

of contingency plans, C&A training workshops held in 

USGS facilities across the country, and compliance 

reviews. 

Security Operations— Specific accomplishments 

during FY2006 included (1) extending the proactive 

intrusion prevention technology to identify, log, 

alert, and automatically mitigate malicious network 

activities across the USGS Wide Area Network (WAN); 

(2) integrating internal vulnerability assessment 

procedures to reduce potential vulnerabilities; (3) 

establishing a penetration test capability to ensure 

compliance with published standards; and (4) 

continuing to deploy improved security controls using 

malicious code detection and mitigation profiles to 

enhance security for Web and File Transfer Protocol 

(FTP) servers.

Enterprise Services Network (ESN)— The USGS 

continued to migrate to the Department’s ESN with 

the bulk of the science centers managed by the ESN 

Network Operations and Security Center (NOSC) by the 

end of FY2006. The transition of USGS science centers 

is accomplished regionally, starting with the Eastern 

Region, and is segmented into (1) monitoring science 

center network equipment (done automatically by ESN; 

USGS continues to make all configuration changes), 

(2) managing science center network equipment 

(ESN does monitoring and makes all changes), and 

(3) optimizing connections with changes in circuit 

configurations. When complete, all sites will have 24/7 

proactive network monitoring and will be fully managed 

to include router and switch configuration changes by 

the NOSC. 

The USGS was an active participant in the Remote 

Access and Virtual Private Network (VPN) system 

trial, which tested the ESN Remote Access service. 

This test used licenses from ESN’s iPASS contract and 

involved dial access connectivity. Because it was 

proven successful, the ESN Remote Access service will 

replace the existing AT&T Remote Access service. 

High Performing Organization— The USGS began 

implementing an Enterprise Publishing Network 

(EPN) on October 1, 2005. The EPN is the result of 

a significant restructure of the USGS workforce 

and business processes, using the High Performing 

Organization (HPO) model as the mechanism to 

accomplish this restructuring. The goals of this 

restructuring achieve a unified bureau publishing policy 

and a streamlining and improvement of technical and 

business publishing processes to ensure efficiency. 

The HPO model implementation continued through 

FY2006. The USGS fundamental science practices 

policy and guidance was approved and implemented, 

creating a consistent approach to peer review and 

approval of USGS scientific publications.

Homeland Security and Critical infrastructure Data 

Needs— As an outgrowth of the many lessons learned 

from the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster and the 

emergency response efforts, the USGS is strengthening 

its coordination for geospatial data symbols on maps. 

In preparation for the 2006-07 hurricane seasons, 

work continued on providing a consistent national set 

of symbols for use in maps that support emergency 

response activities, developing linear and polygonal 

symbology to support emergency response, providing 

principles and guidance on geospatial information 

content useful for homeland security applications, 

facilitating implementation of geoaddressing 

techniques based on the U.S. National Grid, and 

identifying geospatial data that would be useful for 

homeland security applications. 

Partnership Implementation— To better serve 

State partners, USGS pursued Memorandums of 

Understanding for building the National Spatial Data 

Infrastructure (NSDI) in every State; supported the 

Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Fifty States 

Initiative by assisting State partners in developing 

strategic business plans for geospatial activities; and 

worked with State authorities to integrate geospatial 

requirements into their State Homeland Security Plans. 

The USGS also created a more robust network of 

State partnership offices, maintaining NSDI liaisons 

in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, 

Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, 

Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New 

York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, 
 Management Discussion and Analysis

Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements 21

South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and 

Wisconsin; and expanding the network with new liaison 

offices in Michigan and Alabama.

Budget and Performance Integration

Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART)— The PART 

was introduced in FY2002 by the Administration as a 

means to evaluate program level performance across 

Government, with a goal of reviewing 20 percent of 

Federal programs each year. Of nine USGS programs 

evaluated since 2002, eight were rated “moderately 

effective” and one “effective.” All PART evaluated 

programs have efficiency measures and action plans 

for continuous improvement with all milestones 

completed in FY2006.

Cost and Performance— Analysis of ABC data led 

USGS to conclude that more granularity was needed 

to begin to make appropriate use of the data for cost 

analysis. USGS began capturing ABC data at the 

task level rather than project level in FY2006, and 

also refined the way it captured IT costs in FY2006, 

creating a process that is useful for extracting Exhibit 

53 IT information for the DOI at a detail level that has 

not been possible to retrieve until now. General ABC 

reports and data can be extracted by all managers at 

all levels on a daily basis for verifying and validating 

and for performing analyses for decisionmaking. 

Continued efforts are being applied to standardize 

processes and ensure consistency of interpretation 

before ABC data can be confidently used to manage 

operations.

Improved Financial Management

OMB Circular A-123— USGS effectively implemented 

revised OMB Circular A–123, Management’s

Responsibility for Internal Control. The Bureau 

established a senior assessment team and specifically 

tasked working groups, who addressed and completed 

the new requirements in Appendix A to OMB’s Circular 

A-123. As a result, the Director was able to issue an 

unqualified Statement of Assurance regarding internal 

control over financial reporting.

Training— The Bureau developed a comprehensive 

training plan to ensure that administrative officers and 

other financial staff receive ongoing training in various 

bureau specific procedures, as well as general areas 

such as appropriation law and management skills. The 

Bureau trained at least 50 percent of the identified 

population during FY2005, and in FY2006 increased 

the percentage trained to 100 percent. During FY2006, 

USGS provided well attended training on various 

financial topics to administrative staff and cost center 

managers by conducting bureauwide workshops 

for cost center managers in November 2005 and for 

administrative staffs in March 2006. 

Financial and Business Management System— In 

September 2005, the Department severed contractual 

relationships with the integrator of the new Financial 

and Business Management System (FBMS) and 

awarded a contract to the new integrator, IBM. The 

scope of the project remains as previously defined: 

provide a Department-wide solution that significantly 

improves access to reliable, accurate, current, 

and complete financial and business management 

information to support the decisionmaking process 

throughout all levels of the Department, affecting all 

employees and operations. FBMS will replace current 

systems for budget formulation, core finance, personal 

and real property, financial assistance, acquisition, 

fleet management, and executive management 

information system. Budget formulation and project 

planning at the highest level currently exists in the 

Strategic Enterprise Management (SEM) module, 

where “what if” scenario building can be performed. 

Based on a Department-wide revised schedule, USGS 

is scheduled to deploy FBMS in FY2009.

Real Property Asset Management

Strategic Facilities Master Plan— The Strategic 

Facilities Master Plan (SFMP) outlines a strategy to 

provide a thorough analysis of the facilities program 

and identifies opportunities for the bureau to reduce 

cost through improved utilization. It further provides a 

strategy to properly fund operations and maintenance 

and deferred maintenance at USGS owned sites. 

In FY2006, the Bureau accomplished sixteen of 

the 39 SFMP recommendations. The remainder of 

these high priority recommendations have target 

completion dates. The SFMP also provided the basis 

and significantly contributed to the USGS Asset 

Management Plan that was completed in FY2006.
Management Discussion and Analysis

22 Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Asset and Portfolio Management— In accordance 

with Executive Order 13327, the Department issued an 

Asset Management Plan (AMP), which “establishes 

a strategic direction for the management of assets 

within the Interior portfolio.” DOI’s AMP required 

each bureau to develop a bureau real property AMP. 

The USGS AMP was completed and submitted to the 

Department on June 30, 2006. This document presents 

the strategic vision and plan of action for effective 

bureau facility management and supports the DOI’s 

AMP for compliance with Executive Order 13327. The 

USGS AMP summarizes the bureau’s current asset 

inventory, documents the condition of the inventory, 

and articulates the bureau’s strategy and process for 

managing the total cost of asset ownership and serves 

as a framework to guide asset investment decisions, 

including operations, preventative maintenance, 

component renewal and repair and construction.

Space Savings— In early FY2006, USGS Northern 

Prairie Wildlife Research Center (NPWRC) transferred 

the Woodworth Field Station site to the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service (FWS), the primary user of the location.

This action was important because it reduced the 

inventory of under-utilized real property assets for 

the USGS in accordance with Executive Order 13327. 

The result of the transfer is an annual savings of 

approximately $10,000 in operations and maintenance 

costs, and a reduction of 5,382 square feet of mixed-use 

space. The Western Region has completed negotiations 

with GSA for a new Occupancy Agreement (OA) 

for the Menlo Park, California campus. The new OA 

retains USGS presence on the entire campus, includes 

cancellation rights in the years 2010-2012, and lowers 

the current rental rate for a 5-year period, 2008-2012. 

The cost savings will begin in FY2008. Any potential 

excess space, vacated through natural attrition during 

the term of the new OA, will allow the USGS to attract 

science partners into a highly desirable geographic 

area at a low rental rate, strengthening collaboration 

and enhancing the campus utilization rate. The New 

Ellenton, South Carolina, field office was closed, 

effective April 30, 2006. The staff was consolidated at 

the Columbia, South Carolina Water Science Center 

(WSC). The Nashville, Tennessee WSC office has 

reduced space; the Memphis, Tennessee WSC field 

office has relocated to cooperative space with a 

university partner; and the Knoxville, Tennessee WSC 

office will move into space furnished by the Tennessee 

Valley Authority, all leading to cost reductions. 

Facilities Maintenance Management System— 

The USGS upgraded its Facilities Maintenance 

Management System (FMMS) to MAXIMO v5.2. to 

improve the performance of the system. The upgrade 

will enhance the reporting capabilities of the Facility 

Managers for the 14 sites that are actively using the 

system. It will also provide help desk, database, and 

system administration support along with maintaining 

the system in compliance with security requirements. 

The USGS participates in the Department Asset 

Management Team to help integrate the Department’s 

Asset Management Plan into the USGS FMMS.

Participation with GSA on the Denver Federal 

Center Master Site Plan and Environmental Impact 

Statement— GSA is developing a new Master Site Plan 

and Environmental Impact Statement for the Denver 

Federal Center (DFC). The primary goal of the site plan 

is to transform the DFC into a dynamic, mixed-use 

urban center. Many of the proposed changes to the 

DFC will have a significant impact on the USGS, who 

is the largest tenant on the DFC campus. Because the 

USGS is the largest tenant on the DFC campus, GSA 

requested that the USGS be a permanent member of 

the DFC Round Table that meets monthly to discuss 

the developing plans. Ongoing participation on this 

executive-level committee is critical to ensure that 

the interests and special needs of the USGS science 

disciplines and their missions are represented. 

The information gained through partnering on this 

committee is used by the regional investment review 

board to approve and monitor internal strategic plans 

for the USGS on the DFC for the next 5 to 10 years.

Denver Federal Center Renovations and Relocations— 

GSA developed a feasibility study for Building 53 on 

the DFC with significant input from the USGS tenants 

in the building. The GSA anticipates that Building 53 

may be demolished in the next 5 to 7 years. GSA’s 

recommended action from the feasibility study is the 

proposed construction of a special use computer 

facility to house multiple agency computer operations, 

some of which are currently housed in Building 53. GSA 

submitted the study to their headquarters office in June 

2006 along with draft occupancy agreements signed by 
 Management Discussion and Analysis

Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements 23

the affected agencies. USGS has agreed that the new 

computer facility might be a viable option for housing 

the USGS computer operations in the future but has not 

committed to occupy the space. The USGS Research 

Drilling Program was relocated from Buildings 111G 

and 111J on the DFC to an agency-leased facility in the 

local community. This action was necessitated by the 

GSA’s demolition plans to accommodate the upcoming 

construction of the transit and light rail center and 

new hospital on the west side of the DFC. One result of 

this accomplishment is the consolidation of the drilling 

operation into a single building that is in much better 

condition and better configured to meet the operational 

needs of the drilling program. Another result is the 

drilling operation can operate without continued 

interruption due to the GSA’s ongoing demolition and 

environmental cleanup projects on the west side of the 

DFC. 

Florida Integrated Science Center at St. Petersburg— 

USGS managed the construction on the new 11,000 

square foot building owned by the St. Petersburg 

Downtown Partnership in St. Petersburg that USGS 

leases, which started in May 2005. The project was 

completed in March 2006. There is still a requirement to 

furnish out the laboratory space but the overcrowding 

in the existing buildings has been significantly reduced.

Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Facilities 

Modernization Project— The USGS and FWS are 

continuing joint efforts to address the facilities 

deficiencies at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 

and the Patuxent Research Refuge. In response to 

FY2006 Congressional direction, a series of meetings 

were held with DOI and Congressional staff to report 

on progress in the development of a long-range 

facilities plan for Patuxent. In addition to construction 

options presented in a prior interim report, the joint 

team is now working with GSA to develop a set 

of leasing alternatives, and also is examining the 

feasibility of relocation of some Patuxent functions to 

other DOI locations in the area. In addition, the team 

has developed justifications for consideration for 

FY2008, for the replacement of the electrical, water, 

and sewer infrastructure at the site, and has tasked 

an architecture/engineering firm to refine electric 

utility replacement costs. A more robust revised set 

of alternatives will be submitted for DOI review and 

decision by the second quarter, FY2007.

Deferred Maintenance— In FY2006, the USGS 

continued to address critical life safety issues through 

the Deferred Maintenance Capital Improvements 

Program. This included funding seven projects that 

addressed fire and life safety deficiencies. Other 

bureau priorities included funding repairs and 

improvements to fume hood systems at two of our 

research laboratories. Replacement or renovation of 

cableways used to collect stream data continues to be 

a bureau priority. There are approximately 1,000 active 

cableways at 113 sites, which do not meet modern 

design and load-testing criteria to ensure the safe 

collection of essential scientific data. All 113 sites are 

scheduled for replacement or renovation. To date, a 

total of 354 reinforcement kits have been purchased 

to assist with the renovation of the cableways. A total 

of 278 sit-down and stand-up cable cars have been 

purchased for replacements. It is anticipated that 

the replacement and renovation of active deficient 

cableway systems will continue into FY2008. The 

Northern California Seismic Network consists of 

analog and microwave stations that have exceeded 

their expected life and cannot be expected to operate 

continuously. These stations will be replaced to avoid 

failure during an emergency. These stations provide 

earthquake monitoring and (or) warnings for large 

metropolitan areas. There are approximately 325 analog 

stations that are being converted to digital systems and 

approximately 25 microwave stations that are being 

upgraded.

Condition Assessments— The following centers had 

condition assessments scheduled and/or completed in 

FY 2006: Florida Caribbean Science Center, EROS Data 

Center, National Wetlands Research Center, Leetown 

Science Center, and Hammond Bay Fish Research 

Station. Condition assessments are performed on a 

5-year cycle. The first 5-year cycle was completed in 

FY2004. The condition assessment reports identify the 

most critical maintenance deficiencies, update the 

deferred maintenance backlog, and help determine 

future priorities.

Asset Priority Index (API) scores for all of the USGS 

owned assets, as well as the bureau guidance and 

procedures for integrating API into the Deferred 

Maintenance and Capital Improvement process, were 

established by the end of FY2006. 
Management Discussion and Analysis

24 Looking Forward

Looking Forward:

Annually, the USGS produces a program direction 

document, which is a collaborative effort 

between the bureau program coordinators, 

regional managers, and scientists and is issued by 

the Director. It contains details on opportunities 

to address new science thrusts; major changes in 

direction of, or emphasis of, program goals and related 

increases or decreases in funding; opportunities 

supported by multiple programs; and identification of 

new capabilities, facilities, and expertise available to 

support project work in the coming year. The document 

describes new directions in integrated science as well 

as new directions and opportunities from within the 

disciplines. Information about the possible effects of 

future events, conditions, and trends are incorporated 

into specific discussions on a variety of scientific 

projects. Because the science is integrated and 

focuses on complex issues, the research outcome will 

crosscut all DOI goals. 

Integrated Science Accomplishments:

The USGS continued its efforts in FY2006 to expand 

partnerships with other DOI bureaus, as well as other 

Federal, State, and local agencies, academia, and the 

public sector to address diverse issues on the horizon. 

This effort to strengthen existing partnerships and 

build new ones, especially with DOI bureaus, will be 

the focus of a new USGS regional structure that will 

be implemented in FY2007. With senior-level managers 

dispersed throughout newly designated regions, the 

USGS is positioning itself to be more responsive to 

regional and local issues and provide the scientific 

expertise and leadership necessary to assist managers 

in solving current problems and address future science 

needs. In addition to the opportunities for increased 

communication and collaboration, USGS is also 

placing an increased emphasis on integrated science 

that will solve complex, multidisciplinary resource 

problems. The USGS is committed to maintaining 

scientific excellence as it looks for new opportunities 

to work with others on finding solutions on Resource 

Protection, Resource Use, and Serving Communities. 

Current examples of regional activities, highlighted 

below, illustrate how USGS will incorporate 

partnerships to conduct science and inform decisions 

in the future.

Monitoring Endangered Suckers and Water Resources 

in the Upper Klamath Basin 

The USGS has been monitoring spawning populations 

of endangered Lost River suckers and shortnose 

suckers in the upper Klamath Basin of Oregon and 

California since 1995, with the most intense monitoring 

from 2000 to the present. This work has been conducted 

in cooperation with multiple DOI bureaus, Tribes, and 

State agencies to provide unbiased and scientifically 

relevant information to aid in the restoration of these 

species. Because these suckers are long-lived (over 

30 years), a long-term monitoring program is essential 

for assessing the status and health of adult populations 

as well as how these fish are affected by natural 

conditions and human activities. 

In addition to monitoring these endangered species, 

the USGS is providing hydrologic information in the 

Upper Klamath River basin so resource managers 

can make informed decisions about management 

actions and remediation strategies for protecting 

these fish. Completed and ongoing studies include 

the development of a regional ground-water model 

to optimize the amount, timing, and location of 

ground-water withdrawals used to augment flows 

and lake levels for fish; improvements to seasonal 

runoff forecast into Upper Klamath Lake so water 

managers have accurate information on water 

availability well before the beginning of an irrigation 

season; investigation of the internal sources of 

nutrients to Upper Klamath Lake that cause severe 

water-quality problems for fish and to identify 

remedies for the dilemma; and the development of a 

hydrodynamic model of Upper Klamath Lake to assess 

the environmental factors that most affect fish die-off 

events. The FWS, the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), 

and the Klamath Tribes are relying on these data sets 

and models in their efforts to manage natural resources 

and endangered species in the Klamath Basin, recover 

Lost River sucker and shortnose sucker populations to 

healthy levels, and restore critical habitats.

The ongoing monitoring of adult suckers will provide 

updated information on population status and vital rates 

and help provide measures for future recovery. Waterquality studies will provide real-time assessments of 

whether a sucker die-off event is probable in the future, 

whether poor water-quality events can be significantly 

improved through lake-level management, and provide 
 Management Discussion and Analysis

Looking Forward 25

information concerning ways to control internal loading 

of nutrients that cause water-quality problems in Upper 

Klamath Lake. 

Environmental Effects of Agricultural Practices: 

Applying Environmental Information Science Methods 

and Techniques

The Fort Cobb Reservoir Watershed, Oklahoma, is 

composed of 314 square miles of predominantly 

agricultural land and is one of the primary focus 

areas for the Central Region Agricultural Practices 

Science Priority. The reservoir is managed by the BOR 

for drinking-water supplies, irrigation, conservation, 

surcharge, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat. In 

2002, the reservoir was listed on the Oklahoma State 

list of impaired waters under Section 303(d) of the 

1972 Clean Water Act on the basis of sedimentation 

and excessive inputs of nutrients. This watershed 

has been identified as a priority watershed under the 

Conservation Effectiveness Assessment Project (CEAP) 

for the Agricultural Research Service and the National 

Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). CEAP 

watersheds will be used to quantify the environmental 

benefits of conservation practices implemented on 

agricultural lands. 

Many data have been collected by Federal and State 

agencies since 1903; in 2006 the USGS consolidated 

these data in a digital data atlas — a geospatial 

tool for access, query, and studying the data in a 

comprehensive way. In 2007, the digital atlas will be 

released as a sustainable online resource using an 

outgrowth of the technology for The National Map 

called the Scientific Data Catalog. New data being 

collected and processed for the Agricultural Practices 

effort will be added to the Scientific Data Catalog in 

FY 2007. These data include (1) streamflow and water 

quality samples that are providing information on 

agricultural practices effects; (2) hyperspectral imagery 

that is being used to map algae in the reservoir as 

well as riparian and agricultural land cover; and (3) 

reservoir sampling that is providing insights into the 

factors influencing the excessive nutrient condition 

of the reservoir. Also in 2007, a workshop will be held 

with many Federal, State, Tribal, and private partners 

to introduce the concept of the online data atlas and 

test various information science hypotheses on the 

long-term sustainability of the data resource within a 

community of stakeholders.

Various images available in the digital data atlas.

Water-quality data collected from the reservoir and Advanced Spaceborne 

Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery for mapping 

algae in the reservoir as well as riparian and agricultural land cover.
Management Discussion and Analysis

26 Looking Forward

Ridge-to-Reef Activities

The USGS Ridge-to-Reef partnership has worked 

to fill the needs of on-the-ground conservation 

projects for scientific information to guide watershed 

management efforts and gauge the results with 

studies and monitoring programs that relate reef 

health to terrestrial watersheds. The link between 

reef health and watershed integrity is sediment; 

hence, efforts have focused on determining rates 

and distribution of sediment accumulation on reefs, 

sediment sources and erosion processes within 

watersheds, and relations between erosion, vegetative 

cover, ungulate populations, and land uses. Examples 

of work accomplished in the past year include 

sediment samples trace metal chemistry analyses 

identifying terrestrial source areas in conjunction with 

erosional landform mapping; soil erosion monitoring 

corresponding with botanical vegetation mapping 

units; experimental radiometry utilized to complement 

and extend traditional stream-sediment monitoring 

across the watershed; remotely sensed data were 

collected to complement and extend vegetation and 

erosional landform mapping; streamflow and sediment 

monitoring station provided data for reef sedimentation 

assessment studies; and development of direct reef 

monitoring for biodiversity, survivability and impacts 

and tolerance from bacteria, sediment, and turbidity. 

The Ridge-to-Reef studies have effectively 

demonstrated USGS capabilities to stakeholders, 

including Federal and State agencies with 

resource-management and regulatory 

responsibilities. These agencies have responded 

by funding related USGS projects in areas beyond 

the scope of the Ridge-to-Reef project, including 

Oahu, west Maui, and Kahoolawe. FWS refuge 

managers have expressed interest in using results 

from Ridge-to-Reef studies for managing sediment 

in south Molokai and Hanalei, Kauai islands in 

Hawaii. 

Research conducted by the USGS and project 

partners will be available to the U.S. Coral Reef 

Task Force, the National Park Service (NPS), The 

Nature Conservancy Hawaii, and the Hanalei Heritage 

River Hui for future resource management decisions. 

The aerial imagery analysis conducted by the Survey 

will provide baseline and change-detection capabilities 

to help monitor results of management actions such as 

reduction of impacts of feral ungulates on watershed 

vegetation. Systematic and extensive marine habitat 

sampling will provide information not only about the 

estimable history of sedimentation on research sites, 

but also a baseline and change-detection capabilities 

to help resource managers monitor results of future 

actions both on land and in water.

Sagebrush Habitats: Maps for Managers 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has 

management responsibility for about 50 percent 

of remaining sagebrush habitats. Building from 

BLM needs, the USGS has developed statistically 

rigorous mapping products to assess habitat within 

the sagebrush ecosystem at three study areas in 

Wyoming. Through the use of satellite imagery, field 

measurements, and analytical tools, researchers have 

predicted the amount of sagebrush cover, bare ground, 

and other vegetation. Methods used to develop 

these maps will be applied to larger geographic 

areas and provide managers with landscape-scale 

tools to assess wildlife habitat across large areas of 

Wyoming, including those where energy development 

is occurring. These products will be the backbone for 

future management and planning efforts on BLM lands, 

and directly assist with resource assessments and 

conservation efforts, including the Wyoming Landscape 

Conservation Initiative, by providing a basis for trend 

monitoring and change detection.

Quickbird Image classified to identify sagebrush (yellow on right panel).
 Management Discussion and Analysis

Looking Forward 27

USGS Post Hurricane Response Efforts Studies Aid 

Planning for Future Severe Storms

The USGS activated the Storm Response Team for five 

hurricanes that affected the Gulf and Atlantic coasts 

between July and October 2005: Dennis, Katrina, 

Ophelia, Rita, and Wilma. The response team grew to 

include BOR, FWS, NPS, MMS, Department of Defense 

(DOD), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA), U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers (USCOE), and 

others. Critical information was shared and used to 

understand the impact to managed parks, refuges, and 

marine sanctuaries. The team also ensured that the 

right information was being communicated within DOI 

and to the public during this disaster.

Despite extremely difficult conditions, USGS 

hydrological technicians in Louisiana, Mississippi, and 

Alabama worked vigorously after Katrina to collect 

perishable scientific data to accurately document 

storm surge, water elevation, and the extent of flooding 

after Katrina. Temporary streamgages were installed 

on Lake Pontchartrain and in New Orleans to monitor 

the drop in water levels as the USCOE worked to 

repair damage to levees and remove water from the 

inundated city. Water-quality and sediment sampling 

was conducted by USGS scientists in cooperation with 

the EPA and others to assess health hazards and the 

impacts of contaminants.

Over the storm season, USGS coordinated data 

collection and research efforts from Florida to Texas 

with Federal agencies that include NASA, NOAA, and 

USCOE and universities. Many aerial surveys were 

flown to obtain video, still photography, and laser 

altimetry surveys of post-storm beach conditions 

for comparison with earlier data to show the nature, 

magnitude, and spatial variability of coastal changes 

such as beach erosion, overwash deposition, and 

island breaching. Data were available through an 

enhanced USGS-developed Data and Information 

Management System (DIMS) for response, relief, and 

research efforts. FEMA used the DIMS as a decision 

support tool in deploying emergency supplies postHurricane Katrina and for pre-Hurricane Rita planning 

activities. The Louisiana State Department of Wildlife 

and Fisheries and the Louisiana State Police used 

it as a post-hurricane search and rescue tool. The 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention used it to 

assess New Orleans’ city population changes as the 

city deployed varying stages of disaster response. The 

impact to habitat of a wide variety of wildlife also can 

be evaluated. These data will also be used to further 

refine predictive models of coastal impacts from severe 

storms and help managers plan more effectively. 

The DIMS is being used by USGS as a resource for the 

Gulf of Mexico Alliance Federal Partners database. The 

group, formed of USACE, EPA, NRCS, MMS, NPS, FWS, 

Department of Transportation (DOT), and NOAA, was 

created in support of the five Gulf States’ initiative to 

protect the Gulf of Mexico in a regional effort.

Comparison of Quickbird – 0.6m (left), Landsat – 30m and IRS – 56m (right).
Management Discussion and Analysis

28 Looking Forward

The USGS continues to mobilize equipment and 

personnel for hurricane recovery efforts and to 

provide the science and data collection necessary 

for response with other Federal, State, and local 

agencies. USGS hydrological technicians in Louisiana, 

Mississippi, and Alabama are mapping the storm 

surge/high-water marks from Katrina in Florida and 

Louisiana. This information will be essential to current 

and future recovery and restoration efforts. USGS has 

also installed streamgages in Lake Pontchartrain to 

monitor water levels, and the USCOE is developing a 

list of additional sites for installation of USGS gages. 

The USGS has flown aerial surveys, taking video of 

the coastal changes from Florida to Louisiana and 

has undertaken topographic Light Detecting and 

Ranging (LIDAR) flights to collect a wider swath of 

imagery inland that is being used by the States in their 

continuing recovery efforts. 

Climate Change In The Arctic Influences Future 

Adaptive Strategies For Oil, Gas, And Trust Species 

Management

The USGS continued to provide critical science to 

help Federal, State, and Tribal resource managers 

better understand how patterns of climate change in 

the Arctic may influence future adaptive strategies 

for oil, gas, and trust species management. The USGS 

has integrated its physical process studies in sea ice 

development, coastal erosion, coastal river hydrology, 

lake limnology, permafrost patterns, and landform 

assessments with studies of key DOI trust species 

to better predict the cascading series of physical 

and ecological consequences of climate change on 

potential management action. In conjunction with 

USGS digital elevation models, scientists can now 

begin to project the pattern and magnitude of erosion, 

lake change, and corresponding migratory bird 

responses. In addition to increased wave and coastal 

erosion action that results from recent patterns of 

sea ice recession, USGS has reported that changes 

in multi-year sea ice may be influencing Alaska polar 

bear habitat and population patterns. USGS, Russian, 

and other U.S. colleagues have completed a series of 

eight papers examining key sea ice characteristics 

and factors influencing those characteristics. In 2006, 

USGS provided its partners within the North Slope 

Science Initiative-FWS, NPS, Mineral Management 

Service (MMS), BLM, and State agencies—with 

assessments that included the potential impacts of 

coastal erosion on proposed oil and gas lease sites 

in Northern Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPRA), how 

climate change and erosion may modify critical 

waterfowl habitat and subsistence use, and analyses 

of how insufficient long-term streamgaging data on 

the North Slope will impact engineering requirements 

of bridge and road infrastructure on the north slope. 

Additional information is available on the Web at: 

http://alaska.usgs.gov/portal/.

USGS Hurricane response efforts.
 Management Discussion and Analysis

In Memory of

Jay Feuquay
USGS scientists conducting a water column survey of a frozen pit lake at the Elizabeth mine superfund site in Vermont.
Section II

Performance

Data and Analysis

Contents

Message from the Director, Office of Budget and Performance ............................................. 32

Performance Budget Results ......................................................................................................... 34

Performance Plan Development ................................................................................................... 37

Performance Measure Results ..................................................................................................... 38

Validation and Verification of Performance Data ....................................................................... 88

Program Evaluation Data ................................................................................................................ 90

31
Performance Data and Analysis

32 Message from the Director, Office of Budget and Performance

Performance Data and Analysis

The USGS is proud of the progress we have attained in reaching our long-term 

strategic goals. We take seriously the challenge to be accountable to the 

American people for the performance of our programs, and strive to achieve 

objectives that continue to serve the Nation by providing timely and reliable 

scientific information.

In our efforts to make our programs more efficient, effective and resultsoriented, the USGS continues to be guided by the President’s Management 

Agenda. The PMA is the President’s strategy for improving the management 

and performance of the Federal Government. The “progress” and “status” 

ratings of the PMA use a color-coded system that is based on criteria 

determined by the Office of Management and Budget and used by all Federal 

agencies. Agency performance in specific areas is rated on a grading scale 

of red, yellow, and green.

The USGS has made considerable advancement in implementing the core governmentwide initiatives: strategic 

management of human capital, competitive sourcing, improved financial management, expanding electronic 

government, budget and performance integration, and real property/asset management, which was introduced 

as a new initiative in FY2006. The USGS is also engaged in activities that support environmental stewardship, 

energy management, and transportation management initiatives; new PMA components that will be scored in 

FY2007. I am pleased to report that the USGS achieved “green” scores for “progress” in implementing each 

of the six principal governmentwide PMA initiatives and “green” scores for “status” in three of the six primary 

initiatives. In the coming months, we look forward to the opportunity for improvement in all areas of the PMA. 

The USGS continues to use performance information for planning and evaluation in the application of its 

science. An example is the USGS publishing services, which had been conducted by 254 FTE in 27 job series 

and supported by various publishing support contracts. These resources were dispersed throughout the 

USGS and managed independently of each other. An exhaustive analysis for establishing High Performing 

Organizations under Competitive Sourcing resulted in the establishment of the Enterprise Publishing Network. 

Three primary objectives of the restructuring were to support the USGS science mission; achieve better 

business practices; and reduce costs. Projected savings include (1) through attrition and voluntary incentives, 

reducing from 254 to 190 FTE, thereby reducing staffing costs by 15 percent; (2) reducing the number of 

publishing unit locations from 60 to approximately 25 sites; and (3) reducing operations costs. The total pre-EPN 

labor costs in 2006 are estimated at $16.5 million.

To enhance the practical use of performance information, the USGS uses OMB’s Program Assessment Rating 

Tool for measuring the performance of our programs. The PART sets clear, achievable, and measurable 

purposes and goals that complement traditional management techniques and stimulates constructive dialogues 

Message from the Director, Office of Budget and Performance
 Performance Data and Analysis

Message from the Director, Office of Budget and Performance 33

between program managers, budget analysts, and policy officials. The findings and recommendations play a 

substantial role in spending and management of our programs. USGS has achieved promising results by utilizing 

the PART: PART measures have been used as the basis for revision of our Strategic Plan; the USGS Annual 

Performance Budget fully describes the relationship between all relevant Strategic Plan intermediate and end 

outcome goals and USGS performance measure targets; PART measures have been used in the annual plan 

(Performance Budget) to justify program initiatives; and the Executive Leadership Team Status of Funds and 

Performance Reviews focus on key measure and cost data. At the end of FY2006, USGS PART evaluations stand 

at eight programs “moderately effective,” one program “effective,” and none rating “adequate,” “ineffective,” 

or “results not demonstrated.”

As a research organization, the USGS has through our history relied upon peer review and program evaluations 

(NAS, NAPA, Federal Advisory Committees, etc.) as well as Customer Listening Sessions to ensure quality and 

relevance, and validate direction of science. The performance information collected through these evaluation 

processes is employed as a vehicle to manage for results. 

In order to encourage the use of performance data information to manage for results even further, the USGS 

has developed a survey unit inside the Office of Budget and Performance. This unit works directly with 

individual programs/centers within the USGS to facilitate the collection, analysis, and use of performance 

information. The final result of each survey meet the goals of the DOI strategic plan and support PART 

evaluations and are immediately useful to the program manager. Many of our programs and products have 

been enhanced in response to the expressed needs of our customers. Additional information about these 

activities is included in this report.

Even though we are pleased with the results we have obtained during FY2006, we also recognize 

the opportunity for improvement. The information included in this report not only corresponds to our 

accomplishments of the past year, but also provides a benchmark to build upon. We continue to review and 

revitalize our organization and internal processes as we endeavor to become more effective and efficient and 

to improve the services that we provide. Through continued management innovation and the dedication and 

professionalism of our employees, we remain committed and confident that we will continue to expand our 

results and the benefits they provide to the Department, the Congress, and the American people. I encourage 

you to read this report as evidence of our accomplishments in carrying out the valued mission that has been 

entrusted to us.

Carla Burzyk

Director, Office of Budget and Performance and Deputy Chief Financial Officer

October 2006
Performance Data and Analysis

34 Performance Budget Results

FY2005 Criteria FY2006 Criteria

Quarterly integrated assessment of budget & 

performance.

Strategic and annual plans have a limited number of 

goals, use PART measures and focus on information 

used in senior management reports.

Link individual employee performance evaluations to 

mission performance.

Performance appraisal plans adhere to merit system 

principles for SES, managers, and 60%+ of bureau 

employees.

Routine application of performance information in 

budget decisions.

Used performance information to improve results.

Report/estimate full cost of changes in performance 

goals.

Reported full and marginal cost of achieving 

performance goals.

Apply PART efficiency measures to improve 

Performance.

Every PARTed program has at least one efficiency 

measure.

Apply PART Information in resource and program 

management decisionmaking.

PART ratings used to justify requests and fewer 

than 10% of PARTed programs are rated “results not 

demonstrated” for 2 years in a row.

Working in constant contact, these teams jointly 

develop and produce budget and performance 

documents that are fully integrated with respect to 

description of base programs and analyses, their 

funding and FTE implications, what the standards 

of their performance will be and how they will be 

evaluated. The three teams work closely with bureau 

program staff to understand, evaluate, and plan 

the science programs’ budget and performance 

levels, ensuring responsiveness to USGS executive 

management decisions, departmental concerns, and 

Administration policies. 

Performance Budget Results

The integration of budget and performance is critical 

to the planning for and evaluation of success achieved 

by the USGS in the application of its science to building 

long-term bodies of data and ensuring their relevance 

to partner and customer needs. The USGS has been 

particularly successful in this endeavor, owing to 

the physical integration of its budget, regional, and 

planning and performance teams in its Office of Budget 

and Performance. 
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Budget Results 35

FY2006 Criteria Status

Strategic and annual plans 

have a limited number of 

goals, use PART measures 

and focus on information 

used in senior management 

reports.

Strategic and annual plans have a limited number of goals and PART measures 

have been used as the basis for revision of the Strategic Plan.

Performance appraisal 

plans adhere to merit system 

principles for SES, managers, 

and 60%+ of bureau 

employees.

100% of SES, SL, and ST have plans in place. 98% of all employees have 

performance plans. The USGS performed sampling of cascading performance 

plans from executive through the first non-supervisory level. Sampling included 

regional, HQ, and discipline staff to check cascading goals. 100% were aligned 

to strategic goals/mission of the organization, were results oriented, and 

included measurable criteria.

The USGS developed a database that contains all USGS commitments 

including GPRA; PART; Secretary’s MBO; congressional directives; OMB 

directives and internal controls. Collectively, these represent the bureau’s 

overall organizational commitments and will enable us to develop a robust 

Organizational Assessment and individual performance plans that are aligned 

with organizational commitments and easily cascaded into the bureau.

Used performance 

information to improve results.

An exhaustive analysis for establishing High Performing Organizations under 

Competitive Sourcing resulted in the establishment of the Enterprise Publishing 

Network (EPN).

Reported full and 

marginal cost of achieving 

performance goals.

USGS documents full cost of achieving performance goals, demonstrating the 

costing relationship of intermediate and outcome measures, and cites marginal 

cost and increment performance in program initiative funding requests.

In FY 2006, the USGS began capturing ABC data at the task level rather than the 

project level to increase granularity and utility of data.

Every PARTed program has at 

least one efficiency measure.

All PARTed programs have one efficiency measure as documented in the DOI 

Efficiency Report tables submitted to OMB.

PART ratings used to justify 

requests and fewer than 10% 

of PARTed programs are rated 

“results not demonstrated” 

for 2 years in a row.

USGS has particularly focused on program improvement through the PART 

process. In FY 2006, PART evaluations stand at eight programs “moderately 

effective,” one program “effective,” and none rating “adequate,” “ineffective,” 

or “results not demonstrated.”

PART ratings and improvement plan actions are cited in the Budget submission.
Performance Data and Analysis

36 Performance Budget Results

PART

With program evaluations and peer review integral 

to our culture, USGS has particularly focused on 

program improvement through the PART process. By 

the end of FY2006, USGS completed PART evaluations 

stand at eight programs “moderately effective,” one 

program “effective,” and none rated “adequate,” 

“ineffective” or “results not demonstrated.” All OMB 

recommendations have been addressed with action 

plans having milestones and targets approved by the 

Department and OMB and tracked in the Department’s 

Management Initiatives Tracking System (MITS). All 

actions are on schedule or, when milestones appear 

to be delayed for cause, are renegotiated with OMB 

and the Department and amended in MITS. The 

Department quarterly reviews progress in achieving 

recommendations, improvement milestones, and 

performance targets. In addition, prior and current 

year efficiency measures results are reported. Further 

information on each recently conducted program 

evaluation is provided later in this section. 

Activity Based Cost/Management 

In addition to continuing to verify and validate data and 

improve understanding and process application, USGS 

has also worked to standardize ABC, Strategic Plan, 

and PART outputs.

USGS believes that close linkages will enable better 

costing of outputs, understanding of relationships, and 

leveraging of management information. The process of 

developing these standardized outputs further refined 

the definition templates and further contributed to more 

consistent application.

Analysis of ABC data led USGS to conclude that more 

granularity was needed to begin to make appropriate 

use of the data for cost analysis. USGS began capturing 

ABC data at the task level rather than project level 

in FY2006. General ABC reports and data can be 

extracted by all managers at all levels on a daily basis 

for verifying and validating and for performing analyses 

for decisionmaking. Continued efforts are being applied 

to standardize processes and ensure consistency of 

interpretation.

USGS Activities

The USGS conducts research, monitoring, and 

assessments to contribute to understanding the 

natural world—America’s lands, water, and biological 

resources and processes as well as its natural 

hazards. By combining biology, geology, hydrology, 

and geography expertise in one agency, the USGS is 

uniquely positioned to provide science information and 

conduct scientific research that ensures an integrated 

approach to advance scientific knowledge and utilize 

the latest technologies to provide timely answers 

and products and improve the quality of life for the 

communities we serve. 

The USGS provides reliable, impartial information to 

the citizens of this country and to the global community 

in the form of maps, data, and reports containing 

analyses and interpretations of water, energy, mineral, 

and biological resources; land surfaces; marine 

environments; geologic structures; natural hazards; 

and dynamic processes of the Earth. The USGS 

provides scientific information to understand issues 

such as coastal erosion and pollution, sea-level rise, 

loss of wetlands and marine habitats, the geological 

processes controlling the invasion of cheat grass, and 

the role of dust in desert ecosystem health. 

Armed with this knowledge, decisionmakers can 

respond better to both natural and human-induced 

changes. Through the application of science, 

decisionmakers are able to address complex issues 

concerning public safety, our environment, and natural 

resources; to address public health questions; and to 

promote public prosperity for the future well being of 

our country. USGS data and information are used daily 

by managers, planners, and citizens to understand, 

respond to, and plan for changes in the environment. 

USGS research and data products support the 

Department’s resource and land management needs 

and provide the science information needed by other 

Federal, State, Tribal, and local government agencies; 

industry groups; agricultural interests; academia; nonprofit organizations; and the American public to guide 

planning, management, and regulatory programs. 
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Plan Development 37

Performance Plan Development

Natural science research is the foundation of the 

Department of the Interior’s FY2003-2008 Strategic 

Plan, and USGS science directly supports three of 

the four DOI mission areas. 

A logic model (see performance model at right) was 

used to develop GPRA goals across the organization 

to create one Department-wide strategic plan 

implemented in FY2004. The DOI Strategic Plan 

provides a high-level overview of performance, 

setting large mission goals and broad program 

objectives. Its greatest value, day-by-day, comes 

from connecting that larger view with each day’s 

ground-level work. 

The plan structure is focused on end outcomes, 

selected high-priority intermediate outcomes, and 

on performance measures, indicators, and output 

that verify progress toward outcome achievement. 

Just as each mission area has its own strategic 

goals, each strategic goal has its own end outcome 

goals and measures. Supporting those, in turn, are 

intermediate outcome goals and measures, with 

outputs and inputs below that. Targets are set at 

every level, providing numerical measures of USGS 

accomplishment. 

Outputs are typically quantifiable products of work 

processes or activities. Activity-based costing, in its 

second year of implementation at USGS, holds the 

potential to connect outputs to costs and create a 

powerful management tool for identifying efficiencies, 

focus attention on achievement and innovation, and 

move more quickly to spread best practices throughout 

the organization.

Performance measures are also generated through 

application of OMB’s Program Assessment Rating 

Tool (PART). The PART was developed by OMB to 

assess the effectiveness of Federal programs and 

help inform management actions, budget requests, 

and legislative proposals directed at achieving results. 

The PART examines various factors that contribute 

to the effectiveness of a program and requires that 

conclusions be explained and substantiated with 

evidence. The PART assesses if and how program 

evaluation is used to inform program planning and to 

corroborate program results.

Highlighted in the Management Discussion and 

Analysis section, USGS performance data and 

accomplishments are further expanded in this section 

to include all performance measures that were used 

to request funding and to match achievement of these 

metrics against the targets that were set on enactment 

of the appropriation. USGS outcomes and measures 

focus on providing science to customers for solving 

the Nation’s complex land- and resource -management 

problems and to minimize the loss of life and property 

from natural disasters. The ultimate outcome related to 

providing scientific information is that our customers 

and partners have the information with which to make 

informed decisions. Performance measures serve as 

stepping stones to the goal and the outcome, keeping 

the program on track, on time, and within budget.

Summary Performance Result

The PART performance measures and their 

performance results are included with the strategic 

plan measures within the tables to follow. The 

following legend applies:

▼ Target Not Met

▲ Target Exceeded

√ Target Met
Performance Data and Analysis

38 Performance Measure Results

Each analysis of results begins with Target Met; Target 

Not Met; or Target Exceeded. USGS is applying the 

Department’s 5 percent threshold in determining the 

result, which dictates that if the result is within 5 

percent of the target performance, this generates a 

“goal met” rating. The summary result for values that 

are less than 95 percent or more than 105 percent of 

the target must be either Target Not Met or Target 

Exceeded, respectively.

The Department’s Strategic Plan is available at the 

following address: http://www.doi.gov/ppp/strat_plan_

fy2003_2008.pdf

Department of the Interior

MISSION AND OUTCOME GOALS

P

A

R

T

N

E

R

S

H

I

P

S

M

A

N

A

G

E

M

E

N

T

Resource Use

• Manage or Influence Resource Use to Enhance 

Public Benefit, Promote Responsible Use, and 

Ensure Optimal Value

• Deliver Water and Generate Hydropower, 

Consistent with Applicable Federal and State Law, 

in an Environmentally Responsible and Cost 

Efficient Manner

Recreation

• Provide for a Quality Recreation Experience, 

Including Access and Enjoyment of Natural and 

Cultural Resources on DOI Managed and 

Partnered Lands and Waters

• Provide for and Receive Fair Value in Recreation

Resource Protection

• Improve the Health of Watersheds, Landscapes, 

and Marine Resources that are DOI Managed or 

Influenced in a Manner Consistent with 

Obligations Regarding the Allocation and Use of 

Water

• Sustain Desired Biological Communities on DOI 

Managed and Influenced Lands and Waters in a 

Manner Consistent with Obligations Regarding 

the Allocation and Use of Water

• Protect Cultural and Natural Heritage Resources

S C I E N C E

Serving Communities

• Protect Lives, Resources and Property

• Advance Knowledge Through Scientific 

Leadership and Inform Decisions Through the 

Applications of Science

• Fulfill Indian Fiduciary Trust Responsibilities 

• Advance Quality Communities for Tribes and 

Alaska Natives

• Increase Economic Self-Sufficiency of Insular 

Areas

How We Performed in FY2006:

USGS met or exceeded 100 percent of the performance 

measures monitoring during FY2006. Summary results 

for these measures are presented at right.

For the most part, the measures not met resulted from 

diversion of efforts to disaster-related data collection 

for multiple catastrophic events and changing priorities 

of partners who contribute data. Planned data 

collection will resume when immediate priorities are 

met.

This structure depicts the four mission areas of the Department and the supporting pillars of partnerships and management. Science is presented as the 

foundation for informed resource-management decisions.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 39

Summary of How We Performed in FY2006:

√ Targets Met = 92 ▼ Targets Not Met = 9 ▲ Targets Exceeded = 49 ■ Targets Rebaselined = 4

End Outcome Goal

Total 

Number of 

Measures

Number of 

Measures 

Met

Number of 

Measures 

Exceeded

Number of 

Measures 

Not Met

Number of 

Measures 

Rebaselined

Resource Protection: Protect the Nation’s Natural, Cultural, and Heritage Resources

Improve the health of watersheds, 

landscapes, and marine resources that are 

DOI-managed or -influenced in a manner 

consistent with obligations regarding the 

allocation and use of water.

10 5 4 1 0

Sustain biological communities on DOImanaged and -influenced lands and waters 

in a manner consistent with obligations 

regarding the allocation and use of water.

15 10 4 1 0

Total 25 15 8 2 0

Resource Use: Manage Resources to Promote Responsible Use and Sustain a Dynamic 

Economy

Energy – Manage or influence resource 

use to enhance public benefit, promote 

responsible use, and ensure optimal value.

10 5 5 0 0

Non-energy minerals – Manage or influence 

resource use to enhance public benefit, 

promote responsible use, and ensure optimal 

value.

11 9 2 0 0

Total 21 14 7 0 0

Serving Communities: Safeguard Lives, Property, and Assets; Advance Scientific 

Knowledge; and Improve the Quality of Life for the Communities We Serve

Protect lives, resources, and property. 24 18 5 1 0

Advance knowledge through scientific 

leadership and inform decisions through the 

application of science.

84 45 29 6 4

Total 108 63 34 7 4

In the following pages, we present each of our performance measures with historical and current year results in 

relationship to their applicable GPRA and end outcome goals. For those measures that did not meet expected results, 

comments are provided immediately following the tables depicting performance measure results. Highlights of 

significant accomplishments illustrating our work performed are also included in the following pages.
Performance Data and Analysis

40 Performance Measure Results

Resource Protection: Protect the Nation’s Natural, Cultural, and Heritage Resources

End Outcome Goal:

Improve the health of watersheds, landscapes, and marine resources that are DOI-managed or -influenced in a 

manner consistent with obligations regarding the allocation and use of water.

√ Targets Met = 5 ▼ Targets Not Met = 1 ▲ Targets Exceeded = 4

Intermediate Outcome: Restore and maintain proper functions to watersheds and landscape

1 Restore Fire Adapted Ecosystems: Percentage 

satisfaction with scientific and technical products (DOI 

strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

97% 100% 100% ≥ 80% 96%

▲ Target Exceeded. A different set of products is sampled each year; one year’s aggregate measurement is not directly 

linked to the previous year. The intent is to maintain at least an 80 percent satisfaction level (i.e. 80% or greater is the 

target).

Intermediate Outcome: Improve information base, information management, and technical assistance

2 Forge Effective Partnerships: Satisfaction score 

(number score) on resource protection partnerships 

(DOI strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

97% 97% 94% ≥ 80% 91%

▲ Target Exceeded. A different set of products is sampled each year; one year’s aggregate measurement is not directly 

linked to the previous year. The intent is to maintain at least an 80 percent satisfaction level (i.e. 80% or greater is the 

target).

3 Percentage improvement in detectability limits for 

selected high-priority environmentally available 

chemical analyses (PART Efficiency measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a n/a 6% 6%

√ Target Met.

4 Customer Satisfaction: Percentage satisfaction with 

scientific and technical products and assistance 

to support decisions regarding improving health of 

watersheds, landscapes, and marine resources that 

are satisfied (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 97% 96% ≥ 90% 91%

√ Target Met.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 41

5 Percentage of targeted science products that are used 

by partners for species, habitat, land management, 

and/or regulatory decisionmaking

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a 60% 60% 86.9%

▲ Target Exceeded. Actual is first time sampled through surveys; further target refinement is likely.

6 Quality: Percentage of watershed and landscaperelated research studies validated through appropriate 

peer review or independent review (DOI strategic plan 

key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

√ Target Met.

7 Facilities Condition: Conservation and biological 

research facilities are in fair to good condition as 

measured by the Facilities Condition Index (lower FCI is 

good) 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a .24 .24 .24 .24

√ Target Met.

Performance Outputs:

8 Average cost per sample for selected high-priority 

environmentally available chemical analysis (PART 

Efficiency measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a $700 $700 $680

√ Target Met.

9 Number of systematic analyses and investigations 

delivered to customers

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

151 111 373 201 311

▲ Target Exceeded. Improved definition, verification, and validation. Redefined baseline, FY2007 target will be adjusted.

10 Number of formal workshops or training provided to 

customers

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

63 20 98 30 20

▼ Target Not Met. Reprioritized for additional Avian Flu workshops in support of the Serving Communities/Protect Lives 

Resources and Property goal.
Performance Data and Analysis

42 Performance Measure Results

What is Normal? Answers for Endocrine Disruption in 

Fish 

In FY2006, USGS published the results of a large 

national reconnaissance investigation of endocrine 

biomarkers in fish. The USGS measured multiple 

markers of reproductive function in largemouth bass 

and common carp in over 3,500 fish at 119 sites to 

determine their suitability for assessing reproductiveendocrine function in studies nationwide. The 

investigation summarized variation in biological 

markers by season, species, size, gender, and 

geographic region. The Internet-based report will 

provide DOI bureaus and other Federal and State 

agencies with valuable baseline data for distinguishing 

region-specific “normal” and “abnormal” endocrine 

measurements for a range of site conditions.

Accomplishments

Conservation and Carbon Sequestration in Natural and 

Restored Wetlands

An important DOI activity in the Prairie Pothole Region 

(PPR) and in the Lower Mississippi Valley (LMV) is the 

restoration of wetlands and adjacent upland habitats. 

Sites restored generally are previously farmed areas 

where native habitats were converted to facilitate 

the production of agricultural crops. While the goal of 

DOI has traditionally been to provide habitats for fish 

and wildlife, these restoration projects also have an 

important effect on storage or sequestration of carbon 

and emissions of greenhouse gases in the United 

States. Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions through 

terrestrial carbon sequestration is a national priority. 

Thus, DOI land managers need to identify specific 

restoration techniques that maximize greenhouse gas 

mitigation, while also meeting traditional conservation, 

wildlife habitat, and ecosystem objectives.

USGS research evaluating DOI and U.S. Department 

of Agriculture (USDA) wetland restoration activities 

in the PPR and the LMV has quantified the influence 

of land-use change on ecosystem services, identified 

environmental factors controlling carbon sequestration 

and greenhouse gas emissions, and provided 

recommendations and decision support tools to 

maximize greenhouse gas benefits that are consistent 

with DOI goals for habitat conservation and restoration. 

The USGS reached several important milestones in 

this project. The “Conservation Reserve Program and 

Wetland Reserve Program Ecosystem Service Report,” 

compiled in collaboration with USDA, quantified 

ecosystem services derived from agriculture lands 

enrolled in these two programs. In collaboration with 

the Plains CO2 Reduction Partnership, USGS developed 

a database to estimate the regional potential of 

restored wetlands to sequester carbon in the U.S. and 

Canada. Finally, USGS was instrumental in developing 

the North Dakota Farmers Union Carbon Credit Program 

through the research and conferences sponsored by 

USGS. 

Largemouth bass taken in the Illinois River. (Photo by Paul T. Raibley)
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 43

Resource Protection: Protect the Nation’s Natural, Cultural, and Heritage Resources

End Outcome Goal:

Sustain biological communities on DOI-managed and -influenced lands and waters in a manner consistent with 

obligations regarding the allocation and use of water.

√ Targets Met = 10 ▼ Targets Not Met = 1 ▲ Targets Exceeded = 4

Intermediate Outcome: Improve information base, information management, and technical assistance

11 Forge Effective Partnerships: Satisfaction score 

(number score) on biological research partnerships 

(DOI strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

97% 98% 100% ≥ 80% 83%

√ Target Met.

12 Customer Satisfaction: Percentage satisfaction with 

scientific and technical products and assistance to 

support decisions regarding sustaining biological 

communities that are satisfied (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 98% 87% ≥ 90% 91%

√ Target Met.

13 Percentage of targeted invasive species for which 

scientific information and decision support models 

are available to improve early detection (including 

risk assessments) and invasive species management 

(PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a 51.6% 51.6% 51.6%

√ Target Met.

14 Percentage of targeted science products that are used 

by partners for species, habitat, land management, 

and/or regulatory decisionmaking (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a 60% 60% 86.9%

▲ Target Exceeded. Actual is first time sampled through surveys; further target refinement likely.

15 Quality: Percentage of biological research studies 

validated through appropriate peer review or 

independent review (DOI strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

√ Target Met.
Performance Data and Analysis

44 Performance Measure Results

16 Percentage of North American migratory birds for 

which scientific information on their status (species 

distribution and number) and trend are available to 

inform and improve conservation (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a 26% 26% 26%

√ Target Met.

17 Percentage of targeted fish and aquatic populations 

for which information is available regarding limiting 

factors, including migratory barriers, critical habitat for 

at-risk species, and effects of disturbance (fire, flood, 

and nutrient enrichment) (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a n/a 31% 31%

√ Target Met.

18 Increase long-term precision (decrease bias) for 

existing species monitored through the Breeding Bird 

Survey to enable a detection of 50% population decline 

of relevant species within 20 years (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a .0008 .0008 .0008

√ Target Met.

19 Percentage of CRU students that work on subsequent 

fish and wildlife science advanced degrees or obtain 

employment in the fish and wildlife or other natural 

resources field, within targeted dates post-graduation

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a n/a baseline 95%

√ Target Met.

20 Percentage of targeted science products that are used 

by cooperators and partners for species, habitat, or 

land management and/or regulatory decisionmaking 

within targeted dates following study completion (PART 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 98% 87% ≥ 90% 100%

▲ Target Exceeded. Actual is first time sampled through surveys; further target refinement likely.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 45

21 Percentage of focal migratory bird populations for 

which scientific information is available to support 

resource management decisionmaking (USGS in 

coordination with FWS) (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a n/a baseline 0

▼ Target Not Met. Collaborative development of targets to be completed in FY2007 per PART improvement plan.

22 Facilities Condition: Conservation and biological 

research facilities are in fair-to-good condition as 

measured by the Facilities Condition Index (lower FCI is 

good) (DOI strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a .19 .19 .19 .19

√ Target Met.

Performance Outputs:

23 Number of systematic analyses and investigations 

delivered to customers

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

796 848 1,177 876 1,299

▲ Target Exceeded. Improved definition, verification, and validation. Redefined baseline, FY2007 target will be adjusted.

24 Number of formal workshops or training provided to 

customers

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

97 56 174 56 132

▲ Target Exceeded. Improved definition, verification, and validation. Redefined baseline, FY2007 target will be adjusted.

25 Number of students who completed degree 

requirements for MS, PhD, and post-doctoral programs 

under the direction and mentorship of CRU Scientists

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 106 100 100 103

√ Target Met.
Performance Data and Analysis

46 Performance Measure Results

and by 1999 dropped to 66 percent of the 1980 

benchmark levels. This decline stimulated ratification 

of the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, a 

partnership for quail recovery supported by multiple 

State agencies and legislation in the 2002 Farm Bill. 

In the Southeast, restoration of northern bobwhites 

is often associated with restoration of longleaf pine 

savannah. These forested grasslands are important to 

several threatened and endangered species including 

the red-cockaded woodpecker, eastern indigo snake, 

green pitcher plant, and species of concern, such 

as Bachman’s sparrow and gopher tortoise. Integral 

to the restoration of this ecosystem is the use of 

prescribed fire during spring and summer, which better 

mimics the natural wildfire season in the southeastern 

coastal plain. Game bird enthusiasts often question the 

use of prescribed fire during this, the nesting season 

for ground-nesting birds, such as northern bobwhites.

The Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research 

Unit worked with USGS, the Alabama Department 

of Conservation and Natural Resources, the USDA 

Forest Service, and a local Quail Unlimited Chapter 

to conduct a 3-year study of the effects of prescribed 

fires during the growing season on the demographics 

of northern bobwhite populations on national forest 

lands. Using radio-telemetry data on over 300 marked 

quail, investigators determined that, while productivity 

of quail in areas burned during the growing season was 

lower than anticipated, it was offset by their higher 

survival rate. This survival rate was further enhanced 

by the presence of unburned plantings within the 

Accomplishments

Breeding Bird Survey - 40 Years of Science-Based 

Avian Conservation

Counting birds since 1966, the USGS North American 

Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is widely recognized as the 

foundation of non-game, avian conservation in the U.S. 

and Canada. Over 2,400 highly skilled observers sample 

3,000 routes annually, representing more than a twofold increase in BBS participation since the program 

began. Cumulatively, 7,800 people, mostly all volunteers, 

have participated in the BBS. In sampling over 82,000 

routes, observers have identified and counted over 66 

million birds representing 680 species. Through this 

scientifically rigorous, roadside sampling protocol, 

the BBS provides long-term, large-scale population 

trend data for over 400 bird species. These data are 

used by the FWS, the Canadian Wildlife Service, State 

conservation agencies, Partners in Flight, and the North 

American Bird Conservation Initiative to set national 

and regional avian conservation priorities.

Cooperative Northern Bobwhite Studies in Alabama

Quail hunting is popular throughout the Southeastern 

United States. However, populations of northern 

bobwhites, the common quail of the Southeast, 

have been in steady decline for at least 4 decades 

Adult female northern bobwhite quail. (Photo by J.A. Spendelow)

Scientist near an excellent breeding habitat in Savoy, Massachusetts on the 

BBS route.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 47

burned areas. These findings are presently being 

incorporated into management plans for national forest 

lands and State wildlife management areas in Alabama 

by biologists from the USDA Forest Service and the 

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural 

Resources. These and other results from this study are 

reported in one dissertation and several manuscripts 

submitted for peer-reviewed journals. 

Innovative Management and Control Techniques for 

Asian Carps

Bighead and silver carps were imported into the 

United States in the early 1970s for use in aquaculture 

production of food fishes and biological control of 

plankton in aquaculture ponds, reservoirs, and sewage 

treatment lagoons. The carps escaped confinement 

and are now well established with reproducing 

populations in much of the Mississippi River Basin. 

Asian carps have the potential to compete with native 

fishes, disrupt aquatic food webs, and transmit disease 

pathogens. 

The USGS completed a Biological Synopsis and 

Environmental Risk Assessment summarizing the 

biology and current and potential distribution of the 

genus Hypophthalmichthys. The assessment presented 

the current state of knowledge regarding the potential 

ecological impacts associated with the spread 

of these carps, control measures, and applicable 

regulations. The FWS is using this information as part 

of its evaluation of silver and bighead carps under the 

Injurious Wildlife provisions of the Lacey Act. USGS 

scientists recently organized a 2-day symposium 

in Peoria, Illinois, showcasing the current status of 

the understanding of the science of bighead, silver, 

grass, and black carp biology and management. USGS 

scientists also recently determined that bighead 

and silver carps spawn for longer periods of time 

than previously thought. Additionally, they have 

completed toxicity tests to determine the sensitivity of 

silver and bighead carps to the pesticides rotenone 

and antimycin, and evaluated the efficacy of alarm 

pheromones to repel Asian carps. This information 

and tools allow State and Federal managers to better 

manage established silver and bighead populations 

and to curb the spread of these fish through the 

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and other interbasin 

waterways. 

Bighead carp captured by FWS employee.
Performance Data and Analysis

48 Performance Measure Results

Resource Use: Manage Resources to Promote Responsible Use and Sustain a Dynamic 

Economy

End Outcome Goal: 

Energy – Manage or influence resource use to enhance public benefit, promote responsible use, and ensure optimal 

value.

√ Targets Met = 5 ▼ Targets Not Met = 0 ▲ Targets Exceeded = 5

Intermediate Outcome: Improve information base, information management, and technical assistance

26 Baseline Information: Number of targeted basins 

with oil and gas resource assessments available to 

support management decisions (DOI strategic plan key 

measure and PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

7 5 7 6 6

√ Target Met.

27 Quality & Utility of Information: Percentage of 

accessible data 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

95% 95% 96% ≥ 80% 93%

▲ Target Exceeded. A different set of products is sampled each year; one year’s aggregate measurement is not directly 

linked to the previous year. The intent is to maintain at least an 80 percent satisfaction level (i.e. 80% or greater is the 

target).

28 Percentage satisfaction with scientific and technical 

products and assistance for energy resources

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

93% 93% 95% ≥ 80% 96%

▲ Target Exceeded. A different set of products is sampled each year; one year’s aggregate measurement is not directly 

linked to the previous year. The intent is to maintain at least an 80 percent satisfaction level (i.e. 80% or greater is the 

target).

29 Quality and Utility of Information: Percentage of 

studies validated through appropriate peer review or 

independent review (DOI strategic plan key measure 

and PART measure) 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

√ Target Met.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 49

Performance Outputs:

30 Number of systematic analyses and investigations 

delivered to customers

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

7 5 7 5 5

√ Target Met.

31 Number of formal workshops or training provided to 

customers

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

9 8 8 7 7

√ Target Met.

32 Percentage of targeted analyses/investigations 

delivered which are cited by identified partners within 

3 years of delivery (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 80% 86% ≥ 80% 82%

√ Target Met.

33 Average cost of a systematic analysis or investigation 

(PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

$2.75M $2.2M $2.73M $2.75M $1.98M

▲ Target Exceeded. Average unit cost of a systematic analysis was less than the target value. The scope of the Alaska 

North Slope research activities in FY2006 was reduced, due to the completion of the Central North Slope assessment in 

the previous year. As a result, program resources placed greater emphasis on research activities in the Lower 48 states, 

resulting in a comparable output with lower associated unit costs. Research in the Alaska North Slope typically incurs 

higher relative costs due to the remote locations, travel logistics, and other factors.

34 Number of annual gigabytes collected 2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a .745 97.793 20.038 158.048

▲ Target Exceeded. The rate of seismic data recovery was accelerated in order to meet high-priority research and 

assessment needs and ensure the timely completion and delivery of research and assessment products for the program.

35 Number of cumulative gigabytes managed 2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

2.713 211.458 351.289 371.327 509.338

▲ Target Exceeded. Because data added to the database in FY2006 exceeded the target, so does the data in need of 

management.
Performance Data and Analysis

50 Performance Measure Results

Accomplishments

Energy/Technical Assistance–Gas Hydrates Research

The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), 

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government 

of India approached the USGS to provide technical 

expertise and cooperate in the study of Indian gas 

hydrate resources. Over a series of meetings in 

FY2006, the USGS provided technical expertise and 

training to key Indian, U.S., and international research 

collaborators and stakeholders, culminating in the 

planning and completion of a jointly led research 

cruise that studied, drilled, and sampled gas hydrates, 

and collected data from 21 sites located along the 

continental margin of India. 

In addition to the work accomplished before (site 

location of potential hydrate-bearing zones from 

seismic data) and onboard the cruise (geophysical 

logging, core recovery, sample analysis), the joint 

science team has collected an unprecedented number 

of samples and data for analysis that will serve as 

the foundation for ongoing and future collaborative 

research by an international team of experts in 

microbiology, sedimentology, geochemistry, and 

numerous other disciplines. These data will further 

our knowledge and understanding of gas hydrates 

immeasurably.

National Oil and Gas Resources

During FY2006, the USGS completed oil and gas 

resource assessments for the following U.S. areas: 

Hanna, Laramie, and Shirley Basins, Wind River 

Basin, and the Eastern Oregon and Washington 

Province. Information from these assessments 

supports national priorities legislated in the Energy 

Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) Amendments of 

2000 and the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Specifically, 

these assessments support the EPCA Inventory, which 

outlines onshore Federal oil and gas resources and 

the constraints to their development. The inventory 

is developed in collaboration with several Federal 

agencies, including the BLM, USDA Forest Service, 

Department of Energy (DOE), and Energy Information 

Administration.

Assessing Alaska’s Energy Resources 

Coalbed gas now accounts for almost 10 percent of 

the natural gas production in the United States, yet 

much remains to be studied about this important energy 

source. In rural Alaska, where the need for affordable 

energy sources is particularly acute because costly 

diesel fuel must be delivered by barge or plane, and 

tank leakage and pollution associated with diesel 

fuel pose significant health concerns, coalbed gas 

resources could become important to meeting 

local energy resource needs. USGS scientists have 

recently completed an assessment of undiscovered 

coalbed gas resources on the North Slope of Alaska. 

A mean estimate of undiscovered, technically 

recoverable resources indicates a potential for about 

18 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of coalbed gas. This study 

represents the first detailed assessment by the USGS 

of undiscovered coalbed gas resources beneath the 

North Slope. This research facilitates the development 

of environmentally friendly, affordable energy 

resources to sustain remote communities, and supports 

partnership activities with the BLM, DOE, and State of 

Alaska, and Native Corporations. 

Gas hydrates.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 51

Northern Afghanistan Oil and Gas Assessment

A USGS assessment of the petroleum resources 

of northern Afghanistan, done in cooperation with 

Afghan Ministry of Mines and Industry, and funded by 

the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, determined 

that the petroleum resource of northern Afghanistan 

is significantly greater than previously believed. The 

estimates increased the oil resources by 18 times 

and more than tripled the natural gas resources. 

Undiscovered petroleum resources in the assessed 

region of northern Afghanistan consist of about 36.5 

trillion cubic feet of natural gas and approximately 3.6 

billion barrels of oil. Natural gas liquids are estimated 

at about 1.3 million barrels. Results of the assessment 

can be found at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3031/ and 

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2006/1253/. 

The resource estimates were based on detailed 

studies of geochemistry, petroleum geology, and 

tectonics of the country, combined with analysis of 

previous exploration efforts. The assessment effort 

included the training of Afghan Ministry of Mines and 

Industry counterparts by USGS scientists to update 

their petroleum geology, geochemistry, log analyses, 

seismic interpretation, computer and GIS, and oil and 

gas assessment skills. This assessment is designed to 

provide information required by the Afghan Government 

for policymaking regarding resource development. 

These results are the first publicly available estimates 

of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas 

resources for Afghanistan, follow standard USGS 

methodology and protocol, and provide the basis for 

lease block designation and information required 

to attract the interest of oil and gas exploration 

companies. 

Map of Afghanistan.

Alaska North Slope illustration.
Performance Data and Analysis

52 Performance Measure Results

Resource Use: Manage Resources to Promote Responsible Use and Sustain a Dynamic 

Economy

End Outcome Goal:

Non-energy minerals – Manage or influence resource use to enhance public benefit, promote responsible use, and 

ensure optimal value.

√ Targets Met = 9 ▼ Targets Not Met = 0 ▲ Targets Exceeded = 2

Intermediate Outcome: Improve information base, information management, and technical assistance

36 Baseline Information: Average square miles of the 

United States with non-energy mineral information 

available to support management decisions (DOI 

strategic plan key measure and PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

2,368,794 2,401,329 3,097,647 3,332,038 3,318,208

√ Target Met.

37 Quality & Utility of Information: Percentage of U. S. 

with geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral 

locality data (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

67% 68% 87% 94% 94%

√ Target Met.

38 Percentage satisfaction with scientific and technical 

products and assistance for mineral resources

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

84% 84% 100% 84% 99%

▲ Target Exceeded. A different set of products is sampled each year; one year’s aggregate measurement is not directly 

linked to the previous year. The intent is to maintain at least an 80 percent satisfaction level (i.e. 80% or greater is the 

target).

39 Quality & Utility of Information: Percentage of mineral 

studies validated through appropriate peer review or 

independent review (DOI strategic plan key measure 

and PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

√ Target Met.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 53

Performance Outputs:

40 Number of systematic analyses and investigations 

delivered to customers (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

4 5 3 6 6

√ Target Met.

41 Number of cumulative gigabytes managed 2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

1.818 15.420 16.131 16.221 16.221

√ Target Met.

42 Number of formal workshops or training provided to 

customers (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

9 8 8 8 8

√ Target Met.

43 Number of mineral commodity reports available for 

decisions (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 733 746 720 690

√ Target Met.

44 Percentage of expected responses for which canvas 

forms have been converted to electronic format (PART 

measure) 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

80% 80% 87% 88% 88%

√ Target Met.

45 Percentage of targeted analyses/investigations 

delivered that are cited by identified partners within 3 

years of delivery (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 58% 81% ≥ 80% 93%

▲ Target Exceeded. More partners than anticipated responded as having used the analyses within the reporting 

timeframe.

46 Average cost of a systematic analysis or investigation 

(PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

$4.125M $4.31M $4.18M $4.4M $4.3M

√ Target Met.
Performance Data and Analysis

54 Performance Measure Results

Accomplishments

Alaska: Understanding Connections between 

Minerals and Petroleum Resources on Federal Lands

The large endowment of mineral and energy resources 

in the Brooks Range of Alaska suggests that the scale 

of the fluid flow and flux of metals and petroleum in the 

sedimentary basins was vast. A recently completed 

project examined why and how the world-class 

deposits of zinc, barite, phosphate, and petroleum were 

formed. The multidisciplinary studies demonstrate that 

coupling of many processes resulted in the formation 

of the large deposits of zinc, barite, and phosphate 

in the Brooks Range. The processes that led to the 

formation of barite were not independent of those 

that formed phosphate or zinc, but rather the deposits 

were enhanced (demonstrated by the higher grade and 

larger quantities of the commodities) by simultaneous 

processes. Direct evidence that rocks deposited in 

deep water were a source for some North Slope oils 

and that hydrocarbon migration occurred in the same 

rocks that host the phosphate deposits also resulted 

from the studies. 

The research, supported by both the Mineral 

Resources Program (MRP) and the Energy Resources 

Program, demonstrates the vitality that multidisciplinary 

collaboration can bring to the understanding of the 

complex relationships between mineral and energy 

resources. Ensuring the availability of up-to-date 

quantitative assessments of potential for undiscovered 

mineral deposits is a fundamental goal of the MRP. 

Metallogeny of the Great Basin: Crustal Evolution, 

Fluid Flow, and Ore Deposits

The Great Basin physiographic province in Nevada and 

portions of neighboring States currently is the second 

largest gold producing area in the world. It also is host 

to world-class base-metal deposits, a variety of other 

metallic and industrial mineral resources, as well as 

petroleum and geothermal energy resources. Although 

the area has been the focus of many studies over the 

past century, new techniques that utilize Geographic 

Information Systems (GIS) and geoinformatic tools 

to organize and display legacy data have provided 

researchers with new ways to synthesize and 

reinterpret geologic, geophysical, geochemical, and 

hydrologic information in space and time. 

This, in combination with ongoing research on specific 

aspects of the geologic history and ore deposits, has 

resulted in new insights into the interplay between 

key tectonic events, hydrothermal fluid flow, and ore 

genesis in the Great Basin. The databases, geologic 

maps, sections, reconstructions, and hydrogeologic 

models produced as part of this project are 

valuable products in their own right. The increased 

understanding of relationships between ore deposits, 

mineral belts, and the geologic evolution of the Great 

Basin represents cutting edge research on the main 

mining and exploration areas in the region that will be 

extremely useful to industry and land-use managers in 

Federal, State, and local agencies. 

The increased understanding of when, where, and 

how hydrothermal systems operate and interact with 

local factors to produce significant ore deposits for 

particular commodities is also useful in the evaluation 

of similar terrains and deposit types in other parts of 

the world. 

Diatoms that formed 15 million years ago in a lake near Carlin, Nevada, 

as seen through a high-powered microscope.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 55

Freshwater Diatomite Deposits Identified in the 

Western United States

Widely used for filtration, absorption, and abrasives, 

diatom-rich sediments contain the Nation’s largest 

commercial diatomite deposits. In 2004, the United 

States accounted for approximately 30 percent of 

world diatomite production. New studies by USGS MRP 

scientists reveal how ancient lakes in the Western 

States produced large numbers of diatoms, a type 

of single-celled algae found in lakes, streams, and 

oceans. Diatom accumulations in some lakes occurred 

over thousands of years, producing a thick layer called 

diatomite. But the formation of a diatomite deposit in 

a freshwater lake requires that many processes take 

place in and adjacent to the lake. The absence of one 

or more of these processes can limit or prevent the 

growth of diatoms and thus the formation of a thick 

diatomite deposit. 

In fact, far more freshwater lake sediments in the 

Western States do not contain diatomite deposits, 

or contain only small deposits, than contain deposits 

of commercial value. Identifying the processes that 

formed economically large diatomite deposits was 

an important facet of the MRP-funded research. 

Because many diatomite deposits may be present on 

public lands in the west, the results of this research 

is of use to both Federal and non-Federal land-use 

managers in the evaluation of diatomite resources. 

The results also further knowledge about ancient 

climate (“paleoclimate”) and landscape evolution in 

the Western States and have important applications 

to studies of ground water and other types of mineral 

deposits. 

Industrial Minerals in the Eastern United States

Industrial mineral production in the Eastern United 

States is significant and the arrangement, distribution, 

and genesis of industrial mineral commodities 

and deposit types are important to infrastructure 

development and maintenance, agriculture, recreation, 

industry, and mitigation of environmental problems. 

The diverse set of commodities we call industrial 

minerals are being used increasingly in novel and 

unconventional applications. Research supported by 

the MRP has resulted in the development of geologic, 

geophysical, and statistical methods and models 

to predict the occurrence, grades, and tonnages of 

industrial minerals, such as garnet, talc, sand and 

gravel, building stone, and aggregate. 

Garnet, for example, is a gemstone as well as an 

industrial mineral used in abrasive airblasting, abrasive 

coatings, filtration media, waterjet cutting, and 

grinding. Recent MRP-supported studies aid in the 

identification of garnet source rocks, types of garnet, 

and determination of the optimal use for a garnet 

resource. The results of the research in the Northeast 

on industrial minerals has proved useful to regional 

land-use managers from the NPS, BLM, U.S. Forest 

Service (USFS), and the National Academy of Science 

Transportation Research Board. 

1mm

A

Figure 6

Photograph showing garnet rsources suitable for a variety of industrial and recreational uses, including abrasive industry,recreational

mining, and as gemstones. In the Eastern United States, garnet

resources occur in New York state,North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and

Arkansas. Data on mineral chemistry,weathering characteristics, and

bulk chemistry for use in determining appropriate uses for the garnet

resources. Photograph by N. Foley,taken SEptember, 2004)

Garnets suitable for a variety of uses including both as an abrasive and 

as a gemstone. In the Eastern United States, garnet has been mined in 

New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas. Data on mineral 

chemistry, weathering characteristics, and bulk chemistry made available 

by MRP scientists, can be used to determine appropriate uses for the 

garnet resources. Photograph by N. Foley.
Performance Data and Analysis

56 Performance Measure Results

Three-Dimensional Model Shows Distribution of 

Hydrothermally Altered Rocks on Mount Adams, 

Washington

Stratovolcanoes, such as those that constitute the 

Cascade Range in Washington, Oregon, and Northern 

California, can be weakened by migration and 

circulation of hot fluids from deep below the surface. 

This process is called hydrothermal alteration and can 

be particularly damaging when clay-rich altered rocks 

are later saturated with water. 

The likelihood of catastrophic collapse increases with 

the presence of weakened altered rocks. The collapse 

of the volcano edifice, in turn, can trigger destructive 

debris flows that are known to extend long distances 

from the volcano. Because hydrothermally altered 

rocks are an integral component of many mineral 

deposits, the MRP has long supported research to 

study them. Newly completed research demonstrates 

that the information acquired can also be used to aid 

evaluation of volcanic hazards. 

At Mount Adams, Washington, a dormant stratovolcano 

in the Cascade Range, hydrothermal alteration is 

ongoing and new high-resolution geophysical data 

over the edifice of the volcano, combined with 

geologic mapping and rock property measurements, 

have been used to build a three-dimensional model 

of hydrothermally altered rocks. Altered rocks are 

postulated to extend to depths greater than 1,000 m 

beneath the summit and to encompass more than 1.5 

km3 total volume of material in the central core north of 

the summit. 

The three-dimensional model can be used to 

understand hydrothermal alteration and mineraldeposit-forming processes, as well as to aid in the 

evaluation of the debris avalanche hazard associated 

with hydrothermal alteration and in quantitative models 

of slope stability for hazards assessments conducted 

by the Volcano Hazards Program (VHP) and used by a 

variety of local planners in the region. 

Complex Systems Theory Applied to Basin Studies in 

the Southwest United States 

Complex systems theory allows scientists to model 

systems by considering entities as “agents” that 

interact with each other and their surroundings in 

time and space. When we observe the ensemble of 

interactions at various scales, unexpected behavior 

often occurs that is called “emergent behavior” or 

“self-organization.” Mineral deposits can be viewed as 

a case of complex system self organization. 

Basins in the southwestern part of the U.S. were 

chosen for the MRP-funded study because these 

basins are thought to host undiscovered mineral 

deposits and are a critical source of water for 

developing urban areas in the Southwest. Regional 

mapping of probable deep penetrative fracture systems 

on the Colorado Plateau in Arizona, supported in part 

by the NPS and the BOR, led to the development of 

a method for producing maps of probable recharge 

ability, taking into account the variation of deepfracture densities. The U.S. Army funded USGS 

View of the southwest side of Mount Adams showing hydrothermal 

alteration on the edifice (white and yellow areas near top of cone), the 

White Salmon glacier, and, in the foreground, the young debris flow known 

as the Salt Creek lahar (deposited less than 200 years before present) 

that contains abundant blocks of hydrothermally altered rocks derived 

from near the summit. The White Salmon glacier occupies a cirque 

formed by the collapse of hydrothermally altered rocks that produced 

debris flows that flowed down the White Salmon River in the past.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 57

scientists to conduct electromagnetic soundings 

surveys to map depth to water and clay content of 

basin fill sediments and to define water reservoir 

properties in support of long-term planning for their 

bases. The USFS has supported determinations of 

metal ion movement from developed and undeveloped 

mineral occurrences in surrounding mountains into the 

basins by ground water. 

Simple models of mine development using fuzzy 

cognitive maps demonstrate the extreme nonlinear response of development to factors such as 

environmental quality and nearby urban development, 

yielding surprising scenarios in which mining can 

coexist with urban development and environmentally 

sound quality of life issues. Most important, these 

models allow development of robust methods for 

combining disparate datasets into models that can be 

objectively evaluated for many land-use scenarios. 

Geophysical Techniques Help the Aggregate Industry

Scientists from the MRP collaborated with two major 

U.S. aggregate producers and with the Indiana State 

Geological Survey to determine the best geophysical 

methods to use for the characterization of sand 

and gravel deposits. Studies were conducted to 

compare five well-established and well-tested 

surface geophysical techniques. Because aggregate 

commonly is developed in or near urbanized areas, 

methods were chosen that were able to minimize 

the effects of cultural features, such as buildings, 

road traffic, radio transmitters, fences, buried 

utilities, surface power lines, and construction and 

manufacturing equipment. 

Interpretations of electrical resistivity surveys collected over a sand and 

gravel deposit. These show the distribution of grain size from very fine 

clay and silt (blue to green) through the coarser sand and gravel (red to 

black).
Performance Data and Analysis

58 Performance Measure Results

Serving Communities: Safeguard Lives, Property, and Assets; Advance Scientific 

Knowledge; and Improve the Quality of Life for the Communities We Serve

End Outcome Goal:

Protect lives, resources, and property.

√ Targets Met = 18 ▼ Targets Not Met = 1 ▲ Targets Exceeded = 5

End Outcome Measure: Protect lives, resources, and property

47 Hazards: Percentage of communities using DOI 

science on hazard mitigation, preparedness, and 

avoidance for each hazard-management activity (DOI 

strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

39.5% 43.2% 44.6% 47.5% 47.5%

√ Target Met.

Intermediate Outcome: Improve public safety and security and protect public resources from damage

48 Facilities Condition: Buildings (administrative, 

employee housing) are in fair-to-good condition as 

measured by the Facilities Condition Index (FCI) (DOI 

strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a .20 .20 .20 .20

√ Target Met.

Intermediate Outcome: Provide information to assist communities in managing risks from natural hazards

49 Use Rate — Earthquakes: Percentage of communities 

using DOI science on hazard mitigation, preparedness, 

and avoidance for each hazard management activity 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

56.5% 62.7% 63.4% 63.9% 63.9%

√ Target Met.

50 Use Rate — Landslides: Percentage of communities 

using DOI science on hazard mitigation, preparedness, 

and avoidance for each hazard management activity 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

3.3% 3.7% 3.9% 4.4% 4.4%

√ Target Met.

51 Use Rate — Volcanoes: Percentage of communities 

using DOI science on hazard mitigation, preparedness, 

and avoidance for each hazard management activity 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

58.6% 63.3% 66.4% 74.2% 74.2%

√ Target Met.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 59

52 Use Rate — Landslide Hazards: Number of responses 

to inquiries from the public, educators, and public 

officials to the National Landslide Information Center 

on hazard mitigation, preparedness, and avoidance 

strategies for landslide hazards 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

1,600 1,600 5,200 1,600 1,600

√ Target Met.

53 Adequacy: Percentage of sampled stakeholders 

reporting adequacy of science base to inform 

decisionmaking for each hazard-management activity 

(volcanoes, earthquakes, etc.) (DOI strategic plan key 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

97% 98% 99% ≥ 80% 100%

▲ Target Exceeded. A different set of products is sampled each year; one year’s aggregate measurement is not directly 

linked to the previous year. The intent is to maintain at least an 80 percent satisfaction level (i.e. 80% or greater is the 

target).

Performance Outputs:

54 Number of risk/hazard assessments delivered to 

customers

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

4 3 6 6 4

▼ Target Not Met. Impacted by the eruption of the Augustine Volcano during 2006.

55 Percentage of earthquake monitoring global seismic 

network stations that have telemetry (increase 

reporting speed from one hour to 20 minutes)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 80% 86% 89% 89%

√ Target Met.

56 Number of real-time earthquake sensors (reported 

yearly and cumulative at the end of the year) (PART 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

46 (cum 

428)

95 (cum 

523)

40 (cum 

563)

106 (cum 

669)

133 (cum 

696)

▲ Target Exceeded. Rebaselined to earned-value management accounting to bring the performance reporting in line 

with the Exhibit 300 reporting to OMB. The number reflects work undertaken on station installation in FY2006.

57 Number of formal workshops or training provided to 

customers

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

13 14 21 13 15

▲ Target Exceeded. One additional Landslide and Geographic Seismic Network workshop to meet customer needs.
Performance Data and Analysis

60 Performance Measure Results

58 Number of formal workshops or training provided to 

customers (Avian Flu)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a n/a 3 16

▲ Target Exceeded. Increased number reflects reprioritization and evolving focus as compared to the start of the year.

59 Number of sites (mobile or fixed) monitored for ground 

deformation to identify volcanic activity 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

75 85 88 98 94

√ Target Met.

60 Number of urban areas for which detailed seismic 

hazard maps are completed (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

1 2 3 3 3

√ Target Met.

61 Number of areas or locations for which geophysical 

models exist that are used to interpret monitoring data 

(PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

3 4 4 1⁄3 4 2⁄3 4 2⁄3

√ Target Met.

62 Number of metropolitan regions where Shakemap 

is incorporated into emergency procedures (PART 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

4 5 5 5 5

√ Target Met.

63 Number of volcanoes for which information supports 

public-safety decisions (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

48 49 51 51 51

√ Target Met.

64 Percentage of potentially active volcanoes monitored 

(PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

66% 67% 72.9% 72.9% 72.9%

√ Target Met.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 61

65 Percentage of potentially hazardous volcanoes with 

published hazard assessments (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

61.4% 61.4% 62.8% 64.3% 64.3%

√ Target Met.

66 Number of counties, or comparable jurisdictions, that 

have adopted improved building codes, land-use plans, 

emergency response plans, or other hazard mitigation 

measures based on USGS earthquake-hazards 

information (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

503 559 565 569 569

√ Target Met.

67 Number of counties, or comparable jurisdictions, 

that have adopted improved building codes, land-use 

plans, emergency-response plans, or other hazardmitigation measures based on USGS landslide hazards 

information (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

60 68 71 80 80

√ Target Met.

68 Number of counties, or comparable jurisdictions, that 

have adopted improved building codes, land-use plans, 

emergency-response plans, or other hazard-mitigation 

measures based on USGS volcano-hazards information 

(PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

162 162 170 190 190

√ Target Met.

69 Percentage data availability for real-time data from the 

GSN (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

90% 90.5% 89% 90% 87.8%

√ Target Met.

70 Data processing and notification costs per unit volume 

of input data from earthquake sensors in monitoring 

networks (in cost per gigabyte) (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

1.007 

$k/Gb

.90 

$k/Gb

0.79 

$k/Gb

1.42 

$k/Gb

1.3 

$k/Gb

▲ Target Exceeded. FY2006 projected increased cost was due to increase in contractor. Higher than expected volume 

of data for FY2006 resulted in holding the average cost lower than anticipated.
Performance Data and Analysis

62 Performance Measure Results

Accomplishments

Development and Implementation of the Avian 

Influenza Surveillance Program 

Wild migratory birds, particularly waterfowl, are natural 

hosts of avian influenza viruses. A highly pathogenic 

avian influenza (HPAI) strain has become endemic 

in poultry in Southeast Asia, has spread to Russia 

and Eastern Europe, and has killed many people. The 

strain has also caused mortality in several species 

of migratory birds in Asia. The HPAI has not been 

detected in humans, poultry, or wild birds in North 

America; however, Alaska and corresponding areas of 

the Russian Far East are a unique area where migratory 

bird species mix during migrations to and from breeding 

and wintering grounds. Thus, if HPAI is carried to North 

America in migratory birds, the virus would most likely 

arrive first in Alaska. 

The USGS, in cooperation with the FWS, formed 

a national interagency working group and led the 

development of surveillance and detection strategies 

for sampling wild, live-caught birds; birds found 

during mortality events; domestic and sentinel bird 

species; and birds harvested by sport and subsistence 

hunters. This strategy is being used by Federal, State, 

and private organizations to protect the Nation from 

potential environmental, human health, and economic 

effects of HPAI. This information will be used to provide 

an early warning to the health, agriculture, and wildlife 

communities regarding the presence of avian influenza 

in wild birds and will provide time to implement 

biosecurity measures that will reduce the chances of 

the virus being passed to either people or poultry.

24/7 at the National Earthquake Information Center

 In January 2006, the National Earthquake Information 

Center (NEIC) began 24/7 operations. A major milestone 

for the developing Advanced National Seismic System 

(ANSS), round-the-clock operations were enabled 

by an increase in funding to the USGS as part of the 

President’s tsunami risk reduction initiative, built in 

response to the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster of 2004. 

Having 24/7 staff coverage will cut in half or better the 

reporting times for earthquakes worldwide. 

National Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Council 

(NEPEC) Re-established 

Due to the high level of interest in the field of 

earthquake prediction and forecasting, it is imperative 

that the USGS continue to provide scientific and 

public leadership, by evaluating proposed earthquake 

prediction methods, providing guidance to the 

government on appropriate public policy, and managing 

public expectations when earthquake predictions arise. 

To this end, USGS has re-established the NEPEC to 

provide the Director and the Nation with authoritative 

evaluations of proposed earthquake predictions by 

individuals and organizations within the United States 

and worldwide. The Council is established pursuant to 

Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 and furthers 

the objectives of Sec. 202 of the Disaster Relief Act of 

1974.

Seattle Urban Seismic and Landslide Hazard Maps

The USGS, working with State and local partners, 

is completing and releasing a suite of seismic 

and landslide hazard maps for the Seattle urban 

corridor. The USGS partnered with the City of Seattle, 

Washington and the University of Washington Pacific 

Northwest Center for Geologic Mapping Studies, to 

produce a new geologic map for the City. Combined 

with high resolution topography data acquired with 

another partnership with the City of Seattle, the 

Photograph of the glass-enclosed nerve center at NEIC.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 63

new geology allows more precise calculations of 

earthquake shaking and landslide susceptibility. 

Building on existing relations with the USGS, the City of 

Seattle is developing uses for the maps in establishing 

city landslide and earthquake hazard policies and 

retrofit priorities.

Ferguson-Highway 140, California Landslide

Scientists from the USGS Landslide Hazards Program 

are assisting the Sierra National Forest, Yosemite 

National Park, California Department of Transportation 

and other State and local government agencies to 

understand the potential behavior of the May 2006 

Ferguson-Highway 140 landslide. This landslide has 

already buried the main highway into Yosemite National 

Park and could eventually block the Merced River. 

Monitoring the rate of movement of the landslide will be 

a key first step in evaluating the potential for continued 

and accelerated slope movement that could dam the 

Merced River. In cooperation with other agencies, 

USGS scientists are using near-real-time, highprecision Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) equipment 

to monitor movement of the large landslide mass that 

could fail catastrophically. This equipment, developed 

for monitoring active volcanoes, can be placed from a 

helicopter without endangering humans. 

GSN telemetry upgrades

Also enabled by an increase in funding to the USGS as 

part of the President’s tsunami risk reduction initiative, 

built in response to the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster 

of 2004, has been the expansion of real-time telemetry 

to the seismic stations of the Global Seismographic 

Network (GSN). By the end of 2006, real-time telemetry 

will be established at 121 sites, an increase of 37 sites 

and comprising over 90 percent of the 130-station GSN. 

To accomplish this task in the most cost-effective 

manner, USGS has worked with the Global 

Communications Infrastructure (GCI) and its contractor, 

Hughes, as well as with host institutions to obtain 

additional bandwidth for the upgrades at no additional 

cost to the U.S. Government. Data from eight stations 

will flow directly to the NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning 

Center for use in developing warnings and alerts. Three 

additional stations will be added in early FY2007 as they 

are installed.

Seismic station operator Adisorn Foongkajorn pours sand down the sensor 

borehole at the Chaing Mai station (CHTO) in Thailand. The USGS, in 

collaboration with the Thai Meterological Organization, upgraded station 

CHTO to continuous telemetry this year. Ted Kromer from the USGS’s 

Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory visited the site in May 2006 to 

replace the down-hole seismic sensor and repair the station electronics.

Photograph of the Ferguson-Hwy 140, California landslide, which occurred 

in April-May 2006, along the Merced River about 8 miles west of El Portal 

and the entrance of Yosemite National Park. As much as 40 million tons 

of rock and debris cascaded down a very steep slope and blocked the 

highway. Photograph courtesy of Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Performance Data and Analysis

64 Performance Measure Results

ANSS Backbone Network Completion

The national “backbone” seismic network of the 

developing Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) 

was largely completed in FY2006. It will consist of 

106 stations distributed nationwide, and provide the 

USGS and State partners with the capability to detect 

and locate all earthquakes with magnitudes greater 

than about 3.0 or smaller in many areas. Thanks to a 

substantial contribution to this network by the National 

Science Foundation, through the USArray element of 

the Earthscope initiative, the expansion and upgrading 

of the backbone network was accelerated in FY2004 

and will be completed in FY2006.

Uniform Volcano Alert-Level System 

In FY2006, The VHP implemented a common system 

nationwide for characterizing the level of unrest and 

eruptive activity at volcanoes. The new volcano alertlevel system replaces three separate systems used in 

the United States. Under the new system, the USGS 

will rank the level of activity at a U.S. volcano using 

the terms “Normal”, for typical volcanic activity in a 

non-eruptive phase; “Advisory”, for elevated unrest; 

“Watch”, for escalating unrest or a minor eruption 

underway that poses limited hazards; and, “Warning”, 

if a highly hazardous eruption is underway or imminent. 

These levels reflect conditions at a volcano and the 

expected or ongoing hazardous volcanic phenomena. 

When an alert level is assigned by an observatory, 

accompanying text will give a fuller explanation of the 

observed phenomena and clarify hazard implications to 

affected groups.

Stakeholders’ Workshop to Develop a National 

Volcano Early Warning System 

The VHP sponsored a major workshop in Portland, 

Oregon, on February 22-23 2006, to obtain stakeholder 

input into the development of a National Volcano Early 

Warning System (NVEWS). Seventy-five attendees 

represented a broad cross-section of agencies, 

communities, and corporations represented at the 

meeting, including the NPS, the USFS, Washington 

Emergency Management Division, Oregon Emergency 

Management, Pierce County Department of Emergency 

Management, Emergency Management Office of the 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 

the Federal Aviation Administration, FEMA, FWS, 

The National Weather Service, NOAA, the Airforce 

Weather Agency, the Alaska Division of Homeland 

Security and Emergency Management, Alaska Division 

of Geophysical and Geological Surveys, Oregon 

Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, the 

Wyoming State Geological Survey, the Air Line Pilots’ 

Association, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, the 

Universities of Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska, and 

East Tennessee State University, and the Yakama 

Nation. The workshop highlighted the need to make 

the connection between improved volcano monitoring 

and use of volcanic-hazard information in education, 

mitigation, and response at the national, State, and 

local levels. Major findings and recommendations are 

summarized in USGS Open-File Report 2006-1224.

Volcano Hazards Response to the Eruption of 

Augustine Volcano 

Augustine volcano, Cook Inlet, Alaska, began erupting 

on January 11, 2006, following 6 months of increasing 

volcanic unrest. Prior to the current eruption, the 

Augustine volcano was ranked as a very high-threat 

volcano by the NVEWS analysis and was identified 

as one of the highest priority targets for improved 

monitoring. The volcano erupts frequently, lies close to 

the North Pacific air corridor, and is in close proximity 

Mike Busby of the USGS’s Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory stands 

astride seismic sensors in the 10-foot-deep vault of station EGAK in 

Alaska near the Yukon border. EGAK is one of over 100 stations in the 

Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) ‘backbone’ network.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 65

to civilian and military airports in the Anchorage area. 

In addition to hazards posed by volcanic ash to en route 

aircraft and communities and airports on the ground, 

Augustine is capable of generating tsunami. In 1883, an 

eruption of Augustine produced a tsunami 20 feet high 

at English Bay on the East Coast of the Cook Inlet. 

Because of these threats, the Alaska Volcano 

Observatory (AVO) improved the monitoring network on 

the volcano after the onset of unrest, and implemented 

continuous 24/7 monitoring to provide rapid warnings 

of explosive, ash-forming eruptions. The eruption 

continued into May, with 14 separate explosive 

events injecting volcanic ash to altitudes of 25,000 to 

50,000 feet, i.e. near or above the cruise altitudes of 

commercial jet airliners, causing rerouting of aircraft 

and cancellation of flights. The monitoring effort 

was successfully maintained throughout the eruption 

despite the destruction of about half of the monitoring 

network by pyroclastic flows. As of March 17, 2006, the 

cost of responding to the eruption has been $1,150,000. 

The eruption has destroyed approximately half of the 

telemetered monitoring equipment on the island. 

The estimated cost to bring the network back to its 

pre-eruption level is $320,000 for equipment purchase 

and installation. An additional $830,000 in expenses 

have been incurred to date to pay for emergency 

deployment of additional monitoring equipment, 

maintenance of a 24/7 watch operation to provide 

rapid notification of explosive eruptions to the aviation 

sector, contracting helicopter and fixed-wing flights for 

surveillance, and logistical expenses to maintain our 

data receive node in Homer, Alaska.

Based on continuation of the eruption for an additional 

5 months, an additional $1,000,000 in unanticipated 

expenditures will be required to maintain a 24/7 watch 

operation, support helicopter and fixed-wing flights 

to the volcano to monitor changes in gas production, 

conduct visual and infrared surveillance of changing 

eruption conditions, perform maintenance on the 

telemetered monitoring network, and maintain the data 

receive node in Homer, Alaska.

USGS scientists walking along the path from the lagoon towards camp 

on Augustine Island on August 19, 2006. Photograph taken by Michelle 

Coombs, AVO.

View of Augustine’s new lava dome at the summitt on August 6, 2006. 

Photograph taken by Michelle Coombs, AVO.
Performance Data and Analysis

66 Performance Measure Results

Serving Communities: Safeguard Lives, Property, and Assets; Advance Scientific 

Knowledge; and Improve the Quality of Life for the Communities We Serve

End Outcome Goal:

Advance knowledge through scientific leadership and inform decisions through the application of science.

√ Targets Met = 45 ▼ Targets Not Met = 6 ▲ Targets Exceeded = 29 ■ Targets Rebaselined = 4

End Outcome Measure: Advance knowledge through scientific leadership and inform decisions through the 

application of science

71 Research: Soundness of methodology, accuracy, 

and reliability of science (program evaluation) (DOI 

strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

100% 80% 100% 100% 100%

√ Target Met.

72 Inform decisions through the application of science: 

Improved access to needed science information 

(number score) (DOI strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

92% 90% 92% 90% 87%

√ Target Met.

73 Inform decisions through the application of science: 

Stakeholders reporting that information helped achieve 

goal (number score) (DOI strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

94% 93% 95% 90% 96%

▲ Target Exceeded. A different set of products is sampled each year; one year’s aggregate measurement is not directly 

linked to the previous year. The intent is to maintain at least an 90 percent satisfaction level (i.e. 90% or greater is the 

target).

74 Inform decisions through the application of science: 

Improved access to needed science information, 

number of USGS science publications cataloged in 

master USGS publications database 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

56,086 66,626 68,945 67,500 70,351

√ Target Met.

75 Inform decisions through the application of science: 

Improved access to needed science information, 

number of associated USGS science publications 

accessible online 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

3,533 25,909 35,869 45,000 45,816

√ Target Met.

76 Inform decisions through the application of science: 

Improved access to needed science information 

(number of cumulative biological partnership links) 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

32,500 36,000 76,155 83,770 94,682

▲ Target Exceeded. Reassessing subsequent year targets due to FY2006 actual performance.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 67

Intermediate Outcome: Improve information base, information management, and technical assistance

77 Content and expanse of knowledge base: Percentage

of land with temporal and spatial monitoring, research, 

and assessment/data coverage to meet land-use 

planning and monitoring requirements (Roll-up of all 

components below)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 54.74% 58.9% 70.25% 80.38%

▲ Target Exceeded. Change due to greater than anticipated influx of reimbursable funding.

78 Content and expanse of knowledge base: Percentage

of land with temporal and spatial monitoring, research, 

and assessment/data coverage to meet land-use 

planning and monitoring requirements (number of 

square miles assessed by GAP analysis) (DOI strategic 

plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 82% 83% 83% 90.6%

▲ Target Exceeded. This measure represents a percentage of the country based on the cumulative square miles for 

which a GAP analysis has been completed. Miles are added at the completion of each GAP project. In FY2006, a project 

was completed ahead of schedule.

79 Content and expanse of knowledge base: Percentage

of land with temporal and spatial monitoring, research, 

and assessment/data coverage to meet land-use 

planning and monitoring requirements (NCGMP) (DOI 

strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a 53% 55% 55%

√ Target Met.

80 Content and expanse of knowledge base: Percentage

of proposed streamflow sites currently in operation 

that meet one or more Federal Needs (DOI strategic 

plan key measure and PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

65% 64% 61% 62% 61%

√ Target Met.

81 Content and expanse of knowledge base: Percentage

of surface area with temporal and spatial monitoring, 

research, and assessment/data coverage to meet 

land-use planning and monitoring requirements 

(satellite data collected over global land surface) (DOI 

strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 100% 100% 100% 100%

√ Target Met.

82 Content and expanse of knowledge base: Percentage

of surface area with temporal and spatial monitoring, 

research, and assessment/data coverage to meet 

land-use planning and monitoring requirements (GAM) 

National Land Cover dataset, 66 mapping units across 

country (DOI strategic plan key measure and PART 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

17% 45% 65% 75% 94%

▲ Target Exceeded. Metric was exceeded due to partnerships with NGA and DHS, and subsequent reimbursable 

funding for acquiring urban area imagery.
Performance Data and Analysis

68 Performance Measure Results

83 Content and expanse of knowledge base: Percentage

of surface area with temporal and spatial monitoring, 

research, and assessment/data coverage to meet 

land-use planning and monitoring requirements 

(number of completed eco-region assessments out of 

84 eco-regions) (DOI strategic plan key measure and 

PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

18% 31% 37% 48% 48%

√ Target Met.

84 Content and expanse of knowledge base: Average 

percentage of coverage for 6 data themes in The 

National Map in national databases at medium 

resolution; does not measure currentness (TNM) (DOI 

strategic plan key measure and PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

67% 67% 69% 78% 100%

▲ Target Exceeded. USGS received unexpectedly high amounts of reimbursable funding from NGA and DHS for urban 

imagery. Goal achieved, measure will be eliminated in FY2007.

85 Content and expanse of knowledge base: Average 

percentage of coverage for 7 data themes in The 

National Map in national databases at high resolution; 

does not measure currentness (TNM) (DOI strategic 

plan key measure and PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

33% 41% 46% 61% 94.43%

▲ Target Exceeded. After achieving coverage of the 133 urban areas, the metric coverage will be expanded to the 

lower 48 States in FY2008.

86 Content and expanse of knowledge base: Percentage

of data accessible: Percentage of satellite data 

available from archive within 24 hours of capture 

(PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

95% 90% 97.2% 90% 98.7%

▲ Target Exceeded. Metric was exceeded due to the migration of data to newer media and easier access from archive 

silo.

87 Quality: Percentage of studies validated through 

appropriate peer review or independent review (DOI 

strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

√ Target Met.

88 Percentage of US land with land characterization and 

species distribution information available for resource 

management decisionmaking updated in the last 5 

years (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 18.3% 23.3% 28.3% 42.3%

▲ Target Exceeded. Reassessing subsequent year targets due to FY2006 actual performance.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 69

89 Percentage of North American migratory birds for 

which scientific information on their status (species 

distribution and number) and trends are available in 

a standardized and exchangeable format, to improve 

conservation plans of Federal and State agencies 

(PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 15% 20% 25% 25%

√ Target Met.

90 Percentage of North American amphibians and reptiles 

for which scientific information on their status (species 

distribution) are available in a standardized and 

exchangeable format, to improve conservation plans of 

Federal and State agencies (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 91% 90% 91% 91%

√ Target Met.

91 Percentage of North American mammals for which 

scientific information on their status (species 

distribution) are available in a standardized and 

exchangeable format, to improve conservation plans of 

Federal and State agencies (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 91% 93% 94% 94%

√ Target Met.

92 Percentage of US Federally-listed threatened and 

endangered or indicator fish species for which 

scientific information on a species status is available 

in a standardized and exchangeable format, to improve 

conservation plans of Federal and State agencies 

(PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 2.6% 7.5% 12.5% 12.4%

√ Target Met.

93 Percentage of river basins that have streamflow 

stations (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 77% 82% 81% 81%

√ Target Met.

94 Percentage of streamflow stations with real-time 

measurement/reporting of water quality (PART 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 6% 7% 8% 9%

▲ Target Exceeded. Additional reimbursable funding resulted in exceeding the target.
Performance Data and Analysis

70 Performance Measure Results

95 Percentage of ground-water stations that have realtime reporting capability in the ground-water climate 

response network (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 57% 67% 67% 47%

▼ Target Not Met. Even though the target was not met as defined by the PART measure, real progress was made on 

the development of a national climate response network. The total network grew by 36% in FY2006 resulting in greater 

national coverage and was complemented by 9% growth in the number of wells with real-time capability that improved 

the timeliness of the overall network. In practice, we find that the measure as written does not capture the goals of the 

network. A more appropriate metric would measure the progress being made in the development of the ground water 

climate response network, where the goal is to ensure broad geographical coverage of the U.S. and maximize the 

timeliness (real-time) of the reported data. A revision will be proposed in the FY2008 budget process.

96 Percentage of the Nation’s 65 principal aquifers with 

monitoring wells used to measure responses of water 

levels to drought and climatic variations to provide 

information needed for water-supply decisionmaking 

(PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 60% 61% 62% 61%

√ Target Met.

97 Percentage of U.S. with ground-water quality status 

and trends information to support management 

decisions (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 0 39% 45% 58%

▲ Target Exceeded. Reprioritized work to achieve smoother long-term field operations.

98 Percentage of States with Web-based streamflow 

statistic tools to support water management decisions 

(PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 4% 10% 18% 14%

▼ Target Not Met. Cooperative Water Program funding limitations have slowed progress on jointly funded streamstats 

projects at state level. See http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/ssonline.html for current National status. 

99 Percentage of U.S. ground-water availability status and 

trends information to support resource management 

decisions (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 5% 7% 8% 8%

√ Target Met.

100 Percentage of targeted contaminants for which 

methods are developed to assess potential 

environmental and human health significance (PART 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 10% 20% 30% 85%

■ Target Rebaselined. Rebaselining in progress during FY2005-FY2006. The rate was not able to be estimated at the 

time we set targets for FY2005 and FY2006 because at that time the list of contaminants was still being developed. 

Many contaminants on the initial (draft) list were dropped because they are not feasible to develop methods for at this 

time. Because the total number of contaminants was reduced on the final list, we were able to achieve 85%, thereby 

exceeding the target.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 71

101 Percentage improvement in accuracy of watershed 

(SPARROW) model prediction for total nitrogen and 

total phosphorus (measured as reduced error) (PART 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 40% 31% 32% 24%

■ Target Rebaselined.

102 Percentage of geologic investigations in NPS units 

that are cited for use by the NPS within three years of 

delivery (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a 80% 80% 80%

√ Target Met.

103 Percentage of EDMAP students that work on 

subsequent geoscience degrees or obtain a job in a 

geoscience field (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 95% 94% 95% 95%

√ Target Met.

104 Number of counties or comparable jurisdictions that 

have adopted hazard mitigation measures based 

in part on geologic mapping and research (PART 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a 10 12 12

√ Target Met.

105 Percentage of US with geologic maps that are being 

integrated into ground-water availability status and 

trends to support resource management decisions 

(PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 3% 5% 6% 6%

√ Target Met.

106 Facilities Condition: Facilities are in fair-to-good 

condition as measured by the Facilities Condition Index 

(FCI) (DOI strategic plan key measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a .17 .17 .17 .17

√ Target Met.

107 Percentage of time that all WAN and Internet access 

locations are up and running and accessible 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

99.8% 99.7% 99.27% 98.99% 98.76%

√ Target Met.

108 IT Investment: Percentage of major IT investment 

projects for which cost estimates, established in 

project or contract agreement, meet actual costs with 

a variance of 5 percent

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

√ Target Met.
Performance Data and Analysis

72 Performance Measure Results

Performance Outputs:

109 Number of annual gigabytes collected (Enterprise 

Information)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 34,815 6,023 26,728 76,550

▲ Target Exceeded. Metric was exceeded due to partnerships with National Geospatial Intelligency Agency (NGA) 

and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and subsequent reimbursable funding for acquiring urban area 

imagery.

110 Number of cumulative gigabytes managed (Enterprise 

Information)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

51,042 85,857 108,035 175,207 187,842

▲ Target Exceeded. Metric exceeded due to significant volumes of urban area geospatial data acquired from (1) 

unexpected NGA and DHS reimbursable funding and (2) addition of very high resolution elevation data over the entire 

State of WV.

111 Number of annual terabytes collected (Geography) 2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 527.2 438.8 534 537.9

√ Target Met.

112 Number of cumulative terabytes managed (Geography) 2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

1,921.1 2,448.3 2,887.4 3,509.8 3,425.3

√ Target Met.

113 Number of annual gigabytes collected (Geology) 2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 407.2 117.8 210.8 218.8

√ Target Met.

114 Number of cumulative gigabytes managed (Geology) 2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

491 898.2 1,016 1,226.8 1,235

√ Target Met.

115 Number of cumulative gigabytes managed (Biology) 2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

400 360 791.25 800 1,134.22

▲ Target Exceeded. Significant increase in GAP.

116 Number of systematic analyses and investigations 

delivered to customers

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

573 571 576 555 543

√ Target Met.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 73

117 Number of formal workshops or training provided to 

customers

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

61 107 131 121 148

▲ Target Exceeded. Metric exceeded due to (1) the National Hydrologic Dataset (NHD) staff was able to capitalize on 

the requirement for NHD workshops as part of building the NHD Stewardship program, and (2) several unanticipated 

workshops were given to partners by other data themes, such as LIDAR workshops for elevation.

118 Number of hours for fieldwork, compilation, and 

publication of a typical geologic map (PART Efficiency 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 3,160 3,070 2,980 2,980

√ Target Met.

119 Number of State Geological Surveys that add geologic 

map information to the NGMDB (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 47 48 49 49

√ Target Met.

120 Number of EDMAP students trained each year (PART 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 60 62 60 66

▲ Target Exceeded. More students attached to individually funded projects.

121 Number of real-time streamgages reporting in NWIS 

Web (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

5,621 5,978 6,246 6,165 6,496

▲ Target Exceeded. Change due to greater than anticipated influx of reimbursable funding.

122 Number of real-time ground-water sites reporting in 

NWIS Web

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

697 799 796 692 917

▲ Target Exceeded. Change due to greater than anticipated influx of reimbursable funding.

123 Number of real-time water-quality sites reporting in 

NWIS Web

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

891 1,062 1,125 896 1,102

▲ Target Exceeded. Change due to greater than anticipated influx of reimbursable funding.

124 Percentage of USGS streamflow stations with 30 or 

more years of record (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 60% 58% 62% 59%

√ Target Met.
Performance Data and Analysis

74 Performance Measure Results

125 Percentage of daily streamflow measurement sites 

with data that are converted from provisional to final 

status within 4 months of day of collection (PART 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 0 

baseline

10% 20% 20%

√ Target Met.

126 Average cost per analytical result, adjusted for 

inflation, is stable or declining over a 5-year period 

(PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a $8.64 $8.63 $8.64 $8.34

√ Target Met.

127 Percentage of ground systems designed, built, and 

tested

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a n/a 28% 8%

■ Target Rebaselined. On December 23, 2005, the President’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued a 

memorandum changing the scope of the Landsat Data Continuity project. As a result, the project lifecycle extended one 

year and USGS acquired additional responsibilities.

128 Number of partnerships formed to link scientific 

information and societal decisions (Science Impact)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a 8 0 

(cum 8)

0 

(cum 8)

√ Target Met.

129 Number of mapping nodes (publicly available Web 

mapping services available through The National Map) 

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

50 90 152 155 195

▲ Target Exceeded. Partnership Liaison staff were successful in promoting The National Map and engaging partners 

to participate in The National Map for data and web page servers.

130 Number of partnerships for The National Map built 

with State and local governments that collect and 

maintain higher resolution, more current data (PART 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

10 30 35 20 47

▲ Target Exceeded. Partnership Liaison staff were successful in promoting The National Map and engaging partners 

to participate in The National Map for data and web page servers.

131 Number of data standards used in implementing The 

National Map (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

17 17 22 22 22

√ Target Met.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 75

132 Percentage of total cost saved through partnering 

for data collection of high-resolution imagery (PART 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 71% 72% 44% 76%

▲ Target Exceeded. USGS received unexpectedly high amounts of reimbursable funding from NGA and DHS for urban 

imagery.

133 Percent of the Nation’s surface for which hydrography, 

elevation, and orthoimagery data are available through 

the National Spatial Data Infrastructure Clearinghouse 

and supported through partnerships (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

41% 62% 71% 86% 99%

▲ Target Exceeded. Leveraged funds from NGA and DHS resulted in an increase in the number of partnerships that 

participate in The National Map and make the data discoverable and accessible.

134 Percentage of the area of 11 Western States for which 

orthoimagery have been acquired through a FSA/USGS 

partnership with other entities to achieve a 5-year 

cycle for 1-meter NAIP imagery

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a 43% 36% 23%

▼ Target Not Met. Only three of the 11 States were acquired in FY2006 because of the cyclic nature of statewide 

imagery acquisition and impacts from other Farm Services Administration priorities.

135 Percentage of total cost FSA and USGS saved through 

partnering with other entities for imagery acquisition of 

1-meter NAIP orthoimagery

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a 44% 40% 41%

√ Target Met.

136 Number of bureauwide data-integration practices 

and/or policies adopted

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 1 4 3 3

√ Target Met.

137 Number of new NSDI Clearinghouse nodes established 

for serving data

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

41 82 43 50 50

√ Target Met.

138 Number of informal NSDI conference outreach exhibits 2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

52 52 56 50 50

√ Target Met.

139 Number of new NSDI standards developed 

(cumulative)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

2 20 22 30 26

▼ Target Not Met. The completed development of NSDI standards is involving a longer and more complex approval 

process than previous years. It also involves additional public comment periods.
Performance Data and Analysis

76 Performance Measure Results

140 Number of new NSDI partnership agreements 2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

51 52 36 60 25

▼ Target Not Met. Metric not achieved due to funding amounts for individual grants being larger than anticipated.

141 Number of IT help desks operational in major USGS 

offices

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

8 5 5 4 4

√ Target Met.

142 Number of significant Web sites co-located on 

consolidated hardened, secure, and redundant 

Internet servers

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

61 167 189 225 195

▼ Target Not Met. Metric not met due to consolidation of USGS websites.

143 Percentage of Internet hosts potentially vulnerable to 

unauthorized access

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 5% 2.01% <1% 0%

√ Target Met.

144 Number of workshops/short courses/training provided 

to Tribal colleges and universities and Tribes

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 7 6 5 11

▲ Target Exceeded. Metric exceeded due to additional FGDC support.

145 Number of Native American internships/students 2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 8 9 10 12

▲ Target Exceeded. Science funding supported the additional internships and students to work on science projects.

146 Number of bureau-conditional assessments in 

progress or completed (within a 5-year cycle)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

39 41 9 15 14

√ Target Met. One of the 15 planned facilities was transferred to FWS, and a bureau-conditional assessment for that 

facility was no longer needed.

147 Number of deferred maintenance and capital 

improvements completed (cumulative)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

24 36 53 67 63

√ Target Met.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 77

148 Amount of fire-related data and information available 

on-line via the NBII, to assist land managers in fire 

management decisionmaking (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a .5 gb 1.5 gb 2.0 gb 15.42 gb

▲ Target Exceeded. Northwest pilot project concluded sooner than planned, and second project for fire data in the 

Southwest opened.

149 Percentage of Natural History Museum specimen 

data records available on-line via the NBII, to assist 

researchers in identifying and addressing threats to 

human and animal health (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 5% 17% 25% 26%

√ Target Met.

150 Number of NBII Clearinghouse metadata records 2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

6,600 7,500 17,937 18,000 26,808

▲ Target Exceeded. Metric exceeded due to partners contributing more new records than planned.

151 Amount of invasive species data and information 

available on-line via the NBII, to assist in modeling and 

forecasting the spread of invasives (PART measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a 750 mb 800 mb 900 mb 1,137 mb

▲ Target Exceeded. Consistently exceeding the target, reevaluation of methodology for target estimation will revise 

outyear targets.

152 Average cost per gigabyte of data available through 

servers under program control (PART Efficiency 

measure)

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a $66,000 $63,000 $60,000 $17,155

■ Target Rebaselined. 

153 Number of NBII nodes 2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

10 14 14 14 14

√ Target Met.

154 Number of Natural History Museum specimen data 

records available on-line via the NBII, to assist 

researchers in identifying and addressing threats to 

human and animal health

2003

Actual

2004

Actual

2005

Actual

2006

Planned

2006

Actual

n/a n/a 20 

million

30 

million

57.6 

million

▲ Target Exceeded. Consistently exceeding the target, reevaluation of methodology for target estimation will revise 

outyear targets.
Performance Data and Analysis

78 Performance Measure Results

Accomplishments

Design of a National Monitoring Network

As co-chair of the National Water Quality Monitoring 

Council (NWQMC) of the Federal-non-Federal Advisory 

Committee on Water Information (ACWI), the USGS is 

participating in the design of a National Water Quality 

Monitoring Network for U.S. coastal waters and their 

tributaries. The task was requested by the Council 

on Environmental Quality and the Office of Science 

and Technology Policy in January 2005 and responds 

to an OMB PART recommendation that directs the 

USGS to “work with the EPA and other Federal and 

State agencies through the ACWI and NWQMC to 

develop shared water monitoring plans.” In FY2005, 

the NWQMC documented network goals, objectives, 

and management issues, and identified methods to 

ensure comparability. A preliminary report provided 

in September 2005 was well received, and the final 

report was submitted to ACWI in January 2006. The 

resulting network design will become part of the 

response to President’s Ocean Action Plan, will be 

used by the NOAA to enhance monitoring of upland 

effects on coastal waters and to link with the output 

from the Integrated Ocean Observing System, and 

will be used by the USGS and EPA to evaluate and 

enhance monitoring efforts to meet coastal and upland 

monitoring needs.

The National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

In the past year, the National Cooperative Geologic 

Mapping Program (NCGMP) has mapped 87,000 

square miles in 47 States. These geologic maps were 

produced in high priority areas determined by USGS 

panels and State Mapping Advisory Committees in all 

States with input from a Federal Advisory Committee. 

Needs of sister agencies such as the NPS, BLM, and 

the USFS were also considered. In addition to the 

accomplishments cited below, NCGMP has leveraged 

nearly $6.5 million of State and university funds with 

cooperative agreements through a unique FederalState-University partnership.

Data Collection and Analysis 

Many products were delivered by projects supported 

by NCGMP including geologic maps and research 

papers related to (1) Atlantic estuaries, (2) Quaternary 

stratigraphy in the Los Angeles region, (3) land, 

resources, and hazards issues in Alaska, (4) improving 

the geohydrologic framework of the Edwards and 

Trinity aquifers, south-central Texas, (5) surficial 

geologic mapping in the Southwest U.S., and (6) 

three dimensional geologic maps and visualization in 

California.

Geology of Parks and Federal Lands of the Southwest 

A new project, “Geology of parks and Federal lands 

of the Southwest,” conducted geologic mapping in 

Death Valley National Park, Glen Canyon National 

Recreation Area, Grand Canyon National Park, Havasu 

National Wildlife Refuge, Kaibab National Forest, 

Kaibab-Paiute Indian Reservation, Lake Mead National 

Recreation Area, Mesa Verde National Park, Mojave 

National Preserve, Navajo Nation, Parashant National 

Monument, Pipe Spring National Monument, Vermilion 

Cliffs National Monument, and Wupatki National 

Monument. This geologic mapping is addressing 

specific needs of national parks through involvement of 

USGS geologists in NPS geologic scoping sessions.

USGS scientist Paul Stone captured this image of the Death Valley dunes 

inside the Death Valley National Park.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 79

100th Anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco 

Earthquake 

NCGMP produced a number of important products 

summarizing major advancements in understanding 

the tectonic history of the greater San Francisco 

region. A geologic map and poster explaining how 

geology affects the shaking in this region was released 

and has been used by the public in many venues. 

Also, computer simulations of ground shaking were 

produced using three-dimensional geology.

New PART Measures

 In FY2006, NCGMP established baselines for new PART 

measures that link to work done with major program 

partners—primarily the NPS, the Ground-Water 

Resources Program, and communities that are trying to 

mitigate against natural hazards. 

Preservation of Geological and Geophysical Data and 

Samples

In response to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Section 

351, the NCGMP Federal Advisory Committee wrote 

a report to Congress that addresses the need to 

preserve geological and geophysical data, samples, 

and core. In addition, the program began the process 

of consolidating and preserving paleontologic data and 

specimens at risk. 

Geologic Mapping and Hydrogeology of Karst Aquifers

In conjunction with ground-water hydrologists of the 

USGS, the NCGMP-funded Karst Project completed 

three geologic maps and published an investigative 

report on the quantity of ground water in a county on 

the outskirts of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. 

Information from these geologic maps and the report 

is being used in two ground-water models of different 

scales and addresses the future resources for several 

counties where rapid population growth is occurring.

StateMap

In FY2006, 127 projects were carried out in 47 States 

through the StateMap, the State geological survey’s 

part of the National Geologic Mapping Act, 1992. More 

than 450 geologic maps, as pre-publication drafts, were 

delivered. 

EdMap

 In 2006, 64 students working on 41 projects from 36 

universities learned and applied geologic mapping 

techniques in 21 States through support by EdMap, a 

program to encourage the training of future geologic 

mappers at colleges and universities. All of these 

student activities were coordinated with projects within 

the USGS and (or) State geological surveys. The maps 

were used for various university projects, theses, and 

dissertations. Each year, the Program reaches out 

to new geoscience departments to participate in the 

EdMap component of the Program. In FY2006, three 

universities that previously had not participated applied 

for and received EdMap grants.

Simple traditional two-dimensional geologic map of the San Francisco Bay 

region. The blue rectangle shows the horizontal outline of the 3D geologic 

map. Black dots show the epicenters of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the 1989 Loma Prieta event. Different colors correspond to 

different rock types found in the region. 
Performance Data and Analysis

80 Performance Measure Results

Facilitating U.S.-Mexican Environmental Cooperation 

with Geographic Tools 

Rapid population growth, economic development, 

and land-use changes are pushing the limits of 

environmental sustainability in places along the United 

States border with Mexico. As a result, infrastructure 

development has lagged behind and concerns exist 

about environmental degradation and the availability of 

natural resources to support human and wildlife needs. 

To help public officials at all levels of government 

understand the relationships between the environment 

and human health, the USGS’s Border Environmental 

Health Initiative integrates U.S. and Mexican 

natural resource, demographic, and environmental 

contaminant datasets with base mapping layers. 

International agreements between the USGS and select 

Mexican Federal agencies provide Web access to the 

Mexican copyrighted data and assist scientific analysis 

of complex datasets through documented procedures.

The data is displayed over the Web in an Internet 

Map Service (http://borderhealth.cr.usgs.gov), which 

provides geographic information tools that allow users 

to zoom into areas of interest, select a combination of 

layers, and query features. 

The project is being expanded through cooperative 

partnerships such as the Southwest Consortium of 

Environmental Resources Program for environmental 

sustainability, EPA’s Border 2012 Environmental 

Health Indicators Working Group, and Natural 

Heritage Institute’s Physical Assessment project to 

model water availability of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo 

watersheds. The goal is to provide city planners, 

resource managers, and public health officials in both 

nations access to accurate scientific information to 

try to balance societal needs for resource utilization, 

environmental quality, and human health. 

What Happens to the Water Supply of Los Angeles in 

the Event of a Major Earthquake? 

California’s Department of Water Resources has 

reported that a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in northern 

California could render water imported from this area 

unusable for at least 15 months. An earthquake in 

southern California could also critically affect water 

supplies from the Colorado River. The probability of a 

6.7 or greater magnitude earthquake in the Los Angeles 

region is 60 percent. 

Economists at the USGS Western Region Geographic 

Science Center have developed a ground-water model 

to determine the physical impacts of an extended 

and severe water shortage on two of the Los Angeles 

aquifers. The USGS is now in the early stages of 

expanding the model to include the economic impacts 

of groundwater/aquifer impairment in an extended 

imported water shortage. This tool will help answer 

the following questions: If the aquifers are not able 

to supply the region’s water demand in the event of 

an extended water shortage, what are the economic 

impacts? If, in a worst-case scenario, the structure of 

the aquifers is jeopardized and widespread subsidence 

and saltwater intrusion occurs, what are the 

socioeconomic impacts given communities’ different 

vulnerabilities to subsidence and intrusion? What 

are the ways (in other words, conservation measures, 

infrastructure construction, policy measures) that we 

can prepare for potential water disasters, and at what 

cost? What are the implications of preparing for a 

disaster versus not preparing for a disaster and what 

magnitude disaster are we prepared for?

This conceptual model was introduced at a workshop 

in June 2006. Over 30 water authorities from the region 

attended to discuss how the model could assist in their 

disaster preparedness efforts. Researchers presented 

an earthquake scenario for how the impact on groundwater over time is modeled. This scenario was used 

U.S. - Mexico Border Environmental Health study area divided into eight 

watershed subregions.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 81

to elicit from stakeholders their opinions on potential 

earthquake scenarios and their degree of disaster 

preparedness. Stakeholders felt this was valuable 

research and provided good input on what they would 

like to see in the model. The USGS is partnering with 

the Water Replenishment District of Southern California 

which has responsibility for protecting the groundwater resources for the 4 million people who live in the 

Central and West Coast Basins. Regional and local 

water authorities can use the model to create disaster 

scenarios and anticipate how different magnitude 

disasters will impact the basins’ water supply and 

economy. From this, they can develop disaster plans 

and look at infrastructure options to mitigate disaster 

impacts. 

Building a Remote Sensing Capability for Tribal Land 

Management: San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation 

(San Carlos Apache Tribe) 

As part of a collaborative effort, the USGS is working 

closely with tribal leaders and Bureau of Indian Affairs 

(BIA) to develop a long-term remote sensing capability 

within the Tribal Natural Resources Department that 

will enable Tribal natural resource managers to better 

manage their lands. 

Satellite data are being used to characterize and map 

land cover change across the reservation over a 3-

decade period (1975, 1989, and 2003). Rangeland health 

is being ascertained by the use of satellite data to 

assess grassland health and desertification processes. 

The study is providing insight into the desertification 

rates and processes acting on tribal rangelands. Maps 

have been developed showing the relative health 

of Tribal rangelands and impacts of desertification 

and will be used to develop management plans and 

monitoring protocols for future resource utilization and 

management of tribal lands. Researchers are using 

the satellite and field data to study the distribution of 

forest trees infested with bark beetles. Results of this 

study will provide a method for monitoring the earliest 

observable signs of tree decline as a result of the 

beetle attacks. The digital maps, produced of forested 

areas that are affected by bark beetle infestations, 

are important to Tribal natural resource managers in 

developing forest management plans. The USGS is 

using its expertise in remote sensing and data analysis 

to train San Carlos Tribal and BIA personnel in an effort 

to build their own remote sensing capability. This effort 

not only provides the hardcopy and digital products 

necessary to make current management decisions, but 

most importantly builds a remote sensing and analysis 

capability for long-term monitoring and decisionmaking 

which did not previously exist within the tribe prior to 

this effort.

Fort Apache Indian Reservation (White Mountain 

Apache Tribe) 

Tribal leaders and natural resource personnel have 

expressed their desire to monitor their surface 

water resources using satellite data. The USGS is 

working with Tribal personnel to develop techniques 

for monitoring surface water using Landsat satellite 

imagery. Several digital map products (1993 – very wet 

year and 1999 – very dry year) identifying water bodies 

have been produced. These products will be evaluated 

and compared to the manually derived Tribal maps to 

determine their accuracy. Products produced provide 

the initial datasets necessary to evaluate current 

conditions. In addition, the USGS will provide a training 

program as the impetus for building a long-term remote 

sensing monitoring, analysis, and decisionmaking 

capability within the Tribal natural resources staff. 

The Cascades of the Los 

Angeles Aqueduct near 

Sylmar, California.
Performance Data and Analysis

82 Performance Measure Results

Helping to Minimize the Risks of Wildfires on 

Communities 

In the Western United States over the last 20 years, 

the number of people living in and (or) near wild lands 

has increased dramatically. Add to this a combination 

of the current drought, unhealthy forest, and bark 

beetle die-off conditions, the potential for catastrophic 

wildfires, such as those occurring the last few years 

in New Mexico, Arizona, and California has increased. 

Within the State of Arizona several communities have 

been identified as being at extreme risk for large 

wildfire disasters. Because the increased emphasis on 

wildfires and unhealthy forest is relatively new, there 

is a lack of high-resolution maps at the proper scale 

that can be used before or during wildfires to help with 

management decisions associated with lowering the 

risk to a community.

With the increased resolution of satellite and airborne 

digital imaging high-resolution remote sensing is 

a promising tool that needs to be investigated to 

document its capabilities and limitation for applications 

dealing with wildfires, including the potential for 

detecting, mapping, and monitoring the wild land-urban 

interface. The USGS is collaborating with the Greater 

Flagstaff Forest Partnership that includes Federal, 

State, county, and local agencies, as well as nongovernment organizations. This project is investigating 

the detection, mapping, and monitoring of the wild 

land-urban interface around forested communities in 

northern Arizona by using high-resolution satellite and 

airborne remote sensing (6 to 24 inch pixel resolutions) 

as it relates to wildfire hazards. Algorithms and 

procedures that are being developed will be applicable 

throughout the Western United States. 

The USFS, NPS, and the University Forestry 

Department, have been doing extensive fuel treatment 

and field-based mapping within the study site for over 

a decade. The USGS will be using their data as ground 

truth for the remotely sensed images. Examples of the 

types of products that are being generated using these 

very high-resolution images are percent vegetation 

canopy cover, potential old growth, coarse and fine fire 

fuels, and wildfire vulnerability maps that are useful at 

a proper local scale for determining fire hazards and 

helping to reduce risks to communities.

Adding Fuel to the Fire

National fire science projects are being conducted 

by the USGS in collaboration with several fire 

management agencies that use the current and 

historical Landsat archive at EROS. The integration 

of Landsat imagery and remote sensing and GIS 

technology provides a valuable tool for mapping 

vegetation, monitoring change, and evaluating the 

effects of fire on the landscape.

The LANDFIRE project is a cooperative effort between 

the USGS, the USFS, and The Nature Conservancy, to 

generate comprehensive landscape-scale maps of 

vegetation and fuel characteristics of the entire United 

States. This interagency project provides consistent, 

geospatial data layers across land management 

boundaries to help land-use managers prioritize 

fuel treatment projects, identify where to restore 

ecosystems, and enhance their knowledge of local fire 

behavior to improve firefighting safety. These are key 

issues under the National Fire Plan, the Healthy Forest 

Restoration Act and agencies’ 10-year comprehensive 

strategy for fire management. The USGS is providing 

the Landsat satellite imagery, mapping vegetation, 

forest composition, canopy cover and canopy height 

from the satellite imagery . 

Homes in the community of Mountainaire south of Flagstaff, AZ are 

embedded in dense thickets of ponderosa pine.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 83

During FY2006, the USGS completed vegetation 

mapping for 17 map zones in the Western U.S. and an 

eastern prototype zone. Maps from the project can be 

found on the Internet at http://www.landfire.gov. 

A Tool to Help Communities Evaluate Options for 

Reducing Risks of Natural Hazards

Natural hazards pose a significant threat to public 

safety and economic health worldwide. As financial 

losses from natural hazard events continue to rise, 

decisionmakers need a strategy for planning and 

investing scarce resources to protect communities. 

The problem requires integrating knowledge and 

techniques from geology, hydrology, ecology, 

geography, mathematics, statistics, and economics. 

The Transboundary Project is a cooperative effort 

between the USGS and Natural Resources Canada 

to provide a scientific basis for natural hazards 

management and mitigation along the Pacific Coast 

boundary between the two nations. The case 

study focused on the district of Squamish, a coastal 

community about 1 hour north of Vancouver, British 

Columbia. The community will be the gateway to the 

2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, British Columbia. 

The goal of this joint project has been to incorporate 

indicators of natural hazard risk into the evaluation of 

future growth plans and to support the investigation of 

the effectiveness, costs, and benefits of risk reduction 

strategies. Squamish is exposed to at least three types 

of natural hazards: debris flows, earthquakes, and 

floods. Most attention was given to floods since they 

are the most frequent and most severe natural hazard 

to affect the developed area of Squamish. The USGS 

Land Use Portfolio Model (LUPM) was linked to the 

community visioning process so that stakeholders 

in the community could evaluate alternative natural 

hazard risk reduction options. The LUPM is a modeling, 

mapping, and risk-communication tool that can assist 

public agencies and communities in understanding 

and reducing vulnerability to and risk of natural 

hazards. This application required development of new 

model features that accommodates flooding, regional 

(versus parcel level) mitigation, parcel level reporting, 

partial losses, future concept (growth) plans, and 

risk communication. USGS and NRCan researchers 

presented results to Squamish stakeholders, planners, 

and emergency management personnel. 

Visualizing the Spread of West Nile Virus across the 

United States 

To see how the West Nile Virus (WNV) has and is 

spreading across the U.S. in five categories (bird, 

human, mosquito, sentinel, and veterinary), go to 

http://westnilemaps.usgs.gov/. The site is updated 

weekly during the WNV season that typically runs 

from April to October. Using data from the Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the USGS shows 

the data in easy to understand ways:

• Maps showing disease activity-color-coded maps 

labeled with the number of cases per county are 

shown for each State. You can easily navigate 

between categories (for example, human to bird) 

and to adjacent States.

• Charts showing how the disease spreads over 

time. Below each State map, special charts show 

the weekly spread of WNV. Historically, the peak 

season is late summer and early autumn.

• Total counts at the county-level data. The total 

number of cases per county are shown in an easyto-read table below each chart.

• Total counts for regions. The total number of cases 

for each State and the nation are printed at the 

bottom of the Web page.

Fuel added to the fire.
Performance Data and Analysis

84 Performance Measure Results

The mapping of five additional diseases that the CDC 

deems important to share with the public will soon be 

available on this Web site. 

Assessing Societal Vulnerability to Tsunamis in the 

Pacific Northwest 

As the 2004 Indian Ocean disaster demonstrated, 

tsunamis are significant threats to the safety, 

economic well-being, and natural resources of coastal 

communities. Although high-hazard areas have been 

identified for tsunamis related to a Cascadia subduction 

zone earthquake, far less is known on potential impacts 

of these tsunamis to coastal communities in the U.S. 

Pacific Northwest. Understanding societal vulnerability 

to tsunamis is critical if public- and private-sector 

decisionmakers are to reduce risks and increase the 

resilience of threatened coastal communities. Through 

innovative uses of GIS technology and workshops, 

USGS Geography researchers are helping State 

and local and practitioners understand community 

vulnerability to a tsunami in the Pacific Northwest. This 

geographic research work has involved: 

• Assessing spatial variations in community exposure 

and sensitivity to tsunami hazards on the Oregon 

coast, in terms of land-cover, people, and economic 

assets; 

• Co-hosting 

a community 

workshop in 

Cannon Beach, 

Oregon, to improve 

the integration of 

scientific knowledge 

and local values 

in tsunami postdisaster recovery 

planning (in 

collaboration with 

the University of 

Oregon and the 

Cascadia Region 

Earthquake 

Workgroup); 

• Developing 

dasymetric-mapping 

techniques to 

improve estimates of 

population exposure 

to tsunami hazards 

in Clatsop County, 

Oregon, for local 

response-planning efforts; and

• Developing a social vulnerability index that 

characterizes demographic sensitivity of residential 

populations to tsunami hazards on the Oregon 

coast (in collaboration with the University of South 

Carolina). 

USGS researchers and their partners are providing 

geographic information that helps local officials 

make informed and realistic decisions on mitigation, 

outreach, preparedness, response, and recovery 

strategies for increasing community resilience to 

Cascadia-related tsunami threats. Results from these 

studies have been used to prepare practitioners for the 

regional “Pacific Peril” table-top exercise in FY2006 and 

have led FEMA and American Red Cross to re-evaluate 

their regional preparedness plans for a Cascadia event 

in Oregon. Developing and applying new approaches 

West Nile Virus Web site.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 85

for understanding community vulnerability to natural 

hazards helps the Nation improve its ability to reduce 

risk and increase resilience.

Katrina Remote Sensing Clearinghouse 

Within hours of Katrina’s disastrous landfall on the 

Gulf Coast, the USGS began channeling vital imagery 

to State and local governments, the FEMA, and other 

Federal agencies providing views of the devastated 

area, which helped prioritize the relief efforts. Preand post-hurricane imagery have been assembled by 

the USGS from manys commercial, international, and 

Federal data sources. This massive influx of data is a 

result of U.S. Government purchases and the USGS 

activation of the International Charter for Space and 

Major Disasters (see http://www.disasterscharter.org). 

As a member of the International Charter, the USGS 

has the ability to access global international satellite 

image resources, for example, French SPOT Satellite 

Imaging System, India Indian Remote Sensing Satellite, 

Canadian RadarSat, and others) in times of emergency, 

at no cost. 

Imagery of this kind is invaluable for directing 

emergency response, as well as guiding efforts to 

mitigate the effects of future disasters on human life 

and property. 

Since Hurricane Katrina, over 250,000 geospatial data 

files, totaling over 3,500 gigabytes (3.5 terabytes), have 

been delivered via FTP download to over 50 Federal, 

State, local, commercial and (or) international users. All 

of these images are accessible through the following 

Web site: http://eros.usgs.gov/katrina.

Best Management Practices Designed to Improve 

Developing Landscapes 

Land use change, associated with development, alters 

surface water flow patterns, affects landscape water 

quality, quantity, and timing, and impacts area streams 

and downstream estuaries and ecosystems. Best 

Management Practices (BMPs) are specific structures 

and actions designed to mitigate the negative 

environmental effects of land use change; however, 

the individual and cumulative benefits of these efforts 

at the local 

and regional 

scale are poorly 

tracked and 

understood. 

USGS scientists 

are working 

in partnership 

with the EPA, 

Montgomery 

County, Maryland 

government, and 

the University 

of Maryland 

to better 

understand 

the mitigating 

effects of local 

level BMPs on 

the impacts of 

development. 

The Clarksburg 

Special 

Protection 

Area (CSPA) in 

Montgomery 

Katrina remote sensing.
Performance Data and Analysis

86 Performance Measure Results

will have on the area, including identifying the areas 

that may be affected the most; and (3) to identify some 

of the current on-land large dust sources within the 

Salton Sea region and investigate their current impact 

to the region’s air quality. This information is vital to 

land resource managers to determine how best to 

restore the Salton Sea and minimize the impact to both 

wildlife habitats and human health. 

Supporting Conservation through Land Trusts 

There are a large number of land conservation groups, 

often referred to as land trusts, in the Mid-Atlantic 

region. These groups are very active in the acquisition 

of development rights through purchase or easement 

for the purpose of cultural preservation, green space 

protection, and ecological conservation. They are 

very interested in targeting lands that not only provide 

conservation opportunities for preserving open space, 

but also complement existing protected land systems, 

Federal and State conservation programs, and preserve 

viewsheds from key recreation and historical locations.

In FY2006, the National Biological Information 

Infrastructure (NBII) Mid-Atlantic Information Node 

worked with the New River Land Trust in Virginia to 

develop an Internet-based mapping and decisionsupport system that allows members to identify lands 

that offer the greatest economy for meeting their, and 

cooperators, objectives. Users can view spatial data 

layers and integrate land trust objectives with their own 

priorities and they can then make their own maps of 

lands that meet their highest priority for conservation. 

At this time, the land trust system allows users to 

display and query spatial information through the MidCounty, Maryland, an area currently undergoing 

rapid suburban development, is using advanced BMP 

designs. 

USGS scientists are creating a geographic database to 

map and interpret the use of different BMPs in relation 

to land cover change. Data are being integrated with 

available BMP, climate, and receiving stream physical, 

biologic, and chemical data to identify patterns of 

land use change and BMP usage with environmental 

information. The data integration is designed to improve 

communication among stakeholders and provide a 

platform to guide upcoming targeted data collection. 

The results may be directly applied to inform local 

and regional land use decisionmakers for mitigation 

planning (in other words, BMP use), remediation 

actions (in other words, BMP retrofitting) in preexisting, 

developed communities, and to better understand the 

potential results of specific development mitigation 

practices on ecosystem health.

Salton Sea Water Level Impacts Air Quality and Human 

Health 

Air quality continues to be an important public 

health concern within the Salton Sea Air Basin in 

southern California, with areas in both Riverside and 

Imperial Counties at times violating EPA air quality 

standards. With a recent agreement between the 

water stakeholders and the urban areas in southern 

California, some of the water that drains into the Salton 

Sea will be diverted to the cities. Over time, this will 

cause the water level to drop and up to 80,000 acres of 

the lake’s bottom will be exposed to become potential 

new dust sources. 

Several Federal, State, and local agencies are involved 

in investigating the possible best methods to restore 

the Salton Sea to protect the wildlife habitats and 

minimize the impact to human health caused by new 

dust sources. Restoration costs are estimated to 

be in the hundreds of millions to several billions of 

dollars. The major issues being investigated by the 

USGS under this project in collaboration with the BOR 

and the California Department of Water Resources 

are (1) to map the Salton Sea’s lake bottom sediment 

characteristics to generate a first order potential wind 

erosion vulnerability map; (2) to analyze and study 

the region’s wind characteristics to help predict the 

potential impact to air quality the lower water levels 

Photograph taken at the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Performance Measure Results 87

Atlantic Information Node. The second phase of the 

project will allow user input, weighting, and results to 

be displayed.

This interagency effort integrates biodiversity-related 

spatial data layers from the Virginia Natural Heritage 

Program with datasets from the USGS, including the 

National Land Cover Data, National Hydrography 

Dataset, and elevations. New data layers can be 

incorporated very easily as they are identified. While 

the tool was initially developed for the New River Land 

Trust, other land trusts have expressed an interested in 

using it as well. 

Feedback from Elizabeth Obenshain, Executive Director, 

New River Land Trust, has been extremely positive: 

“It’s hard for us to adequately express our admiration 

and gratitude for the work you have done. This map of 

conservation lands will be a great help in focusing our 

work and even more in documenting why certain sites 

are so important... this final version will be so useful 

for efforts to save more land.”

Is the Fish Safe to Eat: Modeling Mercury in Fish 

Tissue

Determining when to issue fish consumption warnings 

is a constant challenge for all States. The Eastern 

Geographic Science Center has been working for 

several years to encourage broader use of the National 

Descriptive Model of Mercury in Fish to assist States 

in improving their fish-tissue sampling efforts so public 

health advisories about eating fish can be made more 

effective and economical. 

The Environmental Mercury Mapping, Monitoring, and 

Analysis Web site was developed to provide State-level 

decisionmakers and other users with direct access to 

a state-of-the-art mercury in fish estimation model and 

the relevant data and what-if capability to define model 

inputs and estimate mercury levels according to fish 

species, size, and location. The site at http://emmma.

usgs.gov/fishHgAbout.aspx also offers techniques 

for geographic analysis and scientific visualization 

of model inputs and outputs. Among the benefits 

of the fish model are reduced monitoring program 

costs for State fisheries managers, more complete 

fish consumption advisories, and better spatial and 

temporal trend estimates for mercury distribution in 

fish. 

Potential directions for this research include 

investigation of the relationship of mercury 

contamination with disease on the landscape, mapping 

of temporal trends in mercury in fish, identification of 

geological and mining sources of mercury in fish, and 

the extension of this Web-based modeling approach to 

other environmental contaminants.

Management Excellence goals

USGS supports the Department’s Management 

Excellence goals, many of which are directly related to 

the PMA initiatives. See the Management Discussion 

and Analysis- Compliance with laws and regulations 

section in the PAR starting on page 21 for examples 

of accomplishments related to the President’s 

Management Agenda initiatives below: 

• Strategic Management of Human Capital;

• Competitive Sourcing;

• Expanding Electronic Government (E-gov);

• Budget and Performance Integration; 

• Improved Financial Performance; and

• Real Property Asset Management.

Scientist studies if fish are safe to eat.
Performance Data and Analysis

88 Validation and Verification of Performance Data

I

n keeping with Departmental and OMB policy 

for performance data verification and validation 

(V&V), USGS has complied with requirements for 

performance data credibility.

During FY2006, USGS GPRA coordinators for each 

Budget Activity/scientific discipline completed and 

certified a validation checklist comprised of criteria 

in the DOI V&V Assessment Matrix for the key, nonkey performance measures of the DOI Strategic 

Plan, bureau specific, PART measures, and outputs 

to which USGS contributes. USGS will demonstrate 

accountability by establishing a clear connection 

among mission, work, and what work accomplishes for 

the funds that have been authorized and appropriated. 

Criteria include scrutiny to determine that goals are 

realistic and measurable, understandable to users, and 

ultimately used in decisionmaking. In addition, several 

of the Strategic Plan measures were assessed by the 

PART during FY2006, for select biology and geology 

programs. This will add additional documentation 

and assurance of creditability and usability of 

USGS performance measures for management 

decisionmaking.

Also, during FY2006, USGS GPRA coordinators for 

each Budget Activity/scientific discipline completed 

and certified a verification checklist comprised of 

criteria in the DOI V&V Assessment Matrix for all 

performance measures—comprising of, key, non-key 

and bureau-specific measures, PART measures, and 

PART outputs. This included assessing data accuracy, 

completeness, consistency, availability, and intercontrol practices that serve to determine the overall 

reliability of the data collected. GPRA coordinators 

will document any inconsistencies, inaccuracies or 

anomalies in performance data to ensure that problems 

are addressed so that integrity of the performance data 

are ensured.

Data Validation and Verification 

Element

Explanation

Status of Data V&V 

implementation in bureau 

activity area

Response to GPRA requirements and DOI-AS-PMB Data V&V directive January 

16, 2003.

1. Extent to which data V&V 

criteria have been disseminated 

throughout the bureau activity 

area units

Data V&V criteria have been disseminated and reviewed by all USGS GPRA 

coordinators for each Budget Activity/scientific discipline.

2. Extent to which protocols 

have been implemented in units 

providing performance data

 a) Are collection standards 

followed?

Performance measure names, terminology and DOI performance definition 

templates are understood and being followed. There is no common data entry 

system or data entry point for collection of performance data, but standard 

protocols for database queries and retrieval are used. For example, Facilities 

Condition Index is defined by DOI guidance as deferred maintenance costs 

divided by replacement value. Both of these components of FCI are based 

on common industry standards and used by USGS Facilities to capture and 

calculate performance data. The Biological Information Management and 

Delivery Web site requires common collection standards to report quarterly 

accomplishments. Reporting stations are notified at the same time of a reporting 

requirement, and all use the same procedure for reports. For Biological 

Research & Monitoring, new GPRA guidance was communicated to center 

directors and Regional Executive (REX) staff. This guidance establishes 

collection and review and editing procedures involving REX staff, with 

headquarters follow-up. Consistent reporting procedures, including database 

formats are used by centers and regions.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Validation and Verification of Performance Data 89

Data Validation and Verification 

Element

Explanation

 b) Are data entry and transfer 

rules used?

Systems used to track performance data do not have extensive editing 

capabilities, but standard processes are used to capture performance data. 

Program offices understand how to obtain information about performance data 

and maintain data currency. For example, Water procedures for data entry, 

data sources and assumptions, and methods are documented by OBP discipline 

coordinator and are available to other OBP staff. Facilities procedures for data 

collection for the Condition Assessment (CA) program are documented in the 

contract. 

 c) Are data security measures 

implemented?

1) Firewalls, password protection, etc. are established according to bureau 

information system requirements.

2) Access to the databases and/or Excel spreadsheets are only available to 

registered, logged-on USGS users. 

3. Does the bureau conduct 

oversight and certification of 

data?

USGS GPRA coordinators for each budget activity/scientific discipline provide 

oversight and standards to be followed, verify performance data accuracy, 

ensure documentation is maintained, and certify performance data reported. 

OBP provides a second level of oversight.

4. Are other relevant actions 

taken to insure credibility of 

performance data?

Yes, for example, the Facilities CA report is generated by a third-party contractor 

and reviewed by Government personnel. Also, OBP makes comments in the DOI 

database, if for any reason, the data is changed after it has been entered.

Data Source(s) Data sources such as large databases, local files, Excel spreadsheets, reference 

files, and hardcopy files are documented. For example, the Water Discipline 

uses a software query to extract the performance data from the National Water 

Information System (NWIS), a database and user interface through which the 

streamgages, ground-water sites, and water-quality sites report their hydrologic 

data on the Internet. For Facilities, the CA data are kept in hard copy form and 

on a USGS facilities database.

Data Limitations Any data limitations are documented.

Corrective/Improvement Actions 

(Needed, In Progress, or 

Recently Completed)

During FY2006, a Departmental contractor reviewed all data verification and 

validation processes for all bureaus in the Department. Action plans will 

be developed by the bureau to address all recommendations made by the 

contractor.
Performance Data and Analysis

90 Program Evaluation Data

Program evaluations are an important tool in 

analyzing the effectiveness and efficiency of 

our programs and evaluating whether they are 

meeting their intended objectives. These evaluations 

are the foundation on which USGS gauges performance 

relative to the DOI End-Outcome measures for 

soundness of methodology, accuracy, and reliability of 

science. Our programs are evaluated through a variety 

of means, including performance audits, PART, financial 

audits, internal control reviews, and external reviews 

from Congress, OMB, OIG, and other organizations, 

such as the National Academy of Public Administration 

and the National Academy of Science. 

These reviews, which may take several years to 

complete, are critical to maintaining the USGS’s 

reputation for scientific excellence and credibility as 

well as providing guidance for future research needs. 

The evaluations improve the accountability and quality 

of programs, but also identify and address gaps in 

programs; redirect or reaffirm program directions; 

identify and provide guidance for development of new 

programs; and review and/or motivate managers and 

scientists. 

We conduct both internal and external peer and 

management reviews to improve the accountability 

and quality of programs; identify and address gaps 

in programs; redirect or reaffirm program directions; 

identify and provide guidance for the development of 

new programs; and review and/or motivate managers 

and scientists. 

Reviews are both internal and external, conducted 

by USGS and non-USGS scientists, technicians, 

or specialists who are not involved in the specific 

proposal, project, program, or product under review. 

Our goal is to conduct an independent external peer 

review of ongoing programs about every 5 years, 

combined with more frequent independent internal 

management reviews.

Program Strategic Plan 

Mission Area

Purpose of Program Evaluation Actions Taken in Response to Evaluation

Cooperative 

Water Program 

(Advisory 

Committee 

on Water 

Information)

Serving 

Communities

Assess the effectiveness of 

the USGS in addressing the 

recommendations of the 1999 

external Cooperative Program 

review Task Force, and continued 

actions to be taken by the USGS 

to more fully implement the 

recommendations of 1999 report.

The National Hydrologic Warning Council 

(NHWC) has completed their cost benefit 

study and prepared two reports “Benefits 

of USGS Streamgaging” is available on line 

at: http://nhwc.udfcd.org/PDF/nhwc_nsip_

phaseA.pdf. The second report a more 

quantitative benefit analysis compares those 

benefits to the costs of the program. That 

report will be released publicly by NHWC 

on Oct 23 at the Southwestern Association 

of ALERT systems conference. At that time, 

the recommendations will be reviewed and 

discussed for potential action.

Vulnerability 

and Risk 

Analysis for 

Decisionmaking

Serving 

Communities

Assess the need for a national 

strategy on effectively using 

vulnerability assessments and 

risk analyses for decision making 

by community planners and 

emergency managers. 

The American Association of Geographers 

(AAG) panel highlighted the concept 

of a national strategy and the need for 

developing a coherent research agenda 

to provide direction in establishing a 

framework. The USGS is partnering with 

the Wharton School at the University 

of Pennsylvania, and the AAG to begin 

development of the research agenda 

with the collaboration of key academic, 

government, and private sector leaders.
 Performance Data and Analysis

Program Evaluation Data 91

Program Strategic Plan 

Mission Area

Purpose of Program Evaluation Actions Taken in Response to Evaluation

Cost Benefit 

Analysis of 

WRD Streamgaging Program 

(National 

Hydrologic 

Warning 

Council)

Serving 

Communities

The USGS developed the 

National Streamflow Information 

Program (NSIP) to plan for 

future streamgaging activities. 

The purpose of the evaluation 

was to: 1) Identify and describe 

the range of tangible and 

intangible benefits of the USGS 

streamgaging network, and 2) 

Estimate the probable tangible 

benefits of the network, thus 

permitting a comparison of 

economic benefit to cost.

The National Hydrologic Warning Council 

(NHWC) has completed their cost benefit 

study and prepared two reports “Benefits 

of USGS Streamgaging” is available on line 

at: http://nhwc.udfcd.org/PDF/nhwc_nsip_

phaseA.pdf. The second report a more 

quantitative benefit analysis compares those 

benefits to the costs of the program. That 

report will be released publicly by NHWC 

on Oct 23 at the Southwestern Association 

of ALERT systems conference. At that time, 

the recommendations will be reviewed and 

discussed for potential action.

National 

Academy 

of Science 

“Beyond 

Mapping: The 

Challenges 

of New 

Technologies in 

the Geographic 

Information 

Sciences”

Serving 

Communities

Rapidly changing mapping 

technologies are nearly 

outpacing the workforce 

skills of government mapping 

agencies. As the nation’s 

civilian mapping agency, 

USGS recognized the strategic 

and societal implications of 

increased demand for geospatial 

information. USGS turned to 

the National Research Council 

(NRC) to help assess its future 

programmatic needs for a well 

educated GIScience workforce. 

The Geospatial Information Office (GIO) 

is considering the strategic implications 

of the National Research Council (NRC) 

recommendations with respect to the USGS 

mission on sound science and in particular 

GIScience (geographic information systems, 

data management techniques, visualization, 

remote sensing, and spatial statistics and 

modeling). 

American 

Society 

of Photogrammetry and 

Remote Sensing 

“Panel Report 

to USGS on 

Digital Orthoimagery”

Serving 

Communities

USGS is a prominent partner 

with other Federal agencies 

and National States Geographic 

Information Council in a 

business plan, Imagery for the 

Nation (IFTN), for sustainable 

acquisition, maintenance, and 

dissemination of orthoimagery 

and elevation data on a national 

basis. The American Society 

of Photogammetry and Remote 

Sensing (ASPRS) Panel on Digital 

Orthoimagery was chartered 

to examine the status and 

forecast the future of orthoimage 

technology, to describe how such 

technology will affect current 

and future orthoimage programs, 

and to make recommendations 

based on these predictions. 

Report recommendations included: 

(1) a strong program supporting the 

acquisition, maintenance and distribution of 

orthoimagery for the Nation; (2) reinvigorated 

program leadership by USGS; (3) greater 

support for clearinghouse functions and 

standards; and (4) establishment of an 

archive of last resort for these “invaluable 

data.” In FY2007 a cost benefits analysis 

will be undertaken to predict the benefits of 

IFTN to stakeholders and to quantify costs. 

The FGDC is strengthening orthoimagery 

and elevation data standards to achieve 

national and international acceptance. 

Working with the National Archives and 

Records Administration (NARA), the USGS 

Earth Resources Observation and Science 

Data Center is in the midst of being NARAcertified as a national archive for geospatial 

data.
USGS scientist recording discharge measurements in Redwell Basin, Colorado.
Section III

Financial 

Information

Contents

Message from the Chief Financial Officer ................................................................................... 94

Audit Information ............................................................................................................................. 96

Consolidated Financial Statements ............................................................................................ 109

Notes to the Financial Statements .............................................................................................. 117

Required Supplemental Information ........................................................................................... 141

Required Supplemental Stewardship Information ................................................................... 154

93
Message from the Chief Financial Officer

Financial Information

94

The Performance and Accountability Report for Fiscal Year 2006 

provides our most important financial and program performance 

information for the USGS. It also is our principal publication and 

report to the President and the American people on our stewardship, 

management, and leadership of the public funds to which we have 

been entrusted.

It has been an exceptional year. As a result of the dedicated efforts of the financial and administrative 

management staff across the bureau, for the third consecutive year, the independent CPA firm 

selected by our Inspector General has issued an unqualified (“clean”) opinion on the bureau’s 

consolidated financial statements. This is the best possible audit result. With it the American people 

can have confidence that the financial statement information presented here is both accurate 

and reliable. Along with this opinion, USGS achieved a number of other significant management 

improvement initiatives.

• For the third year in a row, the independent CPA firm has reported no material weakness in 

internal control or instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations;

• Taking proactive steps to comply with the expanded requirements of OMB Circular A-123, 

Management’s Responsibility for Internal Control, the Bureau established a senior assessment team 

and specifically tasked working groups to address the new requirements. As a result, the Director has 

been able to issue an unqualified Statement of Assurance regarding internal control over financial 

reporting;

• As part of our diligence in maintaining excellence in financial operations, USGS has continuously 

monitored bureau activity through statistical sampling and by conducting other internal reviews; 

• After conducting two streamlined competitive sourcing studies, we made a decision that 

resulted in science technician activities remaining in-house. USGS is preparing to announce another 

competitive sourcing study on our National Water Quality Lab; 

• In answering the call to service surrounding the catastrophic events associated with hurricanes 

Katrina and Rita, we facilitated the receipt and use of funding to ensure the bureau’s ability to 

immediately engage in life-saving activities;

Message from the Chief Financial Officer
 Financial Information

Message from the Chief Financial Officer

 Financial Information

95

• The President has challenged us to meet rigorous standards through the President’s 

Management Agenda. USGS has continued to make great strides in meeting the goals of the PMA; 

• USGS completed its first ever Asset Management Plan and comprehensive real property 

inventory to meet the requirements of Executive Order 13327; and

• To demonstrate our commitment to training personnel, USGS held National training events for all 

of our administrative officers and cost center managers.

The PAR details how our science is helping to transform the world for the better during a time of 

unprecedented historical change and opportunity. It also demonstrates that the USGS takes this 

responsibility seriously and, through a sustained focus on results, is working diligently to ensure that 

taxpayers’ dollars are well managed. This PAR and the achievements that it describes could not have 

been accomplished without the extraordinary efforts of the bureau’s dedicated staff. USGS is proud 

of being effective and accountable stewards of the taxpayer’s money, and looks forward to continued 

improvement in meeting our commitment to the American people in the years to come.

Karen D. Baker

Chief Financial Officer and

Associate Director, Administrative Policy and Services

October 2006
Financial Information

96 Inspector General Transmittal Letter
 Financial Financial Information Information

Inspector General Transmittal Letter 97
Financial Information

98 Independent Auditors’ Report

Financial Information
 Financial Financial Information Information

Independent Auditors’ Report 99
Financial Information

100 Independent Auditors’ Report

Financial Information
 Financial Financial Information Information

Independent Auditors’ Report 101
Financial Information

102 Independent Auditors’ Report

Financial Information
 Financial Financial Information Information

Independent Auditors’ Report 103
Financial Information

104 Independent Auditors’ Report

Financial Information
 Financial Financial Information Information

Independent Auditors’ Report — USGS Response 105
Financial Information

106 Independent Auditors’ Report — USGS Response

Financial Information
 Financial Financial Information Information

Independent Auditors’ Report — USGS Response 107
USGS scientist sampling bulk density to characterize soil properties in a backhoe trench dug to investigate soil and 

stratigraphic controls on boundaries between sagebrush and grasslands. 
This part of the Section III Financial 

Information contains our basic financial 

statements.

Contents include:

Consolidated Balance Sheets ......................................................110

Consolidated Statements of Net Cost .........................................112

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Position ..............113

Combined Statements of Budgetary Resources .......................114

Consolidated Statements of Financing .......................................115

Consolidated 

Financial Statements 
Basic Financial Statements—The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

Financial Information

110

U.S. Geological Survey

Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of September 30, 2006 

(in thousands)

Assets (Note 2):

Intragovernmental assets:

Fund balance with Treasury (Note 3) $ 257,660

Accounts and interest receivable (Note 4) 52,291

Other 3,149

Total intragovernmental assets 313,100

Accounts and interest receivable, net (Note 4) 74,889

Inventory and related property, net (Note 5) 582

General property, plant, and equipment, net (Note 6) 133,092

Other 22

Total assets $ 521,685

Stewardship assets (Note 11)

Liabilities (Note 7):

Intragovernmental liabilities:

Accounts payable $ 5,448

Other (Notes 2, 7, and 8) 34,910

Total intragovernmental liabilities 40,358

Accounts payable 58,354

Federal employee and veteran benefits (Note 8) 38,873

Environmental and disposal liabilities (Note 10) 66

Other:

Unfunded annual leave 59,175

Abandoned sites liabilities 21,049

Other liabilities 38,832

Total liabilities 256,707

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 10 and 12)

Net position:

Unexpended appropriations - other funds 193,230

Cumulative results of operations - earmarked funds (Note 16) 3,079

Cumulative results of operations - other funds 68,669

Total net position 264,978

Total liabilities and net position $ 521,685
 Financial Financial Information Information

Basic Financial Statements—The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 111

U.S. Geological Survey

Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of September 30, 2005

(in thousands)

Assets (Note 2):

Intragovernmental assets:

Fund balance with Treasury (Note 3) $ 240,082

Accounts and interest receivable (Note 4) 58,048

Other 2,518

Total intragovernmental assets 300,648

 Cash 1

Accounts and interest receivable, net (Note 4) 75,928

Inventory and related property, net (Note 5) 789

General property, plant, and equipment, net (Note 6) 162,170

Other 59

Total assets $ 539,595

Stewardship Assets (Note 11)

Liabilities (Note 7):

Intragovernmental liabilities:

Accounts payable $ 8,670

Other (Notes 2, 7, and 8) 36,922

Total intragovernmental liabilities 45,592

Accounts payable 65,673

Federal employee and veteran benefits (Note 8) 41,010

Environmental and disposal liabilities (Note 10) 82

Other:

Unfunded annual leave 59,712

Abandoned sites liabilities 21,459

Other liabilities 40,092

Total liabilities 273,620

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 10 and 12)

Net position:

Unexpended appropriations 181,906

Cumulative results of operations 84,069

Total net position 265,975

Total liabilities and net position $ 539,595
Basic Financial Statements—The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

Financial Information

112

U.S. Geological Survey

Consolidated Statements of Net Cost

For the Years Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

(in thousands)

(Note 13) 2006 2005

Resource Protection

Improve Health of Watersheds and Landscapes

Costs $ 95,271 $ 112,262

Less: earned revenue 34,354 34,307

 Net costs 60,917 77,955

Sustain Biological Communities

Costs 180,277 162,853

Less: earned revenue 37,255 34,612

 Net costs 143,022 128,241

Resource Use

Manage or Influence Resources— Energy

Costs 28,785 29,174

Less: earned revenue 1,662 1,694

 Net costs 27,123 27,480

Manage or Influence Resources— Non-Energy

Costs 66,089 67,709

Less: earned revenue 3,138 4,076

 Net costs 62,951 63,633

Serving Communities

Protect Lives, Resources, and Property

Costs 118,577 110,735

Less: earned revenue 12,450 14,605

 Net costs 106,127 96,130

Advance Knowledge through Scientific Leadership

Costs 974,921 959,928

Less: earned revenue 321,343 316,627

 Net costs 653,578 643,301

Total

Costs 1,463,920 1,442,661

Less: earned revenue 410,202 405,921

 Net cost of operations $ 1,053,718 $ 1,036,740
 Financial Financial Information Information

Basic Financial Statements—The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 113

U.S. Geological Survey

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Position

For the Year Ended September 30, 2006 

(in thousands)

(Note 16)

Earmarked All Other 2006 2005

Unexpended appropriations:

Beginning balances $ 181,906 - 181,906 163,343

Budgetary financing sources:

Appropriations received,

 general funds 995,204 - 995,204 958,021

Appropriations transferred in/(out) - 2,023 2,023 5,647

Appropriations used (966,424) - (966,424) (924,389)

Other adjustments (19,479) - (19,479) (20,716)

Net change - 11,324 11,324 18,563

Ending balances - unexpended

appropriations $ 193,230 - 193,230 181,906

Cumulative results of operations:

Beginning balances $ 3,721 80,348 84,069 125,708

Budgetary financing sources:

Appropriations used 966,424 - 966,424 924,389

Non-exchange revenue and other - 18 18 (104)

Transfers in/(out) without 

 reimbursement 878 150 1,028 1,527

Donations and forfeitures of 

 cash and cash equivalents 2,400 - 2,400 2,272

Other financing sources:

Imputed financing from costs 

 absorbed by others (Note 9) - 67,931 67,931 62,772

Transfers in/(out) without 

 reimbursement - 1,999 1,999 2,150

Donations - 1,597 1,597 2,095

Total financing sources 1,038,119 3,278 1,041,397 995,101

Net cost of operations (1,049,798) (3,920) (1,053,718) (1,036,740)

Net change (642) (11,679) (12,321) (41,639)

Ending balances - cumulative

results of operations $ 3,079 68,669 71,748 84,069
Basic Financial Statements—The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

Financial Information

114

U.S. Geological Survey

Combined Statements of Budgetary Resources

For the Years Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

(in thousands) 2006 2005

Budgetary resources (Note 14):

Unobligated balance

Beginning of fiscal year $ 116,266 120,310

Recoveries of prior year unpaid obligations 7,875 8,570

Budget authority

Appropriations received 997,692 960,374

Spending authority from offsetting collections

Earned

Collected 498,703 464,807

Change in receivables from Federal sources (8,603) (7,334)

Change in unfilled customer orders

Advance received (1,268) 3,601

Without advance from Federal sources 8,739 3,066

Total budget authority 1,495,263 1,424,514

Nonexpenditure transfers, net 1,500 5,437

Permanently not available (19,479) (20,716)

Total budgetary resources $ 1,601,425 1,538,115

Status of budgetary resources:

Obligations incurred:

Direct $ 985,933 946,344

Reimbursable 492,189 475,505

Total obligations incurrred 1,478,122 1,421,849

Unobligated balance

Apportioned 100,022 85,644

Unobligated balance not available 23,281 30,622

Total status of budgetary resources $ 1,601,425 1,538,115

Obligated balance:

Obligated balance, net

Unpaid obligations, brought forward, beginning of fiscal year $ 297,155 289,259

Less: Uncollected customer payments from Federal sources,

 brought forward, beginning of fiscal year (181,240) (185,507)

Total unpaid obligated balances, net, beginning of fiscal year 115,915 103,752

Obligations incurred, net 1,478,122 1,421,849

Less: gross outlays (1,461,615) (1,405,384)

Less: recoveries of prior year unpaid obligations, actual (7,875) (8,570)

Change in uncollected customer payments from Federal sources (138) 4,268

Total, unpaid obligated balance, net, end of period 124,409 115,915

Obligated balance, net, end of period - by component:

Unpaid obligations 305,785 297,155

Less: Uncollected customer payments from Federal sources (181,376) (181,240)

Total, unpaid obligated balance, net, end of period 124,409 115,915

Net outlays:

Net outlays:

Gross outlays 1,461,615 1,405,384

Less: offsetting receipts (497,435) (468,409)

Less: distributed offsetting receipts (2,483) (2,353)

Net outlays $ 961,697 934,622
 Financial Financial Information Information

Basic Financial Statements—The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 115

U.S. Geological Survey

Consolidated Statements of Financing

For the Years Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

(in thousands)

2006 2005

Resources used to finance activities:

Budgetary resources obligated:

Obligations incurred (Note 14) $ 1,478,122 1,421,849

Less: Spending authority from offsetting collections and recoveries (505,446) (472,710)

Obligations net of offsetting collections and recoveries 972,676 949,139

Less: Offsetting receipts (2,483) (2,353)

Net obligations 970,193 946,786

Other resources:

Donations and forfeitures of property 1,597 2,095

Transfers in/(out) without reimbursement 1,999 2,150

Imputed financing from costs absorbed by others (Note 9) 67,931 62,772

Net other resources used to finance activities 71,527 67,017

Total resources used to finance activities 1,041,720 1,013,803

Resources used to finance items not part of the net cost of operations:

Change in budgetary resources obligated for goods, services, 

 and benefits ordered but not yet provided (21,025) (19,829)

Change in unfilled customer orders 7,470 6,667

Resources that fund expenses recognized in prior periods (4,551) 1,115

Budgetary offsetting collections and receipts that do not affect net cost of 

 operations:

Offsetting receipts not part of the net cost of operations 452 2,168

Resources that finance the acquisition of assets (14,682) (13,774)

Other Resources or Adjustments to net obligated resources that do 

not affect net cost of operations (80) (2,322)

Total resources used to finance items not part of the net cost of operations (32,416) (25,975)

Total resources used to finance the net cost of operations 1,009,304 987,828

Components of net cost of operations that will not require or generate

resources in the current period:

Components requiring or generating resources in future periods:

Increase in annual leave liability - 2,060

Increase in exchange revenue receivable from the public - (424)

Increase in other 117 1,034

Total components of net cost of operations that will require or 117 2,670

 generate resources in future periods (Note 15)

Components not requiring or generating resources:

Depreciation and amortization (Note 6) 40,551 43,650

Revaluation of assets or liabilities 1,853 525

Allocation transfers reconciling items (Note 15) 1,699 1,495

Other 194 572

Total components of net cost of operations that will not require or 44,297 46,242

 generate resources in the current period

Total components of net cost of operations that will not require or 44,414 48,912

generate resources

Net cost of operations $ 1,053,718 1,036,740
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Former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall
This part of the Section III Financial 

Information contains our accompanying 

notes, which are an integral part of the 

financial statements.

Contents include:

1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ........................118

2 Assets Analysis ..........................................................................124 

3 Fund Balance with Treasury ....................................................124

4 Accounts and Interest Receivable .........................................125

5 Inventory .....................................................................................126

6 General Property, Plant, and Equipment ................................127

7 Liabilities Not Covered by Budgetary Resources .................128

8 FECA Liabilities ...........................................................................130

9 Imputed Financing Costs ..........................................................130

10 Contingent and Environmental and Disposal Liabilities ......131

11 Stewardship Assets ..................................................................132

12 Leases and Occupancy Agreements .....................................132

13 Statements of Net Cost by Segment .......................................133

14 Budgetary Resources ...............................................................136

15 Consolidated Statement of Financing Reconciling Items ...138

16 Earmarked Funds .......................................................................139

Notes to the 

Financial Statements
Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands)

Financial Information

118

Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting 

Policies

A. Reporting Entity

The USGS, a bureau within the Department of the 

Interior, was established on March 3, 1879, by an act 

of Congress to conduct systematic and scientific 

“classification of the public lands, and examination 

of the geological structure, mineral resources, and 

products of the national domain.” The mission of the 

USGS is to serve the Nation by providing reliable 

scientific information to describe and understand the 

earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural 

disasters; manage water, biological, energy and 

mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality 

of life. 

The USGS accomplishes its mission through integrated 

science programs consisting primarily of

• the National Mapping program, which meets the 

Nation’s needs for accurate, nationally-consistent 

base geospatial data by ensuring access to and 

advancing the application of these data and related 

natural science information for users;

• the Geologic Program, which provides Earth 

science information used to evaluate resource 

potential, define risks associated with natural 

hazards, and characterize the potential impact of 

natural geologic processes on human activity, the 

economy, and the environment; 

• the Water Resources program, which continuously 

assesses the Nation’s water availability and quality, 

provides geographic and cartographic information, 

and addresses flood hazards by moderating the 

impacts of floods and improving flood disaster 

response; and 

• the Biologic Research program, which generates 

and distributes information needed in the 

conservation and management of the Nation’s 

biological resources.

B. Basis of Presentation

These financial statements have been prepared to 

report the consolidated financial position, net cost of 

operations, changes in financial position, combined 

budgetary resources, and financing of the USGS, 

consistent with the Chief Financial Officers’ Act of 1990 

and the Government Management Reform Act of 1994. 

These financial statements have been prepared from 

the books and records of the USGS in accordance with 

accounting principles generally accepted in the United 

States of America using guidance issued by the Federal 

Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB), OMB, 

and USGS accounting policies, which are summarized 

in this note. These consolidated financial statements 

present proprietary and budgetary information, while 

other financial reports also prepared by the USGS 

pursuant to OMB directives are used to monitor and 

control USGS use of Federal budgetary resources. The 

Statements of Budgetary Resources are presented 

on a combined, rather than consolidated basis, and 

therefore intra-entity eliminations were not made 

for the purpose of this statement. The Statements 

of Financing reconcile combined amounts from the 

Statements of Budgetary Resources to amounts from 

the Consolidated Statements of Net Cost.

C. Basis of Accounting

Financial transactions are recorded on an accrual 

accounting basis and a budgetary basis. Under the 

accrual method, revenues are recognized when 

earned and expenses are recognized when a liability 

is incurred, without regard to receipt or payment of 

cash. Budgetary accounting facilitates compliance with 

legal requirements and mandated controls over the use 

of Federal funds. It generally differs from the accrual 

basis of accounting in that obligations are recognized 

when new orders are placed, contracts are awarded, 

and services are received that will require payments 

during the same or future period. Except for the 

Statements of Budgetary Resources and and portions 

of the Statements of Financing, all statements are 

presented on a consolidated basis and use eliminating 

entries to avoid overstatement of balances caused by 

intra-entity activity.
 Financial Information

Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands) 119

D. Assets

Assets presented on USGS Consolidated Balance 

Sheets include both entity and non-entity balances. 

Entity assets are assets that USGS has authority to 

use in its operations. Non-entity assets are held and 

managed by USGS, but are not available for use in 

operations. 

Intragovernmental assets arise from transactions 

between USGS and other Federal entities.

E. Stewardship Assets

Stewardship assets consist of museum and library 

collection heritage assets that have been entrusted 

to USGS to be maintained in perpetuity for the benefit 

of current and future generations. The stewardship 

heritage assets managed by USGS are considered 

priceless and irreplaceable. Because of this, USGS 

assigns no financial value to them and the property, 

plant, and equipment capitalized and reported on the 

Consolidated Balance Sheets excludes these assets in 

accordance with Federal accounting standards. Any 

purchases of new stewardship assets are expensed in 

the year they were incurred.

F. Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment consist of land, 

structures, facilities and leasehold improvements, 

facilities under contruction, equipment, and software 

purchased or developed for internal use. There are 

no restrictions on the use or convertibility of property, 

plant, and equipment.

The USGS capitalizes property, plant, and equipment 

purchases with an acquisition cost in excess of 

$100 thousand for land, structures, facilities, and 

software, and $15 thousand for all other capital assets. 

Depreciation or amortization is computed using the 

straight-line method over the assets’ useful lives of 30 

years for structures and facilities, and ranging from 3 to 

25 years for equipment and 2 to 10 years for software. 

Internal use software includes purchased commercial 

off-the-shelf software (COTS), contractor-developed 

software, and software that was internally developed 

by USGS employees. Internal use software is 

capitalized at cost if the acquisition cost is $100 

thousand or more. For COTS software, the capitalized 

costs include the amount paid to the vendor for the 

software; for contractor-developed software it includes 

the amount paid to a contractor to design, program, 

install, and implement the software. Capitalized 

costs for internally developed software include 

the full cost (direct and indirect) incurred during 

the software development stage. Amortization of 

capitalized software begins on the date of acquisition, 

if purchased, or when the module or component has 

been successfully tested if developed internally. 

Costs for construction projects are recorded as 

construction-in-progress until completed. Depreciation 

expense begins once the asset is placed into service.

The USGS leases the majority of its office space and 

vehicles from the General Services Administration 

(GSA). The lease costs approximate commercial lease 

rates for similar properties and vehicles.

G. Fund Balance with Treasury and Cash

Fund balance with Treasury is a cash balance 

remaining as of fiscal year-end from which USGS is 

authorized to pay liabilities resulting from operational 

activity, except as restricted by law. Fund balance 

with Treasury includes funds received from direct 

appropriations, transfers, offsetting receipts, 

recoveries, and funds held in budget clearing accounts. 

The USGS is permitted by law to use appropriated 

funds to finance its working capital fund. 

H. Other Assets, Advances, and Prepayments

Payments in advance of the receipt of goods and 

services are recorded as prepaid charges at the time of 

prepayment and recognized as expenditures/operating 

expenses when the related goods and services are 

received.
Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands)

Financial Information

120

I. Accounts and Interest Receivable

Accounts receivable consist of amounts owed to 

the USGS by other Federal agencies and the public. 

Unbilled accounts receivable represent amounts that 

have been earned but not yet billed to reimbursable 

customers. Receivables from Federal agencies 

result from reimbursable services performed, and 

from joint funding agreements with State, local, and 

regional agencies for cooperative work in support 

of the “Surveys, Investigations, and Research” (SIR) 

appropriation. Receivables also include balances 

owed for credit sales of products and maps to Federal 

agencies and the public and for interest, administrative 

costs, and penalties due on delinquent receivables. The 

majority of USGS accounts receivable are generated 

from the water resource and national mapping 

programs. 

Amounts due from Federal agencies are considered 

fully collectible. Receivables due from the public are 

stated net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible 

amounts, determined by considering the debtor’s 

current ability to pay, the debtor’s payment record and 

willingness to pay, and an analysis of aged receivable 

activity.

J. Inventory

Inventory includes maps and map products that are 

held for sale and raw materials held for future use. 

All inventory products and materials are valued at 

historical cost, using a method of averaging actual 

costs to produce like-kind scale maps within the same 

fiscal year. The USGS estimates an allowance for 

excess, spoiled, or obsolete map inventory to arrive at 

a net realizable value, based on inventory turnover and 

current stock levels.

K. Liabilities

Liabilities covered by budgetary or other resources 

are those liabilities of USGS for which Congress has 

appropriated funds or funding is otherwise available to 

pay amounts due. Liabilities not covered by budgetary 

or other resources represent amounts owed in excess 

of available Congressionally-appropriated funds or 

other amounts. The liquidation of liabilities not covered 

by budgetary or other resources is dependent on 

future Congressional appropriations or other funding. 

Intragovernmental liabilities are claims against USGS 

by other Federal entities. 

L. Other Liabilities: Deferred Revenue, Deferred 

Credits, and Deposit Fund Liability

Deferred revenue and deferred credits consist of 

advances received from Federal and public entities for 

goods and services that will not be fully earned until the 

related goods or services have been provided by USGS. 

The majority of USGS deferred revenue is generated 

from the Water Resources Program. Revenue is 

recognized as reimbursable costs are incurred, and the 

deferred revenue balance is reduced accordingly. 

The deposit fund liability represents receipts of 

funds held on deposit prior to completion of a signed 

agreement to provide reimbursable services to Federal 

and public entities. The deposit fund liability also 

consists of monies that were not obligated prior to the 

agreement expiration that are funded by annual year 

appropriations, which will be returned to the customer.

M. Revenues, User Fees, and Financing Sources

Appropriations. The USGS receives the majority of 

the funding needed to support its programs through 

Congressional appropriations. Financing sources 

are received in annual, multi-year, and no-year 

appropriations that may be used, within statutory limits, 

for operating and capital expenditures. 

Upon expiration of an annual or multiple-year 

appropriation, the obligated and unobligated balances 

retain their fiscal year identity, and are maintained 

separately within an expired account. The unobligated 

balance can be used to make adjustments to existing 

obligations, but is otherwise not available for 

expenditures. Annual and multiple-year appropriations 

are canceled at the end of the fifth year after 

expiration. No-year appropriations do not expire. 

Appropriations of budget authority are recognized as 

used when a liability for goods and services or benefits 

and grants are incurred.

Exchange revenues. Additional funds are obtained 

through reimbursements for services performed 

for other Federal agencies and the public, and fees 

charged for surveys, investigations, and research. 

Revenue and intra-governmental reimbursements 

are recognized as earned when the goods have 

been delivered or services rendered by USGS. 
 Financial Information

Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands) 121

Revenues earned from public sources are derived 

from States and municipalities for making cooperative 

topographic and geologic surveys and water resource 

investigations; proceeds from the sale of photographs, 

maps, and records; proceeds from the sale of personal 

property; and reimbursements from permits and 

licenses of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 

Revenues from certain cooperators represent about 

half of the total cost; the USGS pays the remaining 

half of the total cooperators cost. Revenues earned 

from other Federal agencies are derived from specialpurpose mapping and investigations. Revenues are also 

received through the Department of State, from foreign 

countries, and international organizations for scientific 

and technical assistance.

The USGS has specific legislative authority to receive 

revenue from non-Federal reimbursable customers 

as budgetary resources. The USGS also has authority 

to receive contributions from outside organizations to 

perform work desired mutually by multiple parties. In 

addition, the USGS receives rental receipts for quarters 

provided at remote locations.

User fees are set at a level that will recover the 

full costs associated with the services for specific 

customers. Prices for information products that are 

sold on a retail basis are set at a level that will recover 

the full costs of reproduction and dissemination, or 

costs incurred after the mission related information is 

collected and archived. User fees and product prices 

are developed in accordance with cost components 

of OMB Circular A 25, User Charges with review and 

approval by the Director, or a delegated party. The 

annual Cost Recovery Report and regularly scheduled 

independent pricing reviews by product line are among 

the methods used to monitor compliance with the USGS 

policies.

Imputed financing sources. In certain cases, operating 

costs of the USGS are paid for by funds appropriated 

to other Federal entities. For example, pension benefits 

for most USGS employees are paid for by the OPM 

and certain legal judgments against the USGS are 

paid from the Judgment Fund maintained by Treasury. 

OMB indicates that imputed costs to be recognized by 

Federal entities include the following: (1) employees’ 

pension benefits; (2) health insurance, life insurance, 

and other benefits for retired employees; (3) other 

post employment benefits for retired, terminated, and 

inactive employees, including severance payments, 

training and counseling, continued health care, and 

unemployment and workers’ compensation under 

the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act; and (4) 

losses in litigation proceedings. USGS also records 

intra-departmental imputed costs in accordance with 

Department policy and FASAB’s Interpretation Number 

6, Accounting for Imputed Intra-departmental Costs: 

An Interpretation of SFFAS Number 4. The USGS 

includes applicable imputed costs on the Consolidated 

Statements of Net Cost. In addition, an imputed 

financing source is recognized on the Consolidated 

Statements of Changes in Net Position. 

N. Contingent Liabilities

A contingency is an existing condition, situation, 

or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to 

possible gain or loss. The uncertainty will ultimately be 

resolved when one or more future events occur or fail 

to occur. USGS recognizes a contingent liability when 

a past event or exchange transaction has occurred 

and a future outflow or other sacrifice of resources is 

measurable and probable. A contingency is disclosed 

in the Notes to the Financial Statements when any of 

the conditions for liability recognition are met and when 

the chance of the future confirming event or events 

occurring is more than remote but less than probable. 

A contingency is not disclosed in the Notes to the 

Financial Statements when any of the conditions for 

liability recognition are not met and when the chance of 

the future event or events occurring is remote. 

O. Accrued Annual, Sick, and Other Leave and 

Compensatory Time 

Annual leave and other compensatory leave time 

are accrued when earned. The accrual is presented 

as a component of other liabilities with the public in 

the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is adjusted for 

changes in compensation rates and reduced for annual 

leave taken. Sick leave is provided to employees on a 

use or lose basis and is expensed when taken. 
Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands)

Financial Information

122

P. Workers’ Compensation

The Federal Employees Compensation Act provides 

income and medical cost protection to covered Federal 

civilian employees injured on the job, to employees who 

have incurred work-related occupational diseases, 

and to beneficiaries of employees whose deaths are 

attributable to job-related injuries or occupational 

diseases. The FECA program is administered by the 

Department of Labor (DOL), which pays valid claims 

and subsequently seeks reimbursement from the 

Federal agencies employing the claimants.

The FECA liability consists of two components. The 

first component is based on actual claims paid by 

DOL but not yet reimbursed. USGS reimburses DOL 

for the amount of the actual claims as funds are 

appropriated for this purpose. Reimbursements to the 

DOL on payments made occur approximately two years 

subsequent to the actual disbursement. As a result, 

USGS recognizes a liability for the actual claims paid 

by DOL and to be reimbursed by USGS. Budgetary 

resources for this intra-governmental liability are made 

available to USGS as part of its annual appropriation 

from Congress in the year in which the reimbursement 

to the DOL takes place.

The second component is the estimated liability for 

future benefit payments as a result of past events. 

This liability includes death, disability, medical, and 

miscellaneous costs. DOL determines this component 

annually, as of September 30, using a method that 

considers historical benefit payment patterns, wage 

inflation factors, medical inflation factors, and other 

variables. The projected annual benefit payments are 

discounted to present value using OMB’s economic 

assumptions for 10-year Treasury notes and bonds. To 

provide for the effects of inflation on the liability, wage 

inflation factors (i.e., cost of living adjustments) and 

medical inflation factors (i.e., consumer price index 

medical adjustments) are applied to the calculation 

of projected future benefit payments. These factors 

are also used to adjust historical benefit payments to 

current-year constant dollars. A discounting formula is 

also used to recognize the timing of benefit payments 

as thirteen payments per year instead of one lump sum 

payment per year. Based on information provided by 

the DOL, the Department allocates the actuarial liability 

to its bureaus and Departmental offices based on the 

payment history for the bureaus and Departmental 

offices. The estimated liability is not covered by 

budgetary resources and will require future funding.

DOL also evaluates the estimated projections to 

ensure that the estimated future benefit payments 

are appropriate. The analysis includes three tests: (1) 

a comparison of the current-year projections to the 

prior-year projections; (2) a comparison of the prioryear projected payments to the current-year actual 

payments, excluding any new case payments that had 

arisen during the current year; and (3) a comparison of 

the current-year actual payment data to the prior-year 

actual payment data. Based on the outcome of this 

analysis, adjustments may be made to the estimated 

future benefit payments.

Q. Retirement Plans 

Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Federal 

Employees Retirement System (FERS). All USGS 

employees with permanent status participate in either 

the CSRS or FERS defined-benefit pension plans. FERS 

went into effect on January 1, 1987. FERS automatically 

covers most employees hired after December 31, 1983. 

Employees hired prior to January 1, 1984, could elect to 

either join FERS or remain in CSRS.

USGS is not responsible for and does not report CSRS 

or FERS assets, accumulated plan benefits, or liabilities 

applicable to its employees. OPM administers the 

plans, is responsible for, and reports these amounts.

For CSRS-covered employees, in both FY2006 and 

FY2005, USGS was required to make contributions to 

the plan matching the employee’s contribution, which 

was 7 percent of the employee’s basic pay. For each 

fiscal year, OPM calculates the U.S. government’s 

service cost for covered employees, which is an 

estimate of the amount of funds that, if accumulated 

annually and invested over an employee’s career, 

would be enough to pay that employee’s future 

benefits. Since the U.S. government’s estimated service 

cost exceeds contributions made by employer agencies 

and covered employees, this plan is not fully funded by 

the USGS and its employees. 

USGS has recognized an imputed cost and imputed 
 Financial Information

Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands) 123

financing source for the difference between the 

estimated service cost and the contributions made by 

USGS and its covered employees.

FERS contributions made by employer agencies and 

covered employees exceed the U.S. Government’s 

estimated service cost. For FERS-covered employees, 

USGS was required in FY2006 and FY2005 to make 

contributions of 10.7 percent of basic pay. Employees 

contributed 0.8 percent of basic pay. Employees 

participating in FERS are covered under the Federal 

Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), for which USGS 

contributes a matching amount to the Social Security 

Administration.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Employees covered by 

CSRS and FERS are eligible to contribute to the 

U.S. Government’s TSP, administered by the Federal 

Retirement Thrift Investment Board. A TSP account is 

automatically established for FERS-covered employees, 

and USGS makes a mandatory contribution of 1 percent 

of basic pay. FERS-covered employees are entitled 

to contribute up to $15,000 of basic pay to their TSP 

account, with USGS making matching contributions 

up to 5 percent of basic pay. Employees covered by 

CSRS are entitled to contribute up to $15,000 of basic 

pay to their TSP account. USGS makes no matching 

contributions for CSRS-covered employees.

Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Program.

Most USGS employees are enrolled in the FEHB 

Program, which provides post-retirement health 

benefits. OPM administers this program and is 

responsible for the reporting of liabilities. Employer 

agencies and covered employees are not required 

to make any contributions for post-retirement health 

benefits. OPM calculates the U.S. government’s 

service cost for covered employees each fiscal year. 

USGS has recognized the entire service cost of these 

post-retirement benefits for covered employees as an 

imputed cost and imputed financing source.

Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) 

Program. All USGS employees with permanent 

status can elect to participate in the FEGLI Program. 

Participating employees can obtain basic term life 

insurance, with the employee paying two-thirds of the 

cost and USGS paying one-third. Additional coverage is 

optional, to be paid fully by the employee. The basic life 

coverage may be continued into retirement if certain 

requirements are met. OPM administers this program 

and is responsible for the reporting of liabilities. For 

each fiscal year, OPM calculates the U.S. government’s 

service cost for the post retirement portion of basic 

life coverage. USGS contributions to the basic life 

coverage are fully allocated by OPM to the preretirement portion of coverage, and accordingly, USGS 

has recognized the entire service cost of the postretirement portion of basic life coverage as an imputed 

cost and imputed financing source.

R. Income Taxes

The USGS, as a Federal agency, is not subject to 

Federal, State, or local income taxes and, accordingly, 

no provision for income taxes has been recorded in the 

accompanying financial statements.

S. Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance 

with accounting principles generally accepted in the 

United States of America requires management to 

make certain estimates and assumptions in reporting 

assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and financial 

sources; and in the related note disclosures. Actual 

results could differ from these estimates. Significant 

estimates underlying the accompanying financial 

statements include accounts payable; the allowance 

for doubtful accounts receivable; property, plant, and 

equipment useful lives and impairments; contingent and 

environmental liabilities; the FECA actuarial liability; 

and the allowance for obsolete inventory. 

T. Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2005 

balances to conform to the 2006 presentation.
Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands)

Financial Information

124

Note 2 Assets Analysis

All USGS assets are entity assets, except a portion of fund balance with Treasury of $67 and $212 thousand at 

September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Non-entity assets include amounts due to USGS from accrued interest 

and penalties on delinquent debt. A corresponding payable to Treasury is recorded in other liabilities. USGS does not 

have any entity restricted assets. 

Note 3 Fund Balance with Treasury

Fund Balance with Treasury consists of the following as of September 30, 2006 and 2005:

USGS maintains balances with Treasury by fund type. The fund types and purpose are described below:

General funds. These funds consist of expenditure accounts used to record financial transactions arising from 

Congressional appropriations.

Special funds. These accounts are credited with receipts from special sources that are designated by law for a 

specific purpose. When collected, these receipts are available immediately for expenditure for special programs, 

such as providing housing for employees on field assignments, operations and maintenance for the temporary 

housing, cleanup associated with the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and operating science and cooperative programs.

Revolving funds. These funds account for cash flows to and from the government resulting from operations of the 

Working Capital Fund and do not fund normal operating expenses of the bureau. These funds are also restricted to 

the purposes set forth in the legislation that established the Working Capital Fund and related investment plans. 

Trust funds. These funds are used for the acceptance and administration of funds contributed from public and private 

sources and programs in cooperation with other Federal and State agencies or private donors.

Other Fund Types. These include miscellaneous receipt accounts, transfer accounts, performance bonds, deposit and 

clearing accounts maintained to account for receipts, and disbursements awaiting proper classification. 

Unobligated, unavailable fund balance represents amounts from appropriations for which the period of availability for 

obligation has expired. These balances remain available for upward adjustments of obligations incurred during the 

period for which the appropriation was available.

2006 2005

General funds $ 159,892 150,234

Special funds 815 1,380

Revolving funds 87,016 80,386

Trust funds 1,254 1,759

Other fund types 8,683 6,323

Total fund balance with Treasury by fund type $ 257,660 240,082
 Financial Information

Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands) 125

Status of Fund Balance with Treasury as of September 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:

Note 4 Accounts and Interest Receivable, Net

Accounts receivable consist of amounts owed to the USGS by other Federal agencies and the public. Unbilled 

accounts receivable represents amounts that have been earned but not yet billed to reimbursable customers. This 

account functions much like a “work-in-progress” record of the costs incurred on customer agreements. Due to the 

nature of certain agreements with reimbursable customers that require invoicing upon completion of the work, USGS 

sometimes bills customers years after the project was initiated. This procurement practice results in the majority of 

accounts receivable being comprised of unbilled balances.

Accounts receivable are reduced to net realizable value by an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance 

for public receivables is estimated quarterly based on identification of specific delinquent receivables, an analysis 

of aged receivable activity and historical trends adjusted for current market conditions, as well as management’s 

judgment regarding the debtor’s willingness and ability to pay. Federal receivables are considered fully collectible. 

Interest receivable represents interest income earned on outstanding receivables that has not yet been collected. 

Interest accrues on a daily basis beginning thirty days from the date the notice of amount due was sent. Interest is 

charged at the rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury.

Accounts and Interest Receivable from Public Agencies as of September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, consists of:

2006 2005

Unobligated

Available $ 100,937 86,635

Unavailable 23,281 30,622

Obligated not yet disbursed 124,759 116,502

Subtotal 248,977 233,759

Fund balance with Treasury not covered by budgetary resources

Clearing and deposit accounts 8,683 6,323

Total status of fund balance with Treasury $ 257,660 240,082

2006 2005

Accounts and interest receivable from the public

Current $ 20,365 21,382

1 - 180 days past due 6,663 3,689

181 - 365 days past due 527 349

1 to 2 years past due 103 300

Total billed accounts and interest receivable - public 27,658 25,720

Unbilled Accounts and Interest Receivable 47,692 52,452

Total accounts and interest receivable - public 75,350 78,172

Allowance for doubtful accounts - public (461) (2,244)

Total accounts and interest receivable - public, net of allowance $ 74,889 75,928
Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands)

Financial Information

126

Accounts and Interest Receivable from Federal Agencies as of September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, consists 

of:

2006 2005

Accounts and interest receivable from Federal agencies

Billed $ 674 125

Unbilled 51,617 57,923

Total accounts and interest receivable - Federal $ 52,291 58,048

Note 5 Inventory and Related Property, Net

Inventory consists of the following as of September 30, 2006 and 2005:

USGS disseminates earth, water, and biological science information through various media, including maps, reports, 

digital data sets, and general interest publications of the USGS and other Federal agencies. Maps and map products 

are located at the USGS Rocky Mountain Mapping Center in Denver, Colorado, and at several Earth Science 

Information Centers across the United States. The USGS maintains an inventory of maps and map products that are 

available to respond to national emergencies and resource management needs, as well as governmental requests. 

Below are examples of maps included in inventory available for sale.

2006 2005

Inventory

Published maps held for sale $ 8,600 9,676

Allowance for obsolescence (8,018) (8,887)

Net inventory and related property $ 582 789
 Financial Information

Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands) 127

Note 6 General Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net

Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following as of September 30, 2006:

Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following as of September 30, 2005:

Depreciation and amortization expense amounted to approximately $40.5 million and $43.6 million, for the years ended 

September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. 

The Landsat 7 satellite suffered a technical failure during FY2003, at which point USGS recorded a one-time 

impairment for $81.1 million. The normal depreciation rate estimate was also changed at the point of impairment 

to equal the net book value (after impairment) at May 31, 2003, divided by the remaining useful life previously 

established. As a result, depreciation expense and net cost of operations were reduced for the years ended 

September 30, 2006 and 2005, by $27.8 million each year. The net book value of the Landsat 7 satellite was 

approximately $1.4 million and $25.1 million at September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. 

Acquisition Accumulated Net Book

Cost Depreciation Value

Land and land improvements $ 300 - 300

Buildings 104,678 70,508 34,170

Structures and facilities 13,230 9,613 3,617

Leasehold improvements 25,730 5,897 19,833

Construction in progress - general 1,745 - 1,745

Equipment and vehicles 466,582 370,068 96,514

Internal use software:

In use 10,545 4,563 5,982

In development 9 - 9

Total property, plant, and equipment $ 622,819 460,649 162,170

Acquisition Accumulated Net Book

Cost Depreciation Value

Land and land improvements $ 300 - 300

Buildings 104,678 72,938 31,740

Structures and facilities 13,340 10,024 3,316

Leasehold improvements 27,512 9,643 17,869

Construction in progress - general 3,048 - 3,048

Equipment and vehicles 464,787 392,769 72,018

Internal use software:

In use 10,783 6,209 4,574

In development 227 - 227

Total property, plant, and equipment $ 624,675 491,583 133,092
Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands)

Financial Information

128

Note 7 Liabilities Not Covered by Budgetary Resources

Liabilities not covered by budgetary or other resources represent amounts owed in excess of available Congressional 

appropriated funds or other amounts. The liquidation of liabilities not covered by budgetary or other resources is 

dependent on future Congressional appropriations or other funding source.

Liabilities consist of the following as of September 30, 2006:

Covered by

Budgetary Resources

Current Current Non-Current 2006

Intragovernmental Liabilities:

Accounts payable $ 5,448 - - 5,448

Other

Resources payable to Treasury - 98 - 98

Advances and deferred revenue 626 - - 626

Deposit funds - 1,912 - 1,912

Accrued employee benefits 5,276 - 3,006 8,282

Unfunded FECA liability - 2,694 4,042 6,736

GSA tenant improvement loans - 3,821 13,435 17,256

Total other intragovernmental liabilities 5,902 8,525 20,483 34,910

Total intragovernmental liabilities 11,350 8,525 20,483 40,358

Public liabilities:

Accounts payable 58,354 - 58,354 -

Federal employee and veterans' benefits

FECA actuarial liability - 38,873 - 38,873

Total Federal employee veterans' benefits - 38,873 38,873 -

Environmental and disposal liabilities - - 66 66

Other

Unfunded annual leave - 2,959 56,216 59,175

Abandoned sites liabilities - 21,049 - 21,049

Other liabilities

Contingent liabilities - - 1,279 1,279

Accrued payroll and benefits 24,948 - 24,948 -

Advances and deferred revenue 4,517 129 - 4,646

Deposit funds - 6,770 - 6,770

Contract holdbacks 151 - 1,038 1,189

Total other liabilities 29,616 6,899 2,317 38,832

Total other public liabilities 29,616 9,858 79,582 119,056

Total public liabilities 87,970 9,858 118,521 216,349

Total liabilities $ 99,320 18,383 139,004 256,707

Budgetary Resources

Not Covered by 
 Financial Information

Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands) 129

Liabilities consist of the following as of September 30, 2005:

Covered by 

Budgetary Resources

Current Current Non-Current 2005

Intragovernmental liabilities:

Accounts payable $ 8,670 - 8,670 -

Other

Resources payable to Treasury - 81 - 81

Advances and deferred revenue 1,975 - 1,975 -

Deposit funds - 255 - 255

Accrued employee benefits 5,341 - 2,889 8,230

Unfunded FECA liability - 2,932 4,398 7,330

GSA tenant improvement loans - 5,288 13,763 19,051

Total other intragovernmental liabilities 7,316 8,556 21,050 36,922

Total intragovernmental liabilities 15,986 8,556 21,050 45,592

Public liabilities:

Accounts payable 65,673 - 65,673 -

Federal employee and veterans' benefits

FECA actuarial liability - 41,010 - 41,010

Total Federal employee veterans' benefits - 41,010 - 41,010

Environmental and disposal liabilities - - 82 82

Other

Unfunded annual leave - 2,986 56,726 59,712

Abandoned sites liabilities - 21,459 - 21,459

Other liabilities

Contingent liabilities - - 2,208 2,208

Accrued payroll and benefits 26,171 - 26,171 -

Advances and deferred revenue 4,437 32 4,469 -

Deposit funds - 6,069 6,069 -

Contract holdbacks 137 - 1,038 1,175

Total other liabilities 30,745 6,101 3,246 40,092

Total other public liabilities 30,745 9,087 81,431 121,263

Total public liabilities 96,418 9,087 122,523 228,028

Total liabilities $ 112,404 17,643 143,573 273,620

Budgetary Resources

Not Covered by 
Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands)

Financial Information

130

Note 8 FECA Liabilities

USGS has recorded an estimated, unfunded liability for the expected future cost for death, disability, and medical 

claims under the Federal Employees Compensation Act. This estimated liability is calculated by the Department 

of Labor (DOL) using a method that considers historical benefit payment patterns, wage inflation factors, medical 

inflation factors, and other variables. These actuarially computed projected annual benefit payments are discounted 

to present value using the OMB’s economic assumptions for 10-year Treasury notes and bonds. USGS also recorded 

an estimated, unfunded liability for the expected future payments to the DOL in payment of outstanding workers 

compensation claims.

FECA liabilities for the years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, consisted of:

Note 9 Imputed Financing from Costs Absorbed by Others

Imputed financing sources are recorded in the financial statements for amounts paid or to be paid on behalf of the 

USGS by other Federal agencies. The OPM pays Federal employee pension and other future retirement benefits on 

behalf of Federal agencies. The OPM provided rates for recording the estimated cost of pension and other future 

retirement benefits paid by OPM on behalf of Federal agencies. The costs of these benefits are reflected as imputed 

financing in the consolidated financial statements. 

During FY2005, USGS prospectively implemented the FASAB’s Interpretation Number 6, Accounting for Imputed Intradepartmental Costs: An Interpretation of SFFAS Number 4. This implementation resulted in USGS recording intradepartmental costs originating from services received by the Department’s Solicitor office.

Imputed financing costs for the years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, consisted of:

2006 2005

Department of Labor

FECA actuarial liability $ 38,873 41,010

FECA workers compensation liability 6,736 7,330

Total FECA liabilities $ 45,609 48,340

2006 2005

Office of Personnel Management:

Pension expense $ 23,237 24,793

Federal employees health benefits 38,250 37,459

Federal employees group life insurance program 91 90

Total OPM 61,578 62,342

Intra-departmental imputed costs 5,903 330

Non-reimbursable claims paid by Treasury's judgment fund 450 100

Total imputed financing costs $ 67,931 62,772
 Financial Information

Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands) 131

Note 10 Contingent and Environmental and Disposal Liabilities

The USGS is a party to various administrative proceedings, legal actions, environmental suits, and claims that may 

eventually result in the payment of substantial monetary claims to third parties, or in the unplanned reallocation of 

material budgetary resources to pay for the cleanup of environmentally damaged sites. 

USGS has accrued any legal liabilities deemed to be probable of loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The 

payment of any judgments against USGS would be made from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Judgment Fund. 

Additionally, USGS has several cases that the Solicitor believes are reasonably possible of loss, none of which can 

be estimated. Because no range of loss for reasonably possible cases could be estimated by the Solicitor, those 

cases are excluded from the disclosure below.

The USGS has accrued the probable and estimable liability represented by environmental site cleanup. Additionally, 

USGS has several environmental cases that USGS experts believe the range of loss cannot presently be estimated.

Changes in existing estimated environmental and disposal costs are based on progress made in, and revision of, the 

cleanup plans assuming current technology, laws, and regulations. There are no material changes in total estimated 

cleanup costs that are due to changes in technology, laws, and regulations. 

Estimated contingent and environmental disposal liabilities as of September 30, 2006 and 2005, are:

2006

Accrued

Liabilities

Lower End of 

Range

Upper End of 

Range

Contingent liabilities

Probable $ 1,279 1,279 5,279

Environmental and disposal liabilities

Probable 66 66 66

2005

Accrued

Liabilities

Lower End of 

Range

Upper End of 

Range

Contingent liabilities

Probable $ 2,208 2,208 6,408

Environmental and disposal liabilities

Probable 82 82 112

Estimated Range of Loss

Estimated Range of Loss
Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands)

Financial Information

132

Note 11 Stewardship Assets

The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth. The 

USGS serves American citizens as a steward for a large, varied, and scientifically important body of heritage assets, 

and in conducting research and development that is critical to the health of our country and in understanding the 

Earth. 

During FY2006, USGS prospectively implemented the FASAB’s Statement of Federal Financial Accounting Standard 

No. 29, Heritage Assets and Stewardship Land. USGS considers its four library collections to be heritage assets 

which provide scientific information needed by Interior researchers, as well as researchers of other government 

agencies, universities, and professional communities. Besides providing resources for USGS scientific investigations, 

the library collections provide access to geographical, technical, and historical literature in paper and electronic 

formats for the general public and the industry. USGS manages these assets to the standards set in the Survey 

Manual, and utilizes a library classification system designed for earth science libraries.

USGS also considers its museum collections, comprised of collections of natural history specimens and cultural 

objects, to be heritage assets. Natural history specimens are important as they contribute reliable scientific 

information to our research activities, while our cultural objects provide educational and informational services 

on the history of the bureau through museum and other exhibits of historical activities/events. USGS endeavors to 

manage these assets to the standards set in the Departmental Manual 411, Policy and Responsibilities for Managing 

Museum Property, and other Federal authorities.

Note 12 Leases and Occupancy Agreements

The USGS has many cancelable occupancy agreements with the GSA, primarily for office space. Some of these 

agreements do not have a stated expiration. USGS also has many operating leases, primarily for storage and 

housing for employees working on location, with public entities. There were no personal property lease agreements 

exceeding one year as of September 30, 2006.

USGS has estimated its future minimum liability for GSA occupancy agreements by adding OMB approved inflationary 

rate increases per year to the FY2006 lease rental expense. Public operating leases were calculated based on lease 

agreement terms. 

Future estimated minimum operating lease payments as of September 30, 2006 are:

Rental expenses for occupancy agreements, operating leases, and exhibit hall space during FY2006 and FY2005 were 

approximately $79.7 and $86.2 million, respectively.

2006

Federal Public Total

FY2007 $ 69,608 2,267 71,875

FY2008 64,653 2,122 66,775

FY2009 47,052 1,858 48,910

FY2010 42,225 1,588 43,813

FY2011 38,030 1,610 39,640

Thereafter 81,630 4,931 86,561

Total future operating lease payments $ 343,198 14,376 357,574

Real Property
 Financial Information

Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands) 133

In some cases, USGS secures funds from GSA’s building fund to finance improvements made to space where 

USGS is the tenant. Because these improvements are made to convert the existing structures into workable space 

tailored to USGS needs, USGS is required to repay GSA the cost of the improvements over the term of the occupancy 

agreement, which is incorporated into the total rent payments billed to USGS by GSA. The principal loan balance of 

approximately $17.3 and $19 million at September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, is recorded as a liability and the 

corresponding leasehold improvements are recorded in Property, Plant & Equipment, which are amortized over the 

period of the occupancy agreements.

Examples of some of USGS facilities are included below:

Note 13 Statements of Net Cost by Segment

Consistent with the FY2005 presentation, USGS’s four responsibility segments within the Statement of Net Cost 

represent the major operating segments by which achievement of USGS’s mission and goals are measured: Biology, 

Water, Geology, and Geography. 

DOI has four major GPRA goals as presented in the unified strategic plan for the Department as a whole. USGS

activities correspond to all of the DOI GPRA goals (except providing recreation) and 6 of the DOI’s 17 end outcome 

goals. These six end outcome goals represent the major programs presented within the Statement of Net Cost. 

The following tables reflect USGS net cost by responsibility segment for the years ended September 30, 2006 and 

2005, respectively. 

The Alaska Science Center— Biological Science Office provides biological information and research findings to resource managers, policymakers, 

and the public to support sound management of biological resources and ecosystems in Alaska.

The Earth Resources Observation Systems (EROS) Data Center 

is a data management, systems development, and research 

field center for the USGS Geographic Discipline. 

The U.S. National Ice Core Laboratory is a facility for storing, curating, and studying 

ice cores recovered from the polar regions of the world. It provides scientists with 

the capability to conduct examinations and measurements on ice cores, and it 

preserves the integrity of these ice cores in a long-term repository for current and 

future investigations. 
Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands)

Financial Information

134

Consolidating Schedule of Net Cost

For the Year Ended September 30, 2006

(in thousands)

Water Geology Geography Biology Eliminations Total

Improve Health of Watersheds and Landscapes

Intragovernmental costs $ - - - 26,070 (1,784) 24,286

Public costs - - - 70,985 70,985 -

Total costs - - - 97,055 (1,784) 95,271

Intragovernmental earned revenue - - - 32,645 (1,784) 30,861

Public earned revenue - - - 3,493 - 3,493

Total earned revenue - - - 36,138 (1,784) 34,354

Net costs - - - 60,917 60,917 -

Sustain Biological Communities

Intragovernmental costs - - - 34,927 (2,876) 32,051

Public costs - - 148,226 - 148,226 -

Total costs - - 183,153 - (2,876) 180,277

Intragovernmental earned revenue - - - 35,952 (2,876) 33,076

Public earned revenue - - - 4,179 - 4,179

Total earned revenue - - - 40,131 (2,876) 37,255

Net costs - - 143,022 - 143,022 -

Energy - Manage or influence resources

Intragovernmental costs - 8,239 - - (522) 7,717

Public costs - 21,068 - - 21,068 -

Total costs - 29,307 - - (522) 28,785

Intragovernmental earned revenue - 2,123 - - (522) 1,601

Public earned revenue - 61 - - - 61

Total earned revenue - 2,184 - - (522) 1,662

Net costs - 27,123 - - 27,123 -

Non-energy Minerals - Manage or influence resources

Intragovernmental costs - 18,668 - - (1,383) 17,285

Public costs - 48,804 - - 48,804 -

Total costs - 67,472 - - (1,383) 66,089

Intragovernmental earned revenue - 4,029 - - (1,383) 2,646

Public earned revenue - 492 - - - 492

Total earned revenue - 4,521 - - (1,383) 3,138

Net costs - 62,951 - - 62,951 -

Protect Lives, Resources and Property

Intragovernmental costs - 25,475 - 147 (1,718) 23,904

Public costs - 93,177 - 1,496 94,673 -

Total costs 118,652 - - 1,643 (1,718) 118,577

Intragovernmental earned revenue - 11,890 - - (1,718) 10,172

Public earned revenue - 2,278 - - - 2,278

Total earned revenue - 14,168 - - (1,718) 12,450

Net costs 104,484 - - 1,643 106,127 -

Advance Knowledge through scientific leadership

Intragovernmental costs 198,099 36,804 43,334 10,976 (50,065) 239,148

Public costs 443,493 97,256 157,444 37,580 735,773 -

Total costs 641,592 134,060 200,778 48,556 (50,065) 974,921

Intragovernmental earned revenue 137,190 11,998 34,675 5,872 (50,065) 139,670

Public earned revenue 159,111 7,580 14,760 222 181,673 -

Total earned revenue 296,301 19,578 49,435 6,094 (50,065) 321,343

Net costs 345,291 114,482 151,343 42,462 653,578 -

Total

Intragovernmental costs 198,099 89,186 43,334 72,120 (58,348) 344,391

Public costs 443,493 260,305 157,444 258,287 1,119,529 - 

Total costs 641,592 349,491 200,778 330,407 (58,348) 1,463,920

Intragovernmental earned revenue 137,190 30,040 34,675 74,469 (58,348) 218,026

Public earned revenue 159,111 10,411 14,760 7,894 192,176 -

Total earned revenue 296,301 40,451 49,435 82,363 (58,348) 410,202

Net costs $ 345,291 309,040 151,343 248,044 1,053,718 - 
 Financial Information

Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands) 135

Consolidating Schedule of Net Cost

For the Year Ended September 30, 2005

(in thousands)

Water Geology Geography Biology Eliminations Total

Improve Health of Watersheds and Landscapes

Intragovernmental costs $ - - - 28,852 (616) 28,236

Public costs - - - 84,026 84,026 -

Total costs - - 112,878 - 112,262 (616)

Intragovernmental earned revenue - - - 29,729 (616) 29,113

Public earned revenue - - - 5,194 - 5,194

Total earned revenue - - - 34,923 (616) 34,307

Net costs - - - 77,955 77,955 -

Sustain Biological Communities

Intragovernmental costs - - - 30,946 (637) 30,309

Public costs - - 132,544 - 132,544 -

Total costs - - 163,490 - 162,853 (637)

Intragovernmental earned revenue - - - 31,479 (637) 30,842

Public earned revenue - - - 3,770 - 3,770

Total earned revenue - - - 35,249 (637) 34,612

Net costs - - 128,241 - 128,241 -

Energy - Manage or influence resources

Intragovernmental costs - 8,276 - - (156) 8,120

Public costs - 21,054 - - 21,054 -

Total costs - 29,330 - - (156) 29,174

Intragovernmental earned revenue - 1,764 - - (156) 1,608

Public earned revenue - 86 - - - 86

Total earned revenue - 1,850 - - (156) 1,694

Net costs - 27,480 - - 27,480 -

Non-energy Minerals - Manage or influence resources

Intragovernmental costs - 18,444 - - (394) 18,050

Public costs - 49,659 - - 49,659 -

Total costs - 68,103 - - (394) 67,709

Intragovernmental earned revenue - 3,738 - - (394) 3,344

Public earned revenue - 732 - - - 732

Total earned revenue - 4,470 - - (394) 4,076

Net costs - 63,633 - - 63,633 -

Protect Lives, Resources and Property

Intragovernmental costs - 22,857 - - (475) 22,382

Public costs - 88,353 - - 88,353 -

Total costs 111,210 - - - 110,735 (475)

Intragovernmental earned revenue - 13,288 - - (475) 12,813

Public earned revenue - 1,792 - - - 1,792

Total earned revenue - 15,080 - - (475) 14,605

Net costs - 96,130 - - 96,130 -

Advance Knowledge through scientific leadership

Intragovernmental costs 185,195 34,082 37,934 12,233 (37,153) 232,291

Public costs 434,398 96,753 159,402 37,084 727,637 -

Total costs 619,593 130,835 197,336 49,317 (37,153) 959,928

Intragovernmental earned revenue 133,158 11,133 31,005 5,480 (37,153) 143,623

Public earned revenue 149,247 7,795 15,714 248 173,004 -

Total earned revenue 282,405 18,928 46,719 5,728 (37,153) 316,627

Net costs 337,188 111,907 150,617 43,589 643,301 -

Total

Intragovernmental costs 185,195 83,659 37,934 72,031 (39,431) 339,388

Public costs 434,398 255,819 159,402 253,654 1,103,273 - 

Total costs 619,593 339,478 197,336 325,685 (39,431) 1,442,661

Intragovernmental earned revenue 133,158 29,923 31,005 66,688 (39,431) 221,343

Public earned revenue 149,247 10,405 15,714 9,212 184,578 -

Total earned revenue 282,405 40,328 46,719 75,900 (39,431) 405,921

Net costs $ 337,188 299,150 150,617 249,785 1,036,740 - 
Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands)

Financial Information

136

Note 14 Budgetary Resources

The USGS receives budgetary resources from appropriations, offsetting receipts, and reimbursable activities. At 

September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, approximately $123.3 and $116.3 million of the budgetary resources 

were unobligated. These amounts include expired budget authority of $23.3 and $30.6 million at September 30, 2006 

and 2005, respectively. The expired funds remain available for up to five years to pay expenses against obligations 

incurred. Recoveries of prior year obligations are comprised of canceled or downward adjustments of obligations 

incurred in prior years that were not subsequently disbursed. Undelivered orders as of September 30, 2006 and 2005 

totaled $214.9 million and $193.9 million, respectively.

Apportionment categories of obligations incurred

Apportionments are categorized as either A, B, or C. Category A apportionments are those where OMB makes a 

distribution of budgetary resouces by calendar quarters; category B apportionments are made by other specified 

time periods, programs, activities, projects, or combinations thereof; and category C represents budgetary resouces 

that are not subject to apportionment. USGS obligations incurred during FY2006 and FY2005 were all category B and 

were subject to apportionment. 

Obligations incurred balances as of September 30, 2006 and 2005 are:

Permanent Indefinite Appropriations

Permanent indefinite appropriations refer to the appropriations that come from permanent public laws, which 

authorize USGS to retain certain receipts rather than a specific annually appropriated amount. These funds do 

not require annual appropriation action by Congress as they are subject to the authorities of the permanent law. 

USGS has three permanent indefinite appropriations. The majority of funding is from the “Surveys, Investigations, 

and Research” appropriation used to conduct operations in topography, geology, hydrology, biology, and mineral 

resources.

Appropriations Received

Appropriations received on the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Position differs from that reported on 

the Combined Statements of Budgetary Resources because appropriations received on the Combined Statements 

of Budgetary Resources does not include budgetary entries for funds in which USGS is the child to parent funds of 

other agencies, or available receipt funds.

2006 2005

Obligations incurred:

Direct $ 985,933 946,344

Reimbursable 492,189 475,505

Total obligations incurred $ 1,478,122 1,421,849

Apportioned, Category B
 Financial Information

Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands) 137

Legal Arrangements Affecting Use of Unobligated Balances

Unobligated balances whose period of availability has expired are not available to fund new obligations but are 

available to pay for adjustments to obligations incurred prior to expiration. For a no-year account, the unobligated 

balance is carried forward indefinitely until (1) specifically rescinded by law; or (2) the head of the agency concerned 

or the President determines that the purposes for which the appropriation was made have been carried out and 

disbursements have not been made against the appropriation for 2 consecutive years.

For a fixed appropriation account, the balance can be carried forward for five fiscal years after the period of 

availability ends. At the end of the fifth fiscal year, the account is closed and any remaining balance is canceled. 

Canceled authority is returned to the U.S. Treasury at the end of the 5th year of availability for annual and multi-year 

funds under Public Law 101-510. Resources permanently not available were adjusted pursuant to Public Law 114 Stat 

2763A-214, SEC 1403. 

Explanation of Differences between the Combined Statement of Budgetary Resources and the Budget of the United 

States Government

The Combined Statements of Budgetary Resources (SBR) have been prepared to coincide with the President’s 

Budget (PB), the Budget of the United States Government. The FY2006 actual amounts as shown on the FY2008 

President’s Budget were not available at the time the financial statements were prepared. The FY2008 President’s 

Budget is expected to be available in February 2007 and will be located at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb.

USGS had differences that existed between the FY2005 Statement of Budgetary Resources and the FY2005 actual 

amounts reported in the President’s FY2007 budget request. The differences relate to amounts included in the 

Statement of Budgetary Resources that are not reported in the President’s Budget. These amounts include expired 

amounts and cancelled authority, working capital fund obligation balances, and offsetting collections. Below is a 

table with significant differences and explanations between the FY2005 Statement of Budgetary Resources and the 

FY2005 actual amounts reported in the President’s FY2007 budget request.

Amount per

PB

Amount per

SBR

Expected

differences

Unobligated balance, beginning of fiscal year $ 95,000 $ 120,310 $ (A) 25,310

Spending authority from offsetting collections $ 602,000 $ 464,140 $ (B) 137,860

Unobligated balance available and not available $ 88,000 $ 116,266 $ (A) 28,266

Obligated balance, net, end of fiscal year $ 114,000 $ 115,915 $ (C) 1,915

Offsetting Collections $ 334,000 $ 468,409 $ (A) 134,409

(A) Amount of expired authority included in the SBR but not in the PB.

(B) Amount of collections included in the PB but not in the SBR.

(C) Amount of working capital fund obligations included in the SBR but not in the PB.
Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands)

Financial Information

138

Note 15 Consolidated Statements of Financing Reconciling Items

There is a relationship between certain line items reported on the Consolidated Statements of Financing under “Total 

components of net cost of operations that will not require or generate resources in future periods” and the change 

in components of costs that are included in liabilities not covered by budgetary resources reported in Note 8. 

The USGS is a recipient of allocation transfers of funds from the DOI Office of the Secretary.

The total components of net cost of operations related to transfer accounts where budgetary activity is reported by 

parent Federal entities that occurred during the years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, consist of:

Deferred credits, deposit fund liabilities, and other liabilities representing amounts payable to Treasury are reflected 

as not covered by budgetary resources in Note 8; however, they are not presented as a reconciling item on the 

Consolidated Statements of Financing. 

The total components of net cost of operations related to changes in certain unfunded liabilities and receivable 

balances that occurred during the years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, consist of:

2006 2005 Increase

Accrued payroll and benefits 3,006 2,889 117

Total $ 3,006 2,889 117

Appropriation Nature and purpose of transfer 2006 2005

DOI - Departmental Offices:

14x5198.008

 Natural resource damage assessment and 

restoration fund $ 1,413 1,408

14-14x1618.008

 Natural resource damage assessment and 

restoration fund 280 87

14x1121.008

 Government Hill central hazardous material 

fund site - Alaska 6 -

Net allocation transfer reconciling items $ 1,699 1,495

2005 2004 Increase

Annual leave liability $ 59,712 57,652 2,060

Accrued payroll and benefits 2,889 2,296 593

FECA actuarial liability 41,010 40,569 441

Total selected unfunded liabilities 103,611 100,517 3,094

Less: Exchange revenue receivable from the public 503 79 424

Total $ 103,108 100,438 2,670
 Financial Information

Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands) 139

Note 16 Earmarked Funds

During FY2006, USGS prospectively implemented the FASAB’s Statement of Federal Financial Accounting Standard 

No. 27, Identifying and Reporting Earmarked Funds. Earmarked funds are financed by specifically identified 

revenues and are required by statute to be used for designated activities or purposes, and must be accounted for 

separately from the Government’s general revenues. The following funds have been designated as earmarked as of 

September 30, 2006.

14X5055— Quarters

5 U.S.C. 591 allows the USGS to provide an employee stationed in the United States with quarters and facilities when 

conditions of employment or the availability of quarters warrant the action. In 1985, 5 U.S.C. 591 was amended to 

allow for the rental rates for the provided quarters to be collected into a special fund. The collections are then 

available until expended for the maintenance and operation of the quarters. The collections are accounted for as 

offsetting receipts that do not effect the net cost of operations.

14X5198.008— Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Fund

The Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Fund (NRDAR) program assesses the damages and 

injuries to natural resources entrusted to the Department of the Interior and negotiates legal settlements or takes 

other legal actions against the responsible parties for the spill or release. Settlements often include the recovery 

of the costs incurred in assessing the damages. These funds are then used to fund further damage assessments. 

USGS receives a portion of the funds from the Department to assist with the damage assessment process. These 

funds are accounted for as Transfers-In for the USGS.

14X8562— Contributed funds

43 U.S.C. 36C allows the USGS to accept lands, building, equipment, and other contributions from public and private 

sources and to participate in projects in cooperation with other agencies, Federal, State, or private. Contributions 

come from donations received from private individuals, Technical Assistance Agreements, and Consortiums for 

Cooperative Research and Development Agreements. The contributions received via agreement are dedicated to 

specific projects and are accounted for as offsetting receipts that do not effect the net cost of operations.
Notes to the Financial Statements—As of September 30, 2006 and 2005 (in thousands)

Financial Information

140

Earmarked funds as of September 30, 2006 consist of:

Contributed

Fund

Natural

Resources,

Damage

Assessment,

and

Restoration

Fund Quarters Fund 2006

Balance Sheet

Assets

Fund balance with Treasury $ 1,255 683 132 2,070

Accounts receivable, net 130 - - 130

 1,344 - - 1,344

Total assets $ 2,729 683 132 3,544

Liabilities

Accounts payable $ 69 141 5 215

Other Liabilities 239 11 - 250

Total Liabilities 308 152 5 465

Net position

Cumulative results of operations 2,421 531 127 3,079

Total net position 2,421 531 127 3,079

Total liabilities and net position $ 2,729 683 132 3,544

Statement of Net Cost

Gross costs 2,502 1,413 93 4,008

Earned revenue - - (88) (88)

Net cost of operations $ 2,502 1,413 5 3,920

Statement of Changes in Net Position

Net position, beginning balance $ 2,523 1,066 132 3,721

Budgetary financing sources

 2,400 - - 2,400

 - 878 - 878

Net cost of operations (2,502) (1,413) (5) (3,920)

Change in net position (102) (535) (5) (642)

Net position, ending balance $ 2,421 531 127 3,079

General property, plant, and equipment, net

Transfers in/(out) without reimbursement 

Donations and forfeitures of 

 cash and cash equivalents
 Financial Information

Required 

Supplemental 

Information

(Unaudited; see

Auditors’ Report)

This part of the Section III Financial 

Information contains our required 

supplemental information disclosures.

Contents include:

SBR by Major Budget Accounts ..................................................142

Working Capital Fund .....................................................................146

Deferred Maintenance ..................................................................148

General Stewardship Information ................................................149

Museum Collections .......................................................................150

Library Collections ..........................................................................152
Financial Information

142 Required Supplemental Information— SBR by Major Budget Accounts

Surveys, Investigations, and Research 

(Treasury Symbol 0804):

T

he USGS is primarily funded by the SIR 

appropriation. The SIR appropriation is for 

expenses necessary for the USGS to perform 

surveys, investigations, and research covering 

topography, geology, hydrology, biology, and the 

mineral resources of the United States, its territories 

and possessions, and other areas authorized by law; 

classify lands as to their mineral and water resources; 

give engineering supervision to power permittees and 

FERC licensees; administer the minerals exploration 

program; and to conduct inquiries into the economic 

conditions affecting mining and materials processing 

industries and related purposes as authorized by law. 

[Department of the Interior and Related Agencies 

Appropriations Act, 2004]

The following activities are funded by the SIR 

appropriation: Geographic Research, Investigations, 

and Remote Sensing; Geologic Hazards, Resources, 

and Processes; Water Resources Investigations 

Activity; Biological Research; Enterprise Information; 

Science Support; and Facilities. Each activity is 

described below.

Geography

The Geographic Research, Investigations, and Remote 

Sensing activity seeks to observe the earth at various 

scales using remote sensing to understand the human 

and environmental dynamics of land change. The 

Geography Program also provides scientific information 

to describe and interpret America’s landscape by 

mapping the terrain, monitoring changes over time, and 

analyzing how and why these changes have occurred. 

The knowledge gained through these activities is used 

to model the processes of change and to forecast 

future changes. 

The Geographic Research, Investigations, and Remote 

Sensing activity is broken down into three subactivities: 

Cooperative Topographic Mapping, Land Remote 

Sensing, and Geographic Analysis and Monitoring.

Geology

The Geologic Hazards, Resources, and Processes 

activity provides the Earth science information needs 

for a wide variety of partners and customers, including 

Federal, State, and local agencies, non-government 

organizations, industry, and academia. This information 

is used by the USGS and its partners, cooperators, and 

customers in evaluating resource potential, defining 

and mitigating risks associated with natural hazards, 

and characterizing the potential impact of natural 

geologic processes on human activity, the economy, 

and the environment. 

USGS programs improve the safety of the United 

States from natural disasters and include efforts to (1) 

increase USGS ability to rapidly determine the location, 

size, and depth of large earthquakes, (2) discriminate 

kinds of earthquakes and geologic areas of the Pacific 

and Caribbean likely to cause tsunamis, (3) improve 

landslide models, assessments, and alert systems, (4) 

improve monitoring of the most dangerous volcanoes, 

and (5) work with Federal, local, and foreign partners to 

improve coordination, ensure timely warnings can be 

issued for all geologic hazards, and provide information 

so that informed community response plans can be 

developed and put in place. 

The Geologic Hazards, Resources, and Processes 

activity supports three subactivities: Geologic Hazard 

Assessments, Geologic Landscape and Coastal 

Assessments, and Geologic Resource Assessments. 

Water

The Water Resources Investigations activity funds work 

on issues related to water availability, water quality, 

and flood hazards. Over 4,000 scientific and support 

staff in offices located in every State support and/or 

perform work involving collection, management, and 

dissemination of hydrologic data; analysis of hydrologic 

systems through modeling or statistical methods; and 

research and development leading to new methods and 

new understanding. 

USGS programs involve operating streamgages that 

measure the flow of rivers and provide data that are 

used in resource planning and dispute resolution, 

performing water-quality studies that have a strong 

connection to human health issues, and collecting 
 Financial Financial Information Information

Required Supplemental Information— SBR by Major Budget Accounts 143

and providing data that enables citizens, communities, 

businesses, and local emergency-response agencies 

to make the best possible decisions about protecting 

lives and property in floods. The Water Resources 

Investigations activity supports three subactivities: 

Hydrologic Monitoring, Assessments, and Research, 

Cooperative Water Program, and the Water Resources 

Research Act Program. 

Biology

The Biological Research activity generates and 

distributes information needed in the conservation 

and management of the Nation’s biological resources. 

Biological Research activities contribute to achieving 

improved management of the Nation’s water resources, 

availability of maps and map data, and improved 

decisionmaking regarding land and water use. 

USGS programs provide scientific information through 

research, inventory, and monitoring investigations, and 

increase the quantity of biological information available 

by improving access to and interactions with biological 

data. USGS biologists and information scientists, in 

partnership with many others, provide the scientific 

understanding and technologies necessary to support 

sound management and conservation of the Nation’s 

biological resources. Biological studies develop new 

methods and techniques to identify, observe, and 

manage fish and wildlife, including invasive species, 

and their habitats; inventory populations of animals, 

plants, and their habitats; and monitor changes in 

abundance, distribution, and health of biological 

resources through time. 

The Biological Research activity is broken down 

into three subactivities: Biological Research and 

Monitoring, Biological Information Management and 

Delivery, and Cooperative Research Units.

Support Services: Enterprise Information, Science 

Support, and Facilities

The Enterprise Information activity supports 

bureau-level activities and investments in the areas 

of information technology, information security, 

information management, information policy and 

standards, and information science. In 2007 a 

budget restructure moved the National Map from 

Geographic Research, Investigations, and Remote 

Sensing to Enterprise Information. The National 

Geospatial Program is focused on improving, 

geospatial data access, integration, and applications 

through implementation of the National Map and the 

National Spatial Data Infrastructure. Partnerships 

with other Federal, State, and local agencies and the 

private sector and academia are the keystone for 

accomplishing this mission. Enterprise Information 

is broken down into three subactivies: Enterprise 

Information Security and Technology, Enterprise 

Information Resources, and the National Geospatial 

Program.

The Science Support activity provides resources for 

the executive and managerial direction of the bureau 

and support services to all USGS scientific programs. 

Science Support is broken down into two subactivies: 

Bureau Operations and Payments to the National 

Business Center.

The Facilities activity provides workspace and 

facilities for accomplishing the bureau mission. The 

Facilities activity supports three subactivies: Rental 

Payments, Operations and Maintenance, and Deferred 

Maintenance and Capital Improvement.

Working Capital Fund (Treasury Symbol 4556):

The Working Capital Fund was established by law to 

provide USGS with the ability to finance a continuing 

cycle of operations in two components: Investments 

and Fee-for-Service. The Investment Component 

provides funding for Telecommunications, Equipment, 

Facilities, and Publications. The fee-for-service 

component provides continuing funding for the National 

Water Quality Laboratory, the USGS Hydrologic 

Instrumentation Facility, Publications, bureau 

Laboratories, the National Training Center, Drilling, 

Landsat 7, and GSA Delegated Buildings.

Other Aggregated Accounts:

The USGS also receives a variety of other funding. 

Other appropriations include donations and 

contributions, reimbursables, miscellaneous receipts, 

natural resource damage assessment, and operations 

and maintenance of quarters. 
Financial Information

144 Required Supplemental Information— SBR by Major Budget Accounts

Combining Statement of Budgetary Resources

For the Year Ended September 30, 2006 

(in thousands)

Fund 0804 Fund 4556

Other

Budgetary

Accounts 2006

Budgetary resources (Note 14):

Unobligated balance

Beginning of fiscal year $ 52,864 62,242 1,160 116,266

Recoveries of prior year unpaid obligations 7,276 584 7,875 15

Budget authority

Appropriations received 995,205 - 2,487 997,692

Spending authority from offsetting collections

Earned

Collected 435,933 62,770 498,70 - 3

Change in receivables from Federal sources (8,603) - - (8,603)

Change in unfilled customer orders

Advance received (1,268) - - (1,268)

Without advance from Federal sources 8,739 - - 8,739

Total budget authority 1,430,006 62,770 1,495,26 2,487 3

Nonexpenditure transfers, net 1,500 - - 1,500

Permanently not available (19,479) - (19,479) -

Total budgetary resources $ 1,472,167 125,596 1,601,42 3,662 5

Status of budgetary resources:

Obligations incurred:

Direct $ 983,363 - 2,570 985,933

Reimbursable 438,492 53,697 492,18 - 9

Total obligations incurrred 1,421,855 53,697 1,478,12 2,570 2

Unobligated balance

Apportioned 27,031 71,899 1,092 100,022

Unobligated balance not available 23,281 - 23,281 -

Total status of budgetary resources $ 1,472,167 125,596 1,601,42 3,662 5

Obligated balance:

Obligated balance, net

Unpaid obligations, brought forward, beginning of fiscal year $ 278,270 18,144 741 297,155

Less: Uncollected customer payments from Federal sources,

 brought forward, beginning of fiscal year (181,240) - (181,240) -

Total unpaid obligated balances, net, beginning of fiscal year 97,030 18,144 741 115,915

Obligations incurred 1,421,855 53,697 1,478,12 2,570 2

Less: gross outlays (1,402,472) (56,140) (1,461,615 (3,003) )

Less: recoveries of prior year unpaid obligations, actual (7,276) (584) (15) (7,875)

Change in uncollected customer payments from Federal sources (138) - - (138)

Total, unpaid obligated balance, net, end of period 108,999 15,117 124,40 293 9

Obligated balance, net, end of period - by component:

Unpaid obligations 290,375 15,117 305,78 293 5

Less: Uncollected customer payments from Federal sources (181,376) - (181,376) -

Total, unpaid obligated balance, net, end of period 108,999 15,117 293 124,409

Net outlays:

Gross outlays 1,402,472 56,140 1,461,61 3,003 5

Less: offsetting receipts (434,665) (62,770) - (497,435)

Less: distributed offsetting receipts - - (2,483) (2,483)

Net outlays (receipts) $ 967,807 (6,630) 961,697 520
 Financial Financial Information Information

Required Supplemental Information— SBR by Major Budget Accounts 145

Combining Statement of Budgetary Resources

For the Year Ended September 30, 2005 

(in thousands)

Fund 0804 Fund 4556

Other

Budgetary

Accounts 2005

Budgetary resources (Note 14):

Unobligated balance

Beginning of fiscal year $ 46,298 72,710 1,302 120,310

Recoveries of prior year unpaid obligations 8,158 375 8,570 37

Budget authority

Appropriations received 958,021 - 2,353 960,374

Spending authority from offsetting collections

Earned

Collected 411,119 53,688 464,807 -

Change in receivables from Federal sources (7,334) - - (7,334)

Change in unfilled customer orders `

Advance received 3,601 - - 3,601

Without advance from Federal sources 3,066 - - 3,066

Total budget authority 1,368,473 53,688 1,424,51 2,353 4

Nonexpenditure transfers, net 5,437 - - 5,437

Permanently not available (20,716) - (20,716) -

Total budgetary resources $ 1,407,650 126,773 1,538,11 3,692 5

Status of budgetary resources:

Obligations incurred:

Direct $ 943,813 - 2,531 946,344

Reimbursable 410,973 64,532 475,50 - 5

Total obligations incurrred 1,354,786 64,532 1,421,84 2,531 9

Unobligated balance

Apportioned 22,242 62,241 1,161 85,644

Unobligated balance not available 30,622 - 30,62 - 2

Total status of budgetary resources $ 1,407,650 126,773 1,538,11 3,692 5

Obligated balance:

Obligated balance, net

Unpaid obligations, brought forward, beginning of fiscal year $ 275,979 12,423 857 289,259

Less: Uncollected customer payments from Federal sources,

 brought forward, beginning of fiscal year (185,507) - (185,507) -

Total unpaid obligated balances, net, beginning of fiscal year 90,472 12,423 857 103,752

Obligations incurred 1,354,786 64,532 1,421,84 2,531 9

Less: gross outlays (1,344,338) (58,435) (1,405,384 (2,611) )

Less: recoveries of prior year unpaid obligations, actual (8,158) (375) (37) (8,570)

Change in uncollected customer payments from Federal sources 4,268 - - 4,268

Total, unpaid obligated balance, net, end of period 97,030 18,145 115,91 740 5

Obligated balance, net, end of period - by component:

Unpaid obligations 278,270 18,145 297,15 740 5

Less: Uncollected customer payments from Federal sources (181,240) - (181,240) -

Total, unpaid obligated balance, net, end of period 97,030 18,145 740 115,915

Net outlays:

Gross outlays 1,344,338 58,435 1,405,38 2,611 4

Less: offsetting receipts (414,719) (53,690) - (468,409)

Less: distributed offsetting receipts - - (2,353) (2,353)

Net outlays (receipts) $ 929,619 4,745 934,62 258 2
Financial Information

146 Required Supplemental Information— Working Capital Fund

Financial Information

Fee-for-service component activities have been 

structured by use of seven components, based on type 

of servicing activity: National Water Quality Laboratory, 

Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility, publications, 

research laboratories, National Training Center, drilling, 

and GSA delegated buildings.

Investments:

A key purpose of the WCF is to plan for long-term 

capital investments and accumulate the required funds 

over several fiscal years. The USGS is authorized 

to use the WCF to invest funds from appropriations 

and/or reimbursable agreements, without fiscal year 

limitations, for materials, supplies, telecommunications, 

and other equipment and facilities renovations in 

support of USGS programs and other agencies of the 

Federal Government. Normal operating expenses may 

not be funded through the WCF investment plans. All 

investments and expenditures from a WCF investment 

component must be documented in an approved, multiyear Investment Plan (IP). Investments must occur, at 

a minimum, in two fiscal years before acquisition can 

occur and are expected to be evenly balanced over the 

time period defined in the IP. Prior year contributions 

may not be withdrawn from the WCF under any 

circumstances; they must be expended from the WCF 

for an approved capital investment. Current year 

contributions may be withdrawn, subject to appropriate 

approvals, in rare instances.

Investment component activities have been structured 

by the use of four components, based on type of 

investment activity: telecommunications, equipment, 

facilities, and publications.

T

he Working Capital Fund (WCF) was established 

by Public Law (P.L.) 101-512 (November 5, 1990), 

as codified in 43 U.S.C. 50a. The fund was 

originally established to support the Washington 

Administrative Service Center (currently the National 

Business Center) and to support the replacement of 

the USGS mainframe computer, telecommunications 

equipment, and related Automated Data Processing 

equipment. Congress later expanded the existing 

Telecommunications Amortization Fund to establish 

the USGS Working Capital Fund by P.L. 103-332, dated 

September 30, 1994, which enabled USGS to use the 

WCF to fund laboratory modernization and equipment 

replacement; acquisition or development of software; 

facilities improvements; acquisition and replacement 

of computers, publications, scientific instrumentation, 

telecommunications, and other types of equipment 

replacement. 

The two operating components of the WCF are fee-forservice operations and investments.

Fee-for-Service:

WCF fee-for-service components operate in a 

business-like manner, recovering fees for services 

performed based on a fee schedule established 

through a rate-setting process. WCF fee-for-service 

components must operate in compliance with OMB 

Circular A-25, User Charges, and recover the full cost of 

goods, services, and resources provided to customers. 

User charges should be based on market prices and 

create neither a shortage nor surplus of the goods or 

services. For each component fund, an annual budget 

and pricing schedule is required. User charges are 

required to be reviewed no less than biannually. 

The Working Capital Fund authority is a benefit allowed by Congress and the Office of Management 

and Budget, predicated on wise application to U.S. Geological Survey programs, exercised through 

prudent fiscal management. The fund provides a mechanism to assist USGS managers in planning for 

and acquiring goods and services that are too costly to acquire in a single fiscal year or that, due to the 

nature of services provided, must operate in a multi-year, as opposed to a single-year, basis of funding. 

The Office of Budget and Performance and the Office of Administrative Policy and Services work with 

the fund owners in the disciplines and regions to monitor fund plans, contributions, and expenditures, 

enabling managers to ensure the fund is used according to the guidelines established by Congress. 

 Michael A. Kelley, Budget Officer 
 Financial Financial Information Information

Required Supplemental Information— Working Capital Fund 147

Working Capital Fund Balance Sheets and Schedules of Net Costs

(in thousands)

2006 2005

Assets

Intragovernmental assets:

Fund balance with Treasury $ 87,016 80,386

Total intragovernmental assets 87,016 80,386

Accounts and interest receivable, net 19 2

General property, plant and equipment, net 11,447 9,382

Total Assets $ 98,482 89,770

Liabilities

Intragovernmental liabilities:

Accounts payable $ 558 870

Other liabilities 88 114

Total intragovernmental liabilities 646 984

Accounts payable 2,624 3,691

Other liabilities 419 545

Total liabilities 3,689 5,220

Net position

Cumulative results of operations 94,793 84,550

Total net position 94,793 84,550

Total liabilities and net position $ 98,482 89,770

Fee For

Service Investments 2006

Full cost of goods and services provided $ 39,764 10,920 50,684

Related exchange revenues (41,257) - (41,257)

Excess of cost over revenues $ (1,493) 10,920 9,427

Fee For

Service Investments 2005

Full cost of goods and services provided $ 38,270 15,917 54,187

Related exchange revenues (40,784) - (40,784)

Excess of cost over revenues $ (2,514) 15,917 13,403

See accompanying Independent Auditors’ Report in Section V of this Performance and Accountability Report.
Financial Information

148 Required Supplemental Information— Deferred Maintenance

T

he Office of Management Services (OMS) at 

USGS provides for safe, functional, and highquality workspace for accomplishing the bureau’s 

science mission and ensuring that workspaces are 

maintained in compliance with applicable safety and 

other standards set by GSA and the Occupational 

Safety and Health Administration. 

The USGS has key science facilities that are mission 

critical, including those that are fundamental to 

providing timely warnings of geologic hazards, as well 

as scientific understanding and technologies needed 

to support the sound management and conservation 

of the Nation’s biological, energy, water, and mineral 

resources. The USGS is committed to improving the 

maintenance of existing facilities to ensure the health 

and safety of the public and employees, protection of 

cultural and natural resources, and compliance with 

building codes and standards. 

USGS developed a “Five-Year Deferred Maintenance 

and Capital Improvement Plan” to provide necessary 

up-keep on property and equipment and to provide 

facilities that will best fulfill our mission. Deferred 

maintenance is work that was not performed when it 

was or should have been scheduled, often because 

of funding or priority ranking of work, and was thus 

delayed to a future period. Capital improvements 

include the construction of new facilities or the 

alteration of an existing facility to accommodate a 

change of function or unmet programmatic need. All 

capital improvement components of projects were 

excluded from the estimate in this report. 

The Five-Year Plan is re-evaluated annually pursuant 

to the budget process and is subject to adjustments 

at that time depending on funding levels and revised 

priorities. 

Estimations on deferred maintenance are based on 

condition assessment surveys that are conducted 

every 5 years at each USGS site to determine the 

current condition of facilities and the estimated cost 

to correct deficiencies. These surveys are conducted 

by an independent architect/engineering firm and are 

supplemented by annual condition surveys performed 

by USGS personnel. These installation-wide, building 

specific assessments are the linchpin of the DOI 

program to establish core data on the condition of the 

Department’s constructed assets. 

The FY2008 budget formulation process was used to 

establish the base from which the FY2006 deferred 

maintenance priority listing was derived. OMS, 

which formulates the bureau’s deferred maintenance 

budget, collected project proposals from regional and 

headquarters facilities projects for possible inclusion 

in the bureau plan for FY2007 – FY2011, which were 

then ranked to reflect the criticality of the health 

and safety deficiencies being addressed. A project 

that addressed a critical health and safety deferred 

maintenance need received a higher ranking than one 

addressing a critical mission deferred maintenance 

need. Teams of regional and headquarters facility 

and safety specialists reviewed the ranked proposals 

to confirm the accuracy of rankings and otherwise 

ensure the adequacy of the project proposals. Due to 

funding constraints, USGS addresses the most critical 

maintenance and capital improvement needs first.

A summary of the USGS deferred maintenance 

estimate at September 30, 2006, is reflected below. The 

amount is presented as the low estimate range and 

the high estimate range, which is based on the low 

estimate plus future funding requests of $2.0 million per 

year through 2031, including inflation.

(in thousands)

Low High

Buildings $ 28,984 35,450

Other Structures 12,376 15,137

Total $ 41,360 50,587
 Financial Financial Information Information

Required Supplemental Information— General Stewardship Information 149

T

he USGS serves the citizens of the United 

States as steward for a large, varied, and 

scientifically important body of heritage assets, 

and in conducting research and development 

that is critical to the health of our country and in 

understanding the Earth. Each year the USGS makes a 

substantial investment while fulfilling its stewardship 

responsibilities for the benefit of the Nation.

Costs associated with stewardship initiatives are 

treated as expenses in the financial statements in 

the year the costs are incurred. However, these 

investments in stewardship are intended to provide 

long-term benefits to the public and are included as 

Required Stewardship Information (RSI) reporting 

to highlight their long-term-benefit nature and 

to demonstrate our accountability over them. 

Stewardship resources are not required to be included 

in the assets reported in our financial statements; 

they are, however, important to understanding the 

operations and financial condition of USGS. 

Stewardship assets often have physical properties 

that resemble those of the general property, plant, 

and equipment that is traditionally capitalized in the 

financial statements of Federal entities. However, 

due to the nature of these assets, valuation would be 

difficult and matching costs with specific periods would 

not be meaningful. Heritage assets have one or more 

of the following characteristics: historical or natural 

significance; special cultural, educational, or aesthetic 

value; or significant architectural characteristics. 

USGS has heritage assets in two categories: museum 

collections and scientific library collections. The 

mission-related importance of these assets is 

described in the following pages.

Making science fun is the first requirement 

when communicating science to youngsters. 

Science Camp, a partnership between the 

USGS and Reston Association, offers 8-to12-year-old children an opportunity to meet 

scientists, participate in science experiments, 

learn and practice new computer skills, create 

a newspaper, take field trips, and participate in 

swimming, boating, crafts, and sports. Science 

Camp demonstrates the many exciting scientific 

activities in which the USGS is involved. 

Meeting real scientists and specialists working 

at the USGS is a vital part of our camp program, 

providing opportunities for children to think 

about pursuing a career in science.
Financial Information

150 Required Supplemental Information— Museum Collections

Financial Information

T

he USGS manages a widespread collection of 

natural history specimens and cultural objects 

that support the mission of the bureau in many 

science and administrative centers throughout the 

United States. These unique collections serve to 

illustrate important achievements and challenges to the 

Earth Sciences, to document the history of the USGS, 

and to enlighten those who use the collections. The 

collections also provide the public with an interpretive 

demonstration of the history and enterprise of the 

USGS. The museum collections are divided into two 

major categories: historical (including art, history, 

ethnography, and documents), and zoology.

Historical Collections:

USGS manages hundreds of historical objects that 

are loaned to other institutions for exhibits and placed 

on exhibit in the USGS National Center in Reston, VA, 

hallways or lobbies in regional offices, and science 

centers around the 

country. These collections 

are evidence of the 

resources, events, and 

people associated with 

USGS activities, and are 

studied by historians and 

scientists alike.

Our collection includes many special objects related 

to the cultural history of USGS, including a hat 

(pictured above) worn by geologist Levi Noble while 

attending the 3rd Pan-Pacific Science Congress 

held in Tokyo, Japan, in 1927; oil paintings of many 

historical figures; a 1930 Model A Ford (pictured below) 

used to successfully map the geology of California 

deserts through the 1960s; and the Lunar Rover used 

in the southwestern deserts to train astronauts in the 

lunar landing program through the 1970s. USGS had 

previously loaned the lunar rover to NASA to conduct 

space suit ergonomic studies, fuel-cell power system 

studies, and vehicle operational capability studies in 

advance of NASA’s planned Mars exploration.

Other interesting objects in the collection include 

John Wesley Powell’s commission, one of the few 

documents signed by President James A. Garfield, 

appointing Powell as the second director of the 

USGS; an oak arm chair used by John Wesley Powell 

in his office when he served as USGS director from 

1881 to 1894; geologic field mapping equipment from 

Arnold Hague’s late 19th Century expedition to map 

Yellowstone National Park; a field desk used in the 

American West shortly after the turn of the century; and 

Director Thomas Nolan’s field equipment and academic 

robe from St. Andrew’s University in Scotland.

Zoology Collections:

Our zoology objects, which represent over 40,000 

natural specimens, are housed at the Biological 

Research Arid Lands Field Station of the Fort Collins 

Science Center. These zoological specimens were 

collected to document the status of the environment 

on our public lands. A USGS wildlife research biologist 

and USGS zoology museum specialist stationed at the 

University of New Mexico’s Museum of Southwestern 

Biology maintain this collection under a joint agreement 

between the USGS and the University of New Mexico 

at Albuquerque.

Of primary importance in our collection is the unique 

natural history collection of vertebrates that were 

used in support of food habit studies by researchers 

at the USDA’s Food Habits Laboratory in Denver, CO. 

Transferred to Fort Collins in the mid-1970s and then 

to the University of New Mexico in the 1990s, this 

collection (pictured on next page) includes over 8,000 

fluid-preserved specimens of amphibians and reptiles, 

as well as mammal and avian skeletons and skins. 

Specimens have continued to be acquired as a result of 

the research emphasis to document mammal species 

from public lands in the West.

Geologist Levi Noble’s hat

1930 Model A Ford used to map the deserts of California
 Financial Financial Information Information

Required Supplemental Information— Museum Collections 151

Museum Collections at a Glance:

During both FY2005 and FY2006, USGS maintained four 

collections in bureau facilities and two collections 

in non-Federal facilities in an effort to maximize 

accessability to the public. Although there were 

additions of objects to the existing collections, there 

were no new collections added during FY2006. There 

were also no disposals of collections during FY2006.

Museum objects housed in two non-storage facilities 

were both evaluated as good using the Department’s 

definitions. For the museum objects housed in storage 

facilities, we monitored the collection’s environmental 

conditions by hydrothermographs. 

Public Information:

The public has been granted access to view these 

collections through a new Web site (www.usgs.gov/

aboutusgs/who_we_are/museum) and can visit USGS 

facilities to see them on exhibit. During FY2006, USGS 

responded to dozens of requests for information on our 

museum collections. 

Condition Evaluations:

Cataloging efforts have also been a priority within 

USGS, as 100 percent of our museum collections have 

been catalogued. During the cataloging process, USGS 

evaluates the condition of each collection object. 

“Good” is considered to show little or no sign of aging 

or wear; “fair” applies to objects that are showing 

signs of deterioration such as faded color of fabric or 

wood, and “poor” objects that have missing parts or 

are extremely worn. Additions to the collection in the 

current year were donated. No deferred maintenance 

is necessary for our museum collections.

USGS also evaluates the condition of the locations 

housing the collections in accordance with 

Departmental guidelines. The evaluation is based on a 

lengthy list of conditions. Regarding the non-storage 

facilities housing our collections, a good condition 

rating means it met more than 70% of standards in 

Departmental Manual Chapter 411, Museum Property. 

Per Department policy, the condition of storage 

facilities is not required to be assessed.

Fluid-preserved amphibian and reptile specimans storage

USGS personnel evaluating the condition of natural specimans

Condition assessments 

of facilities housing 

collections

USGS museum collections Good 

 Not 

assessed 

Held at USGS facilities 2 2

Held at non-USGS facilities 2 -

Condition assessments

Total objects in collections Good Fair Poor 

40,704 40,566 120 18 
Financial Information

152 Required Supplemental Information— Library Collections

Financial Information

USGS library holdings, collected during more 

than a century of providing library services, are 

an invaluable legacy to the Nation. Congress 

established the library in the 1879 legislation that 

founded the USGS. The Act decreed that copies of 

reports published by the USGS should be given to 

the library to exchange for publications of State and 

national geological surveys and societies. The USGS 

Library built from this notable and cost-effective 

exchange program, plus purchases and gifts, has 

become the world’s largest collection of earth science 

information. The library was originally located in 

Washington, D.C.; however, the library collection is now 

housed in four libraries across the country in Reston, 

VA, Menlo Park, CA, Denver, CO, and Flagstaff, AZ.

In addition to the annual purchases of serials, maps 

and books, the library has built its collection through 

exchange. Since its beginning, the library has 

administered a major program of international and 

domestic exchange of earth science publications 

authorized by the legislation that established USGS. 

The exchange program, with national and foreign 

geological surveys and research organizations, has 

enabled the library to collect materials published in 

small numbers, never widely distributed, and never 

reprinted. 

While responding to the current and anticipated 

subject interests of USGS researchers, such as those 

in ecology, geology, hydrology, health, and biology, the 

library maintains its heritage collection of core science 

publications dating back to the 17th century, providing 

a unique historical record of the progress of natural 

science. Besides providing resources for scientific 

investigations, the library’s multi-disciplinary collection 

provides access to geographical, technical, and 

historical literature in paper and electronic formats for 

the general public and industry. 

Library users bring their questions to the library daily, 

in person or by phone or email, and expert librarians 

assist them in using the wealth of well-organized 

information to find answers. 

During a century of collecting, the library has acquired 

many treasures such as the George F. Kunz collection. 

George F. Kunz was a former employee of the USGS, a 

vice-president of Tiffany & Co., and one of the world’s 

preeminent gem experts at the time of his death in 1932. 

The Kunz collection includes rare books on gemology, 

the lapidary arts, the folklore of gemstones through 

history, and archival gem trade records, including the 

original provenance of the Hope diamond. 

Another unusual acquisition was the group of books 

and maps known as the Heringen collection. These 

military geology texts and maps were looted by the 

Nazis from European libraries, including Russia, and 

hidden in a potash mine in Heringen, Heese, Germany. 

At the end of World War II they were transported by the 

U.S. military to the United States and are now part of 

the USGS library.

The map collections include an archival and working 

collection of USGS topographical maps, plus thematic 

and topographical maps of the United States and 

the World. These maps have provided invaluable 

aid to authorities and scientists in times of disasters 

and military interventions. Maps, photographs, and 

literature in the USGS library have provided evidence to 

solve boundary disputes and water rights litigation, to 

trace geographic names, and to research natural and 

man-made changes in an area over time.

Our Field Records collection in Denver includes items 

such as field notes, field maps and sketches, and 

project-related correspondence created or collected 

by USGS scientists during official project work. The 

Photographic Archive provides the public with access 

to over 19,000 photographs and original sketches dating 

from 1868 to the present. Additionally, USGS maintains 

a collection of over 500,000 photographs taken during 

geologic studies of the U.S. and its territories dating 

The reception desk at the National Center Library in Reston, Virginia.
 Financial Financial Information Information

Required Supplemental Information— Library Collections 153

from 1868 to present. Some photographs have been 

used to illustrate publications, but most have never 

been published.

The Library supports the research of the DOI and other 

government agencies, universities, and professional 

communities. Libraries throughout the world, including 

the largest and most renowned, borrow from our 

library’s unique collection. The USGS library has loaned 

scientific publications and objects to thousands of 

libraries in every State and in over 37 foreign countries 

that were public, State, Federal, nonprofit, company, 

and academic libraries. Although not defined by 

Congress as a national library, the library is recognized 

as the premier national collection of geologic and 

hydrologic publications, supplementing the Nation’s 

large library collections in major universities and 

government agencies. 

Condition Evaluations:

Careful consideration is given to assessing the 

condition of each item in the library collections. A 

category of “good” is defined as materials protected 

for reasonable use which includes publications bound 

or with sturdy covers, maps loosely shelved in drawers 

without crowding or in archival grade envelopes 

with minimal folds, photographs mounted in archival 

quality albums, or materials protected by archival 

quality paper or plastic sleeves or boxes. Materials 

evaluated as “fair” are those which can be circulated, 

but require binding or further treatment to ensure 

long-term protection. “Poor” materials are those that 

cannot be circulated or used without special attention 

until preservation repairs are made. This includes 

publications with old brittle or mottled paper, loose 

pages, loose or thin covers, tears, water-damage or 

other damage, improper binding with tight covers, 

flaking binding covers, loose photographs, nitrate or 

glass photograph negatives, and multimedia and digital 

disks without containers. No deferred maintenance is 

necessary for our library collections.

Library Collections at a Glance:

During both FY2005 and FY2006, USGS maintained 

library collections at four Federal facilities. Although 

there were additions of objects to the existing 

collections, there were no new library locations/ 

collections added during FY2006. There were also no 

disposals of library locations/collections during FY2006.

The USGS library system (four libraries) contains over 

1.2 million books and over 1.8 million non-book items, 

including maps, photographs, pamphlets, field record 

notebooks, digital media, and other collectible items, 

for a total of over 3 million items.

Materials are acquired from extensive exchange 

agreements with institutions and agencies worldwide, 

from research projects and purchases from a wide 

variety of publishers and institutions. Items are 

withdrawn only after the professional library staff has 

made a critical analysis of the collection. 

Map collections at the National Center Library in Reston, VA.

Condition Assessments 

of items per collection

USGS Library Collections Good Fair Poor 

National Center Library 80% 15% 5%

Denver Branch Library 65% 20% 15%

Flagstaff Branch Library 80% 15% 5%

Menlo Park Branch Library 70% 20% 10%

Condition assessments per 

collection with the majority of items 

in “good” condition

USGS Library 

Collections 4
USGS scientist conducting a geophysical survey on the Youghiogheny River in Pennslyvania.
Required 

Supplemental 

Stewardship

Information

(Unaudited; see

Auditors’ Report)

This part of the Section III Financial 

Information contains our required 

supplemental stewardship information 

disclosures.

Contents include:

Research and Development Investments ...................................156
Financial Information

156 Required Supplemental Stewardship Information— Research and Development

Financial Information

T

he USGS is the earth and natural science 

research bureau of the Department and the only 

integrated natural science bureau in the Federal 

government. By combining biology, geology, hydrology, 

and geography in one agency, the USGS is uniquely 

positioned to provide science information and conduct 

scientific research that ensures an integrated approach 

to advance scientific knowledge and utilize the latest 

technologies to provide timely answers and products, 

and improve the quality of life for the communities we 

serve. USGS research and data products support the 

Department’s resource and land management needs 

and provide the science information needed by other 

Federal, State, Tribal, and local government agencies to 

guide planning, management, and regulatory programs.

The USGS reviews Research and Development (R&D) 

investments and weighs the value of existing programs 

against changing needs and priorities. The Director 

prioritizes new initiatives on the basis of the following 

criteria: interdisciplinary science; collaboration 

and partnerships with Department bureaus, other 

government agencies, and universities (relevance, 

first of OMB’s three R&D investment criteria); results 

of program evaluations; and demonstration of progress 

toward meeting the Department’s performance (second 

of three OMB R&D criteria) goals and objectives. 

The Director then selects from among the prioritized 

initiatives those that can be accommodated within the 

funding target. The Capital Planning and Investment 

Control process provides support for decisions on 

technology necessary to support science and the 

business processes of the bureau.

Peer review has been the quality (third OMB R&D 

criteria) standard for USGS scientific publications and a 

documented component of USGS policy throughout our 

127-year history. Our programs are cyclically evaluated 

to ensure the quality and timeliness of our science. The 

evaluations not only improve the accountability and 

quality of programs, but also identify and address gaps 

in programs; redirect or reaffirm program directions; 

identify and provide guidance for development of new 

programs; and review and (or) motivate managers and 

scientists. All of USGS programs evaluated by OMB’s 

PART process have received a “moderately effective” 

rating or better. These evaluations are the foundation 

on which USGS gauges performance relative to the 

Department End Outcome measure for soundness of 

methodology, accuracy, and reliability of science.

Investments in research and development are 

expenses incurred to support the search for new or 

refined knowledge and ideas, the application or use 

of such knowledge and ideas, and the development 

of new or improved products or processes with the 

expectation of maintaining or increasing national 

economic productive capacity or yielding other future 

benefits.

In accordance with OMB Circular No. A-11, USGS 

research activities are classified as basic, applied, or 

developmental research. A definition of each of the 

categories is below.

Basic – defines activities as systematic studies 

directed toward fuller knowledge or understanding 

of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of 

observable facts without specific applications toward 

processes or products in mind.

Applied – defines activities as systematic studies 

to gain knowledge or understanding necessary for 

determining the means by which a recognized and 

specific need may be met.

Developmental – defines activities as systematic 

application of knowledge or understanding, directed 

toward the production of useful materials, devices, and 

systems or methods, including design, development, 

and improvement of prototypes and new processes to 

meet specific requirements.

Our science is being used more and more in 

decisionmaking, and this is essential to our success in 

demonstrating relevance. That doesn’t mean that all 

of what we do needs to be applied; as former Director 

Walter C. Mendenhall said, “There can be no applied 

science unless there is science to apply.” 

Research and development activities are a vital part of 

work performed in accomplishing our mission.

Summary Information:

Total research and development investments were $742

and $809 million during FY2006 and FY2005, respectively.

A summary table reflecting R&D stewardship 

investments by GPRA goal is presented at right.
 Financial Financial Information Information

Required Supplemental Stewardship Information— Research and Development 157

DOI Goals and R&D Type 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Resource Protection

Improve health of watersheds and landscapes $

Data not available 

by GPRA end 

outcome goals. 

USGS implemented 

a new strategic 

plan during FY2004, 

establishing 

performance 

measurement 

under these end 

outcome goals.

 Basic research 10 7

 Applied research 71 59

 Developmental research 6 8

Sustain biological communities

 Basic research 13 16

 Applied research 115 107

 Developmental research 8 13

Resource Use

Manage or influence resources — Energy

 Basic research 5 4

 Applied research 19 18

 Developmental research - -

Manage or influence resources — Non-Energy

 Basic research 10 10

 Applied research 44 40

 Developmental research 1 -

Serving Communities

Protect lives, resources, and property

 Basic research 4 4

 Applied research 45 42

 Developmental research 20 20

Advance knowledge through scientific leadership

 Basic research 37 31

 Applied research 364 323

 Developmental research 37 40

Total research and development

 Basic research 82 77 71 79 72

 Applied research 799 681 740 658 589

 Developmental research 83 101 72 72 81

Total $ 964 859 883 809 742
Financial Information

158 Required Supplemental Stewardship Information— Research and Development

Financial Information

Applied Research Outputs and Outcomes

Tools to Monitor and Analyze Natural Hazards 

Starting with the 2005 hurricane season and ending 

with the active 2006 summer fire season, the USGS 

Rocky Mountain Geographic Science Center (RMGSC) 

provided crucial and timely support to Federal, State, 

and local agencies for their natural-hazard monitoring, 

analysis, response, and recovery activities.

USGS has implemented several monitoring and 

analysis tools for natural-hazard events that provide 

decisionmakers access to the real-time information 

they must have to better understand, plan for, and 

respond to the environmental and ecological impact 

of natural-hazard events. Among these tools are the 

Geospatial Multi-Agency Coordination (GeoMAC) 

system, which provides the public and fire responders 

with up-to-date information about the locations of 

wildfires (http://geomac.gov) and the Natural Hazards 

Support System (NHSS), which integrates near-realtime data for multiple types of natural-hazard events 

(http://nhss.cr.usgs.gov). These tools allow users to 

easily monitor a single natural-hazard event and to see 

the geospatial relationships between the event and 

other activities that may have an impact on that event, 

such as the progress of a wildland fire and/or heavy 

rain, both of which are tracked by other types of data 

systems. 

Below are outputs and outcomes examples of how 

our research and development activities demonstrate 

results that are consistent with their intended purpose, 

and highlights from each science discipline’s FY2006 

research and development activities describing the 

research program. 

Additional outputs and outcomes demonstrating 

results that are consistent with the intended research 

program purpose beyond the examples provided are 

presented in Section II: Performance Data and Analysis 

– Performance Measure Results. 

Basic Research Outputs and Outcomes

New Geochemical Method to Evaluate Bio-available 

Metals in Low Temperature Water

Understanding the relationships between metal 

concentrations and their availability and toxicity 

to aquatic biota is critical for land managers and 

regulatory agencies that must assess the impacts 

of mine drainage to the environment or develop 

remediation strategies for areas affected by historical 

mining activities. MRP scientists, in work completed 

in FY2006, have used a new method, called Diffusion 

Gradients in Thin Films (DGT), in combination with 

the Biotic Ligand Model (TBLM) to determine metal 

bio-availability and toxicity to aquatic organisms and 

to assist in evaluating the environmental impacts 

of mine drainage. The DGT method measures the 

concentration of a dissolved metal that is able to 

diffuse through membranes with very small pore sizes. 

It has been postulated that this concentration is similar 

to the portion of total dissolved metal that is available 

for uptake by organisms. 

The Biotic Ligand Model uses the composition of 

a solution to determine whether dissolved metal 

concentrations at a given site are too high to maintain a 

healthy aquatic community. The DGT and TBLM results 

in several mine drainage systems were in very good 

agreement with previously conducted toxicity studies 

at the sites and demonstrated that the relatively easy 

DGT and TBLM methods can provide land managers 

with a faster and less expensive alternative to assess 

and monitor water quality in such systems. This basic 

research is in support of DOI’s Resource Use goal. 

USGS scientist tests new method for determining dissolved bio-available 

metal concentrations using the Diffusion Gradients in Thin Films (DGT) 

technique to assess and monitor water quality in areas affected by mining 

activities.
 Financial Financial Information Information

Required Supplemental Stewardship Information— Research and Development 159

GeoMAC, with over 40 million hits a year, has become 

one of the primary public tools used to monitor the 

current location and status of wildfires across the 

United States. During the 2005 hurricane season, 

NHSS, which contained information on the path of 

the hurricanes was integrated with systems that 

contained near-real-time information on stream levels, 

wind speeds, and precipitation. By integrating this 

information, Federal agency personnel were able to 

efficiently monitor, and respond to the impacts of the 

hurricanes. 

Rapid Exploitation of Remotely Sensed Data from 

Multiple Sources

The National Civil Applications Program (NCAP) 

serves the Federal civil community by providing a 

modernized method of acquiring, disseminating, and 

exploiting classified remote-sensing systems and data 

in order to address such issues as land and resource 

management, the environment, natural hazards, 

disasters, and other issues that require scientific 

analysis. USGS research activities focused on the 

development of methods and strategies to rapidly 

exploit multiple sources of remotely sensed data to 

support the analysis of natural disasters ranging from 

hurricanes and wildland fires in the United States to 

landslides in Pakistan. Geospatial information and 

products derived from remotely sensed data that would 

normally take days to generate were instead created 

in hours. For example, the geographic locations of 

structures in the path of a wildland fire are critical 

for incident response. USGS analysts developed 

and implemented strategies to rapidly exploit this 

information using complex provisioning and feature 

extraction algorithms. USGS continues to refine these 

Post-hurricane satellite image of a portion of the Orleans Parish and 

Lake Pontchartrain collected on September 8, 2005, by the Quickbird 

Multispectral sensor. Sediment plumes can be seen forming in the lake 

as water was pumped out of the parish through the canal system. This 

image is displayed as a false color composite, using the near-infrared and 

green multispectral bands, whereby vegetation is portrayed in red.

During events like the 2005 hurricane season, USGS quickly incorporated 

both pre- and post-event information into these monitoring systems and 

generated a wide variety of analysis products in support of the response 

and recovery activities of Federal and State agencies. For example, during 

the first days after the flooding of New Orleans, the USGS developed a 

technique for automated feature extraction that was used to identify and 

assess structural damage. Once the pumping of the greater Orleans Parish 

began, issues surrounding the increase of sediments in Lake Pontchartrain 

began to surface. USGS used commercial satellite datasets to generate 

a time series of image maps that depicted sediment plumes in the lake 

close to the pumping stations. These maps enabled hydrologists to 

effectively take water samples from the lake to determine the extent of 

the sediment plumes that existed.

The NHSS is a near-real-time natural-hazard monitoring tool that was 

developed at RMGSC. This image shows a snapshot of the Texas Gulf 

coast with near-real-time NEXRAD weather information combined with the 

geospatial base layers. This tool is the type of near-real-time capability 

that was used to monitor the approaching storms during the 2005 

hurricane season. 
Financial Information

160 Required Supplemental Stewardship Information— Research and Development

Financial Information

techniques and to expand into other research activities 

such as the automatic feature extraction of oil- and 

gas-well pads in support of BLM air-quality studies.

Enabling Science and Adaptive Management in 

Unique Wetland Environments 

In the Florida Everglades, scientific studies and 

adaptive management strategies require system-wide 

information on elevation to (1) estimate variables like 

water depth, which strengthens the understanding 

of how and where water flows through South Florida; 

and (2)characterize habitat for important plant and 

animal species. Detailed information on Everglades 

wetland ground-surface elevation was non-existent 

before the USGS began collecting highly accurate 

surface elevations at the regional scale. Hydrologists, 

biologists, and other potential users of highly accurate 

elevation data requested a height accuracy of 

+/-15 centimeters (6 inches) approximately every 

400 meters across the region. Typical satellite and 

airborne imaging systems cannot meet that accuracy 

specification in this unique environment. 

The USGS combined modern GPS technology with 

historic radio-based surveying approaches that were 

originally developed to measure heights in rugged 

terrain. The result was called the “Airborne Height 

Finder.” The system has been deployed in a series of 

survey campaigns to collect over 53,000 data points, 

which cover the Everglades National Park and most 

of the nearby water conservation areas. Because 

the height finder is able to penetrate the Everglades’ 

vegetation and water cover, it has provided an 

unprecedented regional view of the Everglades’ 

topographic gradients and sub-water surface structure. 

These data are now being used to (1) simulate water 

flow in the Everglades with higher resolution and 

greater accuracy in order to estimate water depths in 

real time for field-study planning; and (2) as input for 

habitat models, which are used to forecast the effects 

of water-level changes on various important species. 

These high-accuracy elevation data are made available 

online to anyone through the South Florida Information 

Access Web site data exchanges pages (http://sofia.

usgs.gov). 

The USGS-developed Airborne Height Finder system being tested at an 

airport before starting a data-collection mission. This system has efficiently 

characterized Everglades elevation gradients for adaptive management and 

scientific study by restoration partners in South Florida. 

National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) natural color one-meter 

imagery was used to rapidly extract structures that were potentially 

threatened by a wildland fire. Techniques were developed to acquire the 

imagery and extract this information within a few hours.
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Pesticides in the Nation’s Streams and Ground Water, 

1992-2001

The USGS released a report in March 2006 describing 

the occurrence of pesticides in streams and ground 

water between 1992 and2001. The report concluded 

that pesticides are typically present throughout 

the year in most streams in urban and agricultural 

areas of the Nation but are less common in ground 

water. Findings show that pesticides are seldom at 

concentrations likely to affect humans; however, they 

do occur in many streams (particularly those draining 

urban and agricultural areas) at concentrations that 

may affect aquatic life or fish-eating wildlife. The 

USGS worked closely with the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) during the 10-year study 

because the EPA uses the data extensively in their 

exposure-and-risk assessments for regulating the 

use of pesticides. For example, the EPA used USGS 

data in its risk assessments for the re-evaluation of 

diazinon, chlorpyrifos, cyanazine, and alachlor. Uses of 

three of these pesticides (diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and 

cyanazine) have now been significantly limited, and the 

usage of alachlor was voluntarily reduced and largely 

replaced by a registered alternative. The USGS findings 

show strong relationships between the occurrence of 

pesticides and their effects, and point out that some 

of the frequently detected pesticides are declining. 

As new pesticides are approved for use, the EPA will 

continue to need monitoring data to ensure that levels 

in the environment are safe.

National Pesticide Assessment Released 

In March 2006, the USGS National Water-Quality 

Assessment Program (NAWQA) released its decadal, 

nationwide assessment on pesticide occurrence 

and concentrations in streams and ground water. 

The assessment provides the most comprehensive 

national-scale analysis to date of pesticide occurrence, 

distribution and sources, and potential for effects on 

humans, aquatic life, and wildlife. Among the major 

findings are that pesticides are frequently present 

in streams and ground water, were seldom found at 

concentrations likely to affect humans, but were found 

in many streams at concentrations that may have 

effects on aquatic life or fish-eating wildlife. These 

findings can be used to help guide and inform State 

and national regulations and policies for water-quality 

protection. For example, the science-based insights 

can help decisionmakers (1) better anticipate the types 

of pesticides most likely to affect water quality in urban 

and agricultural areas, and (2) improve investments 

in water-quality monitoring and management across 

the Nation’s diverse environmental and pesticide use 

patterns.

Forecasting Future Water-Quality Conditions in the 

Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Excessive nutrients and sediments are the leading 

causes of impairment to the health of the Chesapeake 

Bay. Both land-use and land-management practices 

throughout the 64,000 square-mile Chesapeake Bay 

watershed contribute the majority of nutrients (nitrogen 

and phosphorus) to the estuary and are a major 

source of sediments in the upper bay. Therefore, the 

management of land uses, practices, and landscape 

changes is the main activity which will help restore 

water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. 

Conditions at Chesapeake Bay Watershed
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 Eight- to ten-year forecasts of land change have been 

produced to establish nutrient- and sediment-reduction 

goals in the bay watershed. Longer term forecasts 

of land change are needed given the rapid rate of 

urbanization and evidence that increased nutrient loads 

from urban development may be impeding progress 

in reducing nutrients. The USGS (in partnership with 

the Woods Hole Research Center, Shippensburg 

University, and the Maryland Department of Planning) 

is developing a model to forecast land changes in 

the bay watershed through 2030. USGS expertise 

in land change and water-quality modeling is a key 

component of this effort. The land-change forecasts 

will be coupled with a watershed model to simulate 

future nutrient and sediment loads to the bay. This 

information will be used by State agencies and local 

governments to inform decisionmakers on how best 

to implement environmentally sound land-use policies 

as a means of maintaining nutrient and sediment load 

reductions.

Survival of Paddlefish Released as Bycatch in a 

Commercial Gill Net Fishery 

Paddlefish are commercially used for their caviar in 

six States in the Mississippi River Basin. Tennessee 

usually leads the Nation in the amount of eggs 

harvested each year. Last year, the commercial 

harvest in Tennessee exceeded 12,000 kg of eggs, 

which had a retail value of more than $5.0 million. 

USGS scientists in close cooperation with Tennessee 

Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) biologists had 

previously concluded that Tennessee paddlefish stocks 

were being overfished. They also noted that too many 

males and immature female paddlefish were being 

caught in commercial gill nets. Many of these males 

and immature female paddlefish were dead when nets 

were retrieved, particularly when it was warm. Those 

fish that were alive were released, but the fate of these 

accidentally caught fish (known as “bycatch”) was 

unknown.The harmful effect of bycatch on aquatic 

ecosystems has received considerable attention in 

recent decades. Bycatch is a serious obstacle to 

rebuilding depleted marine and freshwater fish stocks 

around the world.

USGS scientists and TWRA biologists teamed up to 

attach radio transmitters to more than 100 paddlefish 

that were caught in commercial fishing gear and then 

released by commercial fishermen because the fish did 

not have eggs or were too small to keep. The tagged 

fish were closely monitored for several weeks and 

researchers concluded that most of the paddlefish 

released alive as bycatch subsequently survived. 

Based on these data, TWRA biologists worked with the 

commercial fishing industry to shorten future fishing 

seasons, thus eliminating fishing when temperatures 

are too warm to ensure the survival of undersized 

paddlefish. Knowing that most released fish will 

survive improves the chances that future efforts by the 

State of Tennessee will protect this fishery from being 

overfished.

Smallmouth Bass Management in Eastern Oklahoma 

Streams: Implications for Stream Restoration 

A mid-1990s survey of stream fishing activity in eastern 

Oklahoma found that anglers spent an estimated 

$29.0 million on fishing trips. Smallmouth bass are 

the most sought-after stream sport fish in Oklahoma, 

and the western extent of the native range of this 

species occurs in eastern Oklahoma. The Oklahoma 

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (one of 

40 units nationwide in State agencies and universities 

which the USGS has developed partnerships) worked 

with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation 

Jodi Stinson, research technician, with a paddlefish captured in the to conduct a three-year study (2002-2005) to evaluate 

lower Tennessee River during an ongoing study investigating commercial 

overfishing of this caviar-producing species. 
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relationships between the stream geomorphology 

and the abundance of smallmouth bass that inhabit 

eastern Oklahoma streams. The goal of this study was 

to classify streams according to their geomorphic 

type and their fish abundance to aid the Oklahoma 

Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) in their 

stream restoration efforts. Knowledge of relationships 

between smallmouth bass abundance, channel 

geomorphology, and habitat will be used to guide 

ODWC’s management of smallmouth bass populations 

and habitat restoration projects in eastern Oklahoma 

streams.

Population Viability Models and the Recovery of 

Endangered Desert Fish in the Great Basin and Mojave 

Desert

The USGS provides research support for other DOI 

bureaus and other Federal agencies in the management 

of federally listed threatened and endangered species. 

In North America, some fish species in the arid West 

are particularly vulnerable to extinction. The high 

demand for limited water in a parched environment, 

alteration of severely restricted habitat, and invasion 

of non-indigenous fish species have produced the 

greatest concentration of federally listed fish species in 

the desert West. One of these, the cui-ui, is endemic to 

Pyramid Lake, Nevada. The Native American Pyramid 

Lake Paiute Tribe, which resides nearby, relies heavily 

on the Cui-ui as a traditional subsistence species, and 

as part of its cultural identity. Cui-ui are obligatory lake 

dwellers but spawn in the only perennial tributary, 

the Truckee River. In the 20th century, their spawning 

migration was discontinued due to agricultural water 

diversions. Severe declines in the cui-ui population 

and its Federal endangered species listing led to 

the construction of a fish bypass facility around the 

Truckee River delta and to changes in water operations 

to enhance riverflow. Through investigations on the 

influence of water manipulation, habitat modification, 

and non-indigenous fish introductions, USGS biologists 

developed a cui-ui population viability model, which is 

sensitive to spawning frequency. The model includes 

life history and survival information in order to 

determine whether these management measures are 

sufficient to restore the cui-ui population. This model 

and information about cui-ui life history, traits, and 

survival is being used by the FWS, Pyramid Lake Paiute 

Tribe, and the State of Nevada in adaptive management 

decisions and water management for the recovery of 

this endangered species.

National Flood Summary Describing Major Floods and 

Damages Now Available on World Wide Web 

Floods are the most frequent of all catastrophic natural 

hazards, costing an average of $6 billion in losses 

annually and threatening lives and property in every 

State. The USGS compiled the National Flood Summary 

from 1970 1998. The summary, which includes maps 

and data, is now available online at http://ks.water.

usgs.gov/Kansas/floodsummary. The Web site provides 

the public a tool to compare current or possible flood 

conditions with past historical flood information by 

State and year with regard to magnitude, cause, loss 

of life, damage, and cost for this 28-year time period. 

Included in the National Flood Summary Web site 

is the latest volume of the National Flood Summary 

series, describing significant floods in the U.S. and 

Puerto Rico from 1994 to 1998. For more than 125 

years, the USGS has played a critical role in reducing 

flood losses through scientific research and, most 

importantly, by operating the national streamgaging 

network, which provides real-time information to 

emergency responders and long-term data to floodDan Dauwalter tags a smallmouth bass to assess its growth and 

movement in an eastern Oklahoma stream.
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During FY2006, USGS researched various methods for 

generating the core geospatial data. These data were 

next compiled into data layers covering the 48 States. 

These layers were a key prerequisite to producing 

national ecosystem coverage at a 30-meter spatial 

resolution. These core layers are now available to 

scientists and to resource or land managers who 

may be responsible for developing science-based 

conservation strategies. 

Parking Lot Sealcoat: A Major Source of Polycyclic 

Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Urban and Suburban 

Environments 

Collaborative studies by the City of Austin, Texas and 

the USGS have identified coal-tar-based sealcoat—the 

black, shiny emulsion painted or sprayed on asphalt 

pavement, such as parking lots—as a major and 

previously unrecognized source of polycyclic aromatic 

hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination. Several PAHs are 

suspected human carcinogens and are toxic to aquatic 

life. Studies in Austin, Texas, showed that particles in 

runoff from coal-tar based sealcoated parking lots had 

concentrations of PAHs that were about 65 times higher 

than concentrations in particles washed off parking 

lots that had not been sealcoated. Studies by USGS 

scientists demonstrated possible connections between 

PAHs in particles washed off sealed parking lots and 

PAHs in suspended sediment in four streams in Austin 

and Fort Worth, Texas. Currently, the use of coal-tarbased sealcoat is not federally regulated; however, as 

a result of the work conducted by the USGS and the 

City of Austin, Texas to address PAH contamination in 

streams, the City of Austin, Texas Council banned the 

use of coal-tar-based sealcoat, effective January 2006.

USGS Science for the National Park Service 

Since 1998, the USGS/NPS water-quality assessment 

and monitoring partnership program has provided a 

unique and seamless mechanism for collaboration with 

other DOI bureaus and has ensured that appropriate 

science is made available to park managers for 

defensible decisionmaking to address a range of waterquality issues in national parks. Data and information 

from more than 100 partnership projects are being, 

or will be, used to address water-quality issues in 90 

plain managers. These components work together to 

provide the information—before, during, and after each 

flood—to manage flood risks today and expand our 

understanding of flood processes and characteristics 

to save lives and property tomorrow. The NWS relies 

upon long-term flow records to develop models that 

are used with the real-time streamflow data to issue 

the flood warnings that are vital for flood-damage 

prevention and public safety. 

National Ecosystems Mapping to Support Resource 

and Land Management 

Ecosystem management is a strategy for the integrated 

management of land, water, and living resources that 

promotes conservation and sustainable use in an 

equitable way. Understanding the types, locations, 

and conditions of the ecosystems is a prerequisite to 

ecosystem management. Ecosystems are recognized 

as fundamental components of biodiversity that need to 

be conserved and, in some cases, restored. However, 

the U.S. lacks a standardized ecosystem map at an 

appropriate scale for local, on-the-ground management 

of ecosystems. In an effort to address this need, the 

USGS Rocky Mountain Geographic Science Center 

has embarked on the classification and delineation of 

ecosystems for the conterminous 48 States at a scale 

that is appropriate for ecosystem management. The 

components used to define and map ecosystems are 

landforms, surficial geology, bioclimate, and land cover. 

National Ecosystem Mapping
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national park units across the United States. The scope 

of individual projects varies in accordance with the 

objectives of individual park managers; all new projects 

are selected annually by a panel of USGS and NPS 

personnel through a competitive proposal process. 

Activities range from data collection of targeted 

baseline water-quality constituents to longer term 

intensive investigations of potential human impacts 

on water quality and associated aquatic resources. 

Results of the first completed projects were already 

being used during the first half of FY2006 to make 

decisions on a variety of issues, such as (1) determining 

when and where background water quality is 

degraded by human sources of contamination, and (2) 

determining the best management practices within and 

outside park boundaries that can affect the biological 

health of water resources within park units.

Developmental Research Outputs and Outcomes

Helping to Fill a “Data Gap” 

The USGS EROS Center is working with scientists from 

the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research 

(INPE) as part of an international effort to conduct a 

test downlink of satellite imagery from the China-Brazil 

Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS-2). The CBERS-2 was 

launched in October 2003 as a joint effort between the 

INPE and the Chinese Academy of Space Technology. 

On March 30 and again on March 31, 2006, USGS and 

INPE received and processed data from CBERS-2. This 

downlink marked the first time that CBERS-2 data were 

collected outside of Brazil and China. 

With the successful downlink of CBERS-2 data to EROS, 

the USGS has been able to evaluate the usability of the 

data for science and operational programs. This activity 

is part of an ongoing effort at USGS to assess the utility 

and value of alternative and complimentary Landsatlike satellite data sources. 

The USGS is also working directly with the India 

Space Research Organization to assess data from its 

ResourceSat-1 satellite and with other national and 

international satellite data providers to understand the 

quality and potential for data from existing and future 

systems.

Landsat 5 Flight Operations Anomaly Team Wins AIAA 

Award 

The USGS Landsat 5 Flight Operations Anomaly Team 

was selected by the American Institute of Aeronautics 

and Astronautics (AIAA) to receive the International 

Space Operations Award for Outstanding Achievement 

for 2006. The team received the award at the 9th 

International Conference on Space Operations in 

Rome on June 19 to 23, 2006. Quoting the citation, the 

USGS team received the award, “for dedicated efforts 

in recovering Landsat 5 from two potentially missionending hardware anomalies and restoring the mission 

to full operations.” In November 2005, the solar array 

that generates power for Landsat 5 stopped working 

properly; in March 2006, the downlink transmitter that 

sends image data to ground stations tripped a circuit 

breaker and stopped transmitting data. In each case, 

the Flight Operations Anomaly Team was able to devise 

corrective procedures and restore the 22-year-old 

Landsat 5 spacecraft to full operations. 

As a result of the team’s efforts, image data from 

Landsat 5 continues to be available to scientists around 

the world. 

The first China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS-2) data downlink at 

EROS in support of the Landsat Data Gap Study.
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With more than 31,000 members, AIAA (http://www.

aiaa.org/) is the world’s largest professional society 

devoted to the progress of engineering and science in 

aviation, space, and defense. 

Improving Access to Historical Film Archive 

Digitization of the USGS Historical Aerial Film Archives 

using high-performance digital cameras continues to 

make significant progress toward making this important 

historical data set readily accessible to the public. The 

project, which began in October 2004, reached another 

milestone in 2006 by achieving over 3 million frames 

converted to low- and medium- resolution images that 

are now accessible through Earth Explorer (http://

earthexplorer.usgs.gov). 

An additional benefit of digitizing the aerial film 

archives is the number of “orphan” images recovered 

and made available to the public. These images 

were originally acquired by the USGS from the flight 

contractors, but subsequently not included in the 

database because of various issues related to mapping 

standards. The image examples demonstrate the 

degree of quality and view of these images. 

Historical Film Archive.

AAIA Award.
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Landsat Data in a Robotic Silo Tape Storage 

Migrating data from one storage medium to another is 

a routine stewardship activity that must be addressed 

every five years or so in order to avoid technology 

obsolescence and degradation of media. In FY 2005, 

USGS began migrating the Landsat 1-5 data from 

aging media stored on shelves to more modern media 

in a robotic tape storage silo. During FY 2006, USGS 

completed the laborious task of converting more than 

3,500 tapes (170 terabytes) of Landsat 5 Thematic 

Mapper (TM) data to the robotic silo. The conversion 

will provide not only easier access to the data but it will 

make the data more readily available in a compatible 

format for trend analysis. USGS also began conversion 

of the Landsat’s (1-5) Multispectral Scanner (MSS) 

data to the robotic silo; that task will be completed 

in FY2007. When completed, all Landsat 1-5 data will 

be in the robotic silo, which will mark the first time in 

Landsat history that the entire archive can be accessed 

without human intervention. This effort moves the 

entire Landsat data from older, less stable media to a 

newer technology and safer media that already exists. 

With the entire Landsat archive in a robotic silo, the 

next media migration (which probably will occur around 

2012) will be accomplished in a matter of months 

instead of years.

USGS EROS Launches New “Virtual” LIDAR Center

Demand for research using all data generated from 

Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) remote-sensing 

equipment has increased. This technology has been a 

proven mapping tool and has been most effective for 

generating bare-earth Digital Elevation Models (DEMs); 

however, research on using the entire capability of the 

data for scientific applications has been hampered 

by the high cost of collecting LIDAR and by a steep 

learning curve on using the complexities of LIDAR data. 

EROS launched a new Web portal designed to assist 

users in accessing LIDAR remote-sensing data. 

The Center for LIDAR Information Coordination and 

Knowledge (CLICK) is designed to facilitate innovation 

in the scientific community by providing a place for all 

LIDAR users—inside and outside the USGS—to visit, 

ask and answer questions, and coordinate with others 

who are either seeking or have data in their study area. 

By having ready access to LIDAR data and information, 

scientists have the opportunity to incorporate that 

data into their applications. CLICK’s main mission is 

to invite people in the LIDAR community to exchange 

ideas, information, and even raw point-cloud data for 

scientific needs. The importance of this idea came from 

LIDAR users at the 2002 USGS LIDAR workshop in St. 

Petersburg, Florida. The activity is supported by the 

USGS Land Remote Sensing Program. To learn more 

about CLICK, visit http:\\lidar.cr.usgs.gov.

CLICK currently holds and is disseminating over 2 

terabytes of LIDAR data, has 143 registered members 

from 23 countries, and has had over 12,000 topic views 

on its bulletin board since it went public in February 

2006.

Robotic Tape Storage Silo.
USGS scientist collecting biological samples.
Section IV

Appendix

Contents

Glossary of Acronyms ................................................................................................................... 170

169
Appendix

170 Glossary of Acronyms

AAG American Association of Geographers

ABC/M Activity-Based Costing/Management

ACWI Advisory Commitee on Water Council

ANSS Advanced National Seismic System

APA American Planning Association

APS Administrative Policy and Services

A/R Accounts Receivable

BASIS+ Budget and Science Information System

BBS Biology Breeding Survey

BFC Big File Cabinet

BIA U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs

BOR U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

BLM U.S. Bureau of Land Management

BMP Best Management Practices

BRD Biological Resources Discipline

CA Condition Assessment

CAP Cooperative Agreements Program

CBP Chesapeake Bay Program

CD Compact Disc

CERP Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

CINDI Center for Integration of Natural Disaster Information

CISN California Integrated Seismic Network

CLICK Center for LIDAR Information Coordination & Knowledge

CMGP Coastal and Marine Geology Program

COTS Commercial Off-the-Shelf 

CPIC Capital Planning and Investment Control

CREW Cascadia Regional Earthquake Workgroup

CSRS Civil Service Retirement System

CTM Cooperative Topographic Mapping

DCIA Debt Collection Improvement Act

DHS U.S. Department of Homeland Security

DOD Department of Defense

DOI U.S. Department of the Interior

DOL U.S. Department of Labor

DOT U.S. Department of Transportation

DSS Decision Support System

EFT Electronic Funds Transfer

EHP Earthquake Hazards Program

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPCA Energy Policy and Conservation Act

EROS Earth Resources Observation and Science Center

ERP Energy Resources Program

ESN Enterprise Services Network

ETM+ Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus

FAIR Federal Activities Inventory Reform

FASAB Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board

FBMS Financial Business Management System

FBWT Fund Balance with Treasury

FCI Facilities Condition Index

FECA Federal Employee Compensation Act

FEGLI Federal Employees Group Life Insurance

FEHB Federal Employees Health Benefit

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

FERS Federal Employees Retirement System

FFMIA Federal Financial Management Improvement Act of 1996

FGDC Federal Geographic Data Committee

FICA Federal Insurance Contributions Act

FISC Florida Integrated Science Center

FISMA Federal Information Security Management Act

FMFIA Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act of 1982

FMMS Facilities Maintenance Management System

FMS U.S. Treasury’s Financial Management Service

FTE Full-Time Equivalent

FTP File Transfer Protocol

FWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FY Fiscal Year

GAAP Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

GAM Geographic Analysis and Monitoring Program

GAO Government Accountability Office

Gb Gigabtye

GCP Global Change Program
 Appendi Appendix

Glossary of Acronyms 171

GIO Geospatial Information Office

GIS Geographic Information System

GOS Geospatial One Stop

GPRA Government Performance and Results Act

GPS Global Positioning Satellite

GSA General Services Administration

GSN Global Seismographic Network

HHS U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HPAI Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

IP Investment Plan

IRIS Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology

InSAR Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar

JWP John W. Powell

KSAs Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

IT Information Technology

LIDAR Light Detecting and Ranging

LHP Landslide Hazard Program

LMV Lower Mississippi Valley

LRS Land Remote Sensing

LTRMP Long-Term Resource Monitoring Program 

LUPM Land Use Portfolio Model

M Million

MD&A Management’s Discussion and Analysis

MITS Management Initiatives Tracking System

MMS Minerals Management Service

MRERP Mineral Resources External Research Program

MRP Mineral Resources Program

NAIP National Agriculture Imagery Program

NARA National Archives and Records Administration

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NAWQA National Water Quality Assessment

NBC Dept. of Interior - National Business Center

NBII National Biological Information Infrastructure

NCGMP National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

NEIC National Earthquake Information Center

NEHRP National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program

NGA National Geospatial Intelligency Agency

NGIC National Geomagnetic Information Center

NHSS Natural Hazards Support System

NHWC National Hydrologic Warning Council

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NPS U.S. National Park Service

NRC National Research Council

NRCS National Resouces Conservation Council

NSDI National Spatial Data Infrastructure

NSF National Science Foundation

NSIP National Streamflow Information Program

NWIS National Water Information System

NWQL National Water Quality Laboratory

NWQLC National Water Quality Monitoring Council

NWS National Weather Service

OAFM USGS Office of Accounting and Financial Management

OBP USGS Office of Budget and Performance 

OIG Office of the Inspector General

OMB Office of Management and Budget

OMS Office of Management Services

OPM Office of Personnel Management

PAR Performance and Accountability Report

PART Program Assessment Rating Tool

PB President’s Budget

PGV Peak Ground Velocity

P.L. Public Law

PMA President’s Management Agenda

PP&E Property, Plant, and Equipment

PTWC Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

R&D Research and Development

REX Regional Executive

RMGSC Rocky Mountain Geographic Science Center

RLA Resource Lands Assessment

RSSI Required Supplementary Stewardship Information

RTS Reports Tracking System (Water Resources)

SAFOD San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth
Appendix

172 Glossary of Acronyms

SAIN Southern Appalachian Information Node

SBR Statement of Budgetary Resources

SCEC Southern California Earthquake Center

SES Senior Executive Service

SETAC Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

SFFAS Statement of Federal Financial Accounting Standards

SFMP Strategic Facilities Master Plan

SFWMD South Florida Water Management District

SLC Scan Line Corrector

SGL Standard General Ledger

SIR Surveys, Investigations, and Research

Sparrow Spatially Referenced Regressions on Watershed Attributes

SPRESO South Pole Remote Earth Science Observatory

SRTM Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission

STEP Short-Term Earthquake Probability

TBLM The Biotic Ligand Model

TCUs Tribal Colleges and Universities

TES Threatened and Endangered Species

TLSA Teshekpuk Lake Special Area

TNM The National Map

TRIP The Road Indicator Project

TROR Treasury Report on Receivables

TRPA Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

TSP Thrift Savings Plan

TWRA Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

USCOE U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USFS U.S. Forest Service

USGCRP U.S. Global Change Research Program

USGS U.S. Geological Survey 

VHP Volcano Hazards Program

VPN Virtual Private Network

V&V Validation and Verification

WAN Wide Area Network

WCF Working Capital Fund

WNV West Nile Virus

WRD Water Resources Discipline

WPA World Petroleum Assessment 2000

WRIR Water Resources Investigation Report

WSC Water Science Center
We Welcome Your Comments!

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Geological Survey’s FY2006 Performance and Accountability Report. We 

welcome your comments on how we can make this report a more informative document for our readers. We 

are particularly interested in your comments on the usefulness of the information and the manner in which it is 

presented. Please send your comments to: 

 U.S. Geological Survey

 Office of Internal Control and Reporting

 Mail Stop 270

 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive 

 Reston, VA 20192 

Hurricane Hazards—A National Threat 

Hurricanes bring destructive winds, storm surge, torrential rain, flooding, and tornadoes. A single storm can wreak 

havoc on coastal and inland communities and on natural areas over thousands of square miles. In 2005, Hurricanes 

Katrina, Rita, and Wilma demonstrated the devastation that hurricanes can inflict and the importance of hurricane 

hazards research and preparedness. More than half of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of a coast, and this 

number is increasing. Many of these areas, especially the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, will be in the direct path of future 

hurricanes. Hawaii is also vulnerable to hurricanes.

USGS Personnel Responded—

Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma

“During last hurricane season we all watched as 

several massive disasters swept across Florida and the 

Gulf Coast states. At the USGS, it is our goal to provide 

scientific research and analysis to help citizens, 

emergency managers, and policy makers decide how 

to react to hazards and safeguard society. But we also 

strive to help and inform our employees, by providing 

the resources and information about our hurricane 

response. Amid the challenges of the season, the 

USGS served as a model of coordination and operation 

for other DOI bureaus. We accomplished a great deal 

during the last storm season and we learned a great 

deal not only about large, destructive storms, but 

our ability to respond. Again I applaud the efforts of 

everyone that contributed in last season.” 

Pat Leahy

Acting Director, May 2006