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Annex J: FAM Part 7 - Technical Studies Cooperative Agreement Programs

CHAPTER 7-100

TECHNICAL STUDIES PROGRAM OVERVIEW

7-100-00 What does this chapter do?

7-100-10 Why was the Technical Studies program established?

7-100-20 What are the objectives of the Technical Studies program?

7-100-30 Where can you find out about specific assistance opportunities?

7-100-40 What other applicable requirements for a Technical Studies cooperative

agreement? 

7-100-00 What does this chapter do?

This chapter provides a general overview of our Technical Studies program. The work performed 

under this program support the abandoned mine land and regulatory programs of the Surface 

Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, as amended (SMCRA). They are performed by 

parties other than us at the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) 

and include applied science projects, underground mine map projects, and technical 

investigations. 

7-100-10 Why was the Technical Studies program established?

A. We work with state and tribal partners to ensure that citizens and the environment are

protected during coal mining and that the land is restored to beneficial use when mining

is finished. We also work with states and tribes to reclaim and restore lands and water

degraded by mining operations before SMCRA was enacted. Additionally, we work with

colleges and universities and other state and federal agencies to further the science of

reclaiming mined lands and protecting the environment.

B. During fiscal year (FY) 2005, Congress approved our request for a program to fund

proposals for applied science projects and for underground mine map projects. Our

operating annual budget provides funding for these projects.

C. Addressing the need to map underground mines requires significant federal support. We

developed the Underground Mine Mapping Initiative (UGMMI) as part of our Technical

Studies program to meet these needs. Through the Underground Mine Map Steering

Committee, we collaborated with the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC)

and Western Interstate Energy Board (WIEB) to coordinate Underground Mine Map

Projects. We also collaborated with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

and various state agencies to complete underground mine map projects.

7-100-20 What are the objectives of the Technical Studies program?

The Technical Studies program supports two efforts:
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A. Applied Science projects develop and demonstrate improved technologies to address 

public safety and environmental issues related to mining coal and reclaiming the lands 

affected by mining.

B. Underground Mine Map projects encourage efforts to collect, preserve and convert into 

digital format maps of underground coal mines. The maps provide valuable information 

for protecting public and miner safety, evaluating mine pools, and investigating mine 

subsidence.

7-100-30 Where can you find out about specific assistance opportunities?

We will announce opportunities for Technical Studies cooperative agreements in three channels. 

You will find additional information on specific opportunities and how to apply for them as 

follows:

A. We will post the announcement on Grants.gov. Grants.gov is the federal government’s 

website to announce and accept applications for federal grant and cooperative agreement 

opportunities. 

B. We will post the announcement on OSMRE’s Technology Transfer web page.

C. We will send announcements by direct mail or electronic mail to organizations that have 

shown an interest in SMCRA-related activities.

7-100-40 What other applicable requirements for a Technical Studies cooperative 

agreement? 

If you receive a cooperative agreement, the following requirements apply:

A. You must keep records in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, 

Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, at 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart 

D. 

B. You must send us quarterly reports on your technical and financial performance under the 

cooperative agreement.

C. You may also be required to meet the audit requirements.