Grant program unsolicited

The Unsolicited Grant Program has made more than awards. Grantees have produced more than books, articles, and unpublished monographs and manuscripts. In addition, grantees have completed two simulations; 40 sets of curriculum material; one directory entitled Guide to Peace Research in Western Europe; and one conference report on Peace and Security in the Asia Pacific Region.

Funding is available for any project that falls within the Institute's broad mandate of international conflict resolution. Unsolicited grants are offered across a broad range of relevant disciplines, skills, and approaches.

Topic areas of interest to the Institute include, but are not restricted to, the origins of conflict, the role played by religious, ethnic, economic, political, social, and environmental factors in generating or accelerating conflict within, between, or among states; international conflict management; diplomacy; negotiation theory; Track Two unofficial diplomacy; methods of third-party dispute settlement; international law; international organizations and collective security; deterrence and balance of power; arms control; psychological theories about international conflict; the role of nonviolence and nonviolent sanctions; moral and ethical thought about conflict and conflict management; the role of peacekeeping, humanitarian intervention, and postconflict peace building; and theories about relationships among political institutions, human rights, and conflict.

Priority is accorded to projects that have practical applications and that may be useful for policymakers. The Institute may provide grant support to nonprofit organizations, public institutions, and individuals both U.

Government officials, whether U. Other U. Nonprofit organizations, official public institutions, and individuals. Grantees may be U.

All applicants must submit their project on an official application form last revised February , with accompanying documentation as described therein. Most grant proposals are vetted through a rigorous, multi-stage process of review, which may include consideration by independent experts and professional staff at the Institute.

Proposals are grouped by theme or regional focus and sent to relevant external experts for their evaluation. The final authority for decisions about grants rests with the Board of Directors. Outside review of an application may also be sought as part of the review process. The Unsolicited application deadline is October 1 or the next business day if the date falls on a weekend or a U.

This is a receipt deadline not postmark deadline. Grantee may submit an application for renewed funding after all requirements on the previous grant are fulfilled. Renewed funding request will be submitted to the Board of Directors for review. Grantees may request an extension of an ongoing project by submitting a letter to the Director of the Grant Program. Grants are typically one year in duration, however, short and long-undertakings are also appropriate.

Geological Survey USGS encourages and supports the efforts of individuals and organizations in meeting the challenge of managing the Nation's resources. This support is based on both unsolicited and solicited proposals that result in the award of grants and cooperative agreements assistance awards and contracts.

This booklet is designed to serve as a guide for submitting unsolicited proposals for both research and research-related awards. Hopefully, by clearly defining and simplifying submittal procedures, the USGS develop and continue strong, cooperative relationships. The USGS currently sponsors several formally announced and competed assistance programs which are administered by our headquarters' office in Reston.

Unsolicited proposals for projects that meet the objectives of these programs will not normally be considered for award outside the competitive funding process. Unsolicited proposals are written proposals that are submitted on the initiative of the submitter for the purpose of obtaining an award with the Government and are not in response to a formal or informal request other than a general statement of needs publicized by the agency.

Such proposals are a valuable means for the USGS to obtain innovative or unique methods or approaches to accomplishing its mission from sources outside the Government. When this is the case, a contract may be awarded. Proposals relating to scientific activities which do not directly accomplish a USGS mission but further earth science research may result in a grant or cooperative agreement award.

An unsolicited proposal must not be an advance proposal for a known agency requirement that could be filled by competitive methods nor a rejected proposal from a previous solicitation. In addition, proposals received for advertising material, offers to provide commercial products and services, contributions, or technical correspondence are not considered unsolicited proposals.

Contracts: Contracts are legal instruments used whenever the principal purpose of the instrument is the acquisition of property or services for the direct benefit of the Federal Government. The term contract means a procurement instrument awarded under the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

Unsolicited proposal coverage is found at FAR Subpart Most contracts are awarded as a result of USGS solicitations. Federal Assistance Awards: Two types of awards are categorized as assistance awards:.

Cooperative agreements are legal instruments where the principal purpose is to transfer funds or property to the provide support or stimulation authorized by statute and where substantial involvement is expected between the USGS and the recipient when performing the activity. There is a participatory relationship thus establishing the USGS as a "partner" with shared performance responsibility.

Grants are legal instruments where the principal purpose is to transfer funds or property to the recipient in order to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by statute and where substantial involvement by the USGS is not required or anticipated. Although providing technical assistance to the awardee may be required, the USGS is essentially a "patron" of and contributor to the recipient. Substantial involvement exists when 1 responsibility for the performance is shared with the awardee, or 2 it is desirable that the USGS monitor the conduct or management of the project activities for programmatic reasons.

Of the two types of financial assistance awards, USGS primarily awards cooperative agreements due to limited authority for grant awards. The USGS, through its contracting process, considers research proposals in support of any field of study that helps fulfill its mission objectives.

These fields include, but are not limited to geology, hydrology, geography, cartography, biology, and remote sensing. Additionally, the USGS has limited authority to make assistance awards in support of the advancement of research in the earth sciences regardless of whether the proposal is directly related to our mission objectives.

More information on USGS science programs can be found by exploring our website. Awards for renewed support of existing or previously awarded contract or assistance projects may also be made. Requests of renewed support of awards are generally treated as being in competition with all other pending proposals and should contain the same information as any other proposal and a summary of progress to date.

Such requests should include an estimate of funds, if any, that will remain at the scheduled expiration of the current award. When a proposal requesting renewal of support is approved, a new award will generally be issued. In such instances, it will be necessary for the awardee to meet reporting requirements specified in the award documents such as submitting a final fiscal report when the report can reflect a full accounting of all funds on the original award.

Awards are made to those organizations and individuals whose proposals demonstrate the potential to advance earth science research to an exceptional degree. Proposals will stand a better chance for funding if they 1 demonstrate a close relationship to the USGS's research programs, and 2 are technically meritorious. Special consideration will be given when the proposal is of exceptional significance or when the institution or individual submitting the proposal has unique capabilities for performing the project's work.

The USGS accepts unsolicited proposals from various organizations including:. Colleges and Universities Most proposals are submitted by universities and colleges on behalf of their research faculty. Historically Black Colleges and Universities HBCUs are particularly encouraged to submit proposals in support of earth science research. Nonprofit Institutions Awards are made to nonprofit institutions whose proposals demonstrate a close relationship to the USGS's research programs.

State and Local Governments Awards are made to state and local government agencies for research and other research-related projects of mutual interest, usually when the awardee has unique research capabilities or resources.

Proposals submitted by State Geological Surveys are encouraged. Private Organizations For-Profit In some instances, awards may be issued to a private for-profit organization. However, most awards to such organizations are contracts.

Foreign Concerns Awards are given to foreign institutions only in special circumstances such as possession of unique research capabilities or resources. Proposals should be discussed with USGS program officials before submission. Unaffiliated individuals scientists, engineers, or science educators who have no affiliations with organizations that could act as awardee institutions may receive support for meritorious research if they have the capability and access to facilities needed to perform the work.

Individuals Unsolicited proposals from individuals may only be considered for contract awards. If the proposed activity would provide products, services, recommendations, data or other end results that would fill a USGS need, then the proposal should be submitted as a contract unsolicited proposal under the Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart If the proposal seeks sponsorship of an independent activity or project with little direct or immediate benefit to the USGS, it should be submitted through Grants.

Project All applicants are required to prepare a narrative regarding the proposed project. This description of the project should include three basic elements: 1 an abstract; 2 a detailed statement of work; and 3 a summary of potential and current research support of the project.

The abstract should present a concise description and state the principal and subordinate objectives of the proposed project, and the nature of the scientific approach to be undertaken in pursuit of these objectives. It should be approximately words in length. The project description should describe the scientific issue to be pursued and thesis to be tested and how the will be work will be conducted, including a milestone plan.

The results and benefits to be derived from the project should be identified in relation to the objectives, including a plan for measuring the project and performance against specific milestones or agreed objectives. Also to be included are the facilities and major equipment to be utilized, a broad schedule of major events and specific tasks, and a list of deliverable items. The proposal should also indicate the anticipated percentage of time to be devoted to the project by the principal investigator s and any faculty associates.

The proposal must summarize all current and potential research support for the project. This information should include the titles and dates of current contracts or assistance awards, the source of funds, annual budget amounts, and the fraction of effort devoted to each project by each of the senior personnel. The proposal must also provide similar information for any proposals including the proposal being submitted which are being considered by, or which will be submitted in the near future to, other possible sponsors.

Concurrent submission of a proposal to other organizations will not prejudice its review by the USGS. Appraisal of the scientific merit of the proposed project is based primarily on this information. A more complete and detailed statement of work requires less time in review and negotiation than a less comprehensive proposal.

Every effort should be made to present a carefully prepared and complete document. A budget for each proposal must be submitted showing the estimated total cost of the project.

The cost data must be accurate, complete and current. The judgmental factors used in projecting the estimates must be stated in sufficient detail to support the fact that the project has been well planned and budgeted to assure realistic estimates. If available, a copy of the current negotiation agreement of direct and indirect cost rates as negotiated by the cognizant audit agency should be provided. Appendix I is a sample budget that outlines the basic minimum information that must be presented.

Budget information is to be categorized as follows:. Salaries and Wages. Identify individuals by name and position, estimated hours or percent of time, and the rate of compensation provided. Include an explanation of the amounts included for projected increases if the rate of pay shown is higher than the current rate of pay. Identify each person with a task in the project.

Tuition remission and other forms of compensation paid as, or in lieu of, wages to students performing necessary work are allowable provided that the tuition or other payments are reasonable compensation for the work performed and are conditioned explicitly upon the performance of the work. Fringe Benefits. Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of the rate computations. Indicate whether rates are used for proposal purposes only or whether they are also fixed or provisional rates for billing purposes.

Show the cost of all special-purpose equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote, if available. General-purpose equipment must be purchased from the applicant's operating funds. Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested solely with the Recipient. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier recipient. Enter the cost for all tangible property.

Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and field supplies separately. Provide detail on any specific item that represents a significant portion of the proposed amount.

If fabrication of equipment is proposed, list parts and materials required for each and show costs separately from the other items. Services or Consultants. Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used.

List the contemplated sub-recipients by name including consultants , the estimated amount of time required, and the quoted rate per day or hour. State the purpose of the trip and itemize the estimated travel costs to show the number of trips required, destinations, number of people traveling, per diem rates, cost of transportation, and any miscellaneous expenses for each trip. For travel requested to meetings or conferences, include a description of the benefit to the proposed project.

Failure to provide this information may result in a determination of the cost as unallowable. Calculations of other special transportation costs such as charges for use of applicant-owned vehicles or vehicle rental costs should also be shown.

If foreign travel is planned, the proposal must include relevant information including itinerary and justification in detail. The use of Government funds for foreign travel requires special approval well in advance of the contemplated departure date. Publication Costs. Show the estimated cost of publishing the results of the research.

Include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction, page or illustration charges. Other Direct Costs. Itemize the different types of costs not included elsewhere, such as shipping, telemetry, computing, and equipment-use charges not specifically identified for other budget sections. Provide breakdowns showing how the cost was estimated; for example, computer time should show the type of computer, estimated time of use, and the established rates.

Indirect Costs. Examples of these costs may include executive officers' salaries, indirect materials and shop costs. Such costs are accumulated in overhead categories normally maintained by the awardee's accounting system.

Application of overhead rates is subject to government audit. Applicants must provide a copy of their Federally negotiated rate agreement. Certain programs supported by the USGS require by law a minimum percentage amount of cost sharing. While cost sharing is not required for all programs, it is encouraged for all unsolicited proposals. The budget should contain the percentage amount the applicant is willing to assume.

Applicants should inquire during preliminary contacts with the USGS as to what level of cost sharing is required for their proposed project.

Cost sharing does not affect the Government's technical evaluation or mission priorities. Applicants submitting proposals must be prepared to discuss budget items in detail with the contracting officer who is responsible for negotiating and determining that costs agreed to are reasonable, allocable, and allowable in conformance with Government cost principles.

During negotiations, applicants should be prepared to explain the rationale for project planning and the basis for budget estimates. The proposal should contain resumes of the principal investigator s responsible for direct supervision of the program and of principal senior personnel who will participate in the program. Short biographical sketches and lists of principal publications during the past 5 years should be included in the resumes.

Similar biographical information should be supplied for other senior personnel. The proposal package will not be considered complete without this form and proposal review will be delayed until it is received. This form describes the USGS's and the applicant's responsibilities and rights as to the disclosure of information contained in the proposal.

The Disclosure Submission Conditions Form should be signed by the official authorized to commit the applicant to the proposed project. Proposals may be submitted for consideration any time during the year. However, proposals submitted at the beginning or end of the Federal Government's fiscal year may be delayed pending Congressional budget activities and funding decisions. Organizations may contact USGS program officials to determine potential interests before expending significant effort developing the unsolicited proposal.

In addition to potentially saving resources in developing a proposal, organizations will ensure a greater opportunity of meeting the needs of the program. These preliminary contacts should include inquiries with technical personnel for obtaining an understanding of the USGS mission and the general requirement relative to the organization's contemplated effort.

However, such contacts are not opportunities for negotiations, nor can they result in any binding commitments. Requests for support generally should be submitted well in advance of the anticipated commencement of work.

Discussions should not be considered a commitment by the USGS to accept the proposal. Questions about the submission of unsolicited proposals should be sent to askoag usgs. Program officials and scientists within the USGS review and evaluate all submitted proposals. To aid their evaluations, they occasionally obtain the advice of other scientists who are specialists in the fields covered in the proposals.

Proposals must contain pertinent information in sufficient detail to define the nature and merit of the proposed project. Meritorious proposals will be supported in order of priority to the extent permitted by available funds. If a proposal results in an award, it may be made available to interested individuals upon specific request. However, information or material that the USGS determines to be of a privileged nature will be held in confidence to the extent permitted by law.

The processes outlined below are normally required once a proposal is received by the procurement office. Time frames for processing and issuing awards will vary dependent upon individual circumstances i. Given these circumstances, the time frame for the entire process from initial submission to award normally should take from 2 to 4 months for assistance awards and from 3 to 6 months for contract awards.