USGS Mineral Resources Program Offers Grant for Non-Fuel Mineral & Uranium Research

The following are ineligible for consideration under this announcement:
• Proposals from U.S. Government agencies or U.S. Government employees.
• Proposals from Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC).
• Proposals in which there is a real or the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Federal employees can be collaborators in proposed research, however, they are prohibited from receiving MRERP funds for salary or other expenses. Collaborative proposals between an external organization and a USGS/MRERP project may be funded as a cooperative agreement or as a grant depending upon the extent and type of involvement of the USGS in the work. Discussion and coordination between internal and external researchers is encouraged; however, USGS personnel are prohibited from helping an external organization prepare its proposal for competitive funding. MRERP reserves the right to fund either part or all of the applicants involved in a collaborative study.

Proposals to fund research in foreign countries will be considered when the proposed research provides knowledge or new techniques leading to a greater understanding of U.S. mineral resource issues. Applications submitted by foreign organizations must be submitted in English and in U.S. dollars. Awards involving foreign governments may require additional coordination and approval by the U.S. Department of State. Foreign countries must have U.S. Corresponding Bank and must complete Standard Form 1199A “Direct Deposit Signup Form” with the U.S. Bank information if selected for funding.

The total amount of funding available for the FY 2011 MRERP is expected to be $255,000. As of the posting date of this announcement the Federal appropriations process for FY 2011 was not complete. The actual MRERP funding available will be determined when the appropriations process for FY 2011 is complete. If changes are required because of the appropriations process, notice will be distributed by the same means as this notice. If no further notice is received, the dates and amounts reported here should be taken as firm.

If the available funding remains $255,000, the MRP anticipates making awards in FY 2011 for 3 to 5 proposals submitted under this program announcement, however, individual proposals are not restricted to a set level of funding. Work performance under these awards must be completed no later than one year from the start date. The start date will be determined by the timing of funds availability and the signing of the award contract.