U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Resources External Research Program (MRERP)

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