Cooperative Research Units Training Program
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Program Accomplishments
Not applicable.
Uses and Use Restrictions
To provide MSIs with funds to offer training opportunities supporting the program objectives in accordance with an approved budget, plus appropriate amount for indirect costs.
Grantees must agree to administer the grant in accordance with the regulations and policies governing the grants program of the USGS.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Accredited 4-year Historically Black College or Universities (HBCUs) under Title III Part B of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C.
1060 et seq.) with program studies in the freshwater fisheries or aquatic sciences.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Undergraduate, graduate, or professional students enrolled or accepted for enrollment as regular students; who maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the eligibility standards and practices of the grantee institution.
Credentials/Documentation
Proposed program application responsive to instructions issued by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Discussions regarding funding availability and program interests are strongly encouraged as limited funding is available for new projects.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Application form Standard Form (SF) 424 Application for Federal Assistance must be used. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110, or its successor, and the Department of the Interior regulations at 43 CFR Part 401, Subpart C. Applicant must submit proposed projects on http://www.Grants.gov as required by the individual program announcement.
Award Procedures
A panel of CRU scientists and program managers that may include external peers will review the proposals. All proposals will be evaluated and rated in accordance with established criteria. Final award determination will be made by the CRU project officer. Notification of an award is by signed grant document from a USGS contracting officer.
Deadlines
Applicants are to submit proposals electronically at http://www.grants.gov . Applications will be due approximately 15 days following the release of the Program Announcement. Details regarding the release date of the Program Announcement may be obtained by contacting the office specified in Section 152.
Authorization
Organic Act of 1879, 20 U.S.C. 1060.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
2 to 4 months.
Appeals
Not applicable. The application may be revised and resubmitted.
Renewals
Not applicable. All projects have a limited duration not to exceed 5 years.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grants are normally awarded in, but not restricted to, 12 month budget periods. Project duration may not exceed 5 years.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Recipients shall be required to submit SF-269 Financial Status Report, SF-272 Federal Cash Transaction Report, and an Interim Report providing annual progress of the project and a Final Report which documents and summarizes the results of the entire project.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, nonfederal entities that receive financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 or more in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Grantees are required to maintain records for 3 years after submission of the final financial report.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-0804-0-1-300.
Obigations
FY 07 $150,000; FY 08 $150,000; and FY 09 est $150,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$100,000 to $180,000, $150,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
USGS guide for submission of proposals is available to: http://www.usgs.gov/contracts/grants/unsolbk.html .
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Inquiries regarding the Cooperative Research Units Training Program may be addressed to the Cooperative Research Units, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS303, Reston, VA 20192. POC: Dr. Kevin G. Whalen, Deputy Chief (703)648-4062, E-mail: kwhalen@usgs.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Relevance to announced priorities, technical merit, prospect of attaining objectives in period specified and potential for student training.
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