Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Mine Waste Cooperative Agreements FY2026

Attachment A_summary.pdf

Attachment A
USE THE FOLLOWING FORMAT
EARTH MRI MINE WASTE PROPOSAL SUMMARY SHEET
Proposal Title:
Name of State Geological Survey:
Principal Investigator (person we can call to ask questions if needed):
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Authorized Institution representative:
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Project Deliverables:
Priority 1 Amount Requested:
Deliverables:
Priority 2 Amount Requested:
Deliverables:
Priority 3, Travel to Earth MRI Workshop
Please check box: My State geological survey plans to attend workshop
In Person☐ Virtually ☐ Both☐ Do not plan to attend☐
Amount Requested:
Travelers:
Start date: End date:
Total Federal Funds Requested: $_____________________
Total Matching Funds (Optional): $_____________________

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Attachment B_budget_sheets.pdf

Attachment B
USE THE FOLLOWING FORMAT
Mineral Resources Program Earth MRI, Mine Waste
BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR ENTIRE PROPOSAL
State: ________________________________________
Proposal Short Title: ___________________________
Budget Category Rate/ Level Federal Funding Optional Matching
of Effort Requested Funds
SALARIES:
Survey Staff $ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
Total Salaries: $ $
FRING BENEFITS:
Survey Staff $ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
Total Fringe Benefits: $ $
(use additional pages as necessary)

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Attachment B
USE THE FOLLOWING FORMAT
Mineral Resources Program Earth MRI, Mine Waste
BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR ENTIRE PROPOSAL
State: ________________________________________
Proposal Short Title: ___________________________
Budget Category Number/ Federal Funding Optional Matching
Rate Requested Funds
FIELD EXPENSES
Per Diem $ $
Lodging Cost $ $
Vehicle Cost $ $
Mileage $ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
MISCELLANEOUS
SUPPLIES (breakdown the
below costs):
Office and laboratory $ $
supplies (itemize)
Drilling $ $
Equipment $ $
$ $
$ $
CONTRACTORS Rate/Level of
Effort
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
Total Direct Costs: $ $
Indirect Cost (__%) $ $
GRAND TOTAL: $ $
(use additional pages as necessary)

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Attachment B
USE THE FOLLOWING FORMAT
Mineral Resources Program Earth MRI, Mine Waste
BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR PRIORITY #1 BUDGET
State: ________________________________________
Proposal Short Title: ___________________________
Budget Category Rate/ Level Federal Funding Optional Matching
of Effort Requested Funds
SALARIES:
Survey Staff $ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
Total Salaries: $ $
FRING BENEFITS:
Survey Staff $ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
Total Fringe Benefits: $ $
(use additional pages as necessary)

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Attachment B
USE THE FOLLOWING FORMAT
Mineral Resources Program Earth MRI, Mine Waste
BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR PRIORITY #1 BUDGET
State: ________________________________________
Proposal Short Title: ___________________________
Budget Category Number/ Rate Federal Funding Optional Matching
Requested Funds
FIELD EXPENSES
Per Diem $ $
Lodging Cost $ $
Vehicle Cost $ $
Mileage $ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
MISCELLANEOUS
SUPPLIES (breakdown the
below costs):
Office and laboratory $ $
supplies (itemize)
Drilling $ $
Equipment $ $
$ $
$ $
CONTRACTORS Rate/Level of
Effort
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
Total Direct Costs: $ $
Indirect Cost (__%) $ $
GRAND TOTAL: $ $
(use additional pages as necessary)

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Attachment B
USE THE FOLLOWING FORMAT
Mineral Resources Program Earth MRI, Mine Waste
BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR PRIORITY #2 BUDGET
State: ________________________________________
Proposal Short Title: ___________________________
Budget Category Rate/ Level Federal Funding Optional Matching
of Effort Requested Funds
SALARIES:
Survey Staff $ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
Total Salaries: $ $
FRING BENEFITS:
Survey Staff $ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
Total Fringe Benefits: $ $
(use additional pages as necessary)

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Attachment B
USE THE FOLLOWING FORMAT
Mineral Resources Program Earth MRI, Mine Waste
BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR PRIORITY #2 BUDGET
State: ________________________________________
Proposal Short Title: ___________________________
Budget Category Number/ Federal Funding Optional Matching
Rate Requested Funds
FIELD EXPENSES
Per Diem $ $
Lodging Cost $ $
Vehicle Cost $ $
Mileage $ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
MISCELLANEOUS
SUPPLIES (breakdown the
below costs):
Office and laboratory $ $
supplies (itemize)
Drilling $ $
Equipment $ $
$ $
$ $
CONTRACTORS Rate/Level of
Effort
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
Total Direct Costs: $ $
Indirect Cost (__%) $ $
GRAND TOTAL: $ $
(use additional pages as necessary)

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Attachment B
USE THE FOLLOWING FORMAT
Mineral Resources Program Earth MRI, Mine Waste
USGS COST FOR ANALYSES FOR PRIORITY #2
State: ________________________________________
Proposal Short Title: ___________________________
Number of Solid Number of Water USGS in-kind cost for Analyses
Samples ($389 each) Samples ($287 each)
$

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Attachment B
USE THE FOLLOWING FORMAT
Mineral Resources Program Earth MRI, Mine Waste
BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR PRIORITY #3 BUDGET
State: ________________________________________
Proposal Short Title: ___________________________
Budget Category Number/Rate Federal Funding Optional
Requested Matching Funds
TRAVEL EXPENSES
Per Diem $ $
Lodging Cost $ $
Vehicle Cost $ $
Mileage $ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
Total Direct Costs: $ $
Indirect Cost (__%) $ $
GRAND TOTAL: $ $

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Attachment B
USE THE FOLLOWING FORMAT
Mineral Resources Program Earth MRI, Mine Waste
BUDGET JUSTIFICATION NARRATIVE
State: ________________________________________
Proposal Short Title: ___________________________
Budget Justification:

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Attachment C_DMP.pdf

Attachment C
DATA MANAGEMENT PLAN - EXAMPLE TEMPLATE
Below is an example data management plan. Additional examples are available at
https://www.usgs.gov/products/data-and-tools/data-management/data-management-plans.
Template 1: This template is for use with projects involving data collection or data digitizing,
processing, or other transformations:
PI Name:
Project Title:
1. Will this project utilize existing data? Yes/ No
☐ ☐
If yes, where is the existing data hosted/stored currently? (Paper files, Excel spreadsheets,
custom database, etc.)
2. Will your Project collect or process new data? Yes/ No
☐ ☐
If yes, what file format will be used to collect the new data? (Paper, web forms, PDF
forms, etc.)
3. Are there access/use limitations associated with your data? Yes/ No
☐ ☐
If yes, describe the limitations, including proprietary or sensitive data elements, etc.
4. Is existing data currently available to the public? Yes/ No
☐ ☐
a. Where are the data made available?
b. Describe how any proprietary/sensitive data is handled.
c. Are any fees associated with release of the data?
d. What data format is the data released in? CSV Shapefile GeoTIFF Other:
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
e. Is associated metadata made available, and if so what format?
5. Is new data planned to be made available to the public?
a. Where will the data made available?
b. Describe how any proprietary/sensitive data will be handled.
c. Will any fees be associated with release of the data?

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d.What data format will the data be released in? CSV Shapefile GeoTIFF Other:
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
e.Will associated metadata be made available, and if so what format will be used?
6.Describe the approach for backup of all data associated with this project.
7.What is the lifespan of this data? Maintained indefinitely/ Moved to archive storage after
☐ ☐
__ years/ Destroyed after __years/ Other:
☐ ☐
8.Does data for this project rely on proprietary or licensed software? List software:
9.Describe quality assurance and/or quality control procedures that are associated with data
collection and processing:

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Attachment D - EMRI Mine Waste Terms & Conditions.pdf

FUNDING OPPORTUNTITY ANNOUNCEMENT G26AS00102
ATTACHMENT D
2026 Mineral Resources Program Earth MRI Mine Waste
Cooperative Agreements Terms and Conditions
Acceptance of a Federal Financial Assistance award from the Department of the Interior (DOI) carries with
it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of award. Acceptance is
defined as the start of work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award by signature or electronic means.
Awards are based on the application submitted to and approved by DOI and are subject to the terms and
conditions incorporated either directly or by reference below.
1. Method of Payment
Payments under financial assistance awards must be made using the Department of the Treasury
Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system (www.asap.gov).
(a) The Recipient agrees that it has established or will establish an account with ASAP. USGS will
initiate enrollment in ASAP. If the Recipient does not currently have an ASAP account, they must
designate an individual (name, title, address, phone and e-mail) who will serve as the Point of Contact
(POC).
(b) With the award of each grant/cooperative agreement, a sub-account will be set up from which the
Recipient can draw down funds. After Recipients complete enrollment in ASAP and link their
banking information to the USGS ALC (14080001), it may take up to 10 days for sub-accounts to be
activated and for funds to be authorized for drawdown in ASAP.
(c) Inquiries regarding payment should be directed to ASAP at 855-868-0151.
(d) Payments may be drawn in advance only as needed to meet immediate cash disbursement needs.
Assistance Administrative Information
(e) Contracting Officer
This Assistance Award will be administered by:
U.S. Geological Survey
Office of Acquisition and Grants
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS205
Reston, VA 20192
Margaret Eastman, Contracting Officer
Phone: (703) 648-7366
E-mail: Margaret_eastman@ios.doi.gov

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The Contracting Officers are individuals who have been delegated in writing by the USGS Office of
Acquisition and Grants as the sole authority designated to obligate Federal funds and create terms and
conditions of awards. They are the only individuals who have authority to negotiate, enter into, and
administer awards resulting for this program. Contracting officers have responsibility to ensure the
effective use of Federal funds.
Written communications shall make reference to the Assistance Award number and shall be mailed
(or emailed) to the above address.
(f) Cooperative Agreement Program Manager
The Cooperative Agreements Program Manager will work closely with the Principal
Investigator to ensure that all technical requirements are being met. Cooperative Agreement
Program Manager responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing technical advice on
the accomplishment of the proposal’s goals; reviewing the technical content of reports and the
other information delivered to the USGS; determining the adequacy of technical reports; and
conducting site visits, in coordination with the Contracting Officer, as frequently as practicable.
The Cooperative Agreement Program Manager is Jamey Jones, U.S. Geological Survey, 4210
University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508.
(g) Minerals Resources Program Coordinator
The Mineral Resources Program Coordinator is Colin Williams, U.S. Geological Survey, US
Geological Survey, Building 19, 350 N. Akron Rd., P.O. Box 158, Moffett Field, CA 94035. The
Program Coordinator does not have the authority to issue any technical direction which constitutes
an assignment of additional work outside the scope of the award; in any manner cause a change in
the total cost or the time required for performance of the award; or change any of the terms,
conditions, or general provisions of the award.
(h) Earth MRI Program Analyst
The Earth MRI Program Analyst is Tina Hamalak, U.S. Geological Survey, US Geological Survey,
thamalak@usgs.gov. The Program Analyst does not have the authority to issue any technical
direction which constitutes an assignment of additional work outside the scope of the award; in
any manner cause a change in the total cost or the time required for performance of the award; or
change any of the terms, conditions, or general provisions of the award.
2. Substantial Involvement
Substantial involvement is anticipated through the terms of this Agreement between the USGS and the Recipient. A
summary of the involvement is as follows:
(a) Through the USGS Mineral Resources Program, Federal and State scientists will coordinate efforts to plan
and carry out mine waste inventory and characterization data compilation, sampling strategies and acquisition,
and data interpretation. Specifically, the USGS role will be to facilitate critical planning, conduct training of
state survey staff, oversee geochemical and mineralogical analyses, and integrate data obtained through USGS
research and through State efforts. State Geological Surveys will work closely with USGS on planning and
prioritization and will conduct mine waste inventory and characterization data compilation and acquisition,

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sampling and mapping efforts that will focus on regions having potential for critical mineral resources and
also provide value for other important geoscience applications. The recipient will provide USGS with
progress reports every six months, and the cooperative agreement will involve regular contact and interaction
with staff of the USGS Mineral Resources Program over the entire duration of the project. Members of both
the recipient and USGS staff will meet initially for training purposes and then will meet periodically as
needed. Meetings and interactions between USGS and the recipient will include email, conferencing
platforms, and scheduled meetings between the project lead and staff at the state agencies and the USGS.
Participation in the annual USGS Earth MRI workshop is encouraged during the project. With USGS in the
coordination and planning role, and State Geological Surveys conducting inventory and field-based
characterization of mine waste sites, Earth MRI benefits the geologic research community, particularly
relative to the assessment of critical minerals resource potential in mine waste.
3. Reporting Requirements
(a) Requirement reports/documents
The Principal Investigator or Director, Sponsored Research Office is required to submit the following reports or
documents:
Report/Document Method of Submit To When Due
Transmittal
(1) Priority 1: See Section 4(b)(1) See Section 4(b)(1) 90 calendar day after
National Mine Waste below. below. the end of the
Inventory Records performance period.

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See Section 4(b)(1)
below.
(2) Priority 2: See Section 4(b)(2) See Section 4(b)(2) See Section 4(b)(2)
Mine Waste below. below. below.
Characterization
(3) Semi-Annual See Section 4(b)(3) See Section 4(b)(3) See Section 4(b)(3)
Progress Report below. below. below.
(4) Final Technical Adobe Acrobat PDF earthmri@usgs.gov. 90 calendar day after
Report file as an email and Program Analyst, the end of the
attachment to and copy of performance period.
earthmri@usgs.gov, transmittal to CO
Program Analyst, and See Section 4(b)(4)
copy of transmittal to below.
the CO
(5) Publications* See Section 4(b)(5) Submit an Adobe Immediately
below. Acrobat PDF file of following
publications to: publication.
Program Analyst
See Section 4(b)(5)
See Section 4(b)(5) below.
below.
(6) Annual SF-425 Electronic USGS Contracting See Section 4(b)(6)
Financial Status Submission Officer at email in
Report address at 2(a) above
(7) Final SF-425 Electronic USGS Contracting See Section 4(b)(7)
Submission Officer at email in
address at 2(a) above
* Publication means any book, report, photograph, map, chart, or recording published or
disseminated to the scientific community. Preprints of articles accepted for publications will be
accepted as final reports.
(b) Report Preparation Instructions
The recipient shall prepare the reports/documents listed above in accordance with the following
instructions:
(1) Priority 1: National Mine Waste Inventory: The USGS’ mineral deposit database project
(USMIN) provides a template of the ArcGIS database, documentation, and training material, and
then meets with state agencies to provide training on how to populate records. Based on this
information:
(A) States populate records for 5 mine waste features. USMIN then checks those
5 records, and then provides feedback to the states on those records, noting
which fields are populated correctly, and which fields need to be corrected.
(B) Based on that feedback, states then populate records for 20 additional mine
waste features. USMIN then checks those 20 records, and then provides
feedback to the states on those records, noting which fields are populated
correctly, and which fields need to be corrected.
(C) States incorporate that feedback to populate records for additional mine waste
features.

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(D) A brief (1-2 pages) report describing the process and summarizing what was
submitted is required upon project completion. This information can be
incorporated in the Final Technical Report (see section 4(b)(4) below).
(E) All records are submitted as a single ArcGIS database to
USMIN@usgs.gov within 90 days after the end of the period of
performance.
(2) Priority 2: Mine Waste Characterization:
(A) Final interpretive report, including methods and data sets used for calculating
volume and resource estimates. Report must be provided as a peer-reviewed
state publication. Note: Published final interpretive report is separate and in
addition to the Final Technical Report (see Section 4(b)(4) below).
(B) Digital archive of field sheets submitted to earthmri@usgs.gov.
(3) Semi-Annual Progress Reports: The recipient shall submit semi-annual progress reports via
email to earthmri@usgs.gov for Priority 1 and Priority 2 work. Semi-annual progress reports
should be submitted at six month increments from the start of the period of performance. A
semi-annual progress report is not required for the final 6-month period, unless the Recipient
requests an extension to the project period. Semi-annual progress reports are not required for
Priority 3.
As part of the required semi-annual progress report, the recipient must demonstrate achievement
of project goals and objectives in a measurable way (in accordance with 2 CFR 200.301). For this
project, performance shall be measured as follows, where applicable:
(A) For Priority 1 activities, cumulative mine waste feature records completed by
the end of the reporting period (6-month period), reported as both cumulative
number of records submitted and percentage of total anticipated records to be
completed;
(B) For Priority 2 activities, cumulative mine waste features visited and sampled
for characterization at the end of the reporting period (6-month period),
reported as 1) number of sites visited, 2) number of samples collected and
submitted for analysis and/or analyzed, and 3) as percent completed of total
planned sites to be sampled and samples to be submitted for analysis and/or
analyzed.
Semi-annual progress reports must include the following information and should respond directly
and adequately to established performance metrics described above:
(A) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives of the agreement
established for the budget period and overall progress in response to the
performance metrics
(B) The reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate
(C) Additional pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and
explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs
(D) An outline of anticipated activities and adjustments to the program during the
next budget period
(A)
(4) Final Technical Report: The final technical report must document and summarize the results of
the work and is limited to no more than five pages. This report must summarize Priority 1
and/or Priority 2 work. This report must contain a comparison of actual accomplishments to
the goals established for the period; reasons why established goals were not met, if applicable;

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and other pertinent information. The final report must be submitted within 90 calendar days
after the end of the performance period as follows:
(A) Submit the final technical report electronically as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file email
attachment to earthmri@usgs.gov and the Program Analyst, with a copy of the
transmittal sent to the Contracting Officer at mrussell@usgs.gov;
(B) Final technical report shall consist of the following sections:
(A) Cover page with the following information:
a. Award Number;
b. Title;
c. Author and affiliation with address and zip code;
d. Author’s telephone number and email address;
e. Term covered by the award (start and end dates);
f. Submittal date of the final technical report; and
g. Abstract.
(B) Main body of the report with the following
information:
a. Comparison of actual accomplishments
to the goals established for the period;
b. If established goals were not met,
explanation of circumstances and
impediments;
c. Required: 500-word summary with
specific examples of user success stories
and/or other societal benefits that
highlight accomplishments in this
project. A png image, 300 DPI or
greater, is required to capture the essence
of the project. Please note the summary
and image may be shared in new
releases, communications, or websites as
examples of success stories and project
types.
The final technical report is limited to no more than five pages. The final technical report must be
submitted with 90 days after the end of the cooperative agreement period of performance. Failure to
submit a final technical report may hinder receipt of future MRP funds. Final technical reports shall be
submitted electronically to the Earth MRI email box: earthmri@usgs.gov. A courtesy copy shall be
submitted to the Contracting Officer at mrussell@usgs.gov.
(5) Publications
(A) Acknowledgment of Support
Recipient is responsible for assuring that an acknowledgment of USGS support:
1. is made in the Final Technical Report and in any publication (including World Wide Web pages) of
any material based on or developed under this Agreement, in the following terms:
“This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Geological Survey under Cooperative
Agreement No. (insert award number).”

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2. is orally acknowledged during all news media interviews, including popular media such as radio,
television and news magazines.
(B) Disclaimer
Recipient is responsible for assuring that every Final Technical report and also every
publication of material (including webpages) based on or developed under this cooperative
agreement, contains the following disclaimer:
“The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors
and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S.
Geological Survey. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not
constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey.”
(C) USGS Logo
Use of the USGS logo (also known as "visual identity" or "identifier") constitutes the recipient’s
agreement to and acceptance of the following terms:
• The USGS identifier is trademarked and not in the public domain.
• Use of the trademarked USGS identifier is authorized by USGS for use only by recipients of
USGS funding.
• Use is authorized on information products that result from research funded by the financial
assistance award.
• Use the USGS identifier for any other purpose without written permission from
USGS is prohibited; doing so constitutes trademark infringement.
• Recipient will adhere to the design requirements, which are as follows:
The USGS identifier must appear in black, white, or green only.
o
The USGS identifier cannot be modified in any way except for proportional sizing.
o
The USGS identifier should appear at the same size as logos of other agencies, if
o
any.
If used on a digital product, the USGS identifier should link to www.usgs.gov
o
(D) Publication
Publication of the results of any project carried out under this assistance award is authorized in
professional journals, trade magazines, or may be made by the USGS. Such manuscripts or publications
submitted to journals or professional publications for publication shall be accompanied by the
following notation:
“This manuscript is submitted for publication with the understanding that the United States
Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Governmental purposes.”
(E) Copies for USGS
One copy of each article planned for publication shall be submitted to the USGS Program Officer and
Program Analyst simultaneously with its submission for publication. One reprint of each published article
shall be submitted to the USGS Project Office immediately following publication.

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Submit an Adobe Acrobat PDF file of publications to: earthmri@usgs.gov
(F) Department of the Interior Requirements
Two copies of each publication produced under a Grant or Cooperative Agreement shall be sent to the
Natural Resources Library with a transmittal that identifies the sender and the publication. The address
of the library is:
U.S. Department of the Interior
Natural Resources Library
Division of Information and Library Services
Gifts and Exchange Section
18th and C Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20240
(6) Annual Financial Reports
The recipient will submit annual STANDARD FORM 425, FEDERAL FINANCIAL REPORT(S) for
each individual USGS award. The SF-425 is available at - https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-
award-reporting-forms.html. The SF-425 will be due ninety (90) calendar days after the grant year (i.e.,
12 months after the approved effective date of the grant agreement and every 12 months thereafter until
the expiration date of the grant agreement). USGS acknowledges that this annual reporting schedule may
not always correspond with a specific budget period. The SF-425 must be submitted electronically to the
Contracting Officer at the address in Section 2.A above. If after 90 days, the recipient has not submitted a
report, the recipient’s account in ASAP will be placed in a manual review status until the report is
submitted.
(7) Final Financial Report.
(a) The recipient will liquidate all obligations incurred under the award and submit a final
STANDARD FORM 425, FEDERAL FINANCIAL REPORT to the Contracting Officer at the
email address in 2.A above no later than 90 calendar days after the grant completion date. The
SF-425 is available at - https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-
forms.html. Recipient will promptly return any unexpended federal cash advances or will
complete a final draw from ASAP to obtain any remaining amounts due. Once 120 days has
passed since the grant completion date, the ASAP subaccount for this award may be closed by
USGS at any time.
(b) Subsequent revision to the final SF 425 will be considered only as follows
(i) When the revision results in a balance due to the Government, the recipient must
submit a revised final Federal Financial Report (SF 425) and refund the excess
payment whenever the overcharge is discovered, no matter how long the lapse of time
since the original due date of the report.
(ii) When the revision represents additional reimbursable costs claimed by the recipient,
a revised final SF 425 may be submitted to the Contracting Officer with an
explanation. If approved, the USGS will either request and pay a final invoice or
reestablish the ASAP subaccount to permit the recipient to make a revised final draw.

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Any revised final report representing additional reimbursable amounts must be
submitted no later than 1 year from the due date of the original report, i.e., 15 months
following the agreement completion date. USGS will not accept any revised SF 425
covering additional expenditures after that date and will return any late request for
additional payment to the recipient.
4. Adherence to Reporting Requirement.
A Recipient's failure to submit the required Final Technical Report and/or final financial report by
the due dates noted above will likely result in delay or non-issuance of new awards. Failure to
submit a Progress Report for multi-year awards will likely result in delayed renewal of funds.
5. Revision and Prior Approvals
(a) Any commitments or expenditures incurred by the Recipient in excess of the funds provided by this
award shall be the responsibility of the Recipient. Expenditures incurred prior to the effective date of this
award cannot be charged against award funds.
(b) Modifications to this Agreement shall generally be executed by mutual written consent of the
parties, with the exception of certain purely administrative changes that may be executed
unilaterally by the USGS. Recipients may make certain limited budgetary and programmatic
changes without prior USGS approval as outlined in 2 CFR 200.308 and 200.407. Any proposed
change which requires prior written approval of the USGS shall be submitted in writing to the
mrussell@usgs.gov (see 2(a) above) at least thirty (30) days prior to the requested effective date
of the proposed change. The USGS will respond to the change request within thirty (30) days of
receipt. The following requests for change require advance written approval by the Contracting Officer:
i) Extensions. Recipients are specifically advised that requests for extension or other change to
the budget or project period(s) require prior written approval. Such requests must be
submitted as outlined above and be accompanied by a statement supporting the extension and
a revised budget indicating the planned use of all unexpended funds during the proposed
extension period.
ii) Transfer of Funds. Recipients are specifically advised that prior written approval of the
USGS Contracting Officer is not required for transfer of funds between direct cost categories
when the cumulative amount of the transfer during the performance period does not exceed
ten percent (10%) of the total USGS award. Prior written approval is required from the
USGS Grants Management Official for transfers of funds in excess of the ten percent
limitation.
iii) Carry Forward of Funds. Recipients are specifically advised that prior written approval by
the USGS Contracting Officer is required to carry forward unobligated balances to
subsequent budget periods. It is expected that funds be expended during the budget period
for which they are obligated. The request must include the amount of funds to be carried
over, why the carry-over of funds is necessary, and for how long the funds should be carried
over.

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6. Preagreement Costs
The Recipient is not authorized to incur costs prior to the award of this Agreement. Costs incurred
prior to the award of this agreement are not allowable.
7. Government Furnished Equipment or Equipment Authorized for Purchase
Title to equipment acquired wholly or in part with Federal funds shall be vested in the Recipient unless
otherwise specified in the award document. The Recipient shall retain control and maintain an
inventory of such equipment as long as there is a need for such equipment to accomplish the purpose of
the project, whether or not the project continues to be supported by Federal funds. When there is no
longer a need for such equipment to accomplish the purpose of the project, the Recipient shall use the
equipment in connection with other Federal awards the Recipient has received. Disposal of equipment
shall be in accordance with 2 CFR 200.313.
The following equipment will be vested with the Recipient: Handheld sensors such as X-ray
Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzers and other meters (including but not limited to multi-parameter pH,
conductivity, and field water quality meters). Also, other equipment, as specified and detailed by the
Recipient, may be required to accomplish the purpose of the project.
(8) General Provisions
(a) Administrative Requirements
The Recipient shall be subject to the following regulations, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Copies of these regulations can be obtained from the Internet at: https://www.ecfr.gov/
2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for
Federal Awards, as implemented by the Department of the Interior in 2 CFR Part 1402 and 43 CFR
Part 12.
(b) Department of the Interior Standard Terms and Conditions
The Recipient shall be subject to the Department of the Interior Standard Terms and Conditions which are
incorporated herein by reference and available on the Internet at: https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-
standard-terms-and-conditions
(c) Additional Terms and Conditions
(i) Research Integrity
(A) USGS requires that all grant or cooperative agreement Recipient organizations adhere to the
Federal Policy on Research Misconduct, Office of Science and Technology Policy, December
6, 2000, 65 Federal Register (FR) 76260. The Federal Policy on Research Misconduct outlines
requirements for addressing allegations of research misconduct, including the investigation,
adjudication, and appeal of allegations of research misconduct and the implementation of
appropriate administrative actions.
(B) The Recipient must promptly notify the USGS Project Office when research misconduct that
warrants an investigation pursuant to the Federal Policy on Research Misconduct is alleged.

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(ii) Data Availability
(A) Applicability. The Department of the Interior is committed to basing its decisions on the best
available science and providing the American people with enough information to thoughtfully
and substantively evaluate the data, methodology, and analysis used by the Department to
inform its decisions.
(B) Use of Data. The regulations at 2 CFR 200.315 apply to data produced under a Federal award,
including the provision that the Federal Government has the right to obtain, reproduce, publish,
or otherwise use the data produced under a Federal award as well as authorize others to receive,
reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes.
(C) Availability of Data. The recipient shall make the data produced under this award and any
subaward(s) available to the Government for public release, consistent with applicable law, to
allow meaningful third party evaluation and reproduction of the following:
a. The scientific data relied upon;
b. The analysis replied upon; and
c. The methodology, including models, use to gather and analyze the data.
(iii) Conflict of Interest
(A) Applicability.
a. This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take
appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with
respect to Federal financial assistance agreements.
b. In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and
by subrecipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR 200.318 apply.
(B) Requirements.
a. Non-Federal entities must avoid prohibited conflicts of interest, including any
significant financial interests that could cause a reasonable person to question the
recipient’s ability to provide impartial, technically sound, and objective performance
under or with respect to a Federal financial assistance agreement.
b. In addition to any other probations that may apply with respect to conflicts of interest,
no key official of an actual or proposed recipient or subrecipient, who is substantially
involved in the proposal or project, may have been a former Federal employee who,
within the last one (1) year, participated personally and substantially in the evaluation,
award, or administration of an award with respect to that recipient or subrecipient or in
development of the requirement leading to the funding announcement.
c. No actual or prospective recipient or subrecipient may solicit, obtain, or use non-public
information regarding the evaluation, award, or administration of an award to that
recipient or subrecipient or the development of a Federal financial assistance
opportunity that may be of competitive interest to that recipient or subrecipient.

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(C) Notification.
a. Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose
in writing any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or pass-through entity in
accordance with 2 CFR 200.112, Conflicts of Interest.
b. Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to
identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient
is responsible for notifying the USGS Contracting Officer in writing of any conflicts of
interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been
reported by subrecipients.
(D) Restrictions on Lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under
this grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required
certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR Part 18 and 31 USC 1352.
(E) Review Procedures. The USGS Contracting Officer will examine each conflict of
interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant
or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict
exists and, if it does, develop and appropriate means for resolving it.
(F) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a matter that satisfies the
Government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required
disclosures may result in any of remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for
Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR Part 180).
(iv) Program Income
(A) If the Recipient is an educational institution or nonprofit research organization, any other
program income will be added to funds committed to the project by the Federal awarding
agency and Recipient and be used to further eligible project or program objectives, as described
in 2 CFR 200.307(e)(2).
(B) For all other types of Recipients, any other program income will be deducted from total
allowable costs to determine the net allowable costs before calculating the Government's share
of reimbursable costs, as provided in 2 CFR 200.307(e)(1).
The following award term applies if the recipient is an individual, small business, non-profit organization,
university or other institution of higher education. This award term does not apply to State, Local or
Tribal governments or foreign entities.
(v) Patent Rights (37 CFR § 401.14)
Unless otherwise provided in the Agreement, if this Agreement is for experimental, developmental, or
research work, the following clause (implementing the Bayh-Dole Act, [35 U.S.C. § 200 et seq.])
shall apply. The recipient shall include this clause in all subawards for experimental, developmental,
or research activities.
a. Definitions
1. INVENTION means any invention or discovery which is or may be patentable or otherwise
protectable under Title 35 of the USC, to any novel variety of plant which is or may be
protected under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. § 2321 et seq.).
2. SUBJECT INVENTION means any invention of the recipient conceived or first actually
reduced to practice in the performance of work under this Agreement, provided that in the
case of a variety of plant, the date of determination (as defined in section 41(d)) must also
occur during the period of performance.

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3. PRACTICAL APPLICATION means to manufacture in the case of a composition or product,
to practice in the case of a process or method, or to operate in the case of a machine or
system; and, in each case, under such conditions as to establish that the invention is being
utilized and that its benefits are to the extent permitted by law or Government regulations
available to the public on reasonable terms.
4. MADE when used in relation to any invention means the conception or first actual reduction
to practice of such invention.
5. SMALL BUSINESS FIRM means a small business concern as defined at section 2 of Pub. L.
85–536 (15 U.S.C. 632) and implementing regulations of the Administrator of the Small
Business Administration. For the purpose of this clause, the size standards for small business
concerns involved in government procurement and subcontracting at 13 CFR 121.3–8 and 13
CFR 121.3–12, respectively, will be used.
6. NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION means a domestic university or other institution of higher
education or an organization of the type described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)) and exempt from taxation under Section 501(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 501(a)) or any domestic non-profit scientific or
educational organization qualified under a State non-profit organization statute. b. Allocation
of Principal Rights The recipient may retain the entire right, title, and interest throughout the
world to each subject invention subject to the provisions of this Patent Rights clause and 35
U.S.C. § 203. With respect to any subject invention in which the recipient retains title, the
Federal Government shall have a non-exclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license
to practice or have practiced for or on behalf of the U.S. the subject invention throughout the
world. If the Agreement indicates it is subject to an identified international agreement or
treaty, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) also has the right to direct the recipient to convey
to any foreign participant such patent rights to subject inventions as are required to comply
with that agreement or treaty.
b. Allocation of Principal Rights
1. The recipient may retain the entire right, title, and interest throughout the world to each
subject invention solely made by recipient subject to the provisions of this Patent Rights
clause, including (2) below, 35 U.S.C. §§ 202, 203 and 37 CFR § 401.14. Inventions made
under this Agreement jointly by USGS and recipient will be jointly owned by both parties.
However, where a USGS employee is a coinventor, the USGS may, for the purpose of
consolidating rights in the invention and if it finds that it would expedite the development of
the invention:
(a) license or assign whatever rights it may acquire in the subject invention to the nonprofit
organization, small business firm, or non-Federal inventor in accordance with the
provisions of this chapter; or
(b) acquire any rights in the subject invention from the nonprofit organization, small business
firm, or non-Federal inventor, but only to the extent the party from whom the rights are
acquired voluntarily enters into the transaction and no other transaction under this chapter
is conditioned on such acquisition.

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With respect to any subject invention in which the recipient retains title, the Federal
Government shall have a non-exclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to
practice or have practiced for or on behalf of the U.S. the subject invention throughout the
world. If the Agreement indicates it is subject to an identified international agreement or
treaty, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) also has the right to direct the recipient to convey
to any foreign participant such patent rights to subject inventions as are required to comply
with that agreement or treaty.
2. If the recipient performs services at a Government owned and operated laboratory or at a
Government owned and recipient operated laboratory directed by the Government to fulfill
the Government's obligations under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement
(CRADA) authorized by 15 U.S.C. 3710a, the Government may require the recipient to
negotiate an agreement with the CRADA collaborating party or parties regarding the
allocation of rights to any subject invention the recipient makes, solely or jointly, under the
CRADA. The agreement shall be negotiated prior to the recipient undertaking the CRADA
work or, with the permission of the Government, upon the identification of a subject
invention. In the absence of such an agreement, the recipient agrees to grant the collaborating
party or parties an option for a license in its inventions of the same scope and terms set forth
in the CRADA for inventions made by the Government.
c. Invention Disclosure, Election of Title and Filing of Patent Applications by Recipient
1. The recipient will disclose each subject invention to USGS within two months after the
inventor discloses it in writing to recipient personnel responsible for the administration of
patent matters. The disclosure to USGS shall be in the form of a written report and shall
identify the Agreement under which the invention was made and the inventor(s). It shall be
sufficiently complete in technical detail to convey a clear understanding of the nature,
purpose, operation, and, to the extent known, the physical, chemical, biological or electrical
characteristics of the invention. The disclosure shall also identify any publication, on sale or
public use of the invention, whether a manuscript describing the invention has been submitted
for publication and, if so, whether it has been accepted for publication, at the time of
disclosure. In addition, after disclosure to USGS, the recipient will promptly notify USGS of
the acceptance of any manuscript describing the invention for publication, or of any on sale
or public use planned by the recipient.
2. The recipient will elect in writing whether or not to retain title to any such invention by
notifying USGS within two years of disclosure to USGS. However, in any case where
publication, on sale, or public use has initiated the one-year statutory period wherein valid
patent protection can still be obtained in the U.S., the period for election of title may be
shortened by USGS to a date that is no more than 60 days prior to the end of the statutory
period.
3. The recipient will file its initial patent application on an invention to which it elects to retain
title within one year after election of title or, if earlier, prior to the end of any statutory period
wherein valid patent protection can be obtained in the U.S. after a publication, on sale, or
public use. The recipient will file patent applications in additional countries or international
patent offices within either ten months of the corresponding initial patent application, or six
months from the date when permission is granted by the Commissioner of Patents and
Trademarks to file foreign patent applications when such filing has been prohibited by a
Secrecy Order.
4. Requests for extension of the time for disclosure to USGS, election, and filing under
subparagraphs 1., 2., and 3. may, at the discretion of USGS, be granted.

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d. Conditions When the Government May Obtain Title
The recipient will convey to USGS, upon written request, title to any subject invention:
1. if the recipient fails to disclose or elect the subject invention within the times specified in
paragraph c. above, or elects not to retain title, provided that USGS may only request title
within 60 days after learning of the failure of the recipient to disclose or elect within the
specified times;
2. in those countries in which the recipient fails to file patent applications within the times
specified in paragraph c. above, but prior to its receipt of the written request of USGS, the
recipient shall continue to retain title in that country; or in any country in which the recipient
decides not to continue the prosecution of any application for, to pay the maintenance fees on,
or defend in a reexamination or opposition proceeding on, a patent on a subject invention.
e. Minimum Rights to Recipient
1. The recipient will retain a non-exclusive royalty-free license throughout the world in each
subject invention to which the Government obtains title, except if the recipient fails to
disclose the subject invention within the times specified in paragraph c. above. The
recipient’s license extends to its domestic subsidiaries and affiliates, if any, within the
corporate structure of which the recipient is a party and includes the right to grant sublicenses
of the same scope to the extent the recipient was legally obligated to do so at the time the
Agreement was made. The license is transferable only with the approval of USGS except
when transferred to the successor of that part of the recipient’s business to which the
invention pertains.
2. The recipient’s domestic license may be revoked or modified by USGS to the extent
necessary to achieve expeditious practical application of the subject invention pursuant to an
application for an exclusive license submitted in accordance with applicable provisions at 37
CFR Part 404. This license will not be revoked in that field of use or the geographical areas in
which the recipient has achieved practical application and continues to make the benefits of
the invention reasonably accessible to the public. The license in any foreign country may be
revoked or modified at discretion of USGS to the extent the recipient, its licensees, or its
domestic subsidiaries or affiliates have failed to achieve practical application in that foreign
country.
3. Before revocation or modification of the license, USGS will furnish the recipient a written
notice of its intention to revoke or modify the license, and the recipient will be allowed thirty
days (or such other time as may be authorized by USGS for good cause shown by the
recipient) after the notice to show cause why the license should not be revoked or modified.
The recipient has the right to appeal, in accordance with applicable regulations in 37 CFR
Part 404 concerning the licensing of Government-owned inventions, any decision concerning
the revocation or modification of its license.
f. Recipient Action to Protect Government’s Interest
1. The recipient agrees to execute or to have executed and promptly deliver to USGS all
instruments necessary to: (i) establish or confirm the rights the Government has throughout
the world in those subject inventions for which the recipient retains title; and (ii) convey title
to USGS when requested under paragraph d. above, and to enable the Government to obtain
patent protection throughout the world in that subject invention.
2. The recipient agrees to require, by written agreement, its employees, other than clerical and
non-technical employees, to disclose promptly in writing to personnel identified as
responsible for the administration of patent matters and in a format suggested by the recipient
each subject invention made under this Agreement in order that the recipient can comply with
the disclosure provisions of paragraph c. above, and to execute all papers necessary to file
patent applications on subject inventions and to establish the Government’s rights in the
subject inventions. The disclosure format should require, as a minimum, the information

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requested by paragraph c.1 above. The recipient shall instruct such employees through the
employee agreements or other suitable educational programs on the importance of reporting
inventions in sufficient time to permit the filing of patent applications prior to U.S. or foreign
statutory bars.
3. The recipient will notify USGS of any decision not to continue prosecution of a patent
application, pay maintenance fees, or defend in a reexamination or opposition proceeding on
a patent, in any country, not less than 30 days before the expiration of the response period
required by the relevant patent office.
4. The recipient agrees to include, within the specification of any U.S. patent application and
any patent issuing thereon covering a subject invention, the following statement: “This
invention was made with Government support under (identify the Agreement) awarded by the
U.S. Geological Survey. The Government has certain rights in this invention.”
5. The recipient or its representative will complete, execute and forward to USGS a
confirmation of a License to the U.S. Government and the page of a United States patent
application that contains the Federal support clause within two months of filing any domestic
or foreign patent application.
g. Subcontracts
1. The recipient will include this Patent Rights clause, suitably modified to identify the parties,
in all subcontracts, regardless of tier, for experimental, developmental or research work. The
subcontractor will retain all rights provided for the recipient in this Patent Rights clause, and
the recipient will not, as part of the consideration for awarding the subcontract, obtain rights
in the subcontractors’ subject inventions.
2. In the case of subcontracts, at any tier, when the prime award by USGS was a contract (but
not a cooperative agreement), USGS, subcontractor, and contractor agree that the mutual
obligations of the parties created by this Patent Rights clause constitute a contract between
the subcontractor and the Foundation with respect to those matters covered by this Patent
Rights clause.
h. Reporting on Utilization of Subject Inventions
The recipient agrees to submit on request periodic reports no more frequently than annually on
the utilization of a subject invention or on efforts at obtaining such utilization that are being made
by the recipient or its licensees or assignees. Such reports shall include information regarding the
status of development, date of first commercial sale or use, gross royalties received by the
recipient and such other data and information as USGS may reasonably specify. The recipient
also agrees to provide additional reports in connection with any march-in proceeding undertaken
by USGS in accordance with paragraph j. of this Patent Rights clause. As required by 35 U.S.C. §
202(c)(5), USGS agrees it will not disclose such information to persons outside the Government
without the permission of the recipient.
i. Preference for United States Industry
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Patent Rights clause, the recipient agrees that neither
it nor any assignee will grant to any person the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention
in the U.S. unless such person agrees that any products embodying the subject invention or
produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the U.S.
However, in individual cases, the requirement for such an agreement may be waived by USGS
upon a showing by the recipient or its assignee that reasonable but unsuccessful efforts have been
made to award licenses on similar terms to potential licensees that would be likely to manufacture
substantially in the U.S. or that under the circumstances domestic manufacture is not
commercially feasible.

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j. March-in Rights
The recipient agrees that with respect to any subject invention in which it has acquired title,
USGS has the right in accordance with procedures at 37 CFR § 401.6 and USGS regulations at 45
CFR § 650.13 to require the recipient, an assignee or exclusive licensee of a subject invention to
grant a non-exclusive, partially exclusive, or exclusive license in any field of use to a responsible
applicant or applicants, upon terms that are reasonable under the circumstances and if the
recipient, assignee, or exclusive licensee refuses such a request, USGS has the right to grant such
a license itself if USGS determines that:
1. such action is necessary because the recipient or assignee has not taken or is not expected to
take within a reasonable time, effective steps to achieve practical application of the subject
invention in such field of use;
2. such action is necessary to alleviate health or safety needs which are not reasonably satisfied
by the recipient, assignee, or their licensees;
3. such action is necessary to meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations
and such requirements are not reasonably satisfied by the recipient, assignee, or licensee; or
4. such action is necessary because the agreement required by paragraph i. of this Patent Rights
clause has not been obtained or waived or because a licensee of the exclusive right to use or
sell any subject invention in the U.S. is in breach of such agreement.
k. Special Provisions for Agreements with Non-profit Organizations
If the recipient is a nonprofit organization, it agrees that:
1. rights to a subject invention in the U.S. may not be assigned without the approval of USGS,
except where such assignment is made to an organization which has as one of its primary
functions the management of inventions, provided that such assignee will be subject to the
same provisions as the recipient;
2. the recipient will share royalties collected on a subject invention with the inventor, including
Federal employee co-inventors (when USGS deems it appropriate) when the subject
invention is assigned in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 202(e) and 37 CFR § 401.10;
3. the balance of any royalties or income earned by the recipient with respect to subject
inventions, after payment of expenses (including payments to inventors) incidental to the
administration of subject inventions, will be utilized for the support of scientific or
engineering research or education; and
4. it will make efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to attract licensees of subject
inventions that are small business firms and that it will give preference to a small business
firm if the recipient determines that the small business firm has a plan or proposal for
marketing the invention which, if executed, is equally likely to bring the invention to
practical application as any plans or proposals from applicants that are not small business
firms; provided that the recipient is also satisfied that the small business firm has the
capability and resources to carry out its plan or proposal. The decision whether to give a
preference in any specific case will be at the discretion of the recipient. However, the
recipient agrees that the Secretary of Commerce may review the recipient’s licensing
program and decisions regarding small business applicants, and the recipient will negotiate
changes to its licensing policies, procedures or practices with the Secretary when the
Secretary’s review discloses that the recipient could take reasonable steps to implement more
effectively the requirements of this paragraph k.4.
l. Communications
All communications required by this Patent Rights clause must be submitted through the Office
of Policy and Analysis (OPA), U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA
20192, gs_usgs_patents@usgs.gov.

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(9) Special Provisions
(A) Geospatial Requirements
The Geospatial Data Act of 2018 outlines specific requirements for federal recipients when collecting
or producing geospatial data using Department of the Interior financial assistance funds. Here's a
summary of the key points:
• Due Diligence Search: Federal recipients must first check the GeoPlatfonn.gov list of datasets
to see if the needed geospatial data, products, or services already exist.
• Use of Existing Data: If the required data is already available, recipients must use it rather
than producing new data.
• Production of New Data: If the needed data is not available, recipients must produce new
geospatial data, products, or services in accordance with guidance and standards established by
the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC), which can be found at www.fgdc.gov.
• Submission Requirements: Recipients must submit a digital copy of all GIS data produced or
collected under the award to the relevant bureau or office.
• Data Format: All GIS data files must be in an open format.
• Metadata Requirements: All delineated GIS data (such as points, lines, or polygons) should
be compliant with approved open data standards and include complete feature-level metadata.
These requirements ensure that geospatial data is managed efficiently, used appropriately, and made
accessible in a standardized format for future use and sharing. open data standards with complete
feature level metadata.
2 CFR 1402.315 Availability of Data
1. All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions,
valuation products or other scientific assessments in any medium or form, including textual,
numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual, resulting from a financial assistance
agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being available in a
manner that is sufficient for independent verification.
2. The Federal Government has the right to:
• Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data, methodology, factual inputs, models,
analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, produced
under a federal award; and
• Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data, methodology,
factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific
assessments, for federal purposes, including to allow for meaningful third-party evaluation.”
(B) Buy America Domestic Procurement Preference
Recipients of an award of Federal financial assistance from a program for infrastructure are hereby
notified that none of the funds provided under this award may be used for an infrastructure project unless:
(1) All iron and steel used in the project are produced in the United States-this means all
manufacturing processes, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, occurred in
the United States;

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(2) All manufactured products used in the project are produced in the United States-this means the
manufactured product was manufactured in the United States; and the cost of the components of the
manufactured product that are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States is greater than 55
percent of the total cost of all components of the manufactured product, unless another standard that
meets or exceeds this standard has been established under applicable law or regulation for determining the
minimum amount of domestic content of the manufactured product; and
(3) All construction materials are manufactured in the United States-this means that all
manufacturing processes for the construction material occurred in the United States. The construction
material standards are listed below.
Incorporation into an infrastructure project. The Buy America Preference only applies to articles,
materials, and supplies that are consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to an infrastructure project. As
such, it does not apply to tools, equipment, and supplies, such as temporary scaffolding, brought to the
construction site and removed at or before the completion of the infrastructure project. Nor does a Buy
America Preference apply to equipment and furnishings, such as movable chairs, desks, and portable
computer equipment, that are used at or within the finished infrastructure project but are not an integral
part of the structure or permanently affixed to the infrastructure project.
Categorization of articles, materials, and supplies. An article, material, or supply should only be
classified into one of the following categories: (i) Iron or steel products; (ii) 15 Manufactured products;
(iii) Construction materials; or (iv) Section 70917(c) materials. An article, material, or supply should not
be considered to fall into multiple categories. In some cases, an article, material, or supply may not fall
under any of the categories listed in this paragraph. The classification of an article, material, or supply as
falling into one of the categories listed in this paragraph must be made based on its status at the time it is
brought to the work site for incorporation into an infrastructure project. In general, the work site is the
location of the infrastructure project at which the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction
materials will be incorporated.
Application of the Buy America Preference by category. An article, material, or supply incorporated into
an infrastructure project must meet the Buy America Preference for only the single category in which it is
classified.
Determining the cost of components for manufactured products. In determining whether the cost of
components for manufactured products is greater than 55 percent of the total cost of all components, use
the following instructions:
(a) For components purchased by the manufacturer, the acquisition cost, including transportation costs to
the place of incorporation into the manufactured product (whether or not such costs are paid to a domestic
firm), and any applicable duty (whether or not a duty-free entry certificate is issued); or
(b) For components manufactured by the manufacturer, all costs associated with the manufacture of the
component, including transportation costs as described in paragraph (a), plus allocable overhead costs, but
excluding profit. Cost of components does not include any costs associated with the manufacture of the
manufactured product.
Construction material standards. The Buy America Preference applies to the following construction
materials incorporated into infrastructure projects. Each construction material is followed by a standard
for the material to be considered "produced in the United States." Except as specifically provided, only a
single standard should be applied to a single construction material.

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(1) Non-ferrous metals. All manufacturing processes, from initial smelting or melting through
final shaping, coating, and assembly, occurred in the United States.
(2) Plastic and polymer-based products. All manufacturing processes, from initial combination of
constituent plastic or polymer-based inputs, or, where applicable, constituent composite materials,
until the item is in its final form, occurred in the United States.
(3) Glass. All manufacturing processes, from initial batching and melting of raw materials
through annealing, cooling, and cutting, occurred in the United States.
(4) Fiber optic cable (including drop cable). All manufacturing processes, from the initial
ribboning (if applicable), through buffering, fiber stranding and jacketing, occurred in the United
States. All manufacturing processes also include the standards for glass and optical fiber, but not
for non-ferrous metals, plastic and polymer-based products, or any others.
(5) Optical fiber. All manufacturing processes, from the initial preform fabrication stage through
the completion of the draw, occurred in the United States.
(6) Lumber. All manufacturing processes, from initial debarking through treatment and planing,
occurred in the United States.
(7) Drywall. All manufacturing processes, from initial blending of mined or synthetic gypsum
plaster and additives through cutting and drying of sandwiched panels, occurred in the United
States.
(8) Engineered wood. All manufacturing processes from the initial combination of constituent
materials until the wood product is in its final form, occurred in the United States.
Waivers
When necessary, recipients may apply for, and the agency may grant, a waiver from these requirements.
Information on the process for requesting a waiver from these requirements can be found at
https://www.doi.gov/grants/buyamerica.
When DOI has determined that one of the following exceptions applies, the awarding official may waive
the application of the Buy America Preference in any case in which the agency determines that:
(1) applying the Buy America Preference would be inconsistent with the public interest;
(2) the types of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials are not produced in
the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities or of a satisfactory quality; or
(3) the inclusion of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials produced in the
United States will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent.
A request to waive the application of the Buy America Preference must be in writing. The agency will
provide instructions on the format, contents, and supporting materials required for any waiver request.
Waiver requests are subject to public comment periods of no less than 15 days and must be reviewed by
the Office of Management and Budget (0MB) Made in America Office.

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There may be instances where an award qualifies, in whole or in part, for an existing waiver described at
the Approved DOI General Applicability Waivers website located at https:/ /www.doi.gov/grants/Buy
America/GeneralApplicabilityWaivers.
Definitions
"Buy America Preference" means the "domestic content procurement preference" set forth in section
70914 of the Build America, Buy America Act, which requires the head of each Federal agency to ensure
that none of the funds made available for a Federal award for an infrastructure project may be obligated
unless all of the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials incorporated into the
project are produced in the United States.
"Construction materials" means articles, materials, or supplies that consist of only one of the items listed
in paragraph (1) of this definition, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this definition. To the extent one
of the items listed in paragraph (1) contains as inputs other items listed in paragraph (1), it is nonetheless
a construction material.
(1) The listed items are:
i. Non-ferrous metals;
ii. Plastic and polymer-based products (including polyvinylchloride, composite building
i. materials, and polymers used in fiber optic cables);
iii. Glass (including optic glass);
iv. Fiber optic cable (including drop cable);
v. Optical fiber;
vi. Lumber;
vii. Engineered wood; and
viii. Drywall.
(2) Minor additions of articles, materials, supplies, or binding agents to a construction material do not
change the categorization of the construction material.
"Infrastructure" means public infrastructure projects in the United States, which includes, at a minimum,
the structures, facilities, and equipment for roads, highways, and bridges; public transportation; dams,
ports, harbors, and other maritime facilities; intercity passenger and freight railroads; freight and
intermodal facilities; airports; water systems, including drinking water and wastewater systems; electrical
transmission facilities and systems; utilities; broadband infrastructure; and buildings and real property;
and structures, facilities, and equipment that generate, transport, and distribute energy including electric
vehicle (EV) charging.
"Infrastructure project" means any activity related to the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of
infrastructure in the United States regardless of whether infrastructure is the primary purpose of the
project. See also paragraphs (c) and (d) of 2 CFR 184.4.
"Iron or steel products" means articles, materials, or supplies that consist wholly or predominantly of iron
or steel or a combination of both.
"Manufactured products" means:
(1) Articles, materials, or supplies that have been:
(i) Processed into a specific form and shape; or
(ii) Combined with other articles, materials, or supplies to create a product with different

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properties than the individual articles, materials, or supplies.
(2) If an item is classified as an iron or steel product, a construction material, or a Section
70917(c) material under 2 CFR 184.4(e) and the definitions set forth in 2 CFR 184.3, then it is
not a manufactured product. However, an article, material, or supply classified as a
manufactured product under 2 CFR 184.4(e) and paragraph (1) of this definition may include
components that are construction materials, iron or steel products, or Section 70917 ( c)
materials.
“Predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both" means that the cost of the iron and steel content
exceeds 50 percent of the total cost of all its components. The cost of iron and steel is the cost of the iron
or steel mill products (such as bar, billet, slab, wire, plate, or sheet), castings, or forgings utilized in the
manufacture of the product and a good faith estimate of the cost of iron or steel components.
"Section 70917(c) materials" means cement and cementitious materials; aggregates such as stone, sand, or
gravel; or aggregate binding agents or additives. See Section 70917(c) of the Build America, Buy
America Act.
– END OF 2026 MRP EARTH MRI MINE WASTE AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS –

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Attachment E_DroneGuidance.pdf

Attachment E
GUIDANCE ON USING FEDERAL FUNDS TO PURCHASE DRONES
Federal regulation states that federal funds may not be used to purchase covered uncrewed
aircraft systems (UAS), i.e., drones. The term “covered UAS” as defined in EO 13981 and
adopted for official use by the Department of the Interior means any UAS that:
1) Is manufactured, in whole or in part, by an entity domiciled in an adversary country (such as
China)
2) Uses critical electronic components installed in flight controllers, ground control system
processors, radios, digital transmission devices, cameras, or gimbals manufactured, in whole
or in part, in an adversary country (As defined in Executive Order 13981.)
3) Uses operating software (including cellphone or tablet applications, but not cell phone or a
tablet operating systems) developed, in whole or in part, by an entity domiciled in an
adversary country.
4) Uses network connectivity or data storage located outside the United States or administered
by any entity domiciled in an adversary country; or
5) Contains hardware and software components used for transmitting photographs, videos,
location information, flight paths, or any other data collected by the UAS manufactured by
an entity domiciled in an adversary country.
Based on the above, federal funds may only be used to purchase non-covered UAS.
If drones are required for the work proposed, please survey the market and provide a quote for a
non-covered UAS that will be satisfactory for your Priority 2 project. If the project is
recommended for funding, and upon receipt of the quote, the Program Office will consider the
quoted amount and determine if funds may be provided.

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> Download PDF file: Attachment F - Biographical Sketch Form.pdf

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Attachment Figures 1 and 2.pdf

Figure 1. Entity relation diagram showing the structure of the mine waste database.

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Figure 2. Schematic illustration, not to any scale, showing the relationships between a site and
mine features. The site is the cluster of features. As drawn, the site contains six features: one
adit, one mine dump, one open pit, one ore stockpile, one tailings – undifferentiated, and one
tailings – pond. Only the four mine waste features (i.e., one mine dump, one ore stockpile, one
tailings – undifferentiated, and one tailings – pond) would be entered into the mine waste
database. Each of those features would have their own point and polygon feature class records,
as well as their associated records in the reference and resources tables. If the geology in the
open pit and underground workings is similar, the geology records can be populated at the site
level, and only one record is needed that documents the geology for all four mine waste features.
Page 2 of 1

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> Download PDF file: Attachment G - Current and Pending Common Form.pdf

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Attachment H_USGS_EMRI_Protocols_sir20255068.pdf

Mineral Resources Program
Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Protocols—Sampling
Hard-Rock Mine Waste and Perpetual Mine Water Sources
Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5068
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey

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Cover. A Colorado Geological Survey staff member uses the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative
mine waste sampling protocols to collect a composite sample at the Montezuma Mine, Colorado
(Photograph by Kate Campbell, U.S. Geological Survey).

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Earth Mapping Resources Initiative
Protocols—Sampling Hard-Rock Mine
Waste and Perpetual Mine Water Sources
By Kate M. Campbell, Robert R. Seal, Nadine M. Piatak, Jaime S. Azain, Jean M.
Morrison, Sarah Jane White, Andrew H. Manning, Katherine Walton-Day, JoAnn
M. Holloway, and Bronwen Wang
Mineral Resources Program
Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5068
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey

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U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2025
For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources,
natural hazards, and the environment—visit https://www.usgs.gov or call 1–888–392–8545.
For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit https://store.usgs.gov/
or contact the store at 1–888–275–8747.
Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the
U.S. Government.
Although this information product, for the most part, is in the public domain, it also may contain copyrighted materials
as noted in the text. Permission to reproduce copyrighted items must be secured from the copyright owner.
Suggested citation:
Campbell, K.M., Seal, R.R., Piatak, N.M., Azain, J.S., Morrison, J.M., White, S.J., Manning, A.H., Walton-Day,
K., Holloway, J.M., and Wang, B., 2025, Earth Mapping Resources Initiative protocols—Sampling hard-rock mine
waste and perpetual mine water sources: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5068, 22 p.,
https://doi.org/ 10.3133/ sir20255068.
ISSN 2328-0328 (online)

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iii
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the invaluable input by Virginia McLemore (New Mexico Bureau of
Geology and Mineral Resources), Michael O’Keefe (Colorado Geological Survey), James Ranville
and Aaron Goodman (Colorado School of Mines), Gary D. Fowler III, Benjamin L. Davis, and Mary
Lupo (Florida Geological Survey). The authors appreciate reviews provided by Tanya Gallegos
(U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]) and Mojisola KunleDare (USGS), and the support of the USGS
Mineral Resources Program and Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, including Warren Day,
Darcy McPhee, Jamey Jones, Colin Williams, Patricia Loferski, and James Mosley.

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v
Contents
Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................................iii
Abstract ...........................................................................................................................................................1
Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1
Purpose and Scope .......................................................................................................................................2
Protocols for Sampling Solids .....................................................................................................................2
Defining Sample Units, Locations of Subsamples, and Depths of Subsamples .........................2
Grab Samples ........................................................................................................................................3
Protocols for Composite Sample Collection of Several Mine Waste Material Types ...............3
Tailings and Fine-Grained Waste Material ..............................................................................3
Personal Protective Equipment ........................................................................................3
Equipment ............................................................................................................................4
Subsample Depth and Amount Collected .......................................................................4
Compositing Subsamples and Sieving ............................................................................4
Material Containing a Mix of Small and Large Particles ......................................................5
Personal Protective Equipment ........................................................................................5
Equipment ............................................................................................................................5
Subsample Depth and Amount Collected .......................................................................5
Compositing Subsamples, Sieving, and Processing Greater Than 2
Millimeter Fraction ................................................................................................5
Large Material Predominantly Greater Than 30 Centimeters ..............................................6
Personal Protective Equipment ........................................................................................6
Equipment ............................................................................................................................6
Subsampling Approach .....................................................................................................6
Drill Cores ......................................................................................................................................7
Equipment ............................................................................................................................7
Determining Sample Intervals (Sample Units) Within a Core .....................................7
Collecting Composite Samples .........................................................................................7
Duplicates and Blanks for All Solid Sample Types ..........................................................................7
Equipment Cleaning in Between Sample Units ...............................................................................8
Sample Labeling, Handling, and Storage for All Sample Types ....................................................8
Extra Equipment for Sampling Solids ................................................................................................8
Protocols for Water Sample Collection, Preservation, Measurement of Field Parameters
and Flow .............................................................................................................................................9
Equipment and Preparation ................................................................................................................9
Personal Protective Equipment .................................................................................................9
Bottle Sets ...................................................................................................................................10
Acid Washing Bottles for Cation and Metal Sample Splits ................................................10
Deionized Water Rinse for Anion and Alkalinity or Acidity Sample Bottles ....................10
Cleaning Pumps and Tubing .....................................................................................................11
Filters............................................................................................................................................11
Water Collection Containers ....................................................................................................11
Preservation Reagents and Distribution Equipment ............................................................11
Water for Blanks ........................................................................................................................12
Extra Equipment for Water Sampling .....................................................................................12

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vi
Equipment Reuse .......................................................................................................................12
Field Parameters ........................................................................................................................12
Water Collection Protocol .................................................................................................................13
Rinsing with Sample ..................................................................................................................13
Filtration .......................................................................................................................................13
Preservation of Water Samples ..............................................................................................13
Quality Assurance and Quality Control—Duplicates and Blanks .....................................13
Sample Handling, Storage, and Shipping ..............................................................................13
Flow and Discharge Measurements ...............................................................................................13
Load Calculations................................................................................................................................14
Field Parameters .................................................................................................................................14
pH..................................................................................................................................................14
Specific Conductance ...............................................................................................................14
Temperature ................................................................................................................................15
Oxidation-Reduction Potential .................................................................................................15
Dissolved Oxygen.......................................................................................................................16
Field Sheet, Notes, and Observations ......................................................................................................16
Additional Suggested Observations ................................................................................................17
Collecting Geospatial Data .........................................................................................................................17
Tailings—Composite Sample Sites ..................................................................................................17
Water—Sampling Locations .............................................................................................................17
Site and Feature Boundaries—Polygons .......................................................................................17
Volume Estimates of Tailings and Other Mine Waste Piles .........................................................17
Volumes of Flowing Adits and Pit Lakes .........................................................................................17
Sample Submission and Geochemical Analyses ...................................................................................18
Sample Submission ............................................................................................................................18
Solid Phase Analyses .........................................................................................................................18
Metals and Other Elemental Analyses ...................................................................................18
Mineralogy ..................................................................................................................................19
Acid-Base Accounting ..............................................................................................................19
Quality Assurance and Quality Control ..................................................................................19
Aqueous Analyses ..............................................................................................................................19
Quality Assurance and Quality Control ..................................................................................19
Sample Archive ...................................................................................................................................19
Data Reporting.....................................................................................................................................19
Summary........................................................................................................................................................19
References Cited..........................................................................................................................................20
Appendix 1. Example Field Sheets .........................................................................................................22
Figures
1. An example sample label for solid composite samples .........................................................8
2. Conceptual flow chart of water sample collection and preservation .................................9
3. Example labels for a hypothetical water sample split of metals and cations ..................11

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vii
Tables
1. Overview of bottles, preparation, and preservation for water samples ...........................10
Conversion Factors
International System of Units to U.S. customary units
Multiply By To obtain
Length
centimeter (cm) 0.3937 inch (in.)
millimeter (mm) 0.03937 inch (in.)
meter (m) 3.281 foot (ft)
meter (m) 1.094 yard (yd)
kilometer (km) 0.6214 mile (mi)
micrometer (μm) 0.00003937 inch (in.)
Area
square kilometer (km2) 247.1 acre
square kilometer (km2) 0.3861 square mile (mi2)
Volume
liter (L) 0.2642 gallon (gal)
Mass
gram (g) 0.03527 ounce, avoirdupois (oz)
kilogram (kg) 2.205 pound avoirdupois (lb)
Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows:
°F = (1.8 × °C) + 32.
Supplemental Information
Specific conductance is given in microSiemens per centimeter (μS/cm).
Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is given in millivolts (mV).
Volumes are given primarily in milliliters (mL).
Dissolved oxygen is given in milligrams per liter (mg/L).

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viii
Abbreviations
~ about
-FA filtered, acidified
-FALK filtered, alkalinity
-FU filtered, unacidified
-RA raw, acidified
AP acid generating potential
BPL Big Pit Lake
DI deionized
DO dissolved oxygen
Earth MRI Earth Mapping Resources Initiative
ETS Example Tailings Site
GIS geographic information system
GPS global positioning system
ICP–MS inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
ICP–OES inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy
ID identification
NP neutralization potential
NNP net neutralization potential
ORP oxidation-reduction potential
PPE personal protective equipment
QA/QC quality assurance and quality control
SC specific conductance
T temperature
USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture
USGS U.S. Geological Survey

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Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Protocols—
Sampling Hard-Rock Mine Waste and Perpetual Mine
Water Sources
By Kate M. Campbell, Robert R. Seal, Nadine M. Piatak, Jaime S. Azain, Jean M. Morrison, Sarah Jane
White, Andrew H. Manning, Katherine Walton-Day, JoAnn M. Holloway, and Bronwen Wang
Abstract types to the mineral commodities associated with each deposit
type (Hofstra and Kreiner, 2020). Earth MRI takes a mineral
systems approach for prioritizing data collection efforts for
Supporting the overarching goal to evaluate critical
aboveground and belowground critical mineral resources. One
minerals nationwide, the mine waste characterization effort in
aspect of Earth MRI is to understand the distribution of critical
the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Mapping Resources
minerals in aboveground mine waste.
Initiative has created a series of protocols to standardize
The Earth MRI mine waste characterization effort
sampling carried out under this effort by the participating State
collects compositional data to help identify mine waste sites
geological surveys and their cooperators. The protocols are
that potentially contain critical mineral resources. The data
based on published, reviewed methods that can be deployed in
can be used to estimate the critical mineral endowment of
the field. The protocols include (1) collecting and processing
mine waste in the United States. Additionally, the data can be
composite samples of mine and mill waste, including tailings,
used to identify potential mineral hosts of critical minerals
waste rock, gangue, heap leach piles, ore stockpiles, slag, or
and provide a cursory evaluation of the environmental
other mineralized and processed materials and (2) collecting
characteristics of the mine waste to help delineate potential
and preserving water samples from perpetual or long-term
reprocessing, environmental management, reclamation
mine water sources. The protocols also specify information to
strategies, and other attendant costs. Identification of sites
document on field sheets and detail the collection of geospatial
with critical mineral potential is the first step toward fostering
data. The analytical methods used by the USGS and USGS
economic development in conjunction with environmental
contract laboratories are described in this report, including the
remediation. Whether mine waste is a potential resource,
data delivery pathway for USGS-derived data.
an environmental liability, or both will depend on the
geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of the waste.
In addition, compositional characterization of mine waste
Introduction
may inform the use of new technologies to reprocess mine
waste more efficiently for the extraction of critical minerals
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Mapping in the future. This information will be useful when assessing
Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) is an effort to modernize the total costs and benefits of reuse, recycling, reprocessing,
mapping of the Earth’s surface and subsurface across multiple reclamation, and restoration of ecosystem services. Evaluation
types of data, including geologic, geophysical, geochemical, of the future recoverability of critical minerals from mine
and topographical data (h ttps://www .usgs.gov/ earth- mapping- waste is beyond the scope of this report and will depend
resources- initiative-e arth- mri). Critical minerals are materials on a variety of factors, including prevailing commodity
essential to the economic and national security of the United prices, technological innovations, and financial incentives.
States with possible vulnerability to supply chain disruption The goal of Earth MRI mine waste characterization effort
(Nassar and others, 2020). Areas across the United States with is to develop a comprehensive and internally consistent
the potential to host subsurface and surface deposits of critical national database of mine waste locations, volume and mass
mineral resources (“focus areas”) were identified by the USGS estimates, bulk geochemical composition, bulk mineralogical
and their State geological survey collaborators (Hammarstrom composition, and contained mineral commodities. To
and others, 2023). Earth MRI focus areas are based on mineral this end, this report describes the methods followed by
systems, deposit types, and known and potential critical participating State geological surveys and their cooperators to
mineral commodities. The mineral systems classification standardize sampling carried out by Earth MRI’s mine waste
links large mineral systems that may contain multiple deposit characterization effort.

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2 Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Protocols
Purpose and Scope and combining them into a single composite sample that has a
minimum combined dry weight of 1 kilogram (kg), the sample
is sent to USGS Sample Control, where it will be crushed and
This report is intended to supplement inperson guidance
homogenized prior to submission for analysis.
that the USGS provides to participating State geological
surveys. The scope of these protocols encompasses sampling
of solid mine waste and large perpetual mine-related water Defining Sample Units, Locations of
sources (for example, pit lakes and draining adits). This
Subsamples, and Depths of Subsamples
report presents an approach to sampling a variety of solid
waste types, including tailings, waste rock, gangue, heap
The overall objective of designating sample units is
leach piles, ore stockpiles, slag, or other mineralized and
to differentiate parts of a site that potentially could have
processed materials. If other types of materials are present at
different material composition or to divide a very large area
a site (for example, efflorescent salts, secondary precipitates,
into smaller units to obtain a series of composite samples
or streambed sediments) and the opportunity to sample is
that are more representative of a site. The number of sample
available during the course of a study, consult with USGS
units will depend upon the size, topography, mine waste
Earth MRI personnel on methodologies for sampling. Optional
type, ore-processing history, geography of the site, and other
field sheets that provide guidance on general field notes and
objective criteria, such as color. For example, if the tailings
geospatial data are provided in appendix 1.
pile has discrete benches, each bench may be considered as a
Many mine waste sites may be vertically heterogeneous.
separate sample unit. Before collecting samples at the site, it
Vertical profile sampling, in addition to composited surface
is valuable to identify the site features and boundaries using
samples, may be considered. These protocols include an
recent satellite, aerial photography, or other imagery. The
approach to sampling drill core; methodologies for drilling,
features may be subdivided into sample units if the feature is
trench sampling, or other vertical sampling techniques are not
large and has topographical or other distinguishing attributes
discussed in detail in this report because they are highly site
that indicate a change in composition or site management (for
dependent.
example, benches, discrete piles, or tailings color). If the site
Safety planning, including job hazard analysis, selection
is large with no clear distinguishing features, select sample
of personal protective equipment (PPE), and appropriate safety
units of approximately 0.04–0.06 square kilometers (km2).
training, is the responsibility of the State agency conducting
If a pile has mixed types of waste or has areas that contain
the work. The USGS is not responsible for providing
vastly different sizes of material, sample units can be drawn
equipment, safety training, or evaluating site hazards and
to reflect those differences. For example, if a pile has mixed
risks. Work with the responsible organization’s safety officer
fine-grained material and cobble-sized pieces on the top of
to determine and complete the necessary safety requirements
the pile, and boulder-sized rocks with no fine material around
to perform the proposed work in a safe manner. Required PPE
the base of the pile, the top of the pile may be considered
is provided as a guide for sample collection requirements.
a separate sample unit from the base. Different sampling
Additional PPE may be needed to conduct the work safely.
methods can then be used to collect composite samples in each
of the two sample units.
Site history is an important tool in understanding site
Protocols for Sampling Solids features. For example, locations of pipes used to convey
tailings, if available, can help guide distribution patterns on
Sampling of solid mine waste is complex because of the landscape. Similarly, if the site went through multiple
the varied nature of source material, waste management phases of ore processing, that information may be useful in
approaches, meteorological effects, and site accessibility. interpreting different possible stratigraphy or topographical
Sampling described in these protocols are primarily focused features at a site. Aerial imagery is helpful in understanding a
on surficial material (0–10 centimeter [cm] depth; exceptions site but is generally not sufficient to make final decisions about
are described in the “Defining Sample Units, Locations of sampling approach. As such, site reconnaissance can be useful
Subsamples, and Depths of Subsamples” section) using to more clearly identify the geography and topography of the
a statistically based, relatively rapid, composite sampling features and to determine if a cover has been placed over the
approach based on Smith and others (2000) and Naftz and waste material.
Walton-Day (2016). Before sampling, divide the site into Once sample units have been identified, select at least
appropriate sample units as described in detail in the “Defining 30 subsampling locations per sample unit using a systematic
Sample Units, Locations of Subsamples, and Depths of grid or randomized location scheme that adequately covers the
Subsamples” section. Within each sample unit, the area is sample unit. Subsample locations may be planned before field
subdivided into a grid or randomized distribution of at least work using geographic information system (GIS) tools, and
30 subsample locations. For statistical rigor, a minimum of any deviations from the plan can be recorded in field notes or
30 subsample locations is required; more than 30 subsamples with a global positioning system (GPS) device. For example,
are acceptable. After collecting subsamples of equal volume if a particular preselected subsample location is inaccessible,

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Protocols for Sampling Solids 3
an alternative may be selected onsite as close to the original of grab sample material to submit for analysis. However, if
location as possible. Pin flags and flagging tape are helpful that mass is not available (for example, within a drill core
for marking out subsample locations onsite before sample or a smaller distinct layer in tailings), a smaller amount of
collection. If subsample locations are not selected before the material may be collected, and fewer chemical analyses may
field work, pin flags or flagging tape can be laid out by the be completed on that sample at the discretion of the USGS.
sampling team to visually confirm that the subsample locations
adequately cover the sample unit before sampling begins,
Protocols for Composite Sample Collection of
adjusting the locations and adding additional subsample
Several Mine Waste Material Types
locations as needed. Collect a minimum of 30 subsamples;
more than 30 subsamples is acceptable. Log the subsample
locations by GPS in the field if not predetermined. If a These protocols are divided into four categories: (1)
subsample location falls on a clearly unique or different tailings and fine-grained material, (2) mixtures of small
feature (for example, localized material that differs in color or and large material, (3) predominantly large material, and
texture from the surrounding tailings) within the sample unit, (4) drill cores. Fine-grained material is generally less than
collect and composite it as planned (also refer to the “Grab approximately 2 millimeters (mm), and is typically found in
Samples” section). certain types of waste, such as tailings piles. It is also possible
If the site has an obvious soil horizon, clay cap, to have mine waste that is a mixture of fine material (less than
engineered cover (for example, a geomembrane), or other [<] 2 mm) and larger material (between 2 mm and 30 cm),
natural or engineered covering, the sampling procedure all of which was derived from ore processing. Other types
described in the “Protocols for Composite Sample Collection of waste, such as waste rock, may be mainly large cobble- to
of Several Mine Waste Material Types” section may need to boulder-sized material (greater than [>] 30 cm) with very little
be modified to collect the waste material below the cover as fine-grained material present. Sampling drill cores is a special
long as the sampling does not compromise the integrity of an case for recovering material from vertical drilling.
engineered cover. Site history will be helpful in determining
if an engineered cover is expected at the site. Negotiating Tailings and Fine-Grained Waste Material
with the landowners for sampling permission, especially if
a cover is expected, is the responsibility of the State agency In general, tailings are the waste material from ore that
conducting the work. Once onsite for sampling or during has been processed to recover a concentrated form of the
a reconnaissance visit, dig a test hole, if possible, (usually target commodity. Processing usually includes some form
approximately 0.5 meters [m] deep but the depth may vary of grinding or milling of the ore, and as a result, tailings are
depending on site characteristics) to visually determine if usually fine grained (<2 mm). For most tailings, material
samples should be collected below the surface. For example, on the surface that is >2 mm may be the result of a cover or
tailings that are not acidic may have vegetative growth and extraneous material deposition that should not be included
a surficial layer with roots and some soil formation. This in the composite sample. Sieving to <2 mm ensures that the
soil layer is usually apparent in the test hole, and the sample sample collected is primarily the tailings material. Although
collection depth should be below this layer for all subsamples unlikely in tailings piles, if most of the tailings have a grain
and recorded on the field sheets. Because each site has a size >2 mm, use the methodology described in the “Material
unique setting, contact USGS Earth MRI personnel to discuss Containing a Mix of Small and Large Particles” section or the
variations in sampling design as needed. “Large Material Predominantly Greater Than 30 Centimeters”
section for larger material types. One composite sample will
be collected for each sample unit, not including duplicate
Grab Samples
samples or additional grab samples.
Within the sample allotment and budget, additional grab
Personal Protective Equipment
samples of any unusual or notable feature may be collected.
If the subsample location falls on a feature that is notable or
• Nitrile gloves—It is possible to cover work gloves with
different, collect and composite it as planned; additional grab
nitrile gloves, if desired, but work gloves alone cannot
samples of that feature may then be collected separately. For
be used. Wear new nitrile gloves when sampling each
example, if a pile has a distinct orange weathered layer on the
sample unit to prevent cross-contamination.
surface with continuous primary black unweathered tailings
material below the weathered layer, collect the composite • Additional PPE may be needed (for example, masks,
sample below the weathered surface layer; collecting a grab eye protection, and clothing covering) depending on
sample of the weathered orange surface layer at one or more the site conditions and hazards.
subsampling locations is beneficial. If available, collect 1–2 kg

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4 Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Protocols
Equipment is consistent at each subsample location. For example, if
using a trowel to collect the subsample, fill the trowel with
• Shovel. approximately the same amount of material at each location.
If using a plastic bag or container, mark the fill level with a
• Trowel, small shovel, or incremental sampler (using
permanent marker on the bag or container and fill to that level
stainless steel or plastic is necessary to prevent metal
at each location. The method used may depend on the wetness,
contamination).
particle size, or other factors specific to the site material. It
• 5-gallon plastic bucket. is not necessary to weigh each subsample. Ensure the total
mass of the sieved composite sample after all the 30 or more
• Large (1 gallon) plastic bags or other sealable subsamples have been combined is at least 1–2 kg dry weight.
containers.
Compositing Subsamples and Sieving
• Labels and permanent markers.
Sieve composited samples to <2 mm in the field or after
• 2 mm plastic or stainless-steel sieve.
being transported to a laboratory setting. If possible, sieve
subsamples in the field during collection. As each subsample
• Flagging tape and (or) pin flags to mark subsample
is collected, it can be sieved directly into a bucket; each
locations. Consider the choice of color so that the flags
subsample is sieved and sequentially added to the same
stand out in the sampling landscape.
bucket, which becomes the composite sample. It is usually
• Wire brush to remove particles from the sieve as possible to sieve tailings materials that are damp, unless the
needed in between samples. sample has a very high clay content. The >2 mm fraction of
the material will not be submitted or analyzed and can be
• Deionized (DI) water (or equivalent) and a squirt bottle
discarded.
for cleaning equipment. If DI water is not available,
If the sample cannot be sieved in the field (for example,
distilled water can be substituted. Do not use tap water
very high clay content), the bulk material from each
because it can introduce elements that are part of the
subsample can be directly added to the bucket to be sieved
analysis package.
later. Remove any large particles (>1 cm) and large items
(>1 cm) of manufactured material (for example, bolts, screws,
• Paper towels or laboratory wipes.
or rebar) in the subsample, and record large items in field
Rinse sampling tools, sieve, and buckets with DI water
notes. If the material has a large amount of coarse (>2 mm)
and air dry before sample collection.
material, additional mass may need to be collected at every
subsample location to accommodate the amount of >2 mm
Subsample Depth and Amount Collected
mass discarded during sieving. If the samples have a high
Collect subsamples from the upper layer of the tailings clay content, sieving will be challenging in the field and
pile (0–10 cm deep), unless it is necessary to sample below in the laboratory because clay can be sticky when wet and
a soil layer, cap, oxidized layer, hardpan, or crust. Dig a harden into large aggregates when dry. Contact USGS Earth
test hole before the first subsample collection to determine MRI personnel for more guidance on samples with high
whether there is a soil, cap, or oxidized layer on the surface clay content; the USGS may be able to assist with sample
of the tailings pile. Although aerial imagery and site history preparation.
are helpful for guiding sampling strategy, the best way of If tailings samples are wet when collected, air dry the
determining if there is a layer on top of the tailings is to dig samples before submitting them to USGS sample control. If
to a depth of 0.25–1 m and observe any variation in color, sieving is occurring in a laboratory setting after collection,
particle size, plant roots (if present), moisture content, and disaggregate any particle agglomerates that have formed when
other properties. If there is an obvious soil layer or cap drying before sieving. Ensure the dry weight of the sieved
on top of the tailings, then collect subsamples at the same composite sample is at least 1–2 kg. Once the composite
depth below the anomalous surface layer. Record evidence sample has been sieved, the material can be transferred to a
of weathering (often indicated by a color change or hardpan plastic bag, sealed, and labeled. Double- or triple-bagging
layer) on the field sheet. The inperson guidance provided samples before shipping will prevent loss of material during
by the USGS can help identify these types of situations and transit. If more than one bag of material has been collected,
inform the sampling strategy on a site-by-site basis. it is acceptable to submit multiple bags of the same material
Collect each subsample within a sample unit to the same to the USGS for analysis to avoid having to homogenize and
depth and volume using the same equipment. Ensure the mass split the sample in the field.
is at least approximately 50 grams (g) per subsample. The Record detailed notes about soil and surface anomalies,
amount collected for each subsample can be approximated subsample depth, volume, sieving, and other decisions
using the sampling equipment, a bag, or other container, for each sample unit on the field sheets, and label sample
as long as the same amount of material that is collected containers in the field. If the composite sample needs to be

---

Protocols for Sampling Solids 5
sieved in the laboratory, make a note on the field sheet and on • 2 mm plastic or stainless-steel sieve.
the sample container (for example, “unsieved bulk composite
• Flagging tape and (or) pin flags to mark subsample
sample”) in addition to the label with the site name, date, and
locations. Consider the choice of color so that the flags
other information. Note any deviations from the described
stand out in the sampling landscape.
methods on the field sheet.
• Wire brush to remove particles from the sieve as
Material Containing a Mix of Small and Large needed in between samples.
Particles
• Deionized (DI) water (or equivalent) and a squirt bottle
for cleaning equipment. If DI water is not available,
It is not uncommon to have mine waste that is a mixture
distilled water can be substituted. Do not use tap water.
of fine material (<2 mm) and larger pieces (between 2 mm
and 30 cm), such as in an ore stockpile that has had some • Paper towels or laboratory wipes.
initial bulk crushing but was never milled. In these piles,
Rinse sampling tools, sieve, and buckets with DI water
the <2 mm fraction and the >2 mm fraction are important to
and air dry before sample collection.
collect and analyze. Site history will help determine whether
the >2 mm fraction is important to collect. Two composite
Subsample Depth and Amount Collected
samples will be collected at each sample unit, not including
duplicates (described in the “Duplicates and Blanks for All If the material allows, a test hole will yield valuable
Solid Sample Types” section) and additional grab samples. information about material size and distribution. If some of the
The approach consists of sieving the material to <2 mm, material is larger than 10–15 cm in diameter or length, it may
retaining the >2 mm fraction, and additional processing for be challenging to dig, and a surficial sampling approach will
larger pieces of material, as needed, to prevent a single large suffice. However, it is important to confirm, if possible, that
piece from biasing the composition of the >2 mm fraction. The the surficial material is not a cover on top of the mine waste.
two fractions will provide end-member compositions for the Collect each subsample within a sample unit to the same
overall waste pile. depth and volume using the same equipment. The amount
collected for each subsample can be approximated using the
Personal Protective Equipment sampling equipment, a bag, or other container, as long as
the same amount of sample is consistent at each subsample
• Nitrile gloves—It is possible to cover work gloves with location. For this material type, a shovel or similarly sized
nitrile gloves, if desired, but work gloves alone cannot container is usually a reasonable tool to estimate the sample
be used. Wear new nitrile gloves when sampling each amount, unless the material is mainly fine-grained, then
sample unit to prevent cross-contamination. a trowel can be used. It is not necessary to weigh each
subsample. Collect enough material to yield about 50 g at
• Eye protection—Wear safety glasses if the material is
each subsample location for both the <2 mm and >2 mm
large enough to require rock chipping.
fractions. If the material is mainly fine grained, this protocol
• Additional PPE may be required (for example, masks, will be functionally similar to the tailings protocol, except
eye protection, and clothing covering) depending on that the >2 mm fraction is retained. If the material has a
the site conditions and hazards. larger proportion of >2 mm material, ensure the subsample is
large enough to collect about 50 g of <2 mm material at most
locations. Ensure the total mass of each composite sample
Equipment
(<2 mm and >2 mm) after all 30 or more subsamples have
been combined is at least 1–2 kg each, dry weight.
• Shovel.
• Rock hammer, small sledge, and (or) pickaxe. Compositing Subsamples, Sieving, and Processing
Greater Than 2 Millimeter Fraction
• Trowel, small shovel, or incremental sampler
(stainless steel or plastic is necessary to prevent metal Collect the <2 mm and >2 mm fractions of the sample
contamination). in two separate buckets. If possible, sieve each subsample to
<2 mm directly into a bucket in the field. Retain the material
• 5-gallon plastic buckets (2 per sample unit; one for the that does not pass through the 2 mm sieve and process
<2 mm fraction and one for the >2 mm fraction). as follows:
• Large (1 gallon) plastic bags or other spill-proof • If most of the >2 mm fraction retained on the sieve is
containers. less than approximately 4 cm in diameter and is about
50 g worth of material, it can be placed directly into
• Labels and permanent markers. the second bucket. If this fraction is substantially more

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6 Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Protocols
than approximately 50 g of material, select an about will not be collected. The following sections present a
(~) 50 g randomized subset of material, place it into method to subsample large pieces to collect a representative
the second bucket, and discard the remainder. It is composite sample.
important to not bias the selection toward items of a
particular size or color; ensure the subset of material is Personal Protective Equipment
representative of the bulk >2 mm material.
• Nitrile gloves—It is possible to cover work gloves with
• If there are pieces larger than approximately 4 cm, nitrile gloves, if desired, but work gloves alone cannot
remove them from the shovel directly and place them be used. Wear new nitrile gloves when sampling each
aside. Large pieces of material can bias the overall sample unit to prevent cross-contamination.
composition of a composite sample and need to be
reduced in size to be included in the sample. Choose • Eye protection—Wear safety glasses if the material is
a random selection of large pieces and ensure care large enough to require rock chipping.
is taken to not bias the selection toward items of a
• Additional PPE may be required (for example, masks,
particular size or color. Break these large pieces with a
eye protection, and clothing covering) depending on
sledge or rock hammer and collect a single chip (less
the site conditions and hazards.
than or equal to ~4 cm in length or diameter) in the
second bucket.
Equipment
• If there is a mix of <4 cm and >4 cm pieces in the
>2 mm fraction, then use a combination of the two • Rock hammer, small sledge, and (or) pickaxe.
processes. For example, place a random selection of
<4 cm pieces in the second bucket, along with ~4 cm • 5-gallon plastic bucket.
chipped samples from the larger pieces.
• Large (1 gallon) plastic bags or other spill-proof
Subsamples may show different distributions of large containers.
and fine material within a single sample unit. Continue to
sample at all locations using the same approach, even if • Labels and permanent markers.
it results in <50 g material for a size fraction at a single
• Flagging tape and (or) pin flags to mark subsample
subsample location. For example, most subsample locations
locations. Consider the choice of color so that the flags
may have a roughly equal distribution of <2 mm and >2
stand out in the sampling landscape.
mm fractions, but one subsample location only has 20 cm
rocks and no fine-grained material. At this location, collect • Deionized (DI) water (or equivalent) and a squirt bottle
the rock chips and no fine-grained material. The composite for cleaning equipment. If DI water is not available,
approach normalizes across the individual subsample location distilled water can be substituted. Do not use tap water.
variations to collect an average composition across the entire
sample unit. • Paper towels or laboratory wipes.
This procedure results in two buckets: one bucket Rinse sampling tools and buckets with DI water and air
with <2 mm sieved material and one bucket with >2 mm dry before sample collection.
material, including rock chips. The material in each bucket is
considered a separate sample. Ensure each composite sample Subsampling Approach
(<2 mm and >2 mm) is at least 1–2 kg, dry weight. Transfer
the composite sample from each bucket to different plastic Subsample points likely will fall on large rocks or
bags that are sealed and labeled with unique identification. boulders. To subsample a large rock, use a rock hammer,
Double- or triple-bagging before shipping will prevent loss of sledge, or other tool to chip off 3–5 randomly selected pieces
material during transit. of material approximately 4 cm in diameter from the surface
of each rock. Place these pieces directly into the bucket,
accumulating rock chips across all the subsample locations.
Large Material Predominantly Greater Than 30
The composite sample will be the mixed rock chips in the
Centimeters bucket from at least 30 subsample locations and at least
1–2 kg dry weight. The composite sample can be transferred
Some waste material, such as waste rock, may have to a plastic bag, sealed, and labeled. Double- or triple-bag
very little fine material and only large pieces that can range the sample before shipping to prevent loss of material
from several kilograms to many hundreds of kilograms. during transit.
For waste material with large pieces, a <2 mm fraction

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Protocols for Sampling Solids 7
Drill Cores is not dominated by only collecting individual or interesting
layers within the core. Distinct or unusual layers may be used
Drilling is not required for site characterization, but if to separate sample units; include these layers in the composite
equipment and budget allow, it is encouraged because samples sample. Depending on the stratigraphy of the core, sample
can be collected at depth in the pile. The details of the best units may be of variable lengths. In sample sheets, note the
equipment, techniques, and PPE for drilling at the site will depths and location in the core where sample units begin and
be at the discretion of the State agency conducting the work. end after laying out the entire core. Each sample unit will
Tailings and other fine-grained mine waste are good candidate result in one composite sample.
materials for drilling, resulting in a poorly consolidated For highly variable or closely spaced breaks, some
core with some larger clasts possibly present. The methods judgment will need to be applied to balance the need to
described in the “Collecting Composite Samples” section define sample units for compositing and capturing every
assume the core is relatively unconsolidated and does not need heterogeneity presented in the cores. In addition to composite
a rock saw to split or collect samples. If the core does not meet samples, grab samples are encouraged, particularly if there are
this description, a discussion with USGS Earth MRI personnel distinct layers that are different from the surrounding material.
may be warranted. The grab samples can be collected after the core is split and
the composite sample is collected. This method ensures that
Equipment the composite sample includes the distinct layers, while the
composition of the layers may also be captured individually in
• Trowel and (or) scoop (stainless steel or plastic prevent grab samples. The balance between the number of composite
metal contamination). samples and grab samples will depend upon the overall scope
of the project, including the number of drill cores, other
• Rock hammer or other tool to split clasts as needed.
samples collected (for example, surface composite samples),
• Plastic buckets or other containers for the and sample budget.
composited samples.
Collecting Composite Samples
• Large (1 gallon) plastic bags or other spill-proof
containers. Depending upon the diameter of the core, splitting the
core vertically in half or quarters will likely be necessary. If
• Labels and permanent markers. there is a rock or clast in the core, split it with a rock hammer
or similar tool. Collect the composite sample by taking
• Tape measure for measuring sample unit intervals.
the split material in a sample unit (within the determined
• Deionized (DI) water (or equivalent) and a squirt bottle stratigraphic interval) and combining it in a bucket. Ensure
for cleaning equipment. If DI water is not available, the composite sample is approximately 1–2 kg, dry weight.
distilled water can be substituted. Do not use tap water. Transfer the sample material to a plastic bag, sealed and
labeled. Double- or triple-bag samples before shipping to
• Paper towels or laboratory wipes. prevent loss of material during transit. Grab samples may be
Rinse sampling tools and buckets with DI water and air collected from the uncomposited split section of the core.
dry before sample collection.
Duplicates and Blanks for All Solid Sample
Determining Sample Intervals (Sample Units) Within a
Types
Core
If available, review core logs to identify where Field duplicate samples give an important indicator of
stratigraphic breaks occur in the core and how frequently they overall field sampling variability at a site. Collect a duplicate
occur. Laying the core out to visually identify the stratigraphic sample at a frequency of 1 per 10 samples. If fewer than
breaks is also suggested. If the material is homogeneous, 10 samples are collected at a site, then select one sample
then dividing the core into equal sections along the entire unit at the site for a duplicate sample collection. Ensure a
core depth is an option, depending on how many samples per duplicate sample goes through the same subsample collection,
core are reasonable for the budget. It is more likely, however, composite, and sieving process and is labeled as a separate
that there are apparent heterogeneities in the core. These sample with a unique identification (ID). Subsamples for the
heterogeneities or stratigraphic breaks can define sample duplicate sample can be collected nearby (within ~1 m radius)
units within the core, such that a sample unit includes depths and can use the same GPS location of the original subsample
between the stratigraphic breaks. Samples will be composited location, but do not collect these from the same hole as the
across a sample unit defined within the core (described in the original subsample.
“Collecting Composite Samples” section), so that composition

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8 Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Protocols
For drill cores, collect a duplicate sample from a sample Sample Labeling, Handling, and Storage for All
unit within a core at a frequency of 1 in 10 samples. Collect Sample Types
duplicates by compositing a separate split of the core. If
collecting grab samples from the core in that section is also
Secure sieved samples in a plastic bag or other spill-proof
planned, split the core in that sample unit vertically into thirds
container and label with permanent ink. Double- or triple-bag
or quarters so material is not excluded from the composite
to prevent loss of sample during transport. Ensure the sample
sample or duplicate sample.
label has a unique site and sample unit ID, date of collection,
A process blank is optional but can be a valuable
and size fraction (for example, <2 mm) once sieved. Consider
check on equipment cleanliness. A blank consists of a
including a project ID that indicates the program (Earth
known material, typically clean quartz from a commercial
MRI–Mine Waste Characterization) and State. Label duplicate
supplier, that is put through the sampling process using all
samples with a unique ID. Tailor unique IDs for the particular
the equipment. For example, if a trowel is used to collect
site and sample type using a consistent format. For example,
the tailings subsamples, the clean trowel will be used to
if the sample is from a site called “Example Tailings Site”
scoop the blank material through the sieve into a bucket and
in State “YY” and is a composite sample from sample unit 1
bagged as if it were a tailings sample. If you are interested in
collected on November 1, 2022, at 15:00, the unique sample
including a blank, contact USGS Earth MRI personnel, and
ID could be “22_ETS_SU1_composite”; details about the
they will supply the quartz blank material and discuss safety
exact date and time can be recorded on the field sheet and
considerations when working with quartz.
on the label. A duplicate sample could be labeled “22_ETS_
SU1_composite_dup” to differentiate it from the first sample.
Equipment Cleaning in Between Sample Units If the mine waste material is a mix of fine-grained and larger
materials, resulting in two composite samples from a single
Clean the trowel, shovel, sampler, sieves, and buckets sample unit, additional information needs to be added to the
before the next sample collection. Wipe them with a clean rag, label to identify the sample size fraction (for example, add
paper towel, or laboratory wipe, then remove any particles “<2 mm” or “>2 mm” on the sample label; fig. 1). Holding
stuck within the sieve mesh before washing. The wire brush temperature (T) of samples does not have to be controlled. Air
may be necessary to remove particles from the sieve mesh. dry, inventory, and submit samples to USGS Sample Control
Lastly, rinse equipment with DI water, and completely air (refer to the “Sample Submission” section). Multiple bags
dry before the next sample collection. The wire brush may can be submitted for a single sample; ensure bags are labeled
be used to clean the sieve in between subsample locations if accordingly (for example, “1 of 2” and “2 of 2”).
the mesh is substantially occluded (for example, with clay);
clean in between sample units but not necessarily in between Extra Equipment for Sampling Solids
subsamples.
Even with the best planning possible, it is almost always
necessary to have extra supplies. Extra supplies can include
extra DI water, buckets, shovels, flags, and other supplies to
the extent possible. If multiple sample teams will be sampling
the site, extra sets of all necessary equipment will be needed.
22_ETS_SU1_composite
1 Nov 2022 15:00
<2 mm
EMRI-MWC-YY
Figure 1. Graphic showing an example
sample label for solid composite samples.
Sample labels include the site and
sample unit identification, date and time
of collection, sample size, and project
identification. Nov, November; <, less than;
mm, millimeters.

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Protocols for Water Sample Collection, Preservation, Measurement of Field Parameters and Flow 9
Protocols for Water Sample Collection, Equipment and Preparation
Preservation, Measurement of Field
Parameters and Flow
Personal Protective Equipment
Methods for water sample collection and preservation • Wear clean nitrile or similar laboratory-grade gloves
are derived from the USGS National Field Manual for the when handling equipment that comes in contact with
Collection of Water-Quality Data (Wilde, 2011), specifically sample water and during sample and field parameter
chapters A1 (USGS, 2018), A2 (Wilde and others, 2014), A3 collection.
(Wilde, 2004), A4 (USGS, 2006), A5 (USGS, 2002), and A6
(Nordstrom and Wilde, 2005; USGS, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, • Sunscreen—Some sunscreens contain zinc and titanium
2024). An overview of the sample collection and preservation oxides; avoid using these sunscreens if possible
methods is presented in figure 2. Depending on the type of site during water sampling. If using these sunscreens is not
sampled (for example, pit lake or adit drainage), additional avoidable, be careful about minimizing any possible
equipment may be needed to collect the water sample (for direct contact with equipment without clean gloves.
example, boat, sampling pole, or other equipment). Generally,
• Safety glasses.
water will be extracted by a peristaltic pump and through a
filtration apparatus or directly into a bottle, although alternate • Other PPE may be necessary depending on sample
methods such as syringe filtration are acceptable. When water collection method (for example, if collecting by boat)
samples are collected, also measure field parameters such as and site conditions (for example, flotation devices, eye
pH, T, specific conductance (SC), and optionally dissolved protection, or clothing covering).
oxygen (DO) and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP).
Add 1 mL (1% v/v)
Metals and cations–Raw concentrated Chill on ice
nitric acid
No
filter
Add 1 mL (1% v/v)
Metals and cations–Filtered concentrated Chill on ice
µm
filter
nitric acid
0.45
Add 1 mL (1% v/v)
0.45 µm filter
Precious metals–Filtered concentrated Chill on ice
nitric acid
0.45
µ
m
filter
0.45
µ
Anions–Filtered Chill on ice
m
filter
Alkalinity or acidity–Filtered Chill on ice
Figure 2. Conceptual flow chart of water sample collection and preservation. µm, micrometers; mL, milliliters; %, percent; v/v, volume
per volume.

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10 Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Protocols
Bottle Sets strings of numbers, such as a date, when writing the labels.
The abbreviation for a specific location (in this hypothetical
Each sample collected will be distributed (“split”) into a example, Big Pit Lake [BPL]) may depend on where and how
set of the following 5 bottles: many samples are collected. If sampling multiple locations
• Metals and cations—Two 125 milliliter (mL) at a single large feature, “BPL01” may be used to delineate
acid-washed plastic bottles. specific locations. In all examples, ensure details about the
site, sample location, date, time, and so forth, are clearly
• Precious metals—One 125 mL acid-washed described in the field sheet notes.
plastic bottle.
• Anions—One 125 mL deionized water-rinsed plastic Acid Washing Bottles for Cation and Metal
bottle (not acid washed). Sample Splits
• Alkalinity or acidity—One 125 mL deionized
Acid wash all metals, cations, and precious metals bottles
water-rinsed plastic bottle (not acid washed).
before use. Some laboratory supply companies have the
Label bottles with waterproof labels or laboratory tape. option to purchase precleaned bottles, but precleaned bottles
If labeling bottles with tape, wrap the tape around the entire are not required as long as the bottles can be sufficiently
circumference of the bottle and secure by overlapping to cleaned. Also acid wash a water collection container before
prevent detachment. Waterproof labels can be printed or using. If acid washing bottles, ensure the acid bath is a 10–20
labeled with permanent ink. Uniquely label each bottle with percent reagent grade nitric or hydrochloric acid solution,
the site name, date and time of collection, the analysis, and and the bottles and caps are soaked for at least 12 hours.
associated preservation. It is helpful if the label also indicates Rinse the bottles well and at least three times with DI water
the program (Earth MRI—Mine Waste Characterization) and (for example, 18 megohm-centimeter or similar). Air dry the
State. Add abbreviations for preservation to the sample name bottles in a clean environment (for example, in a laminar flow
according to table 1; for example, label unfiltered metals and hood). Make a fresh acid bath every 6 months.
cation bottles with the suffix “-RA” (raw, acidified), filtered
metals and cations bottles and precious metals bottles with the
Deionized Water Rinse for Anion and Alkalinity or
suffix “-FA” (filtered, acidified), filtered anions bottles with
Acidity Sample Bottles
the suffix “-FU” (filtered, unacidified), and filtered alkalinity
bottles with the suffix “-FALK” (filtered, alkalinity).
Soak anion and alkalinity bottles and caps overnight in DI
In the first example label in figure 3A, the “_001” is
water before use. Some laboratory supply companies have the
added if multiple samples are collected from the same site
option to purchase precleaned bottles, but precleaned bottles
on different days (time series); the second sample could be
are not required as long as the bottles can be sufficiently
indexed to “_002.” In the second example label in figure 3B,
cleaned. Do not acid wash bottles for anion and alkalinity
the time and date are incorporated into the unique ID;
sample splits. Acid washing anion and alkalinity bottles may
however, take care to prevent typographical errors in long
result in erroneous chloride and alkalinity measurements.
Table 1. Overview of bottles, preparation, and preservation for water samples.
[Filtration pore size is 0.45 micrometers (μm). % percent; v/v, volume per volume; “-RA,” raw, acidified; “-FA,” filtered, acidified; °C, degrees Celsius; “-FU,”
filtered, unacidified; “-FALK,” filtered, alkalinity]
Analysis Preparation Preservation Label suffix
No filtration
Metals and cations, raw Acid wash 1% v/v concentrated nitric acid “-RA”
0.45 µm filter
Metals and cations, filtered Acid wash 1% v/v concentrated nitric acid “-FA”
Precious metals Acid wash 1% v/v concentrated nitric acid “-FA”
Anions Deionized water rinse Chill at 4 °C “-FU”
Alkalinity or acidity Deionized water rinse Chill at 4 °C “-FALK”

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Protocols for Water Sample Collection, Preservation, Measurement of Field Parameters and Flow 11
A B
22_EWS_BPL_001-FA EWS_BPL01_20220111_1500-FA
1 Nov 2022 15:00 1 Nov 2022 15:00
EMRI-MWC-YY EMRI-MWC-YY
Metals and Cations Metals and Cations
Figure 3. Example bottle labels for a hypothetical metals and cations sample collected at the
“Example Water Site” from the “Big Pit Lake” in State “YY” on November 1, 2022, at 15:00 hours.
A, An example of a label in which multiple samples could be collected from the same site on
different days. B, A second example of a label that has the date and time included in the sample
name. Nov, November.
Cleaning Pumps and Tubing be rinsed with at least 1 L of sample before sample splits are
collected per the manufacturer’s instructions. Rinse the water
Peristaltic pumps are generally the best option for collection container(s) three times with the sample before
collecting water samples, as long as the height of the pump filling. Rinse and fill a separate container for field parameters
above the waterbody does not exceed the hydraulic head rating at the same time, if in situ (electrodes placed directly into the
of the pump. If the water needs to be pumped to a height that source water) measurements are not possible.
exceeds the pump rating, then an alternate pump will need Additionally, access to water may require a collection
to be considered. Acquire tubing that is compatible with the mechanism such as a dipper sampler (for example, a “bottle on
pump and pump head used, rinse the tubing with DI water, a stick”) which allows for sampling water from a distance as
and air dry completely before sampling. If feasible, have much as 2–3 m. This device is useful at adits, ponds, and pit
tubing dedicated for each site to prevent carryover across sites. lakes where there may not be direct, easy access (for example,
However, if the tubing needs to be reused, rinse the tubing a water tap). There are commercially available dipper
with DI water in the field, if possible, or thoroughly rinse samplers, but homemade samplers are also acceptable. Clean
with sample water before collecting the sample. Do not rinse (acid wash) and change the dipper container between sites.
with sample water if sampling water with low concentrations Reconnaissance and (or) discussion with personnel familiar
immediately following water with high concentrations, or if with the site may be helpful to determine if a dipper or other
the relative concentrations cannot be determined in the field sampling devices are necessary.
based on geochemical context.
Preservation Reagents and Distribution
Filters
Equipment
Preferred filters are clean, unused 0.45 micrometers
Water sample splits have specific preservation
(µm) pore size, high-capacity capsule filters, although other
requirements, illustrated in figure 2 and described in detail in
0.45 µm filtration systems are acceptable. Examples of other
this section.
filters include plate filters, syringe and syringe filters. Prepare
Preservation for samples with the suffix “-FU” and
the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions, if
“-FALK”.—Store the samples in a cooler with ice in the field
applicable. Record the filtration type and membrane material
and during shipping to USGS Sample Control. The samples
on the field sheet.
may be stored on ice or refrigerated in the laboratory after
collection and before shipping.
Water Collection Containers Field preservation for samples with the suffix “-FA”
or “-RA”.—Samples with the “-FA” or “-RA” suffix need
Depending on the site, extra containers to collect raw acidification in the field to preserve the sample for analysis.
samples for filtration or splitting into bottles may be required. Use concentrated (16 molar) high-purity nitric acid (HNO )
3
Containers may be needed if water cannot be directly pumped for preservation. The acid can be added to the sample after
from the source. The container(s) may be a carboy, a large collection, or prewashed bottles with nitric acid preservative
bottle, or other clean (acid-washed) container that can hold added by the bottle manufacturer can be used. If adding the
enough sample to rinse equipment, bottles (as needed), and nitric acid after the sample is collected, use a distribution
collect sample splits. The volume needed for sample collection system that includes either (1) a pipette, clean pipette tips,
will depend upon the type of equipment being used; for and a bottle for acid (Teflon preferred), or (2) a dripper bottle
example, if a capsule filter is being used, use a minimum of a calibrated in the laboratory for how many drops approximately
2.5–3-liter (L) water collection container so that the filter can equals 1 mL of acid.

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12 Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Protocols
Water for Blanks therefore, consider bringing spare electrodes to the field.
Consider measuring ORP and DO (optional parameters) if the
Bring DI water into the field for a field blank. The equipment is available. The following are specific equipment
volume of water will depend on the length of tubing and and supplies needed to conduct the various measurements:
the filtration system used; ensure the volume is sufficient to
• pH
replicate the entire water collection process with DI water,
including rinses and filling a complete bottle set. ◦ pH electrode with appropriate outer filling solution,
if required. A triode (with T) or the ability to
measure T simultaneously with pH on the same
Extra Equipment for Water Sampling
meter (for example, using a thermistor or specific
Even with the best planning possible, it is almost always conductance probe) allows for appropriate T
necessary to have extra supplies. Consider packing at least compensation. An electrode with guards around the
10 percent extra bottle sets, filters, preservation materials (if glass membrane is encouraged but not required.
not using prepreserved bottles), DI water, water collection
◦ Meter to display results.
containers, and other supplies. If the water has a lot of
particulates, additional filters may be needed. For example, ◦ Calibration buffers (a set of at least three, bracketing
if using 33-mm diameter syringe filters, having 5–10 filters the pH of the water to be measured. Buffers can
per sample may be needed. One high-capacity capsule filter is be purchased with pH values of 1.68, 4.01, 7.00,
usually sufficient per site, even with high particulate loads. and 10.01).
◦ A quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC)
Equipment Reuse
check sample (a separate aliquot of a buffer or other
solution of known pH).
Some equipment used for sampling cannot be reused.
Bottles used in bottle sets are single use and will not be ◦ Flask or flow-through cell.
returned. Similarly, all filters are single use and not for use
at multiple sites, across duplicate samples, or on multiple ◦ DI water.
dates. If using a pipette to distribute acid into bottles requiring
◦ Laboratory tissues.
preservation, a single tip can be used to distribute acid into
multiple bottles at a single site as long as the tip does not • Temperature
touch the sample water or a dirty surface. Avoid reusing
pipette tips across sites. ◦ Thermistor or liquid-in-glass thermometer
Some equipment may be reused if cleaned between (nonmercury); specific conductance and pH probes
sites. Items include pump tubing and collection containers. may have a thermistor included and may be used to
If possible, tubing and collection containers dedicated to a measure T.
site are preferable, but thorough DI water and sample rinses
◦ Meter to display results.
between sites may be used if necessary. Bring extra DI water
into the field if rinsing equipment between sites. ◦ Flask or flow-through cell.
◦ DI water.
Field Parameters
◦ Laboratory tissues.
If possible, it is best to measure field parameters in situ.
If in situ measurements are not feasible, a flow-through cell, • Specific Conductance
bottle, or flask may be used. If measuring in situ, place the
◦ Conductivity probe (typically a 1-cm cell width).
probes downstream from where the water sample is being
collected or collect water samples immediately before or after ◦ Meter to display results.
measuring field parameters to prevent contamination. A meter
or meters will be needed to measure the output from each ◦ Calibration standards (typically 500 microSiemens
electrode and perform the calibrations. If carefully selected, per centimeter [µS/cm], 1,413 µS/cm, or 12,900
the same meter may be used for field parameters such as pH, µS/cm, whichever is closest to, and higher than,
T, SC, ORP, and DO (if a probe is used). Alternatively, a sonde the water being measured; 1,413 µS/cm is a typical
with the ability to read the output and perform calibrations calibration standard).
may be used. Consider testing electrodes and meters in the
◦ A QA/QC check sample (a solution of known SC,
office or laboratory before conducting field work to ensure
similar to the expected concentration of water to be
performance and familiarity with the equipment. It is not
measured; may be a separate aliquot of a calibration
uncommon for mine waters to degrade electrode performance;
standard).

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Protocols for Water Sample Collection, Preservation, Measurement of Field Parameters and Flow 13
◦ Flask or flow-through cell. Preservation of Water Samples
◦ DI water. For raw and filtered metals and precious metals samples,
acidify the sample in the field to 1 percent volume per volume
◦ Laboratory tissues.
nitric acid. For example, if a 125 mL bottle is filled to the
• Optional—ORP shoulder and contains approximately 100 mL of sample, add
1 mL of concentrated nitric acid to the bottle. Wear safety
◦ Platinum electrode with associated filling solution. goggles and gloves while acidifying, and shake the bottle
after capping to mix. For anions and alkalinity samples, store
◦ Meter to display results.
filled bottles in a cooler on ice in the field with no additional
◦ ORP check standard (for example, Zobell’s solution preservation. Keep ice and samples in separate sealable plastic
or the manufacturer’s standard). bags to prevent melted ice from contaminating the samples.
◦ Flask or flow-through cell.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control—
◦ DI water. Duplicates and Blanks
◦ Laboratory tissues.
For each sampling event (date), collect at least one
• Optional—DO DI water field blank to test the cleanliness of the sampling
process. Follow the entire sample collection protocol with DI
◦ DO kit that uses colorimetric reagents (for example, water, including rinses and a complete set of sample bottles.
Rhodazine D or Indigo Carmine). Alternatively, a Collect a duplicate sample set at least once per sampling trip
DO meter and probe may be used. or 1 per every 20 sample sites, if more than 20 sample sites are
collected in a single sampling event.
◦ Waste disposal container.
◦ DI water. Sample Handling, Storage, and Shipping
◦ Laboratory tissues.
Clearly label each bottle as described in the “Equipment
and Preparation” section. Group samples of a single analytical
type (for example, alkalinity or precious metals) into a
Water Collection Protocol
sealable bag; bags of samples with mixed analytical types are
not acceptable. Multiple samples may be stored in a single
The following sections describe methodology for
plastic bag as long as they are of a single analytical type, but
collecting, filtering, preserving, and storing water samples.
keep the bag sealed and consider double bagging the samples.
Store samples with caps tightly closed to prevent leakage
Rinsing with Sample and in sealed plastic bags to prevent melted ice or dirt from
contaminating the samples.
Rinse the tubing with sample by pumping water through
Keep anion and alkalinity samples chilled in the field,
the tubing without collecting a sample; the amount of water
during shipment, and when stored in the laboratory. Metals
may depend on the length of the tubing used but should
and precious metals samples may be chilled, but it is not
be approximately 1 L. Similarly, rinse the filter accord to
required. Do not freeze samples at any time. Inventory
the manufacturer’s instructions (for example, at least 1 L
samples before shipping them and submit them to USGS
for capsule filters). Read the manufacturer’s guidance for
Sample Control (refer to the “Sample Submission and
specific filter requirements. The tubing and filter can be
Geochemical Analysis” section).
rinsed simultaneously. Rinse the bottles three times with
sample water before collecting a sample, unless the bottles
Flow and Discharge Measurements
are prefilled with preservative. If a bottle is prefilled with
preservative, fill it with the sample directly without rinsing.
If sampling water that is flowing (for example, from an
adit), measure or estimate the flow or discharge. If the site is
Filtration
managed, the site manager may be able to provide flow data
(for example, a gage, valve, or permanent weir). If so, that
For the raw metals and cations sample, do not filter when
flow data may be used. If no flow data are available, various
collecting the sample. Ensure all other samples go through a
measurement techniques may be used depending on the
0.45 µm filter before collection. Fill the bottles to the shoulder
volume of flow and site characteristics (Science Applications
of the bottle (~100 mL), except alkalinity samples—fill those
International Corporation, 2001). For example, a weir
bottles to the top and leave minimal headspace in the bottle.
(permanent or temporary) or flume may be used for lower

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14 Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Protocols
flow systems, whereas direct flow velocity measurements (for 4. Check the pH of a QA/QC check sample (for example,
example, with an anemometer, propeller, or Doppler flow a different aliquot of a buffer or a solution with known
meter) may be needed for larger flows. Tracer techniques with pH). Ensure it is within 0.05 units of its accepted value.
salts or dyes can also be used. Volumetric flow measurements Record this result on the field sheet. If the QA/QC check
are also acceptable. The choice of method will depend on fails, then repeat the calibration.
expected flow, site conditions, channel geometry, availability
5. Measure the pH of the sample and record the value on
of equipment, and access. If no direct flow data can be
the field sheet.
obtained, make a visual estimate. Regardless of the technique
used, record details of the methodology used on the field sheet.
6. As many as 10 samples may be measured before
remeasuring the QA/QC check sample, fewer than 2
Load Calculations hours have passed, and the pH meter and electrode
have not been moved to a new location. If any of those
Elemental load is a useful expression of how much of a conditions are not met, then repeat steps 4 and 5. It is
particular element is flowing past a point in space as a function acceptable to measure the QA/QC check sample after
of time; load values incorporate concentration and discharge every sample if desired.
information for a flowing water source. Instantaneous load
7. At the end of the sampling day, analyze a final QA/QC
is calculated for a location by multiplying discharge by
check sample according to step 4 and record it on the
constituent concentration. Units are typically expressed in
field sheet.
grams (or kilograms) per day for each element reported.
Calculate the loads and include them in the final report. 8. Store the electrode according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Field Parameters If the pH of the water falls outside of the buffers used for
calibration, note this condition on the field sheets and in the
The following sections describe methods for measuring final data report.
pH, SC, T, ORP, and DO in water samples. It is preferable to measure pH in the field. However, if
it is not possible, an additional sample split may be collected
in a clean bottle by filling the sample to the top of the bottle
pH
and chilling the bottle during transport and storage at the
laboratory. Ensure measurements are made within 48 hours
Measure pH in the field, either in situ or in a flask or
and at room temperature to minimize changes in water
beaker filled with a sample as close to ambient conditions
chemistry. Note if there are visible precipitates or color
as possible. Because pH is T dependent, it is important to
changes in the sample split. Also note this deviation from field
measure T simultaneously with pH and to calibrate at ambient
measurement on the field sheet.
T for automatic T compensation. The following steps are for
calibrating and measuring pH in samples:
1. Attach the electrode to the meter (if not already in Specific Conductance
a sonde) and prepare the electrode according to the
Because SC is highly T dependent, it is important
manufacturer’s instructions.
to measure T simultaneously with SC for automatic T
2. Rinse the pH electrode with DI water and blot dry with compensation. The following steps are for calibrating and
a laboratory tissue when moving the electrode between measuring SC in water samples:
solutions, including buffers and samples, to prevent
1. Connect the SC probe to the meter according to the
cross-contamination.
manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Calibrate on 2 or 3 buffers that bracket the pH of the
2. Rinse the SC probe with DI water and blot dry with
water being sampled. Ensure the calibration buffers are
laboratory tissue in between each solution, including
as close to the same T as the sample as possible. Record
calibration standards, QA/QC check samples,
calibration slope, T, and buffers on the field sheet.
and samples.
Ensure the slope is between 92 percent and 102 percent.
If it is not, repeat the calibration or use a different 3. Many meters and sondes use one-point calibration
electrode. Record the lot numbers and expiration dates of for SC, although some meters allow for multipoint
the buffers on the field sheet. calibrations. Record the calibration standard, T, and
cell constant (one-point calibration) or slope and
intercept (multipoint calibration) on the field sheet.
Calibrations may be performed in the laboratory before
field measurements; if performed in the laboratory, then

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Protocols for Water Sample Collection, Preservation, Measurement of Field Parameters and Flow 15
also record the date of the calibration on the field sheet. 3. Measure the T of the sample when stable and record
Also record the lot number and expiration date of the on the field sheet. If using a flask, observe whether the
calibration standard and QA/QC check sample on the T changes during the pH and SC measurements, and
field sheet. consider refreshing the sample in the flask or setting
the flask in the outflow to prevent warming or cooling.
4. Analyze a QA/QC check sample. Ensure the value is
Alternatively, use a flow-through cell or measure field
within 10 percent of the expected value. If it is not,
parameters in situ to get more accurate measurements.
recalibrate according to step 3.
5. Measure the SC of the sample by allowing the reading
Oxidation-Reduction Potential
to stabilize and record on the field sheet. Be particularly
careful to rinse and avoid contamination if the sample
An optional measurement is ORP, which measures
has a low SC value.
the potential in a water sample across a platinum
electrode, relative to the standard hydrogen electrode.
6. As many as 10 samples may be measured before
ORP measurements are susceptible to several limitations,
remeasuring the QA/QC check sample, fewer than 2
including disequilibrium conditions in the water and slow
hours have passed, and the pH meter and electrode
or low electrochemical response to the electrode surface
have not been moved to a new location. If any of those
for some redox couples. However, in waters with high iron
conditions are not met, then repeat steps 4 and 5. It is
concentrations, such as some mine-affected waters, ORP can
acceptable to measure the QA/QC check sample after
be a valuable qualitative measurement.
every sample if desired.
Measure ORP in the field, either in situ or in a flask or
7. At the end of the sampling day, analyze a final QA check beaker filled with sample as close to ambient conditions as
sample according to step 4 and record it on the last possible. The following steps are for calibrating and measuring
field sheet. ORP in samples:
1. Attach the electrode to the meter (if not already in
8. Store the electrode according to the manufacturer’s
a sonde) and prepare the electrode according to the
instructions.
manufacturer’s instructions (for example, adding filling
It is preferable to measure SC in the field. However, if
solution and wetting the junction). The meter output
it is not possible, an additional sample split may be collected
will typically be in millivolts; if using the same meter
in a clean bottle by filling the sample to the top of the bottle
for multiple measurements, the output setting may need
and chilling the bottle during transport and storage at the
to be adjusted for ORP. Record the electrode and filling
laboratory. Ensure measurements are made within 48 hours
solution details on the field sheet.
and at room temperature to minimize changes in water
chemistry. Note if there are visible precipitates or color 2. Suspend the electrode in the solution, and if using a
changes in the sample split. Also note this deviation from the container, do not let the electrode surface touch the
field measurement on the field sheet. bottom of the container.
3. When moving the electrode between solutions, rinse
Temperature the electrode with DI water and gently blot dry with a
laboratory tissue to prevent cross-contamination, taking
Temperature can be measured using a separate thermistor
care to not scratch the electrode surface.
or thermometer, or more commonly, using the thermistor
incorporated into the SC probe or a pH triode. If measured 4. Check electrode performance using a standardized
with an SC probe or pH triode, record which probe or ORP solution (for example, Zobell’s solution or the
electrode’s T value is being used on the field sheet and use manufacturer’s ORP solution). The ORP solution may
that same source consistently through the sampling program. contain harmful compounds, so dispose of the waste
The following steps are for calibrating and measuring T properly. The expected value of the check solution is
in samples: dependent upon the electrode-filling solution and is T
dependent. It is useful to bring a table of expected values
1. Ideally, verify the thermistor’s T readout in the
(in volts or millivolts) of the check solution with the
laboratory with a certified thermometer or other method
specified electrode and filling solution combination as
of verification (for example, the ice-water method).
a function of T. These tables are usually available in the
Thermistors are generally stable and may only need to be
electrode manual or from the manufacturer. Ensure the
checked as recommended by the manufacturer.
value is ±10 millivolts of the expected value and record
2. If using a separate thermistor or thermometer, rinse the it on the field sheet. The check solution only needs to
probe with DI water and blot dry with laboratory tissue be measured before the first sample of the day, or if the
in between each solution measured. electrode surface shows signs of any visible change
(scratch, tarnish, and so forth), to verify the electrode’s
performance.

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16 Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Protocols
5. Place the electrode in the sample, allow the reading Regardless of which method and manufacturer is chosen
to stabilize, and record the ORP of the sample on the for DO measurements, record the details on the field sheets.
field sheet. ORP measurements may take as much as It is important to measure DO in situ or as close to the source
15 minutes to stabilize, and ensure measurements are water as possible because DO will ingas or degas throughout
done at a constant T. If the reading does not stabilize in time and as the water T changes. Also, relative saturation
15 minutes, record this information on the field sheet. depends upon T and elevation, and it is important that these
parameters are recorded on the field sheet.
6. Clean and store the electrode according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
It is preferable to measure ORP in the field. However, if Field Sheet, Notes, and Observations
it is not possible, an additional sample split may be collected,
stored in a clean bottle, filled to the top of the bottle with
Assign a unique location ID to each site and sample unit
sample water, and chilled during transport and storage at the
(for solid samples). When sampling each location, assign a
laboratory. Ensure measurements are made within 48 hours
different field sheet for each sampling event. The field sheet
to minimize changes to sample chemistry, and do not proceed
may be a digital or hard-copy format. Example field sheets are
if there are visible precipitates or color changes in the sample
given for reference in appendix 1, but any format may be used
split. Record this deviation in the field measurement on the
as long as it includes the following information:
field sheet.
• Site ID and sample unit (if applicable), creating a
unique location ID.
Dissolved Oxygen
• Description of the sample type (for example, tailing
Another optional measurement is DO, which can be composite sample or pit lake water sample).
measured by a colorimetric method (Rhodazine D or Indigo
Carmine) in the field with a commercially available kit or a • Geospatial data (refer to the “Collecting Geospatial
DO probe and meter. The kits rely on reagent ampules that Data” section).
react with sample water to produce a color. The kits may have
• Date and time of sample collection.
a calibration color chart or use a portable spectrophotometer
to convert color saturation in the reacted ampule to a • Sampling staff names.
concentration of DO. It is important that the manufacturer’s
instructions are followed carefully, particularly regarding • Weather conditions at the time of sample collection,
collection requirements and wait times for analysis because and recent weather affecting collection conditions, if
inclusion of atmospheric oxygen can compromise the analysis. applicable.
There are several caveats with this technique that may be
• Other notes and observations.
encountered at mine or mill sites:
• Copper, chromium, and iron can affect the results, • Photograph of the sample site(s). For composite
causing a significant analytical bias; refer to the kit samples, an overview photograph of the site is
manufacturer’s instructions for more details. Although sufficient.
it may not be possible to know in the field whether For water samples, additional information includes the
these elements are present at concentrations that affect following:
the DO results, when the cation results are returned,
• Checklist of splits of samples collected for
the DO data may need to be qualified or discarded if
water samples.
they exceed the method limits for DO.
• Field parameters (pH, T, SC, ORP, and DO) and
• Low pH waters (pH of 2 or less) can compromise the
associated calibration, check standard information,
analysis. Do not report the DO if the pH is low enough
measurement units (as applicable).
to bias the results.
Dissolved oxygen may also be measured by a meter and • Filtration system used.
calibrated DO probe, if available. There are several types of
• Flow measurement technique and source of data.
probes that each have unique maintenance requirements. A
meter and probe setup is more expensive than the colorimetric
method and requires calibration by one of several methods.
In addition, membrane probes may become clogged by
ferric iron precipitates in mine-affected waters and produce
incorrect results.

---

Collecting Geospatial Data 17
Additional Suggested Observations Water—Sampling Locations
There are many additional pieces of useful information Record each water sample location onsite with a GPS,
that can be documented in the field and subsequent laboratory along with the datum used.
notes. Additional information can include observations
regarding the following:
Site and Feature Boundaries—Polygons
• Munsell field soil color and notes on textures for
solid samples. Site boundaries may be determined by the perimeter
of all the mine features, land ownership, or natural features
• Depth of waste piles and method used, if measured in
such as topography. Within a site, there may be one or more
the field.
mine features, including tailings piles, mine workings, mill
• Description of location, type, and extent of workings, pit lakes, adits, waste rock piles, and overburden
efflorescent salts. piles. The perimeter of the mine features that were sampled
is important to measure or estimate. If it is safe, collecting
• Moisture content of solids. waypoints along the perimeter of the mine feature that was
sampled can provide the necessary GIS polygon. Alternatively,
• Vegetation site cover.
current satellite imagery, airborne photography, or other
• Presence of wetlands or pools of water not sampled. current data can be used to estimate the mine feature perimeter
if the method used is documented in the final report. If
• Erosional features. multiple mine features will be sampled at a site, ensure each
feature has a perimeter defined. For flowing adits, a single
• Hardpans.
GPS point of emergence will suffice for the feature location.
• Seeps and description of biofilms, if present.
Volume Estimates of Tailings and Other Mine
• Paste pH.
Waste Piles
• Handheld X-ray fluorescence, if used.
Approaches for estimating volumes and masses of mine
• Additional photographic documentation.
waste piles may vary, particularly with regard to the pile
To prevent data loss, digitally back up field sheets by depth. Waste pile boundary polygons can be combined with
scanning hard-copy sheets or use a separate backup for digital a depth estimate to calculate volume. Additional assumptions
sheets after returning from the field. Digital versions of all about density can be used to estimate mass. Clearly describe
field sheets are part of the final data delivery requirement to the methodology used, including assumptions for estimating
the USGS. volumes of solid piles in the final report.
Volumes of Flowing Adits and Pit Lakes
Collecting Geospatial Data
Use the discharge value at the time of sampling to
Geospatial data include sample unit and subsample calculate the metal loads. If the flow is highly seasonal, any
locations, water sample locations, and site and feature data on seasonal flow variation are useful in refining the
boundaries. load calculations. Discuss this information and methodology
in the final report. For pit lakes, estimate or measure the
volume of water. The data may come from a site manager,
Tailings—Composite Sample Sites
direct measurement by geophysical or remote sensing data, or
estimates based on geospatial data. Discuss this information
Subsample locations can be selected before field work
and methodology in the final report.
using aerial photographs, satellite imagery, or other current
maps. If any deviations are made from the planned locations,
record the actual subsample locations onsite with a GPS, along
with the datum used. If subsample locations are determined
in the field, record all subsample locations onsite. Record
notes on how subsample locations are determined and any
deviations on the field sheets. Document all actual subsample
locations in the final report.

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18 Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Protocols
Sample Submission and Geochemical will result in the immediate destruction or disposal
of samples upon receipt by USGS Sample Control in
Analyses
accordance with USDA guidelines.
5. Package the samples for shipping and make sure each
Geochemical analyses are performed at the USGS
sample bag or container is sealed to prevent spillage,
and USGS contract laboratories. All samples are handled
leakage, and cross-contamination:
and analyzed using the same sample methods to provide an
internally consistent and comparable dataset. Solid samples
A. Consider using hard-sided shipping containers rather
are ground and homogenized before analysis. Water samples
than cardboard boxes. Fill the empty spaces in the
for anions and alkalinity samples have a 30-day holding
shipping container to prevent sample damage during
time from collection to analysis, so timely shipping of these
shipping.
samples is essential for quality analysis.
B. Water samples requiring chilled conditions
(anions and alkalinity samples) need to be shipped
Sample Submission
on ice or with cooling packs in a cooler. Place
ice in leak-proof bags (or double bag) because
As of 2025, samples will be submitted to the USGS
standard commercial bags for ice are not sufficient
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center’s
to prevent melted water from leaking and
Sample Control group (h ttps://www .usgs.gov/ centers/ gggsc/
contaminating samples.
science/a nalytical-c hemistry) using the following process:
1. Email Sample Control at MTSam pleControl @usgs.gov C. Use tape to secure all sides of the shipping container.
specifying “Earth MRI Mine Waste Characterization” to Carefully seal the shipping container openings
obtain the sample submittal spreadsheet and fill out the because rough handling of heavy containers often
spreadsheet. Most spreadsheet fields are completed with causes sealed edges of containers to split open.
drop-down boxes. For those fields without drop-down
D. Do not exceed a total weight of 23 kilograms for
boxes, such as sample comments, additional information
hard-side containers and 15 kilograms for boxes.
less than or equal to 255 characters can be added.
Samples are grouped into jobs that are assigned a unique E. Include a return label if you would like your coolers
identifier by Sample Control. Take note of the following or other shipping containers returned to you.
when submitting samples:
6. Contact USGS Sample Control and confirm the shipping
A. Only one sample media type per job. address before shipping samples. As of 2025, the
following address is where samples are shipped:
B. Maximum of 45 samples per job.
Sample Control
C. All samples in a job are analyzed by the same set of
analytical protocols. U.S.Geological Survey
D. Assign each sample a unique field identifier. Denver Federal Center, Building 20
E. Include a project identifier with each job. Box 25046, MS 973
2. Email the spreadsheet(s) to MTSampleControl@usgs. Denver, CO 80225
gov. Also, print a copy of the submittal spreadsheet for
each job and include it in the shipment of samples (every
box or cooler). If water samples are being shipped, Solid Phase Analyses
place the printed sheet in a sealable bag to prevent water
damage. Solid samples will be crushed, ground, and homogenized
by the USGS before submitting samples to a contract
3. Confirm that the paperwork matches the physical
laboratory for analysis. The methods used by the analytical
samples, including that the sample names in the
laboratories are briefly described in this section.
spreadsheet match the sample labels. If errors are found,
contact Sample Control by email.
Metals and Other Elemental Analyses
4. Prevent the spread of invasive species. Make sure
that the samples are free of roots, seeds, and insects. Cations and metals are measured by preparing the sample
Some samples from certain areas are subject to U.S. using a sodium peroxide fusion method in which samples
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Federal regulations. are fused at 750 degrees Celsius (°C) with sodium peroxide
Failure to follow the required shipping procedures and the fusion cake is redissolved in dilute nitric acid.

---

Summary 19
Sixty-one elements are analyzed in the dissolved fusion cake Aqueous Analyses
by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS)
and ICP optical emission spectroscopy (ICP–OES). Elemental Acidified samples are analyzed by ICP–MS and ICP–
analytes are Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, OES for Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs,
Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Ho, In, K, La, Li, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, Ho, In, Ir, K, La, Li,
Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pr, Rb, Re, S, Sb, Sc, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rb, Re, Rh,
Se, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Ru, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Tm, Ti, Tl, U, V,
Zn, and Zr. Major elements are determined by dissolving the Y, Yb, Zn, and Zr. Anions are analyzed in filtered, unacidified
sample into a lithium metaborate and tetraborate fusion disk samples by ion chromatography. Whether an alkalinity or
and measuring major element oxides by wavelength dispersive acidity titration is performed is determined by the field pH
X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Analytes are Al O , BaO, of the sample. The maximum time that samples can be held
2 3
CaO, Cr O , Fe O , K O, MgO, MnO, Na O, P O , SiO , before analysis (holding time) is 1 year for cations and 30 days
2 3 2 3 2 2 2 5 2
TiO , SrO, V O . Loss on ignition is also measured. Gold, for anions and alkalinity or acidity. The data are qualified
2 2 5
palladium, and platinum are determined by a lead fusion fire when the data are released, if samples are analyzed after their
assay in which the precious metals are separated from the rest holding time has passed.
of the sample in a flux, followed by lead and other base metals
removal. The precious metals are dissolved in aqua regia
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
and analyzed by ICP–MS and ICP–OES. Inorganic carbon
is determined by treating the sample with perchloric acid
In addition to field blanks and duplicates, the USGS will
(HClO ) and measuring the resulting carbon dioxide with an
4 submit additional reference water samples as blind samples to
infrared detector. Total sulfur and total carbon are determined
the laboratory. The performance of the blanks, duplicates, and
by sample combustion and infrared detection of sulfur dioxide
reference material analysis is evaluated and reported to the
and carbon dioxide gas. Mercury is determined by cold vapor
submitter.
atomic absorption spectroscopy. Fluorine is determined by
digestion and measurement with an ion-selective electrode.
Sample Archive
Mineralogy
Solid samples are archived at the USGS Geology,
Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center in Denver,
Mineralogy is determined by powder X-ray
Colorado. Bulk materials (before crushing and grinding;
diffractometry using the spiked Rietveld method (Albinati and
300–500 g) as well as ground and prepared materials
Willis, 2006) by USGS laboratories.
(30–50 g) are archived for future analyses. Water samples are
not archived.
Acid-Base Accounting
Data Reporting
The method used for acid-base accounting is based on
the method developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection
All geochemical data are reviewed and publicly available
Agency (Sobek and others, 1978). A sample aliquot is
through USGS data releases on ScienceBase (https://
subjected to a preliminary fizz test to determine the volume
www.science base.gov/ catalog/ ). The data releases are revised
and concentration of acid needed for the analysis. Another
and released multiple times per year, including all the data
aliquot is reacted with water to measure the paste pH.
collected for mine waste characterization.
Based on this information, the sample is dosed with acid
and backtitrated with a base. From this information, the
neutralization potential (NP), the acid generating potential
(AP), and the net neutralization potential (NNP) can be Summary
calculated.
The U.S. Geological Survey Earth Mapping Resources
Quality Assurance and Quality Control Initiative program created these protocols to standardize
field sampling of mine waste and mine waters carried out
The USGS QA/QC practices include the submission by State geological surveys and cooperators. Methods may
of analytical duplicates and standard reference materials be applied to other applications as appropriate to evaluate
as unknowns to the analytical laboratories for all methods. critical minerals in mine waste. The data provide important
Twenty percent of the submitted samples are analyzed as information that can be used in estimating critical mineral
analytical duplicates. In addition, reference materials similar endowment nationwide.
to the submitted matrix are included as blind samples to the
laboratory. The performance of the duplicates and reference
material analysis is evaluated and reported to the submitter.

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20 Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Protocols
References Cited Smith, K.S., Ransey, C.A., and Hageman, P.L., 2000,
Sampling strategy for the rapid screening of mine waste
dumps on abandoned mine lands: U.S. Geological Survey
Albinati, A., and Willis, B.T.M., 2006, The Rietveld
Open-File Report 2000–16, 9 p., accessed May 2025 at
method, chap. 8.6 of Prince, E., ed., International tables
https://doi.org/ 10.3133/ ofr0016.
for crystallography, v. C of Mathematical, physical and
chemical tables: Dordrecht, Netherlands, Springer, p. Sobek, A.A., Schuller, W.A., Freeman, J.R., and Smith,
710–712, accessed May 2025 at https://doi.org/ 10.1107/ R.M., 1978, Field and laboratory methods applicable to
97809553602060000614. overburdens and minesoils: U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, prepared by West Virginia University and West
Hammarstrom, J.M., Kreiner, D.C., Dicken, C.L., and
Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, Morgantown,
Woodruff, L.G., 2023, National map of focus areas for
W. Va., under grant no. R803508-01-0, 204 p. [Available
potential critical mineral resources in the United States:
from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as report
U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2023–3007, 4 p.,
EPA/600/2-78/054.]
accessed May 2025 at https://doi.org/ 10.3133/ fs20233007.
U.S. Geological Survey [USGS], 2002, Processing of
Hofstra, A.H., and Kreiner, D.C., 2020, Systems-Deposits-
water samples: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of
Commodities-Critical Minerals Table for the Earth Mapping
Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap A5, 166 p.,
Resources Initiative (ver. 1.1, May 2021): U.S. Geological
accessed May 2025 at https://doi.org/ 10.3133/ twri09A5.
Survey Open-File Report 2020–1042, 26 p., accessed May
2025 at https://doi.org/ 10.3133/ ofr20201042. U.S. Geological Survey [USGS], 2006, Collection of
water sampling: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and
Naftz, D., and Walton-Day, K., 2016, Establishing a
Methods, book 9, chap. A4, 166 p., accessed May 2025 at
pre-mining geochemical baseline at a uranium mine near
https://doi.org/ 10.3133/ twri09A4.
Grand Canyon National Park, USA: Geoderma Regional,
v. 7, no. 1, p. 76–92, accessed May 2025, at https://doi.org/ U.S. Geological Survey [USGS], 2018, Preparations for
10.1016/ j.geodrs.2016.01.004. water sampling: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and
Methods, book 9, chap. A1, 42 p., accessed May 2025 at
Nassar, N.T., Brainard, J., Gulley, A., Manley, R., Matos, G.,
https://doi.org/ 10.3133/ tm9A1.
Lederer, G., Bird, L.R., Pineault, D., Alonso, E., Gambogi,
J., and Fortier, S.M., 2020, Evaluating the mineral U.S. Geological Survey [USGS], 2019, Specific conductance:
commodity supply risk of the U.S. manufacturing sector: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 9,
Science Advances, v. 6, no. 8, art. eaay8647, 11 p., accessed chap. A6.3, 15 p., accessed May 2025 at https://doi.org/
May 2025 at https://doi.org/ 10.1126/ sciadv.aay8647. 10.3133/ tm9A6.3.
Nordstrom, D.K., and Wilde, F.D., 2005, Reduction-oxidation U.S. Geological Survey [USGS], 2020, Dissolved oxygen:
potential (electrode method) (ver. 1.2, September 2005): U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 9,
U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources chap. A6.2, 33 p., accessed May 2025 at https://doi.org/
Investigations, book 9, chap. 6.5, 22 p., accessed May 2025 10.3133/ tm9A6.2.
at https://doi.org/ 10.3133/ twri09A6.5.
U.S. Geological Survey [USGS], 2021, Measurement of pH:
Science Applications International Corporation, 2001, U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 9,
Performing quality flow measurements at mine sites: U.S. chap. A6.4, 21 p., accessed May 2025 at https://doi.org/
Environmental Protection Agency, prepared by Science 10.3133/ tm9A6.4.
Applications International Corporation, Idaho Falls,
Idaho, under contract no. 68-C-98-006, 78 p. [Available
from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as report
EPA/600/R-01/043.]

---

References Cited 21
U.S. Geological Survey [USGS], 2023, Guidelines for Wilde, F.D., 2011, Water-quality sampling by the U.S.
field-measured water-quality properties: U.S. Geological Geological Survey—Standard protocols and procedures:
Survey Techniques and Methods, book 9, chap. A6.0, U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2010–3121, 2 p.,
22 p., accessed May 2025 Year, at https://doi.org/ accessed May 2025 at ht tps://pubs .usgs.gov/ fs/ 2010/ 3121.
10.3133/ tm9A6.0.
Wilde, F.D., Sandstrom, M.W., and Skrobialowski, S.C., 2014,
U.S. Geological Survey [USGS], 2024, Temperature: U.S. Selection of equipment for water sampling: U.S. Geological
Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 9, Survey Techniques of Water Resources Investigations, book
chap. A6.1, 14 p., accessed May 2025 at https://doi.org/ 9, chap. A2, 78 p., accessed May 2025 at https://doi.org/
10.3133/ tm9A6.1. 10.3133/ twri09A2.
Wilde, F.D., 2004, Cleaning of equipment for water sampling:
U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water Resources
Investigations, book 9, chap. A3, 68 p., accessed May 2025
at https://doi.org/ 10.3133/ twri09A3.

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22 Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Protocols
Appendix 1. Example Field Sheets
Optional example U.S. Geological Survey Earth Mapping
Resources Initiative mine waste characterization field sheets
for solids and water sampling are available for download at
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255068.

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Publishing support provided by the Science Publishing Network,
Denver and Tacoma Publishing Service Centers
For more information concerning the research in this report, contact
the Center Director, USGS Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry
Science Center
Box 25046, Mail Stop 973
Denver, CO 80225
(303) 236-1800
Or visit Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
website at
https://www.usgs.gov/centers/gggsc

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Campbell
and
others—Earth
Mapping
Resources
Initiative
Protocols—Sampling
Hard-Rock
Mine
Waste
and
Perpetual
Mine
Water
Sources—SIR
2025–5068
ISSN 2328-0328 (online)
https://doi.org/ 10.3133/ sir20255068

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Final 2026 EMRI Mine Waste NOFO G26AS00102.pdf

U.S. Geological Surve y
Notice of Funding Opportunity
Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Mine Waste Cooperative Agreements F Y2026
Funding Opportunity Numb er
G26AS00102

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Table of Contents
BASIC INFORMATION ................................................................................................................ 2
ELIGIBILITY ................................................................................................................................. 3
Cost Sharing Requirement .......................................................................................................... 3
GET READY TO APPLY .............................................................................................................. 3
Required System Registrations ................................................................................................... 3
PROGRAM OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................. 4
Program Goals ............................................................................................................................. 4
Program Description ................................................................................................................... 4
Legislative Authority................................................................................................................. 13
Type of Award .......................................................................................................................... 13
PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION ............................................................................................. 14
Application Content and Format ............................................................................................... 14
Application Documents ............................................................................................................. 14
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES ............................................................. 21
Address to Request Application Package.................................................................................. 21
Submission Dates and Times .................................................................................................... 23
Submission Instructions ............................................................................................................ 24
APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ............................................................................... 24
Eligibility Review ..................................................................................................................... 24
Merit Review ............................................................................................................................. 24
Review and Selection Process ................................................................................................... 25
Risk Review .............................................................................................................................. 26
AWARD NOTICES...................................................................................................................... 26
POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION ............................................... 26
Administration and National Policy Requirements ................................................................... 26
Reporting ................................................................................................................................... 29
General Information ...................................................................................................................... 33
Summary ................................................................................................................................... 33
Award Information........................................................................................................................ 33
Key Dates ...................................................................................................................................... 34
Eligibility Information .................................................................................................................. 34
Additional Information ................................................................................................................. 34
Page 1 of 35

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BASIC INFORMATION
Announcement Type:I nitialFunding Opportunity Number: G26AS00102Assistance Listing
Number(s): 15.073Estimated Total Program Funding: $5,000,000Expected Number of
Awards: 14Award Ceiling: $356,000Award Floor: $3,000
The approximate range for an individual award is a minimum of $3,000.00 up to a maximum of
$356,000.00. In some circumstances, funding may be less than $3,000.00 or more than
$356,000.00 .
Cost Sharing Required?
No
Closing Date Explanation
Proposals received after the deadline wilNl OT be considered for an award .
The earliest project start dates will be after the USGS receives its FY2026 BIL funding, or July
15, 2026, whichever is later. The latest start date is September 30, 2026. All deliverables are due
90 days following end of agreement performance pe riod.
Maximum award period is 24 mont hs.
OMB Control Number: 1028-0133
Have Questions?
For NOFO/financial assistance questions contac t:
Margaret Eastma n
(703) 283-9642
Email: Margaret_eastman@ios.doi.g ov
For program administration assistance, contact :
Tina Hamalak
(703) 648-6312
Email: thamalak@usgs.go v
For questions about the MR-EParth MRI, contact the general Earth MRI email box,
earthmri@usgs.go, vor Tina Hamalak, MRP Program Analytshta, malak@usgs.go. v
For Grants.gov technical registration and submission, downloading forms and application
packages, contact :
Grants.gov Customer Supp ort
Telephone: -1800-518-4726
Email: Support@grants.go v
Page 2 of 35

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Executive Summary
Proposals are being accepted by the Mineral Resources Program (MRP), Earth Mapping
Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) for State geological survey Mine Waste activities. Funds are
made available to participating State geological surveys for activities fogc ouns imnine waste
inventory and characterization data compilation and acquisition, sampling and mapping efforts in
support of ongoing Earth MRI efforts. State geological surveys may also apply for travel funds
to the annual 2026 Earth MRI workshop. In FY2 62,0 approximately $5M is available for
allocation to USGS Mine Waste cooperative agreements through a competitive proposal process.
All MRP funds must be obligated by Sep 30, 202 6.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible Applicants
State governmen ts
Additional Information on Eligibility
Only State geological surveys are eligible to apply to this Notice of Funding Opportunity under
the – Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law:- 5181,7 Sec. 40201). A university
may submit a proposal on behalf of a State geological surveyS ift athtee geological survey is
organized under a state university system. If a State geological survey is overdue on deliverables
or progress reports on ANY previous or ongoing Earth -MfuRnIded agreements at the time of
proposal submission, proposal may no tc obnesidered for funding .
Cost Sharing Requiremen t
Cost Sharing Required?
No
GET READY TO APPLY
Required System Registration s
Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration
Before applying, alal pplicants except individuals applying as a natural permsouns t be
registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique
Entity Identifier (UEI).
The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not
already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possi b le.
To register in SAM.gov, go to theS AM.gov website and use the available resources to
complete registratio n.
• Financial assistance registrant smust review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov
“Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.
• Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that
your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is
complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you
have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you
need, including during renewal.
Page 3 of 35

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• Need help? For additional information and contact information on SthAeM .gov Help
page .
Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.
GRANTS.GOV
This program accepts applications throuGgrha nts.gov so once you receive your UEI return to
Grants.gov tor egiste rwith Grants.gov. Please allow 30 days to register and set up a Workspace
in Grants.gov. SeSe ubmission Instruction ssection below for additional detai ls.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Program Goals
• Research for mineral resources, with a focus on critical minerals as defined by the USGS
in the 2025 List of Critical Minerals, to support improved characterization of mineral
resources in the United States.
(https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/201215/0/7/2025-19813/fina-l2025-list-of-
critical-minerals) .
Program Description
Guidelines and Requirement s
The following guidelines and requirements are provided to help the state geological surveys
submit a strong, competitive proposal. The membership of the Review Panel will change from
year to year, and applicants should not assume that reviewers willly b aew fualre of relevant
previous work. Following these guidelines will allow the Review Panel to assess the proposed
projects efficiently and effectively .
• Provide a clear justification for proposed mine waste activities. Explain how the results of
the project meet the priorities of the program, applicant’s organization, benefit
stakeholders, and society. Please be specific and provide exa mples.
• Request funding for one, two, and/or three Program Priorities: Priority 1) national mine
waste inventory; Priority 2) mine waste characterization, and Priority 3) travel to the
annual Earth MRI workshop. All three priorities are independent of each other.
• Describe the project and the process expected to be followwoerkdf l(ows, including
methods and level of effor)t to complete the required objectives. If proposing multiple
activities to complete the project, clearly state the work that will be accomplished for
each activity. Please note that if reduced funds are awarded, the scope of work may
require modification .
• Briefly describe previous work or pilot projects that have informed estimates of the level
of effort and/or expertise needed to successfully complete the proposed work. If a state
survey has ongoing Earth MRI mine waste agreements or previously comprolejetecdts p,
then please describ e.
• A Data Management Plan (DMP) must be provided to conform with the Executive Order
of February 22, 2013, “Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific
Research”. An example template is found in Attachme nt C.
Page 4 of 35

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• State matching funds are not required .However, if as tate geological survey would
like to leverage matching funds, please specify in the Budget (for example, list any match
and make note of -inkind support if provided). Priority activities must be budgeted
separately and within the itemized budget for thraiotr Pity. Review and verify budget
numbers prior to proposal submission.
• Include descriptions of project personnel and their experience and skills relevant to
completing the proposed tasks. Extended supervisory hours performed by senior staff or
other management activities for which funding is requested must be well jusFtiofire d.
each staff member give a brief statement of their background or curriculum vita (CV) and
indicate whether the person works for the state geological survey or elsewhere (contractor
or volunteer). (CVs do not count toward the proposal page limit, ebaust ep lkeep each
CV to a 2-page limit) .
• Nonexpendable equipment funding requests are acceptable if the equipment is reasonable
and necessary for the successful completion of the work funded by the MRP. A full
justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote are required for any proposed eqt uipmen
purchase. If no justification is included the cost will be disallowed. MRP will not fund
computers, database software systems, or equipment required for an organization’s IT
infrastructure, operation, and maintenance. Funding requests for softwaree malaloyw bed
if prorated for the proposed work and a quote is prov ided.
• Non-allowable expenses under this opportunity include tuition, computer maintenance or
travel to any other conference or workshop except the Earth MRI workAswhoaprd. ed
funds may not be used to pay for USGS or other Federal servic es.
• If collaborating with staff from partner agencies (for example, universities), or
contractors please detail their roles and project hours as funded through the proposal or as
representing optional state matching fun ds.
• If a state geological survey is overdue on deliverables or progress reports on ANY
previous or ongoing Earth MR-fuInded agreements at the time of proposal submission,
the proposal may not be considered for fund ing.
• Begin submitting proposals to Grants.gov well in advance of the due dnaote la ates
submissions will be accepte.d See Submission Requirements and Deadlines for more
information on proposal submissio n.
Please contact the Contracting Officer, Margaret Eastm(mana rgaret_eastman@ios.doi.g) owvith
any questions. However, questions specific to what will or will not be funded cannot be
addressed .
Program Priorities
PLEASE NOTE: Proposals that do not specifically address Earth MRI mine waste fiscal year
(FY) 2026 priorities willN OT be considered for an awa rd.
A proposal must address at least one of three FY 2026 mine waste priorities and describe
activities accordingly. States that have received funding via this opportunity in previous years
may request new funding as long as the proposed project scopeo froitry P1r iand/or Priority 2 is
different. It is possible for proposed projects to receive reduced or no fu nding.
FY 2026 Priority 1 – National Mine Waste Inventory
Page 5 of 35

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One goal of the USGS mine waste effort is to build a national mine waste inventory that will
support other state, federal, and tribal agencies that are responsible for land management
planning and remediation decisions. Mine wastes at legacy mine sites are potential sources of
many by-product commodities that are currently critical but that were previously discarded or
overlooked. To date, there has been no comprehensive inventory of these mine wastes, their
compositions, and the critical minerals they may contain. The inventory will be developed in
conjunction with stakeholders to answer outstanding questions including:
• How many mine waste sites are there in the United States, and where are they located?
• How much material is available that may contain critical mineral resources, and what is
the tonnage and grade of that material?
• What are the characteristics of that material (geological, geochemical, mineralogical) that
may influence recovery of the commodities of interest and environmental impacts?
In FY 2026, state geological surveys may request funding up to $50,000.00 to compile and
populate an ArcGIS geodatabase documenting the location of mine waste materials within the
applicant’s state. The database should also include associated geology and known (identified)
resources of those mine waste features. Note that perpetual waters are excluded. The 2025 List of
Critical Minerals includes minerals that were not included on the previous list, including
metallurgical coal and uranium. Waste materials from these, as well as from all other critical
minerals, may now be included. To qualify for entry into the database, mine waste features must
have an areal extent exceeding 2,000 m2.
The database consists of two feature classes: points and polygons; and three tables: geology,
resources, and references (see Attachment_Figures1and2). Records must be populated according
to the schema provided in the Inventory Supporting Documentation
(USGS_mine_waste_dd_ver_6.5.xlsx and USGS_mine_waste_ver_6.5.gdb). All populated
records must be based on data available in the public domain, though the materials are not
required to be peer-reviewed. The submitted database must include appropriate citations and
references for all data used. Examples of acceptable public-domain sources include, but are not
limited to, journal articles, theses, dissertations, state and federal agency publications, corporate
technical reports, and newspaper articles. The type of mine waste feature (e.g., mine dump,
tailings – placer, etc.) must already be documented in a publicly available source before
submitting to USGS. The polygon outline should be refined by using remote-sensing data (e.g.,
satellite imagery) and/or digital elevation data (e.g., lidar). USGS will provide training on how to
capture features and attribute records. Funding for field work may not be requested under
Priority 1.
See Attachment Figures_1 and2F. igure 1 is the entity relation diagram showing the structure
of the mine waste database. Figu r(en o2t to scale) shows the relationships between a site and
mine features and provides information about populating records at the site and featu re level.
Priority 1 activities include the followin g:
• State compilation of mine waste dat.a Compile geospatial data from the applicant’s
state that includes the location, geology, and resources of mine waste features using
existing publicly available data. All data must be entered into the schema provided by the
USGS’s mineral deposit databapsreo ject (USMIN). To assist state agencies in populating
Page 6 of 35

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the database, USMIN will provide training and collaborate closely with participants as
outlined below:
1. USMIN will provide the ArcGIS database schema and documentation
(USGS_mine_waste_dd_ver_6.5.xlsx and USGS_mine_waste_ver_6.5.gdb,
which are included in Inventory Supporting Documentation), along with training
materials. USMIN will meet with state agencies to provide instruction on how to
populate records. Initially, each state will be asked to populate records for five
mine waste features and submit them to USMIN for review. The USMIN team
will evaluate those records and provide detailed feedback to ensure correct
formatting and data capture practices. This early review is intended to resolve
questions and issues before significant time and resources are invested.
2. After receiving feedback on the initial five records, states will proceed to populate
records for 20 additional mine waste features. These records will also be reviewed
by the USMIN team with feedback provided in the same manner as the initial
review.
3. States will incorporate USMIN’s feedback and continue populating records for
additional mine waste features beyond the initial 25 records. Proposals must
specify the minimum number of records the state expects to complete. To be
eligible for full funding, at least 100 records must be captured: the initial 25
records plus 75 additional records. Partial funding may be considered for states
that cannot meet the 100-record minimum. In such cases, states should indicate
the number of records they plan to complete and request a corresponding partial
funding amount. The count refers to individual mine waste features, not distinct
mine sites.
Deliverables for Priority 1 include:
• A minimum of 100 populated records, or the number of records proposed for partial
funding, completed in accordance with the USMIN training and according to the quality
control steps.
• All records must incorporate the QA/QC feedback provided by USMIN.
• All records are to be submitted as a single ArcGIS file geodatabase to
USMIN@usgs.gov.
• Brief (1-2 pages) progress reports every six months for the duration of the project.
• A brief (1-2 pages) report describing the process and summarizing what was submitted is
required upon project completion. This information can be incorporated in the Final
Technical Report.
• All Earth MRI deliverables, including reports, will be made available to the public.
FY 2026 Priority 2 – Mine Waste Characterization
The USGS mine waste characterization effort will evaluate mine waste sites that potentially
contain critical mineral resources. These sites may also be candidates for remediation, which
would foster economic development in conjunction with environmensttaol rraetion. Whether
mine waste is a potential resource, an environmental liability, or both will depend heavily on the
geochemical and mineralogic characteristics of the mine waste materials. In addition, data
collected on the compositional characteriza toiof nmine waste may inform future technologies to
Page 7 of 35

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more efficiently reprocess mine waste for extraction of critical minerals. This information will be
useful for accounting for the total costs and benefits of reuse, recycling, reprocessing,
reclamation, and restoration of ecosystem services. Basic datasets produced by this request will
contribute to improved models of critical mineral resources in mine waste and will also improve
the understanding of the environmental risks posed by mine wastes. This effort will inform the
USGS National Mine Waste Inventory and government-wide strategies for supporting critical
mineral supply chains as well as remediation of legacy mine lands.
Areas across the United States with the potential to host both subsurface and surface deposits of
critical mineral resources are categorized by mineral systems, deposit types, and known and
potential critical mineral commodities. The mineral systems classification documents the
relationship between large mineral systems that may contain multiple deposit types and the
mineral commodities, including critical minerals, associated with each deposit type (Hofstra and
Kreiner, 2022). Earth MRI takes a mineral systems approach for data collection efforts for both
above-ground and below-ground critical mineral resources. The mineral systems linkage to a
specific mine waste site should be based on the mineral deposit type of the orebody that sourced
the mine waste.
The goal of Priority 2 is to characterize mine waste. Ideally, geochemical characterization will
augment mine waste inventory sites covered under Priority 1, but having a Priority 1 record is
not a prerequisite for selecting a Priority 2 site. Priority 2 projects will focus on field-based
characterization of mine waste volume estimates, geochemical composition, bulk mineralogical
composition, and contained mineral commodities. Mine water may additionally be included if it
represents a water source that may need treatment in perpetuity, or if the state has interests
related to overall site remediation at a site being evaluated primarily for mine waste resource
potential.
The USGS has developed mine waste site characterization and sampling protocols to guide this
effort under Priority 2 (Campbell and others, 2025). The protocols, in general, follow well-
established methods for geospatial mapping and common features to support the inventory effort
as well as standardized sampling methods to characterize mine waste composition for a variety
of mine waste types. For example, sampling of solid waste material will emphasize collection of
individual sub-samples that are composited to achieve representative samples that will help to
characterize waste piles. Priority 2 requires as a minimum one composite sample of each waste
pile investigated, collected following prescribed protocols. A limited latitude to collect an
additional number of grab samples of mine waste to address scientific interests of states will be
permitted. Drilling, where possible, is encouraged but not required. Water sampling protocols
will follow USGS approved methods outlined in the USGS sampling protocols including details
of sample containers, filtration, sample preservation, and holding times, and other sampling
requirements (Campbell and others, 2025).
In FY2026, state geological surveys may request funding up to $300,000 for mine waste
characterization efforts. States are required to indicate the specific mineral system(s), their
component mineral deposit types, particular critical mineral commodities of interest, and
expected mine waste type(s) in their proposed efforts. If additional non-critical commodities are
also present, then please identity those commodities as Swtaetlle. s are required to
acknowledge awareness of the protocols by including descriptions of their planned sample
methodologies and equipment requirements as per the protoco lPsl.ease note that teams of
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two to three people at a minimum are recommended to carry out sampling according to the
protocols. S tates are also required to indicate specific sites for sampling, provide
documentation that they have permission to access and sample these sites, and describe
types of mine waste expecte d.
Geochemical Analyse s
The USGS will support projects under Priority 2 by providing geochemical analyses on samples
collected from mine waste materials. Because all data funded through Earth MRI must meet
USGS quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) standards and be madce, pthueb lUi SGS has
set aside funds to provide specific geochemical analyses at no additional cost to the state
geological surveys. The types of analyses to be supported by USGS are the fo llowing:
USGS Solid phase analysis: $401.00 per sam ple
Bulk geochemistry :
• 61-element major and trace element fusion-digestion with analysis by inductively
coupled plasma (ICP) optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and mass spectrometry
(ICP-MS). Elemental analytes are Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu,
Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Ho, In, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pb,
Pr, Rb, Re, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn,
and Zr.
• Major elements by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF). Analytes are
Al O , BaO, CaO, Cr O , Fe O , K O, MgO, MnO, Na O, P O , SiO , TiO , SrO, V O ,
2 3 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 5 2 2 2 5
and Loss on Ignition (LOI)
• Fluorine by digestion and ion-selective electrode
• Gold, palladium, platinum by fire assay
• Total sulfur, total carbon, organic carbon, and carbonate carbon by combustion and
coulometry
• Mercury by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry
Mineralogy:
• Quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD), limited to the composited solid samples.
Water-rock interaction:
• Acid-base accounting by the Lawrence Method
USGS water chemistry analysis: $296.00 per samp le
Composition:
• Major and trace element chemistry
Major anions (ion chromatography)
o
Cations and trace elements, including precious metals (ICP-OES/ICP-MS).
o
Analytes include Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy,
Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, Ho, In, Ir, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb,
Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rb, Re, Rh, Ru, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th,
Tm, Ti, Tl, U, V, Y, Yb, Zn, and Zr.
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Alkalinity/acidity
o
Please note: The analytical packages are non-negotiable. USGS will not exclude any elements
from the analyses described above and cannot accommodate individual requests to do so from
state geological surveys, landowners, companies, etc.
States are responsible for providing and budgeting for all sampling equipment, sample
containers, and shipping to meet the requirements of the protocols. For water samples, multiple
sample splits will be required to accommodate preservation and analysis requirements. Details
on sample volumes, number of sample splits, materials, equipment, sample duplicates, and
preservation requirements are provided in the USGS protocols, and necessary sampling supplies
needed for solid and/or water sampling should be reflected in the budget.
As part of the analytical service, the USGS will provide additional QA/QC on samples and
archive the solid phase samples. The data will be published and combined into the periodic
USGS mine waste data releases listed on the Earth MRI website. Please note, mine waste
sample analysis takes longer than usual due to the large number of methods that are run on the
samples. Upon receipt of samples, returned results may take about 12-20 weeks, so please plan
work accordingly. If a state geological survey chooses to perform additional analyzes as part of
the proposed project beyond what is provided in the standard analytical package, costs for these
additional analyzes must be included in their project budget. Although all Earth MRI data will
become publicly available on-line, any non-contract geochemical data must be flagged as
“unvalidated by the USGS”. Please note, that funds given to the states through Earth MRI are
prohibited from being used to fund analytical work at or by any Federal facility.
Each project is limited to a total analytical budget of $70,000, which is not included in, but is in
addition to the $300,000 project budget cap. The project scope will determine the distribution of
solid samples ($401 per sample) and water samples ($296 per sample) submitted to the USGS
for analysis, as long as the total cost does not exceed the analytical budget maximum. If,
however, a state can sufficiently justify needs for additional samples above the analytical budget
maximum of $70,000, Earth MRI will consider this request, and states should provide request
and justification in the proposal. The analytical budget does not include sampling equipment,
sample containers or shipping to the USGS; these costs must be included and described in the
project budget. Proposals should include a projection of the number of samples and sample type
(solid or water) to be collected. Please also include in analytical estimates the requirements for
field blanks and field duplicates for QA/QC as described by Campbell and others (2025) with the
following frequency:
• Solid samples: 1 duplicate per 10 samples, or at least one per sampling event, if less than
10 samples collected per event.
• Water samples: 1 field blank and 1 field duplicate per 20 samples, or one blank and one
duplicate per sampling event, if less than 20 samples collected per event.
Project proposals for Priority 2 must discuss the following :
• Expected mineral system(s), deposit type(s), and critical mineral commodities expected
in the waste, based on mine history, previous analyses, mineral system and/or deposit
type processed. For clarity, please include a table summarizing the namesp olaf nsniteesd
for sampling, mineral system and deposit type, types of mine wastes present, and
expected associated critical miner als;
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• Size of the resource: the features should be large enough to contribute to the national
assessment objectives stated above;
• Accessibility to the sites: proposed sites (active, managed, and/or abandoned) must be
safely and legally available for sample collection. The state is responsible for securing
access to sites in their project at the time of proposal submission. States are responsible
for:
identifying, understanding and following all rules, laws, regulations and other
o
protocols relevant to the site including but not limited to environmental
protection, health, and safety.
obtaining and coordinating access to the site with the relevant landowner(s), land
o
management authority(ies), and/or leaseholder(s)/claim holder(s).
The status of specific site access must be described in the proposal, and letters of support
from cooperators, land managers, tribal partners, and/or landowners are encouraged;
• Mine Waste material type: Primary emphasis will be on tailings, slag, ore stockpiles, and
perpetual water sources as target materials for FY26; material types may be expanded in
subsequent years. Perpetual water sources are those that are long-lived, such as adit flows
or pit lakes.
• Geochemical analysis of radioactive samples is limited to materials that measure <7,000
microuR/hr. If states anticipate collecting materials that exceed this threshold, those
materials may not be submitted to USGS and must be analyzed by a suitable external lab
and discussed and budgeted according ly.
The FY2026 Priority 2 data collection efforts/deliverables shall inc lude:
• Geospatial data including waste feature boundaries that are compatible with the Priority 1
Inventory database and sample locations (latitude/longitude with defined datum) that link
to National Geochemical DatabasNea (tional Geochemical Database | U.S. Geological
Survey (usgs.gov. )
• Volume and load estimates. Approaches for estimating volumes and masses of mine
waste piles and volumes of pit lakes may vary, particularly with regards to the vertical
dimension. Similarly for mine adit discharge waters, seasonal flows of mine effluye nt ma
factor into load estimates. An estimate of discharge at the time of sampling should be
made so that volume and load estimates can be made for adits; direct measurement does
not need to be made if estimates can be obtained with other data (such ags edsis char
measured by site managers). However, please clearly describe the methodology for solid
piles and water (if collected) in the final rep ort.
• Geochemical (solid and water) data will be released by USGS in USGS data releases and
used in the interpretive report published by the s tate.
• Resource estimate of contained critical minerals and other potential comm odities.
• Brief (1-2 pages) progress reports every six months for the duration of the p roject.
• Final interpretive report, including methods and data sets used for calculating volume and
resource estimates. Report must include site description, interpretation, geospatial data on
waste piles and other sample sites, and mine waste inventory datma pfoler ss asites.
Report must be provided as a p-ereevriewed state publication or similar p-ereerviewed
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product. Note: Published final interpretative report is separate and in addition to the Final
Technical Report.
• Digital archive of field sheets.
• All Earth MRI deliverables shall be made available to the public.
• Once Priority 2 data are publicly available, they shall be submitted to USGS for inclusion
in the National Mine Waste Inventory in a similar manner as described under Priority 1.
If funded for Priority 2 activities, USGS will provide in person training on the USGS protocols
and sampling strategies, which must be followed for all sampling efforts (Campbell and others,
2025). USGS will coordinate with the project principal investigator (PI) to determine timing and
location of training, which will occur at a mine waste site identified by the state for Priority 2
activities. The state must be prepared to start sampling during the training session. No additional
resources will need to be allocated for training as training efforts will contribute to Priority 2
activities. Repeat State awardees with the same project PI may not require additional training.
To aid in proposal writing, a copy of the USGS sampling protocols is included in the supporting
documents (Campbell and others, 2025; see Attachment H).
FY 2026 Priority 3 – Earth MRI Workshop
An annual Earth MRI workshop is held in collaboration with the state geological surveys and
other partners to help define and evaluate focus areas, or areas that have the greatest need for
future Earth MRI data collection. The Earth MRI workshops bringe tthoegr technical experts
from across the USGS and state geological surveys and other agencies to assess and discuss data
and information relevant to the identification of focus areas across the Nation with potential for
hosting critical mineral deposits. eT hworkshops will address both subsurface and a-bgorovuend
(mine waste) critical mineral resources. The September 2026 workshop is planned to be hybrid,
with both in-person and virtual participation for those not able to travel to the me eting.
Mine waste efforts will be a component of future Earth MRI annual workshops, which will
require state geological survey input to help define mine waste sites within each state that are
important targets for Earth MRI inventory and characteriza tion.
State representatives may participate in the workshop to help Earth MRI understand the national
scope of Earth MRI mapping efforts, including mine waste, and help delineate the focus areas for
future above- and below-ground data collection. The USGS wsiull pport travel for up to two
participants per state, up to $3,000 in total costs (direct) per participant to attend the workshop.
All requests for workshop travel funds will be granted up to a total of $6,000 direct costs (for
two travelers), regardless wofhether funds for other proposed mine waste activities are
requested. Requests for Priority 3 funds are not competitive and will not be subjected to panel
review. The next workshop will be held Septembe-r2 251, 2026, at the USGS headquarters in
Reston, VA.
The total for Priority 3 including potential travel to critical minerals workshop shall not exceed
$6,000.00 in direct costs. To obtain funds to support travel to the Earth MRI Critical Mineral
Resources Workshops, states m ust:
1. Request MRP Earth MRI fund s,
2. Provide travel estimates in the budget table (Attachmen t B),
3. Specify travelers’ names, a nd
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4. If funds are awarded for Priority 3, States are required to use them on travel to the Earth
MRI workshop only.
Legislative Authority
The USGS Mineral Resources Program (MRP) delivers unbiased science and information to
increase understanding of ore formation, mineral resource potential, production, consumption,
disposal, and how minerals and mineral extraction interact with the enveinrot.n MmRP conducts
data collection and research on a wide variety of mineral resources that are important to the
Nation’s economy and national secur ity.
The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MhRttIp; s://www.usgs.gov/spec-iatolpics/earth-
mri), a component of MRP, is a national effort to carry out the fundamental resources and
mapping mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The goal of Earth MRI is to modernize
the surface and subsurface geologic mapping of the United States, withs ao nfo icduentifying
areas that may have the potential to contain critical mineral resources. Earth MRI was
established in FY2019 in response to Executive Order 13817 ("A Federal Strategy to Ensure
Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals") and aulspop osrts Executive Order 14017
(“America’s Supply Chains”). In FY2022, thInef rastructure Investment and Jobs A(IcIJtA)
funded Earth MRI efforts related to critical minerals, including specific direction to: “accelerate
efforts to carry out the fundamental resources and mapping mission of the United States
Geological Survey b—y (1) providing integrated topographigce, ologic, geochemical, and
geophysical mapping; (2) accelerating the integration and consolidation of geospatial and
resource data; and (3) providing interpretation of subsurface and- garboouvned mineral resources
data.”
The IIJA further provides for this work to be accomplished through cooperative agreements with
state geological survey s.
This funding opportunity implements the ab-ogvreound portion of the IIJA direction by
supporting state geological surveys in coordinated activities to map, inventory, characterize, and
assess the potential for critical minerals in mine w aste.
Type of Award
Projects will be funded through CA (Cooperative Agreem ent).
Recipient should expect the Federal agency to have substantial involvement in the project.
The Cooperative Agreements with state geological surveys will involve regular contact and
interaction with the staff of the USGS Mineral Resources Program (MRP) Earth MRI over the
duration of the project. The recipient will have scheduled meetings withS U sSciGentists
working on the mine waste sampling, characterization, data gathering and acquisition and other
activities in support of USGS mine waste research efforts. This interaction will ensure that there
is a uniformity to the properties listed and tthhaet final submission will fit the format of the data
requirements. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, the recipient will
provide USGS with progress reports every six months. There will also be meetings among the
entire group ofc ooperators for this project to unify data collection and sampling protocols
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between state geologic surveys and USGS. This will include email, conferencing platforms, and
scheduled meetings between the project chief and staff at the state agencies and the USGS.
PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION
Application Content and Format
Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below.
Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided Sinu bthmei ssion
Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the
form instructions on thGe rants.gov Forms Reposito. r y
Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requiremen t
SF-424, Application for Federal Assistan ce
Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Fed
funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electro
Required from all applican ts
equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form a
represents their certification of the statementAsp inp endix A to
43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbyin g
Required for no-nconstruction
SF-424A, Budget Information– Non-Construction Program s
projects
Required for construction
SF-424C: Budget Information– Construction Program s
projects
SF-429 (Cover Page & Attachment B), Request to Acquire,
Improve, or Furnish Real Prope rty
Required if requesting to
Note: The SF-429 forms are only available in thGer ants.gov acquire, improve, or furnish
Forms Repositor.y Applicants must download the form and real property .
include the completed form as an application attachm ent.
Required if requesting more
than $100,000 in Federal
funds and the applicant has
used or plans to use funds
SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activitie s
other than Federal
appropriated funds for
lobbying related to the
proposed projec t.
Project Abstract Summary (OMB 40-400019). Must include, in
plain language :
• Award purpose , Required from all applican ts
• Activities to be performe d,
• Expected deliverables or outcom es,
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Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requiremen t
• Intended beneficiarie s,
Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of aw ar
DOI Research and Development (R&–D C) urrent and Pending
(Other) Suppor t
Note: This form is available on thDeO I website. Applicants Required for research projec
must download the form and include the completed form as
application attachmen t.
DOI Research and Development (R&–D B) iographical Sketc h
Note: This form is available on thDeO I website. Applicants
Required for research projec
must download the form and include the completed form as
application attachmen t.
Project Narrative
Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form- 4(S24F,) Application for Federal
Assistance. The required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov.
The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance must be complete, sigannedd d, ated. Do not
include any proprietary or personally identifiable information. Please note: Enter only the
amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on- t4h2e4 S F
Application form. Include any other Federal sources of ifnugn din the “Other” box and provide
details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see
the “Budget Narrative” section below ).
Applicants must submit the appropriate- 4S2F4 Budget Information form and Budget Narrative.
Applicants must complete and submit the- 4S2F4A, “Budget Information for No-nConstruction
Programs” form. All of the required application forms are available twhiisth a nnouncement on
Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost
principles in 2 CFR 200 .
All proposals must include the following docume nts:
1. Standard Form 424. Application for Federal Assistance (mandatory form provided in
grants.gov). The person who electronically submits th-e4 2S4F must have the authority to
bind the state to the terms of the assistance a ward.
2. Standard Form 424A. Budget Informati–o nN on-Construction Programs (mandatory
form provided in grants.gov ).
3. Standard Form 424B. Assuranc–e Ns on-Construction Programs (mandatory form
provided in grants.gov ).
4. Project Abstract Summar y.
In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memora-n2d1a-2 M0
and M-22-02, Federal agencies are now required to provide complete and accurate
financial assistance award descriptions within USAspending.gov. As such, the
Department of then Iterior is requiring its bureaus and offices to provide a Project
Abstract Summary for all financial assistance awards in the following forDmOa tN (OT
WRITE IN PARAGRAPH FORM. SUMMARY MUST INCLUDE BULLET
TITLE AND RESPONSE):
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• Include a plain language description Award purpose (avoid acronyms or Federal or
agency-specific terminology);
• Activities to be performed;
• Deliverables and Expected Outcomes;
• Intended beneficiary(ies) as well as
• Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award
Project Abstract Summary character limitation as 1 page or less (no more than ~4000
characters) and use of 12 pt. font and Times New Roman is recommTehnidse adb. stract
should be attached as a separate project narrative document in the Grants.gov
application.
NOTE: Upon issuance of the cooperative agreement, this Project Abstract
Summary will be publicly available at USAspending.gov .
Any applicant organization that has not completed the financial assistance certifications
and representations within their SAM.gov registration must submit the appropriate signed
and dated Assurances form. All of the required application forms are aev awiliathb lthis
announcement on Grants.g ov.
1. Project Narrative and Budget, including Attachments A and B (see explanation b elow).
2. Common Disclosure Forms (see Attachments F an d G)
DOI-PGM-POL-0017, issued in accordance with “National Security Presidential
Memorandum (NSP-S33) Supported Research and Development National Security
Policy”, states “the purpose of this policy is to require the use of the Department of the
Interior (DOI) common disclosure forms of potential conflicts of interest and
commitment from research and development project applicants and recipients subject to 2
CFR 200.” Accordingly, DOI PGM instructs that all recipients of research financial
assistance awards a rreequired to submit the following two form s:
Biographical Sketch Common Form (Attachmen t F)
Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form (Attachme nt G)
Please note that these are not actually forms but rather formats for submission of
information. Please submit all required information. If there is -nkoin idn contributions
associated with project, please include a statement to this effect. The ceornti faicta tthie
end of each form requires an actual signature not just "signed" and the typed name. These
forms will not count against the page lim it.
Incomplete proposals will not be forwarded to the Review Panel and will be immediately
rejected by the Contracting Officer.
Project Narrativ e
Proposals must be arranged according to the format provided below and compiled into one
PDF for submission .Following this format ensures that every proposal contains all essential
information and is evaluated equitably. The proposal and associated forms shall be submitted to
www.grants.go.v Provide requested information in the correct locations within the guidelines
below. Please compile all documents into one PDF for submissio Fna.ilure to do so may result
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in disqualification of the proposal.
Proposals are limited to 11-pages, which include 1) Project Description, provided separately for
Priorities 1, 2 and 3, and limited to 5 pages each for Priority 1 and Priority 2, and limited to 1
page for Priority 3. Proposals may be shorter than 11 pages. Other forms and documents,
including: (1) Standard Forms 424s, (2) Project Abstract Summary, (3) project summary sheet
(Attachment A), (4) budget sheets and justification (Attachment B), (5) project personnel
justification and expertise table or list, (6) Curricula Vitae (CV; max 2 pages each), (7) letters
from stakeholders, (8) DMP (see Data Management Plans | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov);
example template is provided in Attachment C), (9) negotiated rate and cost agreements, and
(10) equipment quotes do not count toward the 11-page limit.
1. FY 2026 MRP Proposal Information Sh.e (eAtttachment A). Summary sheet shall
clearly list project and budget summary for all priorities. Please incl-umdaei le addresses
for the Principal Investigator and authorized institution representative. Outcome
notifications will be sent via- email to the authorized intistution representative and the
Principal Investigator. The Proposal Information Sheet is NOT included in1 -tphaeg 1e
limit.
2. Project Description for Priority 1 and Priority 2 projects o. nTlhye project description of
the proposal is limited to 5 sing-slepace pages for each Priority (including figures,
tables), with no smaller than -1p1oint font size, and -1inch margins. The font size in
figures and tables is limited to no smaller tha-pno 8int font size. All text, figures, and
tables shall be sized to fit on 8½” x 11” paper. The project description section of your
proposal should include the followin g:
1. Introduction and societal relevan:c eThe introduction should provide a brief
overview of the project activities, methods, and goals. Clearly state the societal
relevance of the work and/or workforce development via student opportunities.
Also describe any related previous or ongoing minset ew aactivities (including
previous Earth MRI mine waste projec ts).
2. Project narrative, technical merit, and performan: cFeollow the guidelines and
requirements listed in section A2 of this program announcement. Describe the
procedures and workflows that will be carried out to gather mine waste data.
Include descriptions of the separate activities for the designated perso,c ess
including the quality assurance and control methods to ensure accuracy and
quality of products. Guidance and best practices for managing data quality can be
found on the USGS Data Management shittetp: s://www.usgs.gov/products/d-ata
and-tools/data-management/mana-gqeuality. Discuss the deliverables and
provide a table or list that includes information about the Principal Investigator,
staff, and support positions (such as geologist, information technologist, or
database developer) and detail the estimated time by ob jbeyc tpiveerson. Note: a
table may be a good way to convey this information. Briefly discuss each person’s
role on the project so that it links to the budget. For each person, provide a brief
statement of their background, define their roles and responssib, ialitnied provide
a CV for primary personnel (no more than two pages) that includes skills and
expertise relevant to the proposed activities, and indicate whether the person
works for your organization or elsewhere (contractor or volunteer). If the
contracto rhas not yet been hired, describe experience and skills necessary for
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completing the work. CVs do not count against the page limit. A statement of
use/access or a letter of support from a stakeholder may be included (but are not
required). Letters of support from stakeholders do not count against the page
limit.
Detailed Budget Narrative
The project budget shall utilize budget sheets provided (Attachment B) and include detailed
information on all cost categories and must clearly identify all estimated project costs. Unit costs
shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors or
sub-recipients.I n addition, applicants shall include a narrative description of the items
included in the project budget, including the value of i-nkind contributions of goods and
services provided to complete the project when cost share is identified to be included (reference
section C of this announcement). Cost categories can include, but are not limited to, those costs
items included on the SF424A or SF42 4C.
Proposals must include completed detailed budget sheets using the specified format in
Attachment B. If applicable, one budget sheet must include expenses for Priority 1 inventory
activities. If applicable, a separate budget sheet must include expenses for Priority 2
characterization activities. Although it should not be included in the budget refqour ePsrti,o rity
2, please include the number of solid and water samples that will be collected to ensure that costs
do not exceed $70,000.00 (see Attachment B, Priority 2) unless otherwise justified. A budget
sheet for Priority 3 must be included if requnegs ttiravel funds to the 2026 Earth MRI workshop.
The detailed proposed budget(s) must be summarized and provided in the “Amount Requested”
on Proposal Information Summary Sheet (Attachment A). Attachments A and B provide format
guidance. Matching funds aorep tional and are not required, but please include if approp riate.
Please read each category description below and provide the detailed breakdown for each cost.
This information will help avoid delays processing a funded proposal, as an award will not be
issued until all required information is providePdle. ase be sure to convey the level of effort
required to do the proposed work .Please be scrupulous in calculations as they will be
meticulously analyzed for consistency and accu racy.
The detailed budgesth all include the amount proposed for each of the follow ing:
1. Salaries and wage. sList names, positions, number of hours individuals will spend on
various activities, their rates of compensation and project roles. Salaries or wages for
student assistants (undergraduate and/or graduate students) working on the project are an
acceptabl ecost to the Program. If a position is vacant, indicate the position title. Include
only personnel actively involved in the project. If senior management salary/time is
covered by the overhead (indirect cost) portion of the budget, senior management
salary/time should not be included. If senior management personnel participate in project
work, include an explanation of their roles. N-sotnate survey staff working on the project
should also be included if they are being supported by other state fuTnhdein dge. tailed
proposed budget shall include the total time worked on the proje c(tin units of
hours), rat-eof-compensation (hourly, monthly, or annually), and job title or roleea ocfh
person.
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2. Fringe benefits. Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting
procedures. 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 fixe dor provisional rates for billing purposes. Include a copy of the Negotiated
Rate Agreement or internal memo supporting the proposed rates. The Negotiated Rate
Agreement and internal memdoo not count toward the 1-1page limit.
3. Travel expense. sState the purpose of the trip(s) and itemize estimated travel costs
(including reason for travel, number of people, number of travel days, per diem rate,
mileage rate, airfare, or other travel costs) necessary to perform the activities in the
proposal .
In the Priority 3 budget sheet, states may request funding for travel for up to 2
participants, $3,000.00 in total costs (direct) per participant, not to exceed
$6,000.00 of federal share, to a region-adla 3y Earth MRI Annual Workshop (see
section A2, Priority 3). Salary costs may be included in this $3,000.00 per
traveler to cover time spent during travel or at the workshop. Earth MRI Critical
Mineral Resources Workshop travel expenses are itemized in the Priority 3
proposal budget. The 2026 Earth MRI wksohrop will be held in Reston, VA on
September 2-125, 2026 .
4. Other direct costs .
• Supplies. List costs for office and laboratory/facility/field supplies. Itemize by including
the number and cost for each item.
• Equipment. MRP funds may be used to purchase nonexpendable property required for the
project. Nonexpendable equipment has a useful life of more than one (1) year and an
acquisition cost of $10,000.00 or more per item. If necessary, MRP funds may be used to
purchase software site licenses needed to complete mine waste inventory and
characterization activities. Show the cost of all proposed equipment/software site licenses
necessary and prorated if appropriate for achieving project goals. Each item should be
itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote. If full
justification for equipment is not provided, equipment costs will not be supported.
General-purpose equipment must be purchased from the applicant's operating funds.
Routine computer maintenance contracts and charges for computer time are not
acceptable direct costs under this program. Explain and justify equipment and supplies
included in the proposed project budget.
• Drones. Federal funds may be used to purchase non-covered UAS only. Please see
Attachment E for additional guidance on drones.
• Contractual services. Identify the activities for which such services would be used.
Identify proposed contractors (individual or corporate) and provide criteria by which
contractors will be, or have been, selected. For each individual, include their job title,
total labor hours, and rate of compensation. Include quotes for all contractual services.
MRP funds may not be used to pay for USGS or other Federal services.
5. Total direct costs. Total items (1) through (4).
6. Indirect charges. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable
indirect costs based on the cost principles applicable to the applicant's organization. If
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applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and general and administrative
costs, each charge should be shown. Explain the distinction between items included in the
two cost pools. Applicant should propose rates for evaluation purposes, which they are
also willing to establish as fixed or ceiling rates in any resulting award. A copy of the
indirect negotiated cost agreement with the Federal Government must be included. If one
is not established, applicants may charge 15% indirect costs. A copy of the Indirect
Negotiated Cost Agreement does not count against the 11-page limit.
7. Total charges. Total items (1) through (6 ).
Budget Narrative
Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative
must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs-,F neodneral cost share, th-irpdarty
contributions, and any p-raeward costs. Total project coiss tt he sum of all allowable costs,
including required and voluntary cost share and -tphairrdty contributions .
Budget items must b: e
• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary
• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles
Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect
costs, including the rate to be applied:
• De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis
rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal
negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de
minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).
• Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your
organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently
negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).
Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures :
If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of
application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination
of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR
200.113.
Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:
Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key
personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award
or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:
• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.
• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.
• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.
• A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential
funding entity.
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• Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected
date of the funding decision.
Other Required Information
Data Management Plan Requirement s
Proposals submitted to USGS must include a supplementary document of no more than four
pages labeled "Data Management Plan" (DMP). This supplementary document should describe
how the proposal will conform to USGS policy on the dissemination and sharriensge oafr ch
results and associated data. A valid DMP may include only the statement that no detailed plan is
needed (e.g. “No data are expected to be produced from this project”), as long as the statement is
accompanied by a clear justification. This suppelenmtary document may includ e:
• the types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials, and other
materials to be produced in the course of the pro ject;
• the standards to be used for data and metadata format and content (where existing
standards are absent or deemed inadequate, this should be documented along with any
proposed solutions or remedie s);
• policies for access and sharing including provisions for appropriate protection of privacy,
confidentiality, security, intellectual property, or other rights or requirem ents;
• provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and the production of derivatives; and
• plans for archiving data, samples, and other research products, and for preservation of
free public access to the m.
Additional guidance on data management plans is available from the USGS Data Management
web site hereh: ttps://www.usgs.gov/products/da-atand-tools/data-management/da-ta
managemen-ptlans. Simultaneously submitted collaborative proposals and proposals that include
subawards are a single unified project and should include only one supplemental combined DMP
by the lead PI that also addresses all subaward data management needs, regtahred lneusms obfe r
of non-lead collaborative proposals or subawards inclu ded.
An example template for data management plans is provided in Attachm ent C.
The DMP does not count toward the- p1a1ge limit.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES
Address to Request Application Packag e
A. Electronic Proposal Submission Requirement Applicants are responsible for electronically
submitting the proposal twow w.grants.gov by 3:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time, May 4, 2. 0 26
Be sure tor ead the instructions carefully. Contrary to Section D.1, only proposals submitted
through grants.gov will be acceptable. Paper copies will NOT be acc epted.
Please be aware the electronic submission process requires f-itrismte users to register using
eAuthentication process. This registration process can be complex and take up to 3 weeks
to complete. Be advised that you may not be successful completing elencitcro submission
for the first time if you begin the process only a few days before the due date. If your
organization is affiliated with a university, contact the Office of Sponsored Programs,
which may be familiar with the federal grant process and can wokr with you to submit the
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proposal.
If you have any questions or problems with the registration process, or the completion of the
application package, please contact the grants.gov help de-s8k0 0a-t5 118-4726 or
support@grants.go v.
When you submit a grant application package to Grants.gov, you will receive a confirmation
screen as well as three additional emails over two business days from Grants.gov informing you
of your application processing stat us:
1. Confirmation scree n
2. Submission Receipt (with “Track My Application” lin k)
3. Submission Validation (or Rejection with Erro rs)
4. Agency Retrieva l
1. CONFIRMATION: Submission Confirmation Screen After a grant application package is
submitted, a confirmation message will appear on the computer screen. This screen confirms that
an application has been submitted to Grants.gov. This page contains a tracking number and a
“Track My Application” link for monitoring the progress of the submiss ion.
2. NOTIFICATION 1: Submission Receipt Email Within two business days after the
application package has been received by the Grants.gov system, a submission receipt email will
be sent that indicates the submission has entered the Grants.gov system and is ready for
validation. This email contains thsea me tracking number and a “Track My Application” link that
is shown in submission confirmation screen for monitoring the progress of the subm ission.
3. NOTIFICATION 2: Submission Validation Receipt Email – This is the important one!
This second email will include a message validating or rejecting the submitted application
package due to errors. The Grants.gov system is designed to check for technical errors within the
submitted application package. Grants.gov does not review application content for award
determination.
4. NOTIFICATION 3: Grantor Agency Retrieval Email Once the application package has
passed validation, it is delivered to the grantor for award determination and further approval.
After the grantor has confirmed receipt of the application, a third and final email will be sent
from Grants.gov. The grantor may also assign the application package an agency-specific
tracking number for use within their
internal system. IF THIS E-MAIL HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED WITHIN FOUR DAYS OF
THE CLOSING DATE, PLEASE CONTACT THE CONTRACTING OFFICER,
Margaret Eastman, (703)283-9642, Margaret_eastman@ios.doi.gov.
If you need help entering your proposal, you can reach the Grants.gov Contact Center at: 1-
800518-4726. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Eastern
Time, and they are closed on federal holidays.
When contacting the Grants.gov Contact Center, please have the following information available
to help expedite the inquiry:
• Funding Opportunity Number (FON)
• Name of Agency You Are Applying To
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• Specific Area of Concern
The electronic submission will consist of required forms SF-424, SF-424a, and SF-424b, plus the
additional items described in Section C of this Announcement.
During the application period an applicant may submit a revised or corrected proposal through
grants.gov. Include a cover letter as the first page of the proposal stating that the proposal is
revised and the previous submittal is to be withdrawn from consideration. Revised submissions
must be completed by May 4, 202a6t ,3 :00 pm EDT.
Please allow sufficient time for the proposal to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov
and allow time for possible computer delays. Applicants are strongly advised not to wait until
the last minute for submission. A proposal received afterl othsein cg date and time will NOT be
considered for award. If the USGS determines that a proposal will not be considered for award
due to lateness, the applicant will be notified immedia tely.
B. Involvement of Federal Employe es
Federal employees, including USGS employees, are prohibited from assisting in any
capacity (paid or unpaid) with preparation of any proposal submitted under this
Announcement. Proposals that have a real, or apparent, conflict of interest related to
federal employees will not be processed for evaluatio n.
C. Rejection of Proposals after Initial Review
If the proposal does not meet all requirements specified in the Program Announcement, as
determined by the Contracting Officer in consultation with the MRP management, the applicant
will be promptly notified in writing of the rejection along with the rena sfoor the rejection .
D. Award recipients must comply with the 2026 MRP Terms and Conditions (Attachment D).
Submittal of an application constitutes the applicant's acceptance of these terms and conditions
for inclusion in any award resulting from their application. Any cornnsc ewith the requirements
of the 2026 MRP Terms and Conditions shall be presented to the Contracting Officer at least
seven (7) days prior to the closing date of the announce ment.
Submission Dates and Time s
Closing Date for Applications: 05/04/2026
Closing Date Explanation
Proposals received after the deadline wilNl OT be considered for an award .
The earliest project start dates will be after the USGS receives its FY2026 BIL funding, or July
15, 2026, whichever is later. The latest start date is September 30, 2026. All deliverables are due
90 days following end of agreement performance pe riod.
Maximum award period is 24 mont hs.
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Submission Instructions
APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
Eligibility Review
During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed
packages (seAep plication Document sabove) and alignment with the requirements of this
announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility
review.
Only state geological surveys are eligible to apply to this Notice of Funding Opportunity under
the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law-: 5181,7 Sec. 40201). A university may
submit a proposal on behalf of a state geological survey if athtee gsetological survey is
organized under a state university system. If a state geological survey is overdue on deliverables
or progress reports on ANY previous or ongoing Earth -MfuRnIded agreements at the time of
proposal submission, the proposal may bneo tc onsidered for fundin g.
If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration2 (CsFeeR 25.20 0
and 2 CFR 25.11)0 when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the
applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Plea2s eC FreRfe r
25.205 for more information .
Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project
personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for
Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohfirboitmed m aking an award
if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise
excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to
this program .
If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in
writing.
Merit Review
Technical Merit Maximum Points: 30
This factor assesses the technical approach of the proposed work on mine waste invento
and/or characterization of critical mineral materials in mine waste and the probability of
achieving positive results within the designated period. Assessment in acnluadlyessis of
methodologies, technology, and workflows. Proposals must address the priorities outline
Notice of Funding Opportunity. Proposals must clearly specify mineral system(s), deposi
critical mineral commodities of interest and minaes wte types expected and adhere to the
guidelines presented in the Notice of Funding Opportu nity.
Societal Benefits Maximum Points: 15
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This factor assesses the value of the proposed mine waste inventory and/or characterization
products to advancing scientific understanding, enhancing environmental health, supporting
workforce development, and increasing economic growth and/or public safety. This factor
should be explicitly addressed in the proposal.
Knowledge, Performance, and Experienc e Maximum Points: 25
This factor considers knowledge, performance, and experience of the principal investiga
coworkers, including demonstrating the ability to successfully complete mine waste activ
and satisfying MRP reporting requirements. This factor includee sc athpability to provide
necessary facilities and support to ensure satisfactory completion of the proposed work a
proof of access to proposed mine waste sites for Prior ity 2.
Appropriateness and Reasonableness of the Budg et Maximum Points: 30
This factor considers whether the proposed budget is commensurate with the level of eff
needed to accomplish the project and reasonable relative to the value of the anticipated
Proposals include clear, itemized budgets and all costs are allelo awnadb adhere to the
requirements presented in the Notice of Funding Opportu nity.
Review and Selection Proce ss
This program reviews proposed budgets to en sure:
• figures are correct
• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives
• avoid obviously unallowable costs
• identify costs requiring prior approval
• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly
• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.
This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed
project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may
choose to not make an award.
MRP proposals for Priority 1 and Priority 2 projects will be reviewed separately by a seven-
member peer panel consisting of four USGS representatives, one state geological survey
representative, and two non-USGS representatives. Each Priority will be scored according to the
maximum points available for each criterion. If projects for both priorities are proposed, but only
one priority is recommended for funding, then funding for that specific priority will be
recommended for award. The maximum score for each priority is 100 according to the maximum
cumulative number of points for each evaluation criterion. Proposal priorities must meet a
minimum cumulative score of 50 to be considered for funding; as long as proposals meet the
minimum, the proposals will be ranked for funding based on scores and forwarded to the
Program for final award determination.
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Evaluation Criteria. All proposals for Priority 1 and Priority 2 projects will be evaluated in
accordance with the criteria listed above. NOTE: To avoid conflict of interest, no panelist may
vote on a proposal from their state geological survey or state agency, nor may any panelist
discuss with other panel members their state’s proposal. This does not prohibit collaboration
between USGS adn state scientists once an agreement is in p lace.
Risk Review
Prior to making an award, the applicant will be assessed for their level of ri2s kC pFeRr
200.206. This assessment includes the applicant's financial management capabilities, project
delivery experience, staffing resources, past award performance, administration and reporting
compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential for cgheasll.e Inf an award will
be made, special conditions may be applied to the award corresponding to the assessed risk. For
awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $350,000), a review of the applicant's
eligibility and financial integrity inofrmation in the applicant's SAM.gov records will also be
performed pe2r CFR 200.20.6
AWARD NOTICES
Notices of Federal Award are sent electronically via GrantSolution-sm oari le. These notices
outline the terms, conditions, and payment instructions2 pCeFr R 200.21.1 The Notice of
Federal Award signed by an authorized Grants Officer is the legal instrument obligating financial
assistance to a recipient. Any other prior notice is not an authorization to begin work. If the
program allows pr-eaward costs pe2r CFR 200.45,8 beginning performance before receiving a
Notice of Federal Award is at the applicant’s own r isk.
Anticipated Project Start Date: 07/15/2026Anticipated Project End Date: 09/29/2028
Refer to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Award Terms and Conditions for the general
administrative and national policy requirements applicable to USGS awards. USGS will
communicate any other progra- mor projec-tspecific special terms and conditions toci preients in
their Notice of Award.
POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
Administration and National Policy Requirements
For award administration and national policy requirements, seDeO thI eG eneral Terms and
Conditions. Infrastructure projects require the use of American iron, steel, manufacture products,
and construction materials p2e rC FR 184.
Refer to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Award Terms and Conditions for the general
administrative and national policy requirements applicable to USGS awards (Attachment D). The
USGS will communicate any other progr-a omr projec-tspecific special termsn ad conditions to
recipients in their Notice of Awar d.
Data Availability
Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR2 )C, FR §1402.31:5
(a) All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyzes, technical information, reports,
conclusions, valuation products or other scientific assessments in any medium or form, including
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textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual, resulting from a financial
assistance agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being
available in a manner that is sufficient for independent verification.
(b) The Federal Government has the right to:
(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data, methodology, factual inputs, models,
analyzes, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, produced
under a Federal award; and
(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data, methodology,
factual inputs, models, analyzes, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific
assessments, for Federal purposes, including to allow for meaningful third-party evaluation.
MRP Information Products
All Earth MRI information products received as deliverables may be made available to the
public. The following information products will be required, if applicable, as a condition of
receiving federal fund s:
• ArcGIS database of inventory records
• Geospatial data including waste feature boundaries that are compatible with the Priority
#1 Inventory database and sample locations (latitude/longitude with defined datum) that
link to National Geochemical Database (National Geochemical Database | U.S.
Geological Survey (usgs.gov).
• Volume and load estimates. Approaches for estimating volumes and masses of mine
waste piles may vary, particularly with regards to the third dimension. Similarly for mine
adit discharge waters, seasonal flows of mine effluent may factor into load estimates. An
estimate of discharge at the time of sampling should be made so that volume and load
estimates can be made for adits; direct measurement does not need to be made if
estimates can be obtained with other data (such as discharges measured by site
managers). However, please clearly describe the methodology for solid piles and
water (if collected) in the final report.
• Geochemical (solid and water) data, which will be released by USGS in USGS data
releases and used in the interpretive report published by the state.
• Resource estimate of contained critical minerals and other potentially valuable
commodities.
• Brief (1-2 pages) progress reports every six months for the duration of the project for
awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months.
• Digital archive of field sheets.
• Samples of mine waste collected in accordance with USGS protocols (training and
resources to be provided to successful applications by USGS)
Final Technical Report(s)
Following project completion of Priority 1, Priority 2, and/or Priority 3 efforts, all awards
made under the MRP will require submittal of a final technical report(s) that must document
and summarize the results of the work. If funding is received for more than one priority, final
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reports for each priority are required. All reports will be made available to the public. Please
include Award number on all reports.
Priority 1 (Inventory):
• A brief (1-2 pages) report describing the process and summarizing what was submitted to
the inventory for Priority 1 efforts. This information can be incorporated in the Final
Technical Report.
Priority 2 (Characterization):
• Final interpretive report, including methods and data sets used for calculating volume and
resource estimates. Report must include site description, interpretation, geospatial data
on waste piles and other sample sites, and mine waste inventory data for samples sites.
Report must be provided as a pee-rreviewed state publication.N ote: Published final
interpretative report is separate from and in addition to the Final Technical R eport.
Priority 3 (Earth MRI Workshop Trave l):
• A 1 page report including names of participants who traveled, a list of any presentations
given, and any goals (optional) that were met by attending the workshop. This
information can be incorporated in the Final Technical Re port.
Final technical reports should be accompanied by a cover page that co ntains:
• Award Numbe r
• Title
• Author and affiliation with address and zip co de
• Author's telephone number an-dm eail addres s
• Term covered by the award (start and end d ates)
• Submittal date of final technical rep ort
• Abstract
Final technical report(s) must be submitted within 90 days after the end of the grant performance
period. Failure to submit a final technical report may hinder receipt of future MRP funds. Final
technical reports shall be submitted electronically to thnee rgael Earth MRI email box,
earthmri@usgs.go. v A courtesy copy shall be submitted to Margaret Eastman, USGS Contract
Specialist,M argaret_eastman@ios.doi.go v.
Geospatial Data
If you receive financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), recipient must
follow these rules for geospatial da ta:
Follow Federal Standards: All geospatial data you collect or create must meet the standards set
by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) or the Department of the Interior. This is
required by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which is part of PLuabwlic 1 15-254, specifically
in Subtitle F (Geospatial Data), sections -775519C (codified a4t 3 U.S.C.§ § 2801–2811).
Include Metadata: Your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files must include complete
metadata. Metadata is information that describes the data, such as where it came from, how
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accurate it is, and how it should be used. This is to ensure that anyone using the data understands
its context and quality.
Check for Existing Data: Before you start collecting new geospatial data, you need to check
GeoPlatform.gov. This is to see if there is already existing geospatial data from federal, state,
local, or private sources that can meet your needs and is available for free. If such data is
available, you should use it instead of gathering new data.
These rules help ensure that geospatial data is reliable, high-quality, and that resources are used
efficiently.
Reporting
The recipient’s Notice of Award will detail all reporting requirements, including frequency, due
dates, and instructions for requesting extensions. In general, but not limited to, recipien ts must:
• Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.
• Use the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) form for financial reporting,
• Monitor award activities and report on program performance per 2 CFR 200.329,
• Promptly notify the awarding program in writing of any issues, delays, or conditions
impairing award objectives per 2 CFR 200.329(e),
• Disclose any conflicts of interest related to their award that arise during the award period
per 2 CFR 1402.112,
• Report on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal
government retains an interest per 2 CFR 200.330, and
• Report all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity
violations potentially affecting the Federal award per 2 CFR 200.113.
• Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per
Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.
• If the Federal share of the award is more than $100,000 and the recipient makes or agrees
to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection to the
award, disclose those activities using the Disclosure of Lobbying (SF-LLL) form per
43 CFR 18.100.
• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) and 2 CFR 170
requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation, and
information on all sub-awards, subcontracts and consortiums equal to or over $30,000 to
SAM.gov.
Financial Reports
All recipients must use the SF-425, Federal Financial Report form for financial reporting. At a
minimum, all recipients must submit a final financial report. Final reports are due no later than
90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards
with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim
financial reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award. The Notice of Award will
describe all financial reporting requirements.
Performance Reports
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Performance reports must contain a comparison of actual accomplishments with the established
goals and objectives of the award; a description of reasons why established goals were not met, if
appropriate; and any other pertinent information relevant to the project results. Final reports are
due no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination
date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to
submit interim performance reports on the frequency established in the Notice of A ward.
Significant Development Reports
Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates which have significant
impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify the Bureau in
writing as soon as the recipient becomes aware of any problelmayss, ,d oer adverse conditions
that will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the Federal award. This disclosure
must include a statement of any corrective action(s) taken or contemplated, and any assistance
needed to resolve the situati o Tnh.e recipient should also notify USGS in writing of any
favorable developments that enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost
than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally plann ed.
Conflict of Interest Disclosures
Recipients must notify the program immediately in writing of any conflict of interest that arise
during the life of their Federal award, including those reported to them by any subrecipient under
the award. Recipients must notify the program in writinagn iyf employees, including
subrecipient and contractor personnel, are related to, married to, or have a close personal
relationship with any Federal employee in the Federal funding program or who otherwise may
have been involved in the review and selectifo tnh eo award. The term employee means any
individual engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the Federal award. Recipients may
not have a former Federal employee as a key project official, or in any other substantial role
related to their award, wheo sparticipation put them out of compliance with the legal authorities
addressing po-sGtovernment employment restrictions. SeeU th.Se. Office of Government Ethics
website for more information on these restrictions. USGS will examine each conflict of interest
disclosure based on its particular facts and the nature of the project and will determine if a
significant potential conflict exists. If it does, USGS will work wihthe trecipient to determine an
appropriate resolution. Failure to disclose and resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that
satisfies USGS may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338 Remedies for
Noncompliance, including termination of t ahweard .
Other Mandatory Disclosures
The Non-Federal entity or applicant for a Federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in
writing to the Federal awarding agency or p-tahsrsough entity all violations of Federal criminal
law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentiaallfyfe cting the Federal award. N-on
Federal entities that receive a Federal award including the terms and conditions outlined in 2
CFR 200, Appendix XI—I Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance
Matters are required to report certaivni lc, icriminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM.
Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR
200.338 Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or deba rment.
Reporting Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance
If the total value of your currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement
contracts from all Federal awarding agencies exceeds $10,000,000 for any period of time during
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the period of performance of this Federal award, then you as the recipient during that period of
time must maintain the currency of information reported to the System for Award Management
(SAM) that is made available in the designated integrity and performance system (currently the
Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)) about civil, criminal,
or administrative proceedings in accordance with Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.
Other Information
Geospatial Data Notification/Requirement : The following notification/requirement is
provided in the event that your project requires the use of geospatia l data.
If you receive financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), you must follow
these rules for geospatial data: Follow Federal Standards: All geospatial data you collect or
create must meet the standards set by the Federal Geospatialo Dmamtait tCee (FGDC) or the
Department of the Interior. This is required by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which is part of
Public Law 115-254, specifically in Subtitle F (Geospatial Data), sections-7 75591C (codified at
43 U.S.C. §§ 280–1 2811). Include Metdaata: Your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files
must include complete metadata. Metadata is information that describes the data, such as where
it came from, how accurate it is, and how it should be used. This is to ensure that anyone using
the data nuderstands its context and quality. Check for Existing Data: Before you start collecting
new geospatial data, you need to check GeoPlatform.gov. This is to see if there is already
existing geospatial data from federal, state, local, or private sourc ecsa nth mateet your needs and
is available for free. If such data is available, you should use it instead of gathering new data.
These rules help ensure that geospatial data is reliable-q, uhaiglihty, and that resources are used
efficiently.
2 CFR § 1402.31 5
(a) All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports,
conclusions, valuation products or other scientific assessments in any medium or form, including
textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiaolv, isreusulting from a financial
assistance agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being
available in a manner that is sufficient for independent verifica tion.
(b) The Federal Government has the righ t to:
(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data, methodology, factual inputs, models,
analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, produced
under a Federal award; a nd
(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data, methodology,
factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific
assessments, for Federal purposes, including to allow for nmgefualn tihird-party evaluation .
Payments
Domestic recipients are required to register in and receive payment through the U.S. Treasury’s
Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP), unless approved for a waiver by the
USGS program. Foreign recipients receiving funds to a final destin baatniokn outside the U.S.
are required to receive payment through the U.S. Treasury’s International Treasury Services
(ITS) System. Foreign recipients receiving funds to a final destination bank in the U.S. are
required to enter and maintain current bankdinegta ils in their SAM.gov entity profile and
Page 31 of 35

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receive payment through the Automated Clearing House network by electronic funds transfer
(EFT). The Bureau will include recipient-specific instructions on how to request payment,
including identification of any additional information required and where to submit payment
requests, as applicable, in all Notices of Award.
PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT:
OMB Control Number: 1028-0133, Expiration Date: 08/31/202 6
We are collecting this information in accordance with the program identified above. Your
response is required to obtain or retain a benefit. We will use the information you provide to
conduct a competitive review and select projects for funding and, rifd aewd,a to evaluate
performance. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection
of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
control number. Public report burden for this coliloenc tis estimated to average 45 hours per
grant application and 12 hours to prepare a final technical report. Actual time for these activities
will vary depending on progra-m specific requirements. You may send comments on the burden
estimate or any others paect of this information collection to thBeu reau Clearance Officer, U.S.
Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS807, Reston VA 2 0192.
Page 32 of 35

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Synopsis
G26AS00102
Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Mine Waste Cooperative Agreements
FY2026
General Information
Summary
Bureau or Office
U.S. Geological Surve y
Announcement Type
Initial
Fiscal Year
2026
Opportunity Category
D (Discretionary )
Opportunity Category Explanation
Assistance Listing Number(s )
15.073
Funding Instrument Type
CA (Cooperative Agreemen t)
Funding Activity Category
NR (Natural Resource s)
Funding Category Explanation
Award Information
Cost Sharing Requiremen t
No
Expected Number of Awards
14
Estimated Total Program Funding
$5,000,000
Award Ceiling
$356,000
Award Floor
$3,000
Award Floor/Ceiling Explanation
The approximate range for an individual award is a minimum of $3,000.00 up to a maximum of
$356,000.00. In some circumstances, funding may be less than $3,000.00 or more than
$356,000.00 .
Synopsis Page 33 of 35

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Key Dates
Estimated Post Date
03/27/2026
Closing Date for Applications
05/04/2026
Closing Date Explanation
Proposals received after the deadline wilNl OT be considered for an award .
The earliest project start dates will be after the USGS receives its FY2026 BIL funding, or July
15, 2026, whichever is later. The latest start date is September 30, 2026. All deliverables are due
90 days following end of agreement performance pe riod.
Maximum award period is 24 mont hs.
Project Period | Expected Duration in Months
24
Estimated Project Start Date
July 15, 2026
Estimated Project End Date
September 29, 202 8
Archive Date
06/04/2026
Eligibility Information
Eligibility Category
State governmen ts
Additional Information on Eligibility (Grants.gov 4,000/GMM 2,500 character limit)
Only State geological surveys are eligible to apply to this Notice of Funding Opportunity under
the – Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law:- 5181,7 Sec. 40201). A university
may submit a proposal on behalf of a State geological surveyS ift athtee geological survey is
organized under a state university system. If a State geological survey is overdue on deliverables
or progress reports on ANY previous or ongoing Earth -MfuRnIded agreements at the time of
proposal submission, proposal may no tc obnesidered for funding .
Additional Information
Executive Summary
Proposals are being accepted by the Mineral Resources Program (MRP), Earth Mapping
Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) for State geological survey Mine Waste activities. Funds are
made available to participating State geological surveys for activities fogc ouns imnine waste
inventory and characterization data compilation and acquisition, sampling and mapping efforts in
support of ongoing Earth MRI efforts. State geological surveys may also apply for travel funds
to the annual 2026 Earth MRI workshop. In FY2 62,0 approximately $5M is available for
allocation to USGS Mine Waste cooperative agreements through a competitive proposal process.
All MRP funds must be obligated by Sep 30, 202 6.
Synopsis Page 34 of 35

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Awarding Officer Contact Name
Margaret Eastma n
Awarding Officer Contact Phone
Awarding Officer Email Address
margaret_eastman@ios.doi.g ov
Awarding Officer Email Description
margaret_eastman@ios.doi.g ov
Link to Additional Information
Synopsis Page 35 of 35

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Mod 1 2026 EMRI Mine Waste NOFO.docx

U.S. Geological Survey

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Mine Waste Cooperative Agreements FY2026

Funding Opportunity Number

G26AS00102

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION 1

ELIGIBILITY 3

Cost Sharing Requirement 3

GET READY TO APPLY 3

Required System Registrations 3

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 4

Program Goals 4

Program Description 4

Legislative Authority 13

Type of Award 13

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION 13

Application Content and Format 14

Application Documents 14

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES 21

Address to Request Application Package 21

Submission Dates and Times 23

Submission Instructions 23

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 23

Eligibility Review 23

Merit Review 24

Review and Selection Process 25

Risk Review 25

AWARD NOTICES 26

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION 26

Administration and National Policy Requirements 26

Reporting 29

# BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: G26AS00102

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.073

Estimated Total Program Funding: $5,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 14

Award Ceiling: $356,000

Award Floor: $3,000

The approximate range for an individual award is a minimum of $3,000.00 up to a maximum of $356,000.00. In some circumstances, funding may be less than $3,000.00 or more than $356,000.00.

Cost Sharing Required?

No

Closing Date Explanation

Proposals received after the deadline will NOT be considered for an award.

The earliest project start dates will be after the USGS receives its FY2026 BIL funding, or July 15, 2026, whichever is later. The latest start date is September 30, 2026. All deliverables are due 90 days following end of agreement performance period.

Maximum award period is 24 months.

OMB Control Number:

Have Questions?

For NOFO/financial assistance questions contact:

Margaret Eastman

(703) 283-9642

Email: Margaret_eastman@ios.doi.gov

For program administration assistance, contact:

Tina Hamalak

(703) 648-6312

Email: thamalak@usgs.gov

For questions about the MRP-Earth MRI, contact the general Earth MRI email box, earthmri@usgs.gov, or Tina Hamalak, MRP Program Analyst, thamalak@usgs.gov.

For Grants.gov technical registration and submission, downloading forms and application packages, contact:

Grants.gov Customer Support

Telephone: 1-800-518-4726

Email: Support@grants.gov

Executive Summary

Proposals are being accepted by the Mineral Resources Program (MRP), Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) for State geological survey Mine Waste activities. Funds are made available to participating State geological surveys for activities focusing on mine waste inventory and characterization data compilation and acquisition, sampling and mapping efforts in support of ongoing Earth MRI efforts. State geological surveys may also apply for travel funds to the annual 2026 Earth MRI workshop. In FY 2026, approximately $5M is available for allocation to USGS Mine Waste cooperative agreements through a competitive proposal process. All MRP funds must be obligated by Sep 30, 2026.

# ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants

State governments

Additional Information on Eligibility

Only State geological surveys are eligible to apply to this Notice of Funding Opportunity under the – Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law: 117-58, Sec. 40201). A university may submit a proposal on behalf of a State geological survey if the State geological survey is organized under a state university system. If a State geological survey is overdue on deliverables or progress reports on ANY previous or ongoing Earth MRI-funded agreements at the time of proposal submission, proposal may not be considered for funding.

Cost Sharing Requirement

Cost Sharing Required?

No

# GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.

To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to complete registration.

Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.

Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you need, including during renewal.

Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.gov Help page.

Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.

GRANTS.GOV

This program accepts applications through Grants.gov so once you receive your UEI return to Grants.gov to register with Grants.gov. Please allow 30 days to register and set up a Workspace in Grants.gov. See Submission Instructions section below for additional details.

# PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Research for mineral resources, with a focus on critical minerals as defined by the USGS in the 2025 List of Critical Minerals, to support improved characterization of mineral resources in the United States. (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/07/2025-19813/final-2025-list-of-critical-minerals).

Program Description

Guidelines and Requirements

The following guidelines and requirements are provided to help the state geological surveys submit a strong, competitive proposal. The membership of the Review Panel will change from year to year, and applicants should not assume that reviewers will be fully aware of relevant previous work. Following these guidelines will allow the Review Panel to assess the proposed projects efficiently and effectively.

Provide a clear justification for proposed mine waste activities. Explain how the results of the project meet the priorities of the program, applicant’s organization, benefit stakeholders, and society. Please be specific and provide examples.

Request funding for one, two, and/or three Program Priorities: Priority 1) national mine waste inventory; Priority 2) mine waste characterization, and Priority 3) travel to the annual Earth MRI workshop. All three priorities are independent of each other.

Describe the project and the process expected to be followed (workflows, including methods and level of effort) to complete the required objectives. If proposing multiple activities to complete the project, clearly state the work that will be accomplished for each activity. Please note that if reduced funds are awarded, the scope of work may require modification.

Briefly describe previous work or pilot projects that have informed estimates of the level of effort and/or expertise needed to successfully complete the proposed work. If a state survey has ongoing Earth MRI mine waste agreements or previously completed projects, then please describe.

A Data Management Plan (DMP) must be provided to conform with the Executive Order of February 22, 2013, “Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research”. An example template is found in Attachment C.

State matching funds are not required. However, if a state geological survey would like to leverage matching funds, please specify in the Budget (for example, list any match and make note of in-kind support if provided). Priority activities must be budgeted separately and within the itemized budget for that Priority. Review and verify budget numbers prior to proposal submission.

Include descriptions of project personnel and their experience and skills relevant to completing the proposed tasks. Extended supervisory hours performed by senior staff or other management activities for which funding is requested must be well justified. For each staff member give a brief statement of their background or curriculum vita (CV) and indicate whether the person works for the state geological survey or elsewhere (contractor or volunteer). (CVs do not count toward the proposal page limit, but please keep each CV to a 2-page limit).

Nonexpendable equipment funding requests are acceptable if the equipment is reasonable and necessary for the successful completion of the work funded by the MRP. A full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote are required for any proposed equipment purchase. If no justification is included the cost will be disallowed. MRP will not fund computers, database software systems, or equipment required for an organization’s IT infrastructure, operation, and maintenance. Funding requests for software may be allowed if prorated for the proposed work and a quote is provided.

Non-allowable expenses under this opportunity include tuition, computer maintenance or travel to any other conference or workshop except the Earth MRI workshop. Awarded funds may not be used to pay for USGS or other Federal services.

If collaborating with staff from partner agencies (for example, universities), or contractors please detail their roles and project hours as funded through the proposal or as representing optional state matching funds.

If a state geological survey is overdue on deliverables or progress reports on ANY previous or ongoing Earth MRI-funded agreements at the time of proposal submission, the proposal may not be considered for funding.

Begin submitting proposals to Grants.gov well in advance of the due date as no late submissions will be accepted. See Submission Requirements and Deadlines for more information on proposal submission.

Please contact the Contracting Officer, Margaret Eastman (margaret_eastman@ios.doi.gov) with any questions. However, questions specific to what will or will not be funded cannot be addressed.

Program Priorities

PLEASE NOTE: Proposals that do not specifically address Earth MRI mine waste fiscal year (FY) 2026 priorities will NOT be considered for an award.

A proposal must address at least one of three FY 2026 mine waste priorities and describe activities accordingly. States that have received funding via this opportunity in previous years may request new funding as long as the proposed project scope for Priority 1 and/or Priority 2 is different. It is possible for proposed projects to receive reduced or no funding.

FY 2026 Priority 1 – National Mine Waste Inventory

One goal of the USGS mine waste effort is to build a national mine waste inventory that will support other state, federal, and tribal agencies that are responsible for land management planning and remediation decisions. Mine wastes at legacy mine sites are potential sources of many by-product commodities that are currently critical but that were previously discarded or overlooked. To date, there has been no comprehensive inventory of these mine wastes, their compositions, and the critical minerals they may contain. The inventory will be developed in conjunction with stakeholders to answer outstanding questions including:

How many mine waste sites are there in the United States, and where are they located?

How much material is available that may contain critical mineral resources, and what is the tonnage and grade of that material?

What are the characteristics of that material (geological, geochemical, mineralogical) that may influence recovery of the commodities of interest and environmental impacts?

In FY 2026, state geological surveys may request funding up to $50,000.00 to compile and populate an ArcGIS geodatabase documenting the location of mine waste materials within the applicant’s state. The database should also include associated geology and known (identified) resources of those mine waste features. Note that perpetual waters are excluded. The 2025 List of Critical Minerals includes minerals that were not included on the previous list, including metallurgical coal and uranium. Waste materials from these, as well as from all other critical minerals, may now be included. To qualify for entry into the database, mine waste features must have an areal extent exceeding 2,000 m2.

The database consists of two feature classes: points and polygons; and three tables: geology, resources, and references (see Attachment_Figures1and2). Records must be populated according to the schema provided in the Inventory Supporting Documentation (USGS_mine_waste_dd_ver_6.5.xlsx and USGS_mine_waste_ver_6.5.gdb). All populated records must be based on data available in the public domain, though the materials are not required to be peer-reviewed. The submitted database must include appropriate citations and references for all data used. Examples of acceptable public-domain sources include, but are not limited to, journal articles, theses, dissertations, state and federal agency publications, corporate technical reports, and newspaper articles. The type of mine waste feature (e.g., mine dump, tailings – placer, etc.) must already be documented in a publicly available source before submitting to USGS. The polygon outline should be refined by using remote-sensing data (e.g., satellite imagery) and/or digital elevation data (e.g., lidar). USGS will provide training on how to capture features and attribute records. Funding for field work may not be requested under Priority 1.

See Attachment Figures_1 and2. Figure 1 is the entity relation diagram showing the structure of the mine waste database. Figure 2 (not to scale) shows the relationships between a site and mine features and provides information about populating records at the site and feature level.

Priority 1 activities include the following:

State compilation of mine waste data. Compile geospatial data from the applicant’s state that includes the location, geology, and resources of mine waste features using existing publicly available data. All data must be entered into the schema provided by the USGS’s mineral deposit database project (USMIN). To assist state agencies in populating the database, USMIN will provide training and collaborate closely with participants as outlined below:

USMIN will provide the ArcGIS database schema and documentation (USGS_mine_waste_dd_ver_6.5.xlsx and USGS_mine_waste_ver_6.5.gdb, which are included in Inventory Supporting Documentation), along with training materials. USMIN will meet with state agencies to provide instruction on how to populate records. Initially, each state will be asked to populate records for five mine waste features and submit them to USMIN for review. The USMIN team will evaluate those records and provide detailed feedback to ensure correct formatting and data capture practices. This early review is intended to resolve questions and issues before significant time and resources are invested.

After receiving feedback on the initial five records, states will proceed to populate records for 20 additional mine waste features. These records will also be reviewed by the USMIN team with feedback provided in the same manner as the initial review.

States will incorporate USMIN’s feedback and continue populating records for additional mine waste features beyond the initial 25 records. Proposals must specify the minimum number of records the state expects to complete. To be eligible for full funding, at least 100 records must be captured: the initial 25 records plus 75 additional records. Partial funding may be considered for states that cannot meet the 100-record minimum. In such cases, states should indicate the number of records they plan to complete and request a corresponding partial funding amount. The count refers to individual mine waste features, not distinct mine sites.

Deliverables for Priority 1 include:

A minimum of 100 populated records, or the number of records proposed for partial funding, completed in accordance with the USMIN training and according to the quality control steps.

All records must incorporate the QA/QC feedback provided by USMIN.

All records are to be submitted as a single ArcGIS file geodatabase to USMIN@usgs.gov.

Brief (1-2 pages) progress reports every six months for the duration of the project.

A brief (1-2 pages) report describing the process and summarizing what was submitted is required upon project completion. This information can be incorporated in the Final Technical Report.

All Earth MRI deliverables, including reports, will be made available to the public.

FY 2026 Priority 2 – Mine Waste Characterization

The USGS mine waste characterization effort will evaluate mine waste sites that potentially contain critical mineral resources. These sites may also be candidates for remediation, which would foster economic development in conjunction with environmental restoration. Whether mine waste is a potential resource, an environmental liability, or both will depend heavily on the geochemical and mineralogic characteristics of the mine waste materials. In addition, data collected on the compositional characterization of mine waste may inform future technologies to more efficiently reprocess mine waste for extraction of critical minerals. This information will be useful for accounting for the total costs and benefits of reuse, recycling, reprocessing, reclamation, and restoration of ecosystem services. Basic datasets produced by this request will contribute to improved models of critical mineral resources in mine waste and will also improve the understanding of the environmental risks posed by mine wastes. This effort will inform the USGS National Mine Waste Inventory and government-wide strategies for supporting critical mineral supply chains as well as remediation of legacy mine lands.

Areas across the United States with the potential to host both subsurface and surface deposits of critical mineral resources are categorized by mineral systems, deposit types, and known and potential critical mineral commodities. The mineral systems classification documents the relationship between large mineral systems that may contain multiple deposit types and the mineral commodities, including critical minerals, associated with each deposit type (Hofstra and Kreiner, 2022). Earth MRI takes a mineral systems approach for data collection efforts for both above-ground and below-ground critical mineral resources. The mineral systems linkage to a specific mine waste site should be based on the mineral deposit type of the orebody that sourced the mine waste.

The goal of Priority 2 is to characterize mine waste. Ideally, geochemical characterization will augment mine waste inventory sites covered under Priority 1, but having a Priority 1 record is not a prerequisite for selecting a Priority 2 site. Priority 2 projects will focus on field-based characterization of mine waste volume estimates, geochemical composition, bulk mineralogical composition, and contained mineral commodities. Mine water may additionally be included if it represents a water source that may need treatment in perpetuity, or if the state has interests related to overall site remediation at a site being evaluated primarily for mine waste resource potential.

The USGS has developed mine waste site characterization and sampling protocols to guide this effort under Priority 2 (Campbell and others, 2025). The protocols, in general, follow well-established methods for geospatial mapping and common features to support the inventory effort as well as standardized sampling methods to characterize mine waste composition for a variety of mine waste types. For example, sampling of solid waste material will emphasize collection of individual sub-samples that are composited to achieve representative samples that will help to characterize waste piles. Priority 2 requires as a minimum one composite sample of each waste pile investigated, collected following prescribed protocols. A limited latitude to collect an additional number of grab samples of mine waste to address scientific interests of states will be permitted. Drilling, where possible, is encouraged but not required. Water sampling protocols will follow USGS approved methods outlined in the USGS sampling protocols including details of sample containers, filtration, sample preservation, and holding times, and other sampling requirements (Campbell and others, 2025).

In FY2026, state geological surveys may request funding up to $300,000 for mine waste characterization efforts. States are required to indicate the specific mineral system(s), their component mineral deposit types, particular critical mineral commodities of interest, and expected mine waste type(s) in their proposed efforts. If additional non-critical commodities are also present, then please identity those commodities as well. States are required to acknowledge awareness of the protocols by including descriptions of their planned sample methodologies and equipment requirements as per the protocols. Please note that teams of two to three people at a minimum are recommended to carry out sampling according to the protocols. States are also required to indicate specific sites for sampling, provide documentation that they have permission to access and sample these sites, and describe types of mine waste expected.

Geochemical Analyses

The USGS will support projects under Priority 2 by providing geochemical analyses on samples collected from mine waste materials. Because all data funded through Earth MRI must meet USGS quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) standards and be made public, the USGS has set aside funds to provide specific geochemical analyses at no additional cost to the state geological surveys. The types of analyses to be supported by USGS are the following:

USGS Solid phase analysis: $401.00 per sample

Bulk geochemistry:

61-element major and trace element fusion-digestion with analysis by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Elemental analytes are Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Ho, In, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pr, Rb, Re, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn, and Zr.

Major elements by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF). Analytes are Al2O3, BaO, CaO, Cr2O3, Fe2O3, K2O, MgO, MnO, Na2O, P2O5, SiO2, TiO2, SrO, V2O5, and Loss on Ignition (LOI)

Fluorine by digestion and ion-selective electrode

Gold, palladium, platinum by fire assay

Total sulfur, total carbon, organic carbon, and carbonate carbon by combustion and coulometry

Mercury by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry

Mineralogy:

Quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD), limited to the composited solid samples.

Water-rock interaction:

Acid-base accounting by the Lawrence Method

USGS water chemistry analysis: $296.00 per sample

Composition:

Major and trace element chemistry

Major anions (ion chromatography)

Cations and trace elements, including precious metals (ICP-OES/ICP-MS). Analytes include Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, Ho, In, Ir, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rb, Re, Rh, Ru, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Tm, Ti, Tl, U, V, Y, Yb, Zn, and Zr.

Alkalinity/acidity

Please note: The analytical packages are non-negotiable. USGS will not exclude any elements from the analyses described above and cannot accommodate individual requests to do so from state geological surveys, landowners, companies, etc.

States are responsible for providing and budgeting for all sampling equipment, sample containers, and shipping to meet the requirements of the protocols. For water samples, multiple sample splits will be required to accommodate preservation and analysis requirements. Details on sample volumes, number of sample splits, materials, equipment, sample duplicates, and preservation requirements are provided in the USGS protocols, and necessary sampling supplies needed for solid and/or water sampling should be reflected in the budget.

As part of the analytical service, the USGS will provide additional QA/QC on samples and archive the solid phase samples. The data will be published and combined into the periodic USGS mine waste data releases listed on the Earth MRI website. Please note, mine waste sample analysis takes longer than usual due to the large number of methods that are run on the samples. Upon receipt of samples, returned results may take about 12-20 weeks, so please plan work accordingly. If a state geological survey chooses to perform additional analyzes as part of the proposed project beyond what is provided in the standard analytical package, costs for these additional analyzes must be included in their project budget. Although all Earth MRI data will become publicly available on-line, any non-contract geochemical data must be flagged as “unvalidated by the USGS”. Please note, that funds given to the states through Earth MRI are prohibited from being used to fund analytical work at or by any Federal facility.

Each project is limited to a total analytical budget of $70,000, which is not included in, but is in addition to the $300,000 project budget cap. The project scope will determine the distribution of solid samples ($401 per sample) and water samples ($296 per sample) submitted to the USGS for analysis, as long as the total cost does not exceed the analytical budget maximum. If, however, a state can sufficiently justify needs for additional samples above the analytical budget maximum of $70,000, Earth MRI will consider this request, and states should provide request and justification in the proposal. The analytical budget does not include sampling equipment, sample containers or shipping to the USGS; these costs must be included and described in the project budget. Proposals should include a projection of the number of samples and sample type (solid or water) to be collected. Please also include in analytical estimates the requirements for field blanks and field duplicates for QA/QC as described by Campbell and others (2025) with the following frequency:

Solid samples: 1 duplicate per 10 samples, or at least one per sampling event, if less than 10 samples collected per event.

Water samples: 1 field blank and 1 field duplicate per 20 samples, or one blank and one duplicate per sampling event, if less than 20 samples collected per event.

Project proposals for Priority 2 must discuss the following:

Expected mineral system(s), deposit type(s), and critical mineral commodities expected in the waste, based on mine history, previous analyses, mineral system and/or deposit type processed. For clarity, please include a table summarizing the names of sites planned for sampling, mineral system and deposit type, types of mine wastes present, and expected associated critical minerals;

Size of the resource: the features should be large enough to contribute to the national assessment objectives stated above;

Accessibility to the sites: proposed sites (active, managed, and/or abandoned) must be safely and legally available for sample collection. The state is responsible for securing access to sites in their project at the time of proposal submission. States are responsible for:

identifying, understanding and following all rules, laws, regulations and other protocols relevant to the site including but not limited to environmental protection, health, and safety.

obtaining and coordinating access to the site with the relevant landowner(s), land management authority(ies), and/or leaseholder(s)/claim holder(s).

The status of specific site access must be described in the proposal, and letters of support from cooperators, land managers, tribal partners, and/or landowners are encouraged;

Mine Waste material type: Primary emphasis will be on tailings, slag, ore stockpiles, and perpetual water sources as target materials for FY26; material types may be expanded in subsequent years. Perpetual water sources are those that are long-lived, such as adit flows or pit lakes.

Geochemical analysis of radioactive samples is limited to materials that measure <7,000 microuR/hr. If states anticipate collecting materials that exceed this threshold, those materials may not be submitted to USGS and must be analyzed by a suitable external lab and discussed and budgeted accordingly.

The FY2026 Priority 2 data collection efforts/deliverables shall include:

Geospatial data including waste feature boundaries that are compatible with the Priority 1 Inventory database and sample locations (latitude/longitude with defined datum) that link to National Geochemical Database (National Geochemical Database | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov).

Volume and load estimates. Approaches for estimating volumes and masses of mine waste piles and volumes of pit lakes may vary, particularly with regards to the vertical dimension. Similarly for mine adit discharge waters, seasonal flows of mine effluent may factor into load estimates. An estimate of discharge at the time of sampling should be made so that volume and load estimates can be made for adits; direct measurement does not need to be made if estimates can be obtained with other data (such as discharges measured by site managers). However, please clearly describe the methodology for solid piles and water (if collected) in the final report.

Geochemical (solid and water) data will be released by USGS in USGS data releases and used in the interpretive report published by the state.

Resource estimate of contained critical minerals and other potential commodities.

Brief (1-2 pages) progress reports every six months for the duration of the project.

Final interpretive report, including methods and data sets used for calculating volume and resource estimates. Report must include site description, interpretation, geospatial data on waste piles and other sample sites, and mine waste inventory data for samples sites. Report must be provided as a peer-reviewed state publication or similar peer-reviewed product. Note: Published final interpretative report is separate and in addition to the Final Technical Report.

Digital archive of field sheets.

All Earth MRI deliverables shall be made available to the public.

Once Priority 2 data are publicly available, they shall be submitted to USGS for inclusion in the National Mine Waste Inventory in a similar manner as described under Priority 1.

If funded for Priority 2 activities, USGS will provide in person training on the USGS protocols and sampling strategies, which must be followed for all sampling efforts (Campbell and others, 2025). USGS will coordinate with the project principal investigator (PI) to determine timing and location of training, which will occur at a mine waste site identified by the state for Priority 2 activities. The state must be prepared to start sampling during the training session. No additional resources will need to be allocated for training as training efforts will contribute to Priority 2 activities. Repeat State awardees with the same project PI may not require additional training. To aid in proposal writing, a copy of the USGS sampling protocols is included in the supporting documents (Campbell and others, 2025; see Attachment H).

FY 2026 Priority 3 – Earth MRI Workshop

An annual Earth MRI workshop is held in collaboration with the state geological surveys and other partners to help define and evaluate focus areas, or areas that have the greatest need for future Earth MRI data collection. The Earth MRI workshops bring together technical experts from across the USGS and state geological surveys and other agencies to assess and discuss data and information relevant to the identification of focus areas across the Nation with potential for hosting critical mineral deposits. The workshops will address both subsurface and above-ground (mine waste) critical mineral resources. The September 2026 workshop is planned to be hybrid, with both in-person and virtual participation for those not able to travel to the meeting.

Mine waste efforts will be a component of future Earth MRI annual workshops, which will require state geological survey input to help define mine waste sites within each state that are important targets for Earth MRI inventory and characterization.

State representatives may participate in the workshop to help Earth MRI understand the national scope of Earth MRI mapping efforts, including mine waste, and help delineate the focus areas for future above- and below-ground data collection. The USGS will support travel for up to two participants per state, up to $3,000 in total costs (direct) per participant to attend the workshop. All requests for workshop travel funds will be granted up to a total of $6,000 direct costs (for two travelers), regardless of whether funds for other proposed mine waste activities are requested. Requests for Priority 3 funds are not competitive and will not be subjected to panel review. The next workshop will be held September 21-25, 2026, at the USGS headquarters in Reston, VA.

The total for Priority 3 including potential travel to critical minerals workshop shall not exceed $6,000.00 in direct costs. To obtain funds to support travel to the Earth MRI Critical Mineral Resources Workshops, states must:

Request MRP Earth MRI funds,

Provide travel estimates in the budget table (Attachment B),

Specify travelers’ names, and

If funds are awarded for Priority 3, States are required to use them on travel to the Earth MRI workshop only.

Legislative Authority

The USGS Mineral Resources Program (MRP) delivers unbiased science and information to increase understanding of ore formation, mineral resource potential, production, consumption, disposal, and how minerals and mineral extraction interact with the environment. MRP conducts data collection and research on a wide variety of mineral resources that are important to the Nation’s economy and national security.

The Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI; https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/earth-mri), a component of MRP, is a national effort to carry out the fundamental resources and mapping mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The goal of Earth MRI is to modernize the surface and subsurface geologic mapping of the United States, with a focus on identifying areas that may have the potential to contain critical mineral resources. Earth MRI was established in FY2019 in response to Executive Order 13817 ("A Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals") and also supports Executive Order 14017 (“America’s Supply Chains”). In FY2022, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funded Earth MRI efforts related to critical minerals, including specific direction to: “accelerate efforts to carry out the fundamental resources and mapping mission of the United States Geological Survey by— (1) providing integrated topographic, geologic, geochemical, and geophysical mapping; (2) accelerating the integration and consolidation of geospatial and resource data; and (3) providing interpretation of subsurface and above-ground mineral resources data.”

The IIJA further provides for this work to be accomplished through cooperative agreements with state geological surveys.

This funding opportunity implements the above-ground portion of the IIJA direction by supporting state geological surveys in coordinated activities to map, inventory, characterize, and assess the potential for critical minerals in mine waste.

Type of Award

Projects will be funded through CA (Cooperative Agreement).

Recipient should expect the Federal agency to have substantial involvement in the project.

The Cooperative Agreements with state geological surveys will involve regular contact and interaction with the staff of the USGS Mineral Resources Program (MRP) Earth MRI over the duration of the project. The recipient will have scheduled meetings with USGS scientists working on the mine waste sampling, characterization, data gathering and acquisition and other activities in support of USGS mine waste research efforts. This interaction will ensure that there is a uniformity to the properties listed and that the final submission will fit the format of the data requirements. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, the recipient will provide USGS with progress reports every six months. There will also be meetings among the entire group of cooperators for this project to unify data collection and sampling protocols between state geologic surveys and USGS. This will include email, conferencing platforms, and scheduled meetings between the project chief and staff at the state agencies and the USGS.

# PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below. Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the form instructions on the Grants.gov Forms Repository.

Project Narrative

Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. The required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance must be complete, signed, and dated. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information. Please note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).

Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form and Budget Narrative. Applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A, “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs” form. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in 2 CFR 200.

All proposals must include the following documents:

Standard Form 424. Application for Federal Assistance (mandatory form provided in grants.gov). The person who electronically submits the SF-424 must have the authority to bind the state to the terms of the assistance award.

Standard Form 424A. Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs (mandatory form provided in grants.gov).

Standard Form 424B. Assurances – Non-Construction Programs (mandatory form provided in grants.gov).

Project Abstract Summary.

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memoranda M-21-20 and M-22-02, Federal agencies are now required to provide complete and accurate financial assistance award descriptions within USAspending.gov. As such, the Department of the Interior is requiring its bureaus and offices to provide a Project Abstract Summary for all financial assistance awards in the following format (DO NOT WRITE IN PARAGRAPH FORM. SUMMARY MUST INCLUDE BULLET TITLE AND RESPONSE):

Include a plain language description Award purpose (avoid acronyms or Federal or agency-specific terminology);

Activities to be performed;

Deliverables and Expected Outcomes;

Intended beneficiary(ies) as well as

Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award

Project Abstract Summary character limitation as 1 page or less (no more than ~4000 characters) and use of 12 pt. font and Times New Roman is recommended. This abstract should be attached as a separate project narrative document in the Grants.gov application.

NOTE: Upon issuance of the cooperative agreement, this Project Abstract Summary will be publicly available at USAspending.gov.

Any applicant organization that has not completed the financial assistance certifications and representations within their SAM.gov registration must submit the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov.

Project Narrative and Budget, including Attachments A and B (see explanation below).

Common Disclosure Forms (see Attachments F and G)

DOI-PGM-POL-0017, issued in accordance with “National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPS-33) Supported Research and Development National Security Policy”, states “the purpose of this policy is to require the use of the Department of the Interior (DOI) common disclosure forms of potential conflicts of interest and commitment from research and development project applicants and recipients subject to 2 CFR 200.” Accordingly, DOI PGM instructs that all recipients of research financial assistance awards are required to submit the following two forms:

Biographical Sketch Common Form (Attachment F)

Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form (Attachment G)

Please note that these are not actually forms but rather formats for submission of information. Please submit all required information. If there is no in-kind contributions associated with project, please include a statement to this effect. The certification at the end of each form requires an actual signature not just "signed" and the typed name. These forms will not count against the page limit.

Incomplete proposals will not be forwarded to the Review Panel and will be immediately rejected by the Contracting Officer.

Project Narrative

Proposals must be arranged according to the format provided below and compiled into one PDF for submission. Following this format ensures that every proposal contains all essential information and is evaluated equitably. The proposal and associated forms shall be submitted to www.grants.gov. Provide requested information in the correct locations within the guidelines below. Please compile all documents into one PDF for submission. Failure to do so may result in disqualification of the proposal.

Proposals are limited to 11-pages, which include 1) Project Description, provided separately for Priorities 1, 2 and 3, and limited to 5 pages each for Priority 1 and Priority 2, and limited to 1 page for Priority 3. Proposals may be shorter than 11 pages. Other forms and documents, including: (1) Standard Forms 424s, (2) Project Abstract Summary, (3) project summary sheet (Attachment A), (4) budget sheets and justification (Attachment B), (5) project personnel justification and expertise table or list, (6) Curricula Vitae (CV; max 2 pages each), (7) letters from stakeholders, (8) DMP (see Data Management Plans | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov); example template is provided in Attachment C), (9) negotiated rate and cost agreements, and (10) equipment quotes do not count toward the 11-page limit.

FY 2026 MRP Proposal Information Sheet. (Attachment A). Summary sheet shall clearly list project and budget summary for all priorities. Please include e-mail addresses for the Principal Investigator and authorized institution representative. Outcome notifications will be sent via e-mail to the authorized institution representative and the Principal Investigator. The Proposal Information Sheet is NOT included in the 11-page limit.

Project Description for Priority 1 and Priority 2 projects only. The project description of the proposal is limited to 5 single-space pages for each Priority (including figures, tables), with no smaller than 11-point font size, and 1-inch margins. The font size in figures and tables is limited to no smaller than 8-point font size. All text, figures, and tables shall be sized to fit on 8½” x 11” paper. The project description section of your proposal should include the following:

Introduction and societal relevance: The introduction should provide a brief overview of the project activities, methods, and goals. Clearly state the societal relevance of the work and/or workforce development via student opportunities. Also describe any related previous or ongoing mine waste activities (including previous Earth MRI mine waste projects).

Project narrative, technical merit, and performance: Follow the guidelines and requirements listed in section A2 of this program announcement. Describe the procedures and workflows that will be carried out to gather mine waste data. Include descriptions of the separate activities for the designated processes, including the quality assurance and control methods to ensure accuracy and quality of products. Guidance and best practices for managing data quality can be found on the USGS Data Management site: https://www.usgs.gov/products/data-and-tools/data-management/manage-quality. Discuss the deliverables and provide a table or list that includes information about the Principal Investigator, staff, and support positions (such as geologist, information technologist, or database developer) and detail the estimated time by objective by person. Note: a table may be a good way to convey this information. Briefly discuss each person’s role on the project so that it links to the budget. For each person, provide a brief statement of their background, define their roles and responsibilities, and provide a CV for primary personnel (no more than two pages) that includes skills and expertise relevant to the proposed activities, and indicate whether the person works for your organization or elsewhere (contractor or volunteer). If the contractor has not yet been hired, describe experience and skills necessary for completing the work. CVs do not count against the page limit. A statement of use/access or a letter of support from a stakeholder may be included (but are not required). Letters of support from stakeholders do not count against the page limit.

Detailed Budget Narrative

The project budget shall utilize budget sheets provided (Attachment B) and include detailed information on all cost categories and must clearly identify all estimated project costs. Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors or sub-recipients. In addition, applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the project budget, including the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services provided to complete the project when cost share is identified to be included (reference section C of this announcement). Cost categories can include, but are not limited to, those costs items included on the SF424A or SF424C.

Proposals must include completed detailed budget sheets using the specified format in Attachment B. If applicable, one budget sheet must include expenses for Priority 1 inventory activities. If applicable, a separate budget sheet must include expenses for Priority 2 characterization activities. Although it should not be included in the budget request, for Priority 2, please include the number of solid and water samples that will be collected to ensure that costs do not exceed $70,000.00 (see Attachment B, Priority 2) unless otherwise justified. A budget sheet for Priority 3 must be included if requesting travel funds to the 2026 Earth MRI workshop. The detailed proposed budget(s) must be summarized and provided in the “Amount Requested” on Proposal Information Summary Sheet (Attachment A). Attachments A and B provide format guidance. Matching funds are optional and are not required, but please include if appropriate.

Please read each category description below and provide the detailed breakdown for each cost. This information will help avoid delays processing a funded proposal, as an award will not be issued until all required information is provided. Please be sure to convey the level of effort required to do the proposed work. Please be scrupulous in calculations as they will be meticulously analyzed for consistency and accuracy.

The detailed budget shall include the amount proposed for each of the following:

Salaries and wages. List names, positions, number of hours individuals will spend on various activities, their rates of compensation and project roles. Salaries or wages for student assistants (undergraduate and/or graduate students) working on the project are an acceptable cost to the Program. If a position is vacant, indicate the position title. Include only personnel actively involved in the project. If senior management salary/time is covered by the overhead (indirect cost) portion of the budget, senior management salary/time should not be included. If senior management personnel participate in project work, include an explanation of their roles. Non-state survey staff working on the project should also be included if they are being supported by other state funding. The detailed proposed budget shall include the total time worked on the project (in units of hours), rate-of-compensation (hourly, monthly, or annually), and job title or role of each person.

Fringe benefits. Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures. 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. Include a copy of the Negotiated Rate Agreement or internal memo supporting the proposed rates. The Negotiated Rate Agreement and internal memo do not count toward the 11-page limit.

Travel expenses. State the purpose of the trip(s) and itemize estimated travel costs (including reason for travel, number of people, number of travel days, per diem rate, mileage rate, airfare, or other travel costs) necessary to perform the activities in the proposal.

In the Priority 3 budget sheet, states may request funding for travel for up to 2 participants, $3,000.00 in total costs (direct) per participant, not to exceed $6,000.00 of federal share, to a regional 3-day Earth MRI Annual Workshop (see section A2, Priority 3). Salary costs may be included in this $3,000.00 per traveler to cover time spent during travel or at the workshop. Earth MRI Critical Mineral Resources Workshop travel expenses are itemized in the Priority 3 proposal budget. The 2026 Earth MRI workshop will be held in Reston, VA on September 21-25, 2026.

4. Other direct costs.

Supplies. List costs for office and laboratory/facility/field supplies. Itemize by including the number and cost for each item.

Equipment. MRP funds may be used to purchase nonexpendable property required for the project. Nonexpendable equipment has a useful life of more than one (1) year and an acquisition cost of $10,000.00 or more per item. If necessary, MRP funds may be used to purchase software site licenses needed to complete mine waste inventory and characterization activities. Show the cost of all proposed equipment/software site licenses necessary and prorated if appropriate for achieving project goals. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote. If full justification for equipment is not provided, equipment costs will not be supported. General-purpose equipment must be purchased from the applicant's operating funds. Routine computer maintenance contracts and charges for computer time are not acceptable direct costs under this program. Explain and justify equipment and supplies included in the proposed project budget.

Drones. Federal funds may be used to purchase non-covered UAS only. Please see Attachment E for additional guidance on drones.

Contractual services. Identify the activities for which such services would be used. Identify proposed contractors (individual or corporate) and provide criteria by which contractors will be, or have been, selected. For each individual, include their job title, total labor hours, and rate of compensation. Include quotes for all contractual services. MRP funds may not be used to pay for USGS or other Federal services.

Total direct costs. Total items (1) through (4).

Indirect charges. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the cost principles applicable to the applicant's organization. The research rate may only be applied for research. If applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and general and administrative costs, each charge should be shown. Explain the distinction between items included in the two cost pools. Applicant should propose rates for evaluation purposes, which they are also willing to establish as fixed or ceiling rates in any resulting award. A copy of the indirect negotiated cost agreement with the Federal Government must be included. If one is not established, applicants may charge 15% indirect costs. A copy of the Indirect Negotiated Cost Agreement does not count against the 11-page limit.

Total charges. Total items (1) through (6).

Budget Narrative

Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.

Budget items must be:

Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied:

De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).

Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).

Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:

If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR 200.113.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:

Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity.

Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected date of the funding decision.

Other Required Information

Data Management Plan Requirements

Proposals submitted to USGS must include a supplementary document of no more than four pages labeled "Data Management Plan" (DMP). This supplementary document should describe how the proposal will conform to USGS policy on the dissemination and sharing of research results and associated data. A valid DMP may include only the statement that no detailed plan is needed (e.g. “No data are expected to be produced from this project”), as long as the statement is accompanied by a clear justification. This supplementary document may include:

the types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials, and other materials to be produced in the course of the project;

the standards to be used for data and metadata format and content (where existing standards are absent or deemed inadequate, this should be documented along with any proposed solutions or remedies);

policies for access and sharing including provisions for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property, or other rights or requirements;

provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and the production of derivatives; and

plans for archiving data, samples, and other research products, and for preservation of free public access to them.

Additional guidance on data management plans is available from the USGS Data Management web site here: https://www.usgs.gov/products/data-and-tools/data-management/data-management-plans. Simultaneously submitted collaborative proposals and proposals that include subawards are a single unified project and should include only one supplemental combined DMP by the lead PI that also addresses all subaward data management needs, regardless of the number of non-lead collaborative proposals or subawards included.

An example template for data management plans is provided in Attachment C.

The DMP does not count toward the 11-page limit.

# SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

A. Electronic Proposal Submission Requirement Applicants are responsible for electronically submitting the proposal to www.grants.gov by 3:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time, May 4, 2026. Be sure to read the instructions carefully. Contrary to Section D.1, only proposals submitted through grants.gov will be acceptable. Paper copies will NOT be accepted.

Please be aware the electronic submission process requires first-time users to register using eAuthentication process. This registration process can be complex and take up to 3 weeks to complete. Be advised that you may not be successful completing electronic submission for the first time if you begin the process only a few days before the due date. If your organization is affiliated with a university, contact the Office of Sponsored Programs, which may be familiar with the federal grant process and can work with you to submit the proposal.

If you have any questions or problems with the registration process, or the completion of the application package, please contact the grants.gov help desk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

When you submit a grant application package to Grants.gov, you will receive a confirmation screen as well as three additional emails over two business days from Grants.gov informing you of your application processing status:

Confirmation screen

Submission Receipt (with “Track My Application” link)

Submission Validation (or Rejection with Errors)

Agency Retrieval

1. CONFIRMATION: Submission Confirmation Screen After a grant application package is submitted, a confirmation message will appear on the computer screen. This screen confirms that an application has been submitted to Grants.gov. This page contains a tracking number and a “Track My Application” link for monitoring the progress of the submission.

2. NOTIFICATION 1: Submission Receipt Email Within two business days after the application package has been received by the Grants.gov system, a submission receipt email will be sent that indicates the submission has entered the Grants.gov system and is ready for validation. This email contains the same tracking number and a “Track My Application” link that is shown in submission confirmation screen for monitoring the progress of the submission.
3. NOTIFICATION 2: Submission Validation Receipt Email – This is the important one! This second email will include a message validating or rejecting the submitted application package due to errors. The Grants.gov system is designed to check for technical errors within the submitted application package. Grants.gov does not review application content for award determination.

4. NOTIFICATION 3: Grantor Agency Retrieval Email Once the application package has passed validation, it is delivered to the grantor for award determination and further approval. After the grantor has confirmed receipt of the application, a third and final email will be sent from Grants.gov. The grantor may also assign the application package an agency-specific tracking number for use within their
internal system. IF THIS E-MAIL HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED WITHIN FOUR DAYS OF THE CLOSING DATE, PLEASE CONTACT THE CONTRACTING OFFICER,
Margaret Eastman, (703)283-9642, Margaret_eastman@ios.doi.gov.
If you need help entering your proposal, you can reach the Grants.gov Contact Center at: 1-800518-4726. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time, and they are closed on federal holidays.

When contacting the Grants.gov Contact Center, please have the following information available to help expedite the inquiry:

Funding Opportunity Number (FON)

Name of Agency You Are Applying To

Specific Area of Concern

The electronic submission will consist of required forms SF-424, SF-424a, and SF-424b, plus the additional items described in Section C of this Announcement.

During the application period an applicant may submit a revised or corrected proposal through grants.gov. Include a cover letter as the first page of the proposal stating that the proposal is revised and the previous submittal is to be withdrawn from consideration. Revised submissions must be completed by May 4, 2026, at 3:00 pm EDT.

Please allow sufficient time for the proposal to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and allow time for possible computer delays. Applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute for submission. A proposal received after the closing date and time will NOT be considered for award. If the USGS determines that a proposal will not be considered for award due to lateness, the applicant will be notified immediately.

B. Involvement of Federal Employees
Federal employees, including USGS employees, are prohibited from assisting in any capacity (paid or unpaid) with preparation of any proposal submitted under this Announcement. Proposals that have a real, or apparent, conflict of interest related to federal employees will not be processed for evaluation.

C. Rejection of Proposals after Initial Review
If the proposal does not meet all requirements specified in the Program Announcement, as determined by the Contracting Officer in consultation with the MRP management, the applicant will be promptly notified in writing of the rejection along with the reason for the rejection.

D. Award recipients must comply with the 2026 MRP Terms and Conditions (Attachment D). Submittal of an application constitutes the applicant's acceptance of these terms and conditions for inclusion in any award resulting from their application. Any concerns with the requirements of the 2026 MRP Terms and Conditions shall be presented to the Contracting Officer at least seven (7) days prior to the closing date of the announcement.

Submission Dates and Times

Closing Date for Applications: 05/04/2026

Closing Date Explanation

Proposals received after the deadline will NOT be considered for an award.

The earliest project start dates will be after the USGS receives its FY2026 BIL funding, or July 15, 2026, whichever is later. The latest start date is September 30, 2026. All deliverables are due 90 days following end of agreement performance period.

Maximum award period is 24 months.

Submission Instructions

# APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

Only state geological surveys are eligible to apply to this Notice of Funding Opportunity under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law: 117-58, Sec. 40201). A university may submit a proposal on behalf of a state geological survey if the state geological survey is organized under a state university system. If a state geological survey is overdue on deliverables or progress reports on ANY previous or ongoing Earth MRI-funded agreements at the time of proposal submission, the proposal may not be considered for funding.

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR 25.205 for more information.

Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to this program.

If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in writing.

Merit Review

Review and Selection Process

This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:

figures are correct

estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives

avoid obviously unallowable costs

identify costs requiring prior approval

ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may choose to not make an award.

MRP proposals for Priority 1 and Priority 2 projects will be reviewed separately by a seven-member peer panel consisting of four USGS representatives, one state geological survey representative, and two non-USGS representatives. Each Priority will be scored according to the maximum points available for each criterion. If projects for both priorities are proposed, but only one priority is recommended for funding, then funding for that specific priority will be recommended for award. The maximum score for each priority is 100 according to the maximum cumulative number of points for each evaluation criterion. Proposal priorities must meet a minimum cumulative score of 50 to be considered for funding; as long as proposals meet the minimum, the proposals will be ranked for funding based on scores and forwarded to the Program for final award determination.

Evaluation Criteria. All proposals for Priority 1 and Priority 2 projects will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria listed above. NOTE: To avoid conflict of interest, no panelist may vote on a proposal from their state geological survey or state agency, nor may any panelist discuss with other panel members their state’s proposal. This does not prohibit collaboration between USGS and state scientists once an agreement is in place.

Risk Review

Prior to making an award, the applicant will be assessed for their level of risk per 2 CFR 200.206. This assessment includes the applicant's financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past award performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential for challenges. If an award will be made, special conditions may be applied to the award corresponding to the assessed risk. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $350,000), a review of the applicant's eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant's SAM.gov records will also be performed per 2 CFR 200.206.

# AWARD NOTICES

Notices of Federal Award are sent electronically via GrantSolutions or e-mail. These notices outline the terms, conditions, and payment instructions per 2 CFR 200.211. The Notice of Federal Award signed by an authorized Grants Officer is the legal instrument obligating financial assistance to a recipient. Any other prior notice is not an authorization to begin work. If the program allows pre-award costs per 2 CFR 200.458, beginning performance before receiving a Notice of Federal Award is at the applicant’s own risk.

Anticipated Project Start Date: 07/15/2026

Anticipated Project End Date: 09/29/2028

Refer to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Award Terms and Conditions for the general administrative and national policy requirements applicable to USGS awards. USGS will communicate any other program- or project-specific special terms and conditions to recipients in their Notice of Award.

# POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

For award administration and national policy requirements, see the DOI General Terms and Conditions. Infrastructure projects require the use of American iron, steel, manufacture products, and construction materials per 2 CFR 184.

Refer to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Award Terms and Conditions for the general administrative and national policy requirements applicable to USGS awards (Attachment D). The USGS will communicate any other program- or project-specific special terms and conditions to recipients in their Notice of Award.

Data Availability
Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.315:

(a) All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyzes, technical information, reports, conclusions, valuation products or other scientific assessments in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual, resulting from a financial assistance agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being available in a manner that is sufficient for independent verification.

(b) The Federal Government has the right to:

(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyzes, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, produced under a Federal award; and

(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyzes, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, for Federal purposes, including to allow for meaningful third-party evaluation.

MRP Information Products

All Earth MRI information products received as deliverables may be made available to the public. The following information products will be required, if applicable, as a condition of receiving federal funds:

ArcGIS database of inventory records

Geospatial data including waste feature boundaries that are compatible with the Priority #1 Inventory database and sample locations (latitude/longitude with defined datum) that link to National Geochemical Database (National Geochemical Database | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov).

Volume and load estimates. Approaches for estimating volumes and masses of mine waste piles may vary, particularly with regards to the third dimension. Similarly for mine adit discharge waters, seasonal flows of mine effluent may factor into load estimates. An estimate of discharge at the time of sampling should be made so that volume and load estimates can be made for adits; direct measurement does not need to be made if estimates can be obtained with other data (such as discharges measured by site managers). However, please clearly describe the methodology for solid piles and water (if collected) in the final report.

Geochemical (solid and water) data, which will be released by USGS in USGS data releases and used in the interpretive report published by the state.

Resource estimate of contained critical minerals and other potentially valuable commodities.

Brief (1-2 pages) progress reports every six months for the duration of the project for awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months.

Digital archive of field sheets.

Samples of mine waste collected in accordance with USGS protocols (training and resources to be provided to successful applications by USGS)

Final Technical Report(s)

Following project completion of Priority 1, Priority 2, and/or Priority 3 efforts, all awards made under the MRP will require submittal of a final technical report(s) that must document and summarize the results of the work. If funding is received for more than one priority, final reports for each priority are required. All reports will be made available to the public. Please include Award number on all reports.

Priority 1 (Inventory):

A brief (1-2 pages) report describing the process and summarizing what was submitted to the inventory for Priority 1 efforts. This information can be incorporated in the Final Technical Report.

Priority 2 (Characterization):

Final interpretive report, including methods and data sets used for calculating volume and resource estimates. Report must include site description, interpretation, geospatial data on waste piles and other sample sites, and mine waste inventory data for samples sites. Report must be provided as a peer-reviewed state publication. Note: Published final interpretative report is separate from and in addition to the Final Technical Report.

Priority 3 (Earth MRI Workshop Travel):

A 1 page report including names of participants who traveled, a list of any presentations given, and any goals (optional) that were met by attending the workshop. This information can be incorporated in the Final Technical Report.

Final technical reports should be accompanied by a cover page that contains:

Award Number

Title

Author and affiliation with address and zip code

Author's telephone number and e-mail address

Term covered by the award (start and end dates)

Submittal date of final technical report

Abstract

Final technical report(s) must be submitted within 90 days after the end of the grant performance period. Failure to submit a final technical report may hinder receipt of future MRP funds. Final technical reports shall be submitted electronically to the general Earth MRI email box, earthmri@usgs.gov. A courtesy copy shall be submitted to Margaret Eastman, USGS Contract Specialist, Margaret_eastman@ios.doi.gov.

Geospatial Data

If you receive financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), recipient must follow these rules for geospatial data:

Follow Federal Standards: All geospatial data you collect or create must meet the standards set by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) or the Department of the Interior. This is required by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which is part of Public Law 115-254, specifically in Subtitle F (Geospatial Data), sections 751-759C (codified at 43 U.S.C. §§ 2801–2811).

Include Metadata: Your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files must include complete metadata. Metadata is information that describes the data, such as where it came from, how accurate it is, and how it should be used. This is to ensure that anyone using the data understands its context and quality.

Check for Existing Data: Before you start collecting new geospatial data, you need to check GeoPlatform.gov. This is to see if there is already existing geospatial data from federal, state, local, or private sources that can meet your needs and is available for free. If such data is available, you should use it instead of gathering new data.

These rules help ensure that geospatial data is reliable, high-quality, and that resources are used efficiently.

Reporting

The recipient’s Notice of Award will detail all reporting requirements, including frequency, due dates, and instructions for requesting extensions. In general, but not limited to, recipients must:

Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.

Use the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) form for financial reporting,

Monitor award activities and report on program performance per 2 CFR 200.329,

Promptly notify the awarding program in writing of any issues, delays, or conditions impairing award objectives per 2 CFR 200.329(e),

Disclose any conflicts of interest related to their award that arise during the award period per 2 CFR 1402.112,

Report on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal government retains an interest per 2 CFR 200.330, and

Report all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award per 2 CFR 200.113.

Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.

If the Federal share of the award is more than $100,000 and the recipient makes or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection to the award, disclose those activities using the Disclosure of Lobbying (SF-LLL) form per
43 CFR 18.100.

Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) and 2 CFR 170 requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation, and information on all sub-awards, subcontracts and consortiums equal to or over $30,000 to SAM.gov.

Financial Reports

All recipients must use the SF-425, Federal Financial Report form for financial reporting. At a minimum, all recipients must submit a final financial report. Final reports are due no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award. The Notice of Award will describe all financial reporting requirements.

Performance Reports

Performance reports must contain a comparison of actual accomplishments with the established goals and objectives of the award; a description of reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and any other pertinent information relevant to the project results. Final reports are due no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim performance reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award.

Significant Development Reports
Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates which have significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify the Bureau in writing as soon as the recipient becomes aware of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the Federal award. This disclosure must include a statement of any corrective action(s) taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation. The recipient should also notify USGS in writing of any favorable developments that enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally planned.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures
Recipients must notify the program immediately in writing of any conflict of interest that arise during the life of their Federal award, including those reported to them by any subrecipient under the award. Recipients must notify the program in writing if any employees, including subrecipient and contractor personnel, are related to, married to, or have a close personal relationship with any Federal employee in the Federal funding program or who otherwise may have been involved in the review and selection of the award. The term employee means any individual engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the Federal award. Recipients may not have a former Federal employee as a key project official, or in any other substantial role related to their award, whose participation put them out of compliance with the legal authorities addressing post-Government employment restrictions. See the U.S. Office of Government Ethics website for more information on these restrictions. USGS will examine each conflict of interest disclosure based on its particular facts and the nature of the project and will determine if a significant potential conflict exists. If it does, USGS will work with the recipient to determine an appropriate resolution. Failure to disclose and resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies USGS may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338 Remedies for Noncompliance, including termination of the award.

Other Mandatory Disclosures
The Non-Federal entity or applicant for a Federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. Non-Federal entities that receive a Federal award including the terms and conditions outlined in 2 CFR 200, Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338 Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment.

Reporting Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance
If the total value of your currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from all Federal awarding agencies exceeds $10,000,000 for any period of time during the period of performance of this Federal award, then you as the recipient during that period of time must maintain the currency of information reported to the System for Award Management (SAM) that is made available in the designated integrity and performance system (currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)) about civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings in accordance with Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.

Other Information

Geospatial Data Notification/Requirement: The following notification/requirement is provided in the event that your project requires the use of geospatial data.

If you receive financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), you must follow these rules for geospatial data: Follow Federal Standards: All geospatial data you collect or create must meet the standards set by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) or the Department of the Interior. This is required by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which is part of Public Law 115-254, specifically in Subtitle F (Geospatial Data), sections 751-759C (codified at 43 U.S.C. §§ 2801– 2811). Include Metadata: Your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files must include complete metadata. Metadata is information that describes the data, such as where it came from, how accurate it is, and how it should be used. This is to ensure that anyone using the data understands its context and quality. Check for Existing Data: Before you start collecting new geospatial data, you need to check GeoPlatform.gov. This is to see if there is already existing geospatial data from federal, state, local, or private sources that can meet your needs and is available for free. If such data is available, you should use it instead of gathering new data. These rules help ensure that geospatial data is reliable, high-quality, and that resources are used efficiently.

2 CFR § 1402.315

(a) All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, valuation products or other scientific assessments in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual, resulting from a financial assistance agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being available in a manner that is sufficient for independent verification.

(b) The Federal Government has the right to:

(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, produced under a Federal award; and

(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, for Federal purposes, including to allow for meaningful third-party evaluation.

Payments
Domestic recipients are required to register in and receive payment through the U.S. Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP), unless approved for a waiver by the USGS program. Foreign recipients receiving funds to a final destination bank outside the U.S. are required to receive payment through the U.S. Treasury’s International Treasury Services (ITS) System. Foreign recipients receiving funds to a final destination bank in the U.S. are required to enter and maintain current banking details in their SAM.gov entity profile and receive payment through the Automated Clearing House network by electronic funds transfer (EFT). The Bureau will include recipient-specific instructions on how to request payment, including identification of any additional information required and where to submit payment requests, as applicable, in all Notices of Award.

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT:

OMB Control Number: 1028-0133, Expiration Date: 08/31/2026

We are collecting this information in accordance with the program identified above. Your response is required to obtain or retain a benefit. We will use the information you provide to conduct a competitive review and select projects for funding and, if awarded, to evaluate performance. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. Public report burden for this collection is estimated to average 45 hours per grant application and 12 hours to prepare a final technical report. Actual time for these activities will vary depending on program- specific requirements. You may send comments on the burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection to the Bureau Clearance Officer, U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS807, Reston VA 20192.