Mineral Resources External Research Program
The Mineral Resources Program (MRP) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) intends to offer a grant and/or cooperative agreement opportunity, called the Mineral Resources External Research Program (MRERP), in fiscal year 2007. Applications will be accepted from any individual who has the ability to conduct research consistent with MRP goals and who is not employed by a Federal agency. Applicants can be affiliated (but are not required to be affiliated) with universities, State agencies, Tribal governments or organizations, industry, or other private sector groups.
The total amount of funding available for the MRERP is expected to be at least $1,000,000. The MRP anticipates making awards in Fiscal Year 2007 for 10 to 20 proposals submitted under this program announcement, however, individual proposals are not restricted to a set level of funding. Proposals that provide for mentoring of young scientists are encouraged.
All proposals must be research-based and address one or more of the goals of the MRP in order to be considered. MRP goals are defined in the program announcement and listed below. Priority will be given to proposals addressing research topics that have been identified as most important to achieving MRERP's five-year plan goals. These topics will be posted on the Mineral Resources Program website ( http://minerals.usgs.gov) by December 15, 2006.
